[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 55 (Monday, March 27, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H1454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING GEORGE DUKE

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Mr. George Duke, the chairman and sole owner of Zippo Manufacturing 
Company.
  Started by George's grandfather in 1932, Zippo has become an American 
icon. From earning the nickname ``the GI's friend'' to becoming an 
international pop culture symbol, this famous windproof lighter 
transcends generations.
  Since its invention, every Zippo windproof lighter has been proudly 
manufactured in Bradford, Pennsylvania. George knows Zippo's success 
would not be possible without the local community, and he continually 
gives back to the place he calls home.
  Zippo's most recent investment in Bradford's future is through a 
generous gift to the University of Pittsburgh's Bradford Campus. Last 
fall, the campus opened a new engineering and information technologies 
building, and thanks to Zippo's investment, students are learning in 
state-of-the-art engineering labs.
  This investment provides a hands-on, cutting-edge experience for 
students, ultimately helping them pursue successful engineering careers 
in the region and beyond.
  Mr. Speaker, this investment goes beyond the walls of Pitt-Bradford. 
It is an investment in our community and in our future.
  On behalf of a grateful community, I thank George Duke for his 
tremendous dedication to building a thriving workforce in 
Pennsylvania's northern tier.

                          ____________________