[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5477]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATIONS TO MR. MICHAEL LOPEZ: EAST CHICAGOAN OF THE YEAR

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 23, 2002

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and esteem that I 
wish to congratulate Mr. Michael Lopez for being selected as the East 
Chicagoan of the Year. For thirteen years, the Twin City Community 
Services in East Chicago, Indiana has awarded prominent members of the 
community with this title. This year's activity will be held on 
Thursday, April 25 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in East Chicago. 
During this prestigious event, his family and friends will participate 
in a roast held in his honor.
  As a child growing up in East Chicago, Mickey Lopez, as he is 
affectionately known to his friends and family, understood that if he 
were armed with patience and determination, he would overcome all 
obstacles as he ventured on the path to success. After graduating from 
Washington High School, Mickey left the confines of the Harbor to 
attend Indiana University in Bloomington. While on campus, a patriotic 
spirit awakened within him, and he sought an outlet for its release. 
Selflessly setting aside his own aspirations so that his natural 
leadership abilities could serve a greater good, Mickey enlisted into 
the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a sergeant for over 
three years. The ideals of discipline, honor, and loyalty that he 
presently upholds were fomented during these years as he fulfilled his 
duty to his country.
  Having completed his commitment to the Marine Corps, Mickey returned 
to East Chicago, eager to establish himself among the business leaders 
of the city. His years spent at the Laidlow and Industrial Disposal 
companies became the foundation from which his entrepreneurial spirit 
flourished. Ever conscious of the relationship between industry and 
community, Mickey keenly observed the growing need for an industrial 
and environmental cleaning organization in East Chicago that would 
serve both the Northwest Indiana and Chicago steel mills. Bolstered by 
his ambition, he approached his childhood friend John Hurubean, and 
together in 1980, the two partners opened Actin, Inc. Now more than 
twenty years later, from this small seed has sprouted many other 
services spanning different types of business throughout Northwest 
Indiana and the Chicagoland area. In spite of the vast area the company 
covers, the business is still intimate and family oriented, employing 
roughly 100 people. More impressive, however, is Mickey's commitment to 
extending his success to underrepresented individuals in the business 
world, 85 percent of his employee base are minorities.
  Under the leadership of Mickey Lopez, Actin Inc. continues to provide 
a valuable service to the residents and businesses of Northwest 
Indiana. Yet his devotion to his fellow East Chicagoans is not limited 
to this particular enterprise. His philanthropic nature extend to 
various civic organizations in his native city. Among those touched by 
his generosity and his tireless efforts are the Northwest Indiana 
Business Development Commission, the Saint Catherine's Hospital 
Foundation, the East Chicago School Foundation, Twin City Community 
Services, the Lake Shore Chamber of Commerce, and the Lake Area United 
Way. He is one of the founders of American Legion Post 508 and most 
recently he was asked to participate in the newly developed High Tech 
Business Incubator sponsored by Purdue University. These organizations, 
as well as various minority organizations, reciprocate in kind--their 
gratitude is evident as they bestow upon him and Actin, Inc. awards 
commending his service to the community and to his field of expertise. 
As always, Mickey accepts these accolades with a deep sense of 
humility.
  The Knights of Columbus Hall will be filled with individuals who have 
been blessed with the opportunity to enjoy Mickey's quick wit, his 
friendly winks, and his warm, inviting smile. Perhaps the most 
fortunate are his sister Cathy and his six children--Laura, Michael, 
Melissa, Chris, Mark, and Eric--all of whom have been able to glean 
from him an appreciation for all the opportunities life has to offer, 
and a respect for the delicate relationship forged as one interacts 
with the greater human family. The next generation of Lopezes, which 
currently includes ten beautiful grandchildren, will undoubtedly 
embrace these virtues as they continue to uphold Mickey's tradition of 
civic mindedness.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in congratulating Mr. Michael Lopez on being recognized as the 
East Chicagoan of the Year. His commitment and dedication to the 
citizens of the First Congressional District deems him worthy of this 
commendation. I wish him continued success, both personally and 
professionally, and I am honored to represent him in Congress.

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