[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 21898-21899]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING MR. TOM BENSON, RECIPIENT OF THE CHARLES E. PIPER AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 13, 2006

  Mr. LIPINSKI, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Tom Benson, 
recipient of the 2006 Charles E. Piper Award for exceptional business 
achievement. Mr. Benson is currently the owner of the World's Largest 
Laundromat in Berwyn, IL and also serves as president of the Berwyn 
Development Corporation. His outstanding leadership, receiving both 
local and

[[Page 21899]]

national acclamation, has greatly impacted the local community and its 
businesses.
  Since 1999, Benson has owned the World's Largest Laundromat--a 
business that is technologically innovative and community centered. 
After a devastating fire in 2004, he rebuilt the facility and powered 
it with state-of-the-art solar energy, which significantly saves 
financial and energy resources. The World's Largest Laundromat is as an 
exceptional model of a cost-effective, energy conserving business--the 
best of both worlds.
  Tom Benson's resourcefulness and visionary outlook extends to the 
social atmosphere of his laundromat as well. Aside from a spacious 
interior and 15 flat-screen TVs, the facility offers free wireless 
access, free pizza on Wednesday nights, and hosts many special events. 
Additionally, the World's Largest Laundromat has a reputation for 
promoting community programs that encourage education. One program, 
Read to Ride, awards bikes to children who read books during the 
summer.
  On November 4, 2006, Benson was presented with the Charles E. Piper 
Award for his efforts and positive influence on the Berwyn business 
community. It is my privilege and pleasure to congratulate Mr. Benson 
on this award and acknowledge his contributions to the community. His 
unique approach, dedication, and determination serve as an inspiration 
to the business community, as well as all citizens.

                          ____________________