[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 200 (Thursday, December 22, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1345-E1346]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING MIKE NICHOLA

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 22, 2022

  Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Mike Nichola, my former 
Legislative Director, and current Osceola County community leader. Mike 
has dedicated his professional life to helping better Osceola County 
and Central Florida.
  Mike was my first Legislative Director and helped to establish my 
legislative office. He has a long list of impressive legislative 
accomplishments. Throughout his congressional career, from drafting 
hundreds of pieces of legislation to securing millions of dollars worth 
of appropriation requests, he always kept in mind that it's a privilege 
to work for the home office and would frequently go above and beyond 
for our constituents.
  Since moving back to Central Florida, he continued to advocate for 
our community through Osceola County government. He was instrumental in 
helping the County navigate the uncertainty of the pandemic. He also 
helped the County get funding for roads, affordable housing, rental 
assistance, fire fighters, to restore their lakes and rivers, addressed 
storm water issues, and diversified

[[Page E1346]]

the Central Florida economy through expanding NeoCity.
  Mike recently led a Central Florida regional coalition to apply for 
the U.S. Department of Commerce's Build Back Better Regional Challenge 
to expand NeoCity's semiconductor research, development, and 
manufacturing capabilities. Out of 529 applications nationwide, the 
Osceola-led Central Florida semiconductor coalition was the only 
organization in the State of Florida to be awarded a Phase 1 grant out 
of 17 applications. Mike was appointed the Regional Economic 
Competitiveness Officer and led the coalition during the 90-day period 
to refine, draft, and submit seven individual component grant 
applications and the overall proposal, while simultaneously securing 
over $12 million in a private local match. Through his leadership, the 
coalition was one of 21 Phase 2 award winners, resulting in over $50 
million from the federal government.
  I thank Mike for his service with my office, dedication to public 
service, and all that he does for Osceola County and Central Florida.

                          ____________________