[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 23257-23258]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    PAYING TRIBUTE TO GEORGE ORBANEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 7, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
pay tribute to George Orbanek from Grand Junction, Colorado. George is 
the Editor in Chief and Publisher of the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, 
and has represented the paper, city and state with distinction. I know 
George well, and he is a man of the utmost integrity. I would like to 
join my colleagues here today in recognizing his dedication and 
leadership before this body of Congress and this Nation.
  George first came to Colorado to study journalism, and in 1975 
received his master's degree from the University of Colorado. He soon 
began his professional career at the Glenwood Springs Post Independent 
and in 1977 joined the staff of the Daily Sentinel in Grand Junction. 
He held positions as a reporter and editor in chief, before being named 
Editor and Publisher in 1985. Under George's leadership, the Sentinel 
was given the nationally renowned John Hancock Award for Excellence in 
Business and Financial Journalism. George is a member of the American 
Society of newspaper Editors and the National Newspaper Association of 
America.
  In addition to being a decorated newsman, George also has served as 
campaign chairman of the Mesa County United Way, on the Colorado Press 
Association board of directors, the Grand Junction Area Chamber of 
Commerce board of directors, the Mesa County Economic Development 
Council and the St. Mary's Hospital foundation Board. He is currently a 
member of the Colorado forum, a group of Colorado business leaders, and 
the St. Mary's Hospital Board of Directors. A passionate fisherman and 
hunter, he also is active in local and national conservation groups.

[[Page 23258]]

  Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to honor George Orbanek's commitment 
to the people of Grand Junction and the journalism profession. George 
has been a good friend over the vears and I am pleased to recognize him 
today before this body of Congress and this nation. Thanks, George, for 
your excellent service to the community, and I wish you well with all 
of your future endeavors.

                          ____________________