[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 76 (Thursday, May 10, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E629]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE 2017 MVLE ANNUAL AWARD RECIPIENTS

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 10, 2018

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 2017 MVLE Annual 
Award Recipients.
  For 46 years, MVLE has provided employment opportunities and support 
services to individuals with disabilities, and thereby created an 
environment which has allowed its clients to live in dignity and as 
independently as possible. MVLE has achieved this success by partnering 
with local businesses, as well as with government agencies and other 
not-for-profit organizations. MVLE, its staff, and dedicated volunteers 
and supporters can be proud that they are making a positive difference 
in someone's life every day.
  Each year, MVLE honors individual participants as well as business 
and community partners, who support MVLE's mission. I am pleased to 
include in the Record the names of the 2017 award recipients:
  The President's Award is being presented to individuals who have 
shown outstanding progress toward gaining independence and self-
sufficiency through participation in employment and community services. 
The 2017 President's Award recipients are Ivana Ardinoto, Willie Anne 
Belleh, Brittany Davis, and Jeremy Dustin.
  The Chairman's Award is being presented to an outstanding business 
partner who has demonstrated excellence in hiring practices, creating 
supportive work environments, and supporting the mission of MVLE. The 
2017 Chairman's Award recipient is the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration's Office of Headquarter Operations.
  MVLE also presents four Community Awards for Government, Employment 
Partner, Advocacy, and Social Responsibility.
  The Government Champion Award is being presented to state Delegate 
Mark Sickles. MVLE presents this award to an outstanding partner who is 
committed to creating meaningful employment opportunities by building 
partnerships across government and business sectors.
  The Employment Partner Award is being presented to Parkway Express. 
MVLE presents this award to an outstanding partner who is committed to 
creating meaningful community employment opportunities for individuals 
with disabilities and military veterans.
  The Advocacy Champion Award is being presented to Lee District 
Supervisor Jeff McKay. MVLE presents this award to an outstanding 
partner who advocates for community integration by fostering 
partnerships across sectors to create futures one person at a time.
  The Social Responsibility Award is being presented to First Virginia 
Community Bank. MVLE presents this award to an outstanding partner who 
supports MVLE through contributions and volunteer work.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending MVLE for 
its success in helping individuals with disabilities achieve 
independence and in congratulating the 2017 MVLE Annual Award 
recipients. The efforts of MVLE, its supporters, community partners, 
and clients are an inspiration to all and are worthy of our highest 
praise.

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