[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 159 (Wednesday, September 26, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H8889-H8890]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING SUSAN SWANSON ON HER RETIREMENT FROM AHUG

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the outstanding career of Susan Swanson, who has been the executive 
director of the Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group, or AHUG, since 
1996.
  She began her career 25 years ago as an administrative assistant with 
the organization. Soon, she became the executive director. Since then, 
Susan has championed numerous initiatives for the hardwood industry, 
including Penn's Woods curriculum, the PA WoodMobile, the wood products 
curriculum for high schools, and other forest-related educational 
products.
  Members of AHUG have joined forces successfully to present a united 
front whose primary objective is expanding and diversifying the forest 
products industry while maintaining a sustainable, high-yield forest 
within a 14-county region in northwestern and north central 
Pennsylvania.
  Known for the quality and quantity of its hardwoods, the region of 
the Commonwealth contains some of the finest forest resources in the 
world. With a well-developed, primary-processing industry and 
experienced workforce in place, the area has excellent opportunities 
for investment. AHUG has been leading this cause since its inception in 
1984.
  Under Susan's leadership AHUG set out to create new economic growth, 
promote the expansion of existing industry, and foster the creation of 
jobs. At the same time, the group recognized the need to promote safe 
logging and processing practices while maximizing prudent and sound 
forest management.
  AHUG is the lead organizer for the Kane Area Loggers Safety 
Committee, which hosts the longest running safety meeting for loggers 
in the United States. In conjunction with the safety meeting, Susan 
initiated the Women in Timber ladies luncheon, which also is held 
annually.
  Mr. Speaker, it is clear that Susan has left a lasting impression on 
AHUG and the industry itself. She said: ``Pennsylvania hardwoods have 
long been recognized around the globe for their premier quality. Here 
in the Allegheny hardwood region, we produce 80 percent of all of the 
cherry hardwood in the world. This does not happen by accident, but 
because we take the time to manage our forest resources for optimum 
production for today, sustainability for the future generations, and 
unequaled environmental consciousness.''
  I know Susan has left AHUG in an excellent place to accomplish its 
goal for a thriving forestry industry in northwestern and north central 
Pennsylvania. She has proudly led AHUG by partnering with other 
organizations and entities in the delivery of services to the hardwood 
industry, such as workforce initiatives, training, and professional 
forestry development, all of which have been important to the 
industry's survival.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish Susan the best as she enters her well-deserved 
retirement. She will get to spend more time with her husband, who is a 
proud Pennsylvania logger; her three grown children; and her 
grandchildren.
  Her impacts on AHUG will last generations. We are grateful for her 
leadership, dedication, and commitment to the Pennsylvania hardwood 
industry.


             Honoring Warren Lions Club on 95th Anniversary

  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
congratulate the Warren Lions Club on 95 years of service to 
northwestern Pennsylvania.
  Founded in 1923, the Warren Lions Club is a fellowship of community-
oriented and service-minded men and women dedicated to helping the 
citizens of their city, nation, and the world realize their full 
potential.
  The Lions Club of Warren has provided assistance to people who are 
challenged by sight or hearing impairment, as well as other health- and 
economic-related issues.
  The Warren Lions Club meets twice a month at the Conewango Club for 
presentations, fellowship, lunch or dinner, and business and project 
discussions. They host several projects and fundraisers throughout the 
year, including

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an annual turkey dinner, a car show, and events for sight- and hearing-
impaired assistance.
  Lions Clubs have inspired generations of people to become civic-
minded individuals dedicated to using their talents and ambitions to 
improve their communities without financial reward.
  Mr. Speaker, Lions Clubs around the globe serve millions annually, 
and I wholeheartedly congratulate the Warren Lions Club on its 95th 
anniversary of being a powerful force for good in the world

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