[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 181 (Wednesday, November 13, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1432]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN RECOGNITION OF THE TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF McCOWNGORDON 
                              CONSTRUCTION

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                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 13, 2019

  Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, today I proudly rise to celebrate the 
twentieth anniversary of McCownGordon Construction and its numerous 
contributions to the Kansas City community. As a significant 
cornerstone of the community, I am truly honored to have this 
establishment in the Fifth Congressional District of Missouri.
  McCownGordon Construction began as an idea between two friends and 
eventual co-founders, Pat McCown and Brett Gordon, who dreamed of 
starting their own construction company. Their main priority was to 
create a workplace that would prioritize their employees, better serve 
their clients, and give back to the community. They made this dream a 
reality through dedication, perseverance, and hard work in July of 
1999. During the labor shortage of recent years when many construction 
companies struggled to find employees, McCownGordon Construction 
managed to endure by investing in the development of its team. The 
business tripled its training budget in order to be prepared for 
business growth when the economy bounced back. Due to this training 
initiative, McCownGordon is consistently hiring qualified and strong 
candidates in order to continue providing the best for its clients.
  In 2013, McCownGordon Construction was named Business Philanthropist 
of the Year by Nonprofit Connect because of its consistent commitment 
to giving back to Kansas City. The company devotes at least 10 percent 
of net profits to worthy causes in the communities it serves. The 
company's craftsmanship and involvement in the Ronald McDonald 
Longfellow House aided in providing temporary housing for families with 
sick children receiving medical treatment. Along with the R.A. Bloch 
Foundation, McCownGordon collaborated in renovating a portion of the 
Cancer Survivor's Park as well. Multiple projects for one of Kansas 
City's treasures, the NelsonAtkins Museum of Art, have also been 
completed by McCownGordon Construction. Thousands of visitors and 
Kansas City natives can view priceless and rare works of art in the 
newly renovated exhibits. Beautiful places like these are preserved and 
enjoyed by many because of the unwavering support of companies like 
McCownGordon Construction. These contributions and collaborations 
demonstrate how McCownGordon Construction has proven to be an 
invaluable part of Missouri's Fifth Congressional District.
  Today, McCownGordon Construction employs around 400 staff, all of 
whom contribute to the company in various ways. Construction workers, 
architects, management, and administrative staff all work together in 
order to create meaningful projects and buildings. McCownGordon is 
entirely employee-owned, so all employees have a stake through the 
Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The company's innovative and ambitious 
vision for the future and for the community drives McCownGordon 
Construction's success. McCownGordon sets itself apart by focusing on 
growing positive relationships between employees and clients, while 
adhering to its core values. The company's positive and communicative 
workplace environment prompted it to be named one of the best places to 
work by Fortune, the Kansas City Business Journal, and others.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring McCownGordon Construction 
and its employees for their hard work, perseverance, and commitment to 
their community. Together, they have made it possible to achieve this 
monumental twentieth anniversary.

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