[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10236]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                     IN HONOR OF SIMMONS T. VALERIS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 7, 2001

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Simmons T. Valeris, an 
entrepreneur with a flame burning deep within allowing him to succeed 
in all of his endeavors. Mr. Valeris has distinguished himself from his 
peers as being the only minority Multiple Franchise Dealer/Operator of 
Mobil Oil Corporation in the tri-state area.
  Mr. Valeris, a native of Port-au-Prince, migrated to Brooklyn, New 
York in 1968. He is a graduate of Prospect High School and Long Island 
University. Simmons T. Valeris furthered his education by entering the 
Mobil Pre-Installment Dealer Training program, which ultimately led to 
his success as a Mobil Oil Franchise owner. Mr. Valeris can take pride 
in the fact that he is a life-long learner, constantly keeping up with 
the latest in technology.
  Throughout Valeris' 27-year career as a Mobil Oil Corporation 
franchiser he has had an illustrious career with the Mobil Corporation, 
receiving many awards and honors. For twelve consecutive years, Simmons 
received recognition for the ``Top Retailer Sales'' in the region. He 
also earned seven ``Circle of Excellence Awards'' for consistently 
meeting or exceeding corporate objectives.
  In addition to his duties at Mobil, Simmons also holds various 
memberships and is an active member on many community boards including 
the Boards of the Bronx Community College Auto-Lab as well as the 
Greater New York Dealers Association.
  Aside from his entrepreneurial success, Simmons places an important 
emphasis on family. He credits his parents, Marie and Timothy Valeris, 
for raising him. He explains that his mother was a pioneer 
businesswoman, and hence his inspiration. He vowed to follow in her 
footsteps and become a successful businessman, and this commitment has 
led him to his present successes. Simmons' pride and joy are his two 
children, Dwayne and Monique.
  Mr. Speaker, Simmons T. Valeris has contributed throughout his life 
to his community as a successful businessman and experienced leader. 
For his service, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition 
today. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in honoring this 
truly remarkable man.

                          ____________________