[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 134 (Wednesday, July 29, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4580-S4581]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

          RECOGNIZING HYDRA ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION, LLC

 Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, as chairman of the Senate Committee 
on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize a small 
business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit at the 
heart of our country. It is my privilege to recognize a woman-owned 
small business known for its excellence in industry and environmental 
stewardship. This week, it is my pleasure to honor Hydra Engineering 
and Construction, LLC, of Crawfordville, FL, as the Senate Small 
Business of the Week.
  In 2008, Leslie Hope established Hydra Engineering after she left her 
position as a partner in an engineering firm to pursue her dream of 
being a small business owner. After graduating from the University of 
South Florida, Leslie started planning how to open her own engineering 
company. Leslie turned to her local Small Business Development Center 
where she enrolled Hydra Engineering in the U.S. Small Business 
Administration's 8(a) business development program. This program 
provides resources, mentorship, and training to help small businesses 
owned by socially and economically disadvantaged persons compete for 
government contracts.
  Over the next 12 years, Leslie rebranded her enterprise as Hydra 
Engineering and Construction to reflect its growth and expansion. She 
completed the 8(a) program, was certified by the State of Florida as a 
Minority Business Enterprise and as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise 
by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
  Hydra Engineering has worked for several Florida private companies 
and

[[Page S4581]]

agencies, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation 
Commission. They have completed projects in 16 other States, working 
for the National Park Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and 
the U.S. Forest Service.
  For their entrepreneurship, innovation and environmental stewardship, 
Hydra Engineering has been recognized by local, State, and industry 
organizations. In 2018, they were nominated as a GrowFL Florida Company 
to Watch, recognizing their status as a Floridian second-stage company 
demonstrating high marketplace performance and innovation. As one of 
the world's fastest growing USF-alumni owned or led businesses, Hydra 
Engineering earned the USF Fast 56 Award in 2016 and 2018. 
Additionally, Leslie was nominated as the 2011 SBA North Florida Region 
Small Business Person of the Year. She also sits on the Florida 
Agricultural and Mechanical University-Florida State University 
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Advisory Board.
  Like many small businesses across Florida, Hydra was impacted by the 
coronavirus pandemic. When the U.S. Small Business Administration 
launched the Paycheck Protection Program, Leslie applied for funding. 
The PPP provides forgivable loans to impacted small businesses and 
nonprofits who maintain their payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Thanks to the PPP, Hydra Engineering is able to support its employees, 
many who work and reside in Wakulla County.
  Hydra Engineering and Construction demonstrates how small firms use 
SBA resources to grow. I applaud their commitment to excellence and 
unique role in supporting Florida's critical infrastructure.
  Congratulations to Leslie and the entire team, I look forward to 
watching your continued growth and success in Florida.

                          ____________________