[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 60 (Friday, April 13, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E464]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING MS. MELANIE MENDIOLA ON RECEIVING THE 2018 SMALL BUSINESS 
ADMINISTRATION'S MINORITY SMALL BUSINESS CHAMPION OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR 
                                  GUAM

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 13, 2018

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate 
Ms. Melanie Mendiola on receiving the 2018 Small Business 
Administration's Minority Small Business Champion of the Year for Guam. 
Melanie is being honored for fulfilling a commitment to support and 
assist minority entrepreneurs and small business owners.
  Melanie is the Executive Director of the University of Guam Endowment 
Foundation and the project director of Farm to Table Guam, a non-profit 
organization committed to strengthening the agricultural industry on 
the island of Guam through supporting farmers and agriculture based 
businesses. These small businesses include food manufacturers, 
restaurants, and food trucks. Since its formation in 2012, Farm to 
Table Guam's mission has been to grow the local agricultural community 
for the good of Guam's long-term sustainability. The organization 
operates a farm and engages in technical and business planning 
assistance with farmers and agricultural procedures, assisting in the 
process of obtaining bank financing, pursuing federal funding, and 
increasing the profile of local farmers among businesses and consumers.
  Farm to Table, through its project beneficiaries have created 18 
direct jobs and 50 indirect employment opportunities with restaurants, 
farms, and other business. Farm to Table has also assisted farmers in 
Guam and Saipan through their ``Leafy Green Farming'' project to give 
farmers training in areas of business development, diversification, and 
planning for expansion.
  Farm to Table has also given the community greater access to fresh 
farm produce through projects such as Community Supported Agriculture 
(CSA) boxes of produce for delivery or pickup. Farm to Table also 
heavily focuses on improving access to fresh farm produce through 
person to person outreach such as ``pop-up'' shops, bringing the 
produce of over 35 local farmers out into the community. This has 
positively contributed to the local economy by putting thousands of 
dollars into the pockets of local farmers. Melanie's ``Tanom, Fa'tinas, 
Yan Sustansia'' project has assisted island farmers through services 
such as creating business plans, budgeting, record keeping, and 
facilitating farmer certification. Additionally, under Melanie's 
leadership, Farm to Table entered a partnership with the Division of 
Vocational Rehabilitation to provide training to individuals with 
disabilities and has trained multiple individuals in areas of farming, 
marketing produce, and building the farm from the ground up.
  Melanie has demonstrated that she is an effective advocate for 
minority small business interests and has been recognized for these 
efforts multiple times. Melanie was the 2017 Businesswoman of the Year 
Nominee for Guam, the 2017 Guam Young Professional of the Year Winner, 
2014 KUAM Careforce, Environment & Sustainability Category Winner, and 
the 2013 Financial Planning Association Diversity Scholar. Melanie also 
dedicates her time and service to civic organizations such as the Guam 
Girl Scouts, the Guam Young Professionals, and the Young Men's League 
of Guam.
  I congratulate Ms. Melanie Mendiola on receiving the 2018 Small 
Business Administration's Minority Small Business Champion of the Year 
for Guam. I join the people of Guam in commending her for her award and 
thanking her for her many contributions to our island community.

                          ____________________