[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10371]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING MGA COMMUNICATIONS FOR BEING NAMED NATIONAL AGENCY OF THE 
                       YEAR BY THE HOLMES REPORT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 7, 2006

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge a 
Colorado company, MGA Communications, which has been named `Boutique 
Agency of the Year' by the prestigious Holmes Report. In addition, MGA 
Communications was one of five finalists for `National Agency of the 
Year.' The Holmes Report, a national review of the public relations 
industry, recognized MGA for fostering genuine dialogue in complex 
community issues.
  In particular I would like to thank my good friend and trusted 
advisor, Omar Jabara, who serves as the Vice President of Public 
Affairs for the company. I have known Omar for several years and can 
attest to his political passion. From the time he led Congresswoman 
Cynthia McKinney's successful 1996 election as the communications 
director, he has demonstrated his political savvy and media relations 
talent. When he moved back to Colorado, he served as the press 
secretary for Dottie Lamm's United States Senate campaign. For the past 
several years, Omar has generously taken the time to speak to my Udall 
Youth Task Force about issues in the Middle East and public policy. He 
has become a perennial favorite for his insight, passion and candor on 
the issue. I suspect that Omar is an outstanding example of the kind of 
talent that led to the award for MGA Communications.
  ``No one is better when it comes to engaging local communities around 
environmentally sensitive--even toxic--issues and earning the kind of 
trust that is an essential element of any controversial industrial 
development,'' said the Holmes Report in describing MGA.
  Founded in 1987, MGA Communications is engaged in some of the more 
complex community development issues in the Rocky Mountain region for 
clients ranging from the U.S. Army and Shell Oil Company to Cabela's 
and Questar Market Resources. MGA serves clients throughout the 
country.
  ``It's flattering to have the pioneering community relations work 
we've done over the years acknowledged at this high level,'' said Mike 
Gaughan, Chairman of MGA Communications. ``Such a prestigious national 
award is gratifying because ultimately, we pride ourselves on the 
business-driven results we deliver for our clients and the communities 
they serve.''
  The Holmes Report highlighted MGA's work at the Rocky Mountain 
Arsenal, the former chemical weapons manufacturing facility near 
Commerce City, Colorado, stating, ``That kind of work has turned MGA 
into one of the nation's leading experts when it comes to dealing with 
high profile, complex community issues.''
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Omar 
Jabara and MGA Communications on the well deserved recognition of their 
good work. We are proud to have them in Colorado. I wish them continued 
success in the future.

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