[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 14, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E584-E585]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2019

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 2019

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration 
that I rise to commend several exceptional leaders from Indiana who 
will be honored as the Northwest Indiana Business and Industry Hall of 
Fame Class of 2019. While there are many deserving nominees, this 
year's inductees include Kenneth J. Allen, Benito Gamba, Ron McColly, 
and David Van Eekeren. In addition, U.S. Steel will be presented with 
the Enterprise of the Year Award. For their many contributions to the 
community of Northwest Indiana and beyond, these honorees will be 
recognized at the 12th Annual Induction Ceremony on Tuesday, May 28, 
2019, at Avalon Manor in Merrillville, Indiana. The Honorable Eric 
Holcomb, Governor of the State of Indiana, and United States Senator 
Todd Young will serve as keynote speakers for this special event.
   Kenneth J. Allen graduated from Gary Lew Wallace High School and 
went on to study at Valparaiso University and the Indiana University 
School of Law. Before becoming an attorney, Mr. Allen worked in 
construction and then for a railroad company at a steel mill. After 
graduating law school, Ken opened his law firm in Valparaiso, focusing 
on personal injury

[[Page E585]]

and wrongful death litigation. Today, his business consists of six 
locations, three in Indiana and three in Illinois. The Kenneth Allen 
Law Group tirelessly seeks out cases that can bring about true change 
in society. Mr. Allen also gives much of his time and support to 
various charitable endeavors, including the Lake Area United Way and 
the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana.
   Benito Gamba is the founder and owner of Gamba Ristorante, located 
in Merrillville, Indiana. Benito was born in Altomonte, Italy, and 
moved to the United States in 1977. After working in several 
established restaurants, Mr. Gamba opened his own place, Cafe Venezia, 
in 1988. In 2001, he then opened the Venezia Bar and Grill, which was 
followed by the opening of his current establishment, Gamba Ristorante, 
in 2006. At this time in his life, Benito is focused on providing good 
jobs and continuing to share his love of food with the people of 
Northwest Indiana and beyond.
   Ron McColly, a Gary native, is the owner of McColly Real Estate, the 
largest residential real estate company in Northwest Indiana. 
Throughout the years, Mr. McColly continued to build his business, and 
he has been immensely successful due to his outstanding leadership 
skills and determination. Today, McColly Real Estate consists of 
twenty-three real estate offices throughout the region. The McColly 
Company includes: Community Title, McColly Bennett Commercial, McColly 
Insurance, McColly Auctions, and the McColly School of Real Estate. Ron 
has continuously given back to the community through charitable support 
for numerous organizations, including the Methodist Hospitals 
Foundation and the Crown Point YMCA, among many others.
   David Van Eekeren is the President and Chief Executive Officer of 
Land O'Frost, a processed deli meat company that is headquartered in 
Munster, Indiana. David is the third generation of his family to run 
the business. Land O'Frost is currently the third largest producer of 
processed deli meats in the United States and has plants in Illinois, 
Kentucky, and Arkansas. Under Mr. Van Eekeren's leadership the company 
continues to grow and is focused on adding new and innovative products. 
David gives back to his community in many ways, especially through his 
support for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and his service as a 
trustee for the Illinois Institute of Technology.
   The recipient of the Enterprise of the Year Award is U.S. Steel for 
recently pledging two billion dollars to a company-wide asset 
revitalization program. A large part of the revitalization program is 
allocated for Gary Works, which is the largest integrated steel mill in 
North America and stretches for seven miles along the Lake Michigan 
shoreline. Gary Works currently employs more than 3,800 people, 
providing good jobs for hard-working families throughout the region. 
The revitalization program will ensure that the company is able to 
continue building the economy in Gary and Northwest Indiana for many 
years to come.
   Madam Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to 
join me in commending these dedicated leaders and organizations upon 
their induction into the Northwest Indiana Business and Industry Hall 
of Fame. They are truly deserving of this honor, and for their 
exceptional leadership and commitment to the region and beyond, each of 
them is worthy of the highest praise.

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