[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 258]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




IN HONOR OF THE GREATER JACKSON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL DINNER 
                           AND CITIZEN AWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. NICK SMITH

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 21, 2004

  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise now to recognize an 
important celebration in my district and the individuals who are being 
recognized for their special contributions to the community. The 
Greater Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce, under the leadership of 
President Susan Milhoan, is hosting its annual awards dinner to honor 
its 95th year, in addition to the anniversary of the founding of the 
Republican Party in Jackson in 1854, and the founding of the City of 
Jackson 175 years ago. At this celebration, several men and women will 
be recognized with a variety of awards for personal achievement, 
character, and service to the community.
  The Athena Award recognizes women who demonstrate excellence in their 
profession, assist other women in realizing their leadership potential, 
and contribute their time and efforts to improving the community. Manya 
D. Otis, owner of Financial Sales and Seminars, is this year's winner, 
and her involvement in the community includes the Rotary Club, 
Disability Connections, and her church.
  This year's Small Business Person of the Year is Al Cavasin, owner of 
Great Northern Sentry Company. Since founding his business in 1991, Al 
has expanded the company from a humble three employees to five separate 
divisions. Al is an expert and author on security matters and holds 
seats on the Board of Directors of the National Council of 
Investigators and Security Specialists and the Michigan Council of 
Private Investigators. He is also President of the Michigan Contract 
Security Association.
  The 2004 Youth Citizen of the Year is Anthony Ramsey, Jr., a senior 
at Jackson High School. In addition to being an honor roll student and 
a member of the football and track teams, Anthony has made time to 
serve on the United Way Teen Advisory Panel, the Jackson Community 
Foundation Youth Advisory Committee, and volunteer at the Lily 
Missionary Church that he attends with his family.
  Finally, the Citizen of the Year award goes to Maclay ``Mac'' Gwinn. 
After retiring from Consumer's Energy 20 years ago, Mac has given his 
time and efforts to countless community organizations including the 
Alzheimer's Association, the Jackson County Historical Society, Big 
Brothers Big Sisters, and the Jackson Kiwanis Club. He is the Big 
Sisters Big Brothers Board President and he has his own ``little 
brother.'' Mac also helped form a support group for men who care for 
loved ones stricken with Alzheimer's disease. Other Distinguished 
Citizens of the Year include Nancy Seydell, Steve Volker, Lisa 
Lazaroff, Mary L. Miller, and Bob Richardson.
  I am very pleased to stand here today before my colleagues in the 
U.S. Congress to recognize these important milestones in the Jackson 
community as well as all of these great citizens. Each person is a 
wonderful role model who has expended a great deal of effort on behalf 
of the community in a selfless and humble manner. I challenge us all to 
strive to match their level of commitment and dedication.

                          ____________________