[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11383]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING GRAHAM JACKSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 25, 2005

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and 
commitment of Mr. Graham Jackson. Mr. Jackson was recognized by the 
North Central Texas College/Small Business Development Center for his 
zealous business approach and his passionate entrepreneurial spirit.
  In early 2000, while working in the classroom support services 
department at the University of North Texas, Mr. Jackson recognized 
there was a distinct need for an audio/visual rental service in the 
Denton area. Electing his mother as his business partner and with some 
assistance from the Small Business Development Center, Jackson opened 
Audio Visual Solutions in August 2000.
  With clients such as Denton Presbyterian Hospital, the City Hall of 
Gainesville, and the Denton Civic Center, and with this year's sales 
estimated to increase three-fold compared to 2004, Jackson has 
established himself as a true business pioneer.
  In addition to Audio Visual Solutions, Mr. Jackson dedicates a 
considerable amount of time giving back to the Denton community by 
volunteering at the Denton Children's Advocacy Center and serving on 
the Board of the Denton Young Professionals organization.
  Despite several setbacks along the way, and the fact that over 80 
percent of small businesses fail within five years, Mr. Jackson has 
relied on character and personal perseverance to become successful in 
his field. It is with great honor I stand here today to recognize a man 
who not only is the epitome of the entrepreneurial spirit, but one who 
has devoted his time giving back to the community that has given him so 
much.

                          ____________________