[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 163 (Wednesday, October 16, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1294-E1295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING STATESVILLE BRICK COMPANY FOR 128 YEARS OF BUSINESS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TED BUDD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 16, 2019

  Mr. BUDD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Statesville Brick 
Company for 128 years of business.

[[Page E1295]]

  Due to the Southeast's unique rivers that produce red clay deposits, 
North Carolina has long been at the center of the brick making economy. 
This includes companies like Statesville Brick Company which opened its 
doors in 1891. As times changed though and the post-World War II 
building boom began to slow, brick makers began closing shop, and 
small, local operations transitioned into large, interstate 
corporations. Statesville Brick Company, however, bucked that trend, 
and remains at heart the same family-run operation it was over a 
century ago.
  For Statesville Brick Company Chief Executive Officer Michael Foster 
and President James E. ``Sonny'' Rankin, Jr. along with Executive Vice 
President Scott A. Rankin and Quality Control Manager Adam Foster, the 
brick business is a generational affair. Sonny's grandfather E.R. 
``Roy'' Rankin joined the company in 1916 and oversaw the construction 
of an early iteration of the firm's plant while Michael's father, H.B. 
``Bob'' Foster joined as a partner in 1969. Today, Statesville Brick 
Company currently employs over 90 people and their work can be found at 
some of our nation's most prestigious academic institutions such as 
Princeton University, Ohio State University, and Davidson College.
  Statesville Brick Company's 128 years of business are a source of 
pride for our region, demonstrating how an operation dedicated to high 
craftmanship with deep local roots can succeed and thrive in a changing 
landscape.
  Madam Speaker, please join me today in celebrating Statesville Brick 
Company for 128 years of business.

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