[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 12, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H1054]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1045
                     RECOGNIZING CLERMONT HUGER LEE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Carter) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. 
Clermont Huger Lee for being one of the 2020 honorees at the Savannah 
College of Art and Design's Women of Vision recognition ceremony.
  During the middle 1900s, Mrs. Lee was a true trailblazer in our 
community for her groundbreaking work as a landscape architect. In 
Savannah, she became the first female landscape architect with her own 
practice. Additionally, she was considered the foremost expert in re-
creating the historic landscapes that are so critical to Savannah's 
downtown.
  Although she passed away in 2006 at the age of 92, her work is still 
extensively studied at SCAD and can be seen across Savannah in gardens 
at the Davenport House, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, the Owens-
Thomas House, and more.
  Now, in the 21st century, female landscape architects are leading a 
number of important projects across the country.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank everyone involved with the Savannah Women of 
Vision recognition ceremony for honoring such an important woman.


                       Recognizing Freddie Smith

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. 
Freddie Smith, who retired this past year as pastor of the Sweat 
Memorial Baptist Church in Waycross, Georgia, after leading the church 
for the last 25 years.
  Leading people to the Word of God has been Mr. Smith's passion since 
he was 13 years old. At the time, he was headed with his family to a 
revival in Ocala, Florida, when he asked his father to pull over the 
car so that he could walk to the church with the day's guest preacher. 
The preacher told him: Don't be afraid to walk toward the Lord. Pastor 
Smith started preaching only a few years later.
  During his time at Sweat Memorial in the First Congressional District 
of Georgia, the services he led were known by everyone in the area for 
being beautifully orchestrated and welcoming, reflecting the 
personality of Pastor Smith.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Pastor Smith for his work in Waycross over the 
last 25 years. Even in his retirement, I know he will continue working 
in the community to make it a better place to live.
  Congratulations.


                       Recognizing Suzanne Shank

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. 
Suzanne Shank, who is one of the 2020 honorees at the Savannah College 
of Art and Design's Women of Vision recognition ceremony.
  A native of Savannah, Ms. Shank is the president, CEO, and cofounder 
of Siebert Williams Shank & Company. Under her watch, the company has 
grown from a startup investment banking firm to now being involved in 
over $2 trillion in municipal and corporate bonds.
  In 2010, the company became the first female- and minority-owned firm 
in Wall Street history to be ranked in the top 10 municipal bond 
underwriters. Additionally, U.S. Banker Magazine ranked Ms. Shank as 
one of the most powerful women in finance.
  But her work transcends finance through her commitment to mentor 
inner city youth, her service on industry associations, and her work 
with the Spelman College Board of Trustees.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Ms. Shank on her honor as a 2020 Savannah 
Woman of Vision.
  Keep up the great work.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank SCAD for honoring this Savannahian, who is a 
true trailblazer.


                Recognizing the Savannah Art Association

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
Savannah Art Association, which will be 100 years old this February.
  The oldest art association in Georgia, it was founded in February of 
1920 in the basement of Mills B. Lane's home. From there, the Savannah 
Art Association moved to the Telfair Museum and, now, has two galleries 
at Chippewa Square and the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. 
It has come a long way over the 100 years since those members meeting 
in the Lanes' home.
  Today, the Savannah Art Association has over 150 members from all 
artistic levels, beginner to professional, who are constantly helping 
each other and improving their techniques. They work diligently to make 
our community a better place to live through their exhibits, 
demonstrations, workshops, education programs, and partnerships with 
local businesses to showcase their artwork.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank everyone involved with the Savannah Art 
Association for their work in our area.
  Congratulations on your 100-year anniversary.

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