[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12606]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING AL VAN METRE, SR., CEO AND FOUNDER OF VAN METRE COMPANIES

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 14, 2005

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. 
Al Van Metre, the founder and CEO of Van Metre Company. This 
recognition is well deserved for his contributions to the communities 
of Northern Virginia.
  Al Van Metre attended the U.S. Naval Academy from June 1944 to March 
1945 before graduating from George Washington University with a degree 
in engineering. Mr. Van Metre established the Van Metre Company in 
1955, since that time his company has built over 15,000 single family 
homes, town homes and manages 2,200 apartments throughout Northern 
Virginia. These dwellings proudly serve over 50,000 homeowners and 
residents throughout Northern Virginia.
  The developments created by Van Metre Company include Lansdowne On 
the Potomac, Broadlands and Stone Ridge. These planned communities have 
received numerous Finest for Family Living Awards including the 
developments of Lansdowne on the Potomac in 2001, The Lee at McNair 
Station in 1999 and a three time winner from 1998-2000 for The 
Fitzgerald at Broadlands. The company, based in Burke, Virginia, has 
received numerous ``Major Achievements in Marketing Excellence'' 
awards, including the Best Community Brochure, Best Print Advertising, 
Best Web Site and Multi-Media Campaign for Planned Communities. The 
success over the last half-century, growth of the company and award 
winning planned communities are due to the hard work and dedication of 
Mr. Van Metre.
  Not only has Mr. Van Metre helped to create superb living 
communities, but he has been an active member in the community serving 
as a board member for the Navy Marine Coast Guard Resident Foundation 
and the Naval Academy foundation. He also served as the chairman of the 
Race Committee of the Northern Virginia Hospice Cup and as a board 
member of the St. Stephen's School In Alexandria, Virginia.
  With his background and support for the Naval Academy and as Chairman 
of the Northern Virginia Hospice Cup, it is no surprise that Mr. Van 
Metre is an avid and accomplished sailor. He has guided his yacht, the 
Running Tide, to wins at virtually every major yachting event on the 
East Coast. He was a five-time overall annual champion in Chesapeake 
Bay racing and has earned over 200 trophies in his distinguished 
sailing career.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to extend my heartfelt 
appreciation to Mr. Al Van Metre for helping to create planned 
communities that benefit numerous residents and families in Northern 
Virginia. I call upon my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Al 
Van Metre on his accomplishments and in wishing him the best of luck in 
all future endeavors.

                          ____________________