[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 166 (Monday, October 21, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5916-S5917]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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               RECOGNIZING AMELIA ISLAND KAYAK EXCURSIONS

 Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, as chairman of the Senate Committee 
on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week it is my honor to 
recognize a small business that exemplifies family values and 
dedication to its community. I am proud to recognize Amelia Island 
Kayak Excursions of Fernandina Beach, FL, as the Senate Small Business 
of the Week.
  Established in 2013, Amelia Island Kayak Excursions is the product of 
the Bullington family's love of kayaking in the Amelia Island inlands. 
Six years ago, Mark Bullington and his two children, Amber and Aaron, 
decided to turn their hobby into their livelihood. Their love of 
Florida and commitment to responsible stewardship of the Earth led the 
Bullingtons to share their passion with visitors and their community.
  Showcasing Florida's beauty, Amelia Island Kayak Excursions offers 
both kayak and boat expeditions throughout wildlife-rich Egan's Creek, 
Lofton's Creek, and more of Florida's coastal environment. Tours range 
from 2 to 5 hours, and overnight tours are offered for experienced 
kayakers. Additionally, Amelia Island Kayak Excursions offers private 
boat tours for small groups to observe the diverse local wildlife.
  Since its founding, the tour guides of Amelia Island Kayak Excursions 
have continued to learn more about Florida's unique environment and 
community. Over the span of his career, Mark has logged more than 4,500 
miles kayaking and canoeing, gaining extensive knowledge about the 
scenic ecosystem in the process. Amber not only leads tours but is also 
involved with the local business community through the Nassau County 
Chamber of Commerce and, in 2018, was recognized as the chamber's 
Ambassador of the Year. Aaron is certified through the University of 
Florida as a Florida Master Naturalist, a certification which lends 
itself easily to his role as tour guide.
  As a well-established tour service, Amelia Island Kayak Excursions 
has become an essential part of the economic framework of Fernandina 
Beach. This business's influential role has not gone unnoticed. In 
2017, Amelia Island

[[Page S5917]]

Kayak Excursions was recognized by the Nassau County Chamber of 
Commerce as the Small Business of the Year and received the Bold City 
Best Water Sports Award. In addition to its accomplishments, Amelia 
Island Kayak Excursions is dedicated to giving back to the community 
through engagement with local charities and corresponding fundraisers. 
To educate the next generation about Florida's wildlife, the 
Bullingtons have partnered with an after school program by gifting 
students a free kayak trip if they meet their academic goals.
  Amelia Island Kayak Excursions is a great example of a community-
oriented small business. I am proud to honor and congratulate Amelia 
Island Kayak Excursions for its hard work and dedication to the 
Floridian landscape. I wish the entire team at Amelia Island Kayak 
Excursions the best of luck and success in all of their future 
endeavors.

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