[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 69 (Thursday, April 24, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E337]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING ROBERT ``BOB'' P. HUBBARD AS BATAVIA'S 2024 CITIZEN OF THE 
                                  YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL FOSTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 24, 2025

  Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Robert ``Bob'' P. 
Hubbard for receiving the 2024 Citizen of the Year Award in the City of 
Batavia. The Citizen of the Year Award celebrates individuals who have 
made a profound impact towards inspiring and uplifting the City of 
Batavia.
  As a native Batavian, Bob has lived a life rooted in the values of 
compassion, civic engagement, and integrity. His contributions have 
touched nearly every corner of the Batavia community and continue to 
uplift countless lives.
  Bob is a driving force behind the recruiting and funding work for the 
INCubator Entrepreneurship Program. Since 2015, he has recruited and 
coordinated dozens of volunteer mentors, coaches, and judges, providing 
over 500 students with meaningful real-world business experience. 
Through his leadership, the program has raised more than $80,000 and 
secured $100,000 in grants, helping to build a lasting foundation for 
future innovation.
  As a longtime CASA Kane County volunteer, he has dedicated his 
efforts to protecting the community's most vulnerable, serving as a 
Court-Appointed Special Advocate and Guardian Ad Litem. In these roles, 
he has been a steadfast voice for children in abuse and neglect cases, 
offering critical guidance and advocacy. He has also provided 
leadership to numerous community organizations, including TriCity 
Family Services, the LivingWell Cancer Resource Center, the Community 
Foundation of the Fox River Valley, and the Batavia Community Chest. 
Notably, his tenure with the Rotary Club of Batavia has spanned nearly 
four decades and includes service as club president, recognition as 
Rotarian of the Year, and multiple Paul Harris Fellow honors.
  Beyond formal roles, Bob embodies the essence of ``Service Above 
Self.'' Whether he's packing food for the Northern Illinois Food Bank, 
supporting families through CHIP IN Batavia, participating in roadside 
cleanups, or doing yard work for neighbors in need, Bob is always the 
first to volunteer.
  He is also a steward of Batavia's legacy. As the third-generation 
owner of Hubbard's Home Furnishings, his family's business served the 
community for over 100 years.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent such an extraordinary citizen of 
Batavia, Illinois, who exemplifies what it means to be a good neighbor 
and a true public servant. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring 
Robert ``Bob'' P. Hubbard for his remarkable lifetime of service and 
congratulating him on being named the 2024 Citizen of the Year.

                          ____________________