[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 6494]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                    TRIBUTE TO GENE AND JIM BURDICK

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
accomplishments of Gene and Jim Burdick of Redfield, SD. The Burdick 
brothers are being honored this week as the South Dakota Small Business 
Persons of the Year.
  Gene and Jim understand what many business owners have learned. 
Owning a business requires some talents, some know how, and a lot of 
hard work and perseverance. Like many small business owners, their 
enterprise is a family effort for the brothers and their wives, Lucy 
and Deborah. I congratulate the families and the employees of this 
company on their years of achievement.
  In 1984, the brothers embarked on a business partnership and founded 
Burdick Brothers, Inc. They built a business constructing trailers and 
custom equipment for area farmers, businesses, and individuals. Through 
the years, they cultivated a reputation as a company dedicated to 
innovation and customer service.
  In 1987, the company purchased its first building. Three years later, 
their successes were adding up and Burdicks were adding to the size of 
their building. In 1998, they moved into a second building with 12,000 
square feet. This new facility allowed for additional equipment and 
space that the company quickly utilized on a bridge project helping the 
community of Redfield rebuild a needed facility following disastrous 
flooding in the region.
  Burdick Brothers, Inc. has been a valued member of the Redfield 
community for over 15 years. It is truly a South Dakota success story. 
I know that all those who contributed to the company's many 
achievements take great pride in the personal and collective 
accomplishments celebrated and recognized through this honor.
  It is with great appreciation that I join with the community, the 
employees, the customers, and the many people who interact with the 
company, to congratulate Burdick brothers on their years of service and 
success. I wish Burdick Brothers, Inc. enduring good fortune and 
prosperity in the continued pursuit of excellence.

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