[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24497]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING THE BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF NORTHEASTERN 
            PENNSYLVANIA ON ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 17, 2007

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed 
colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the 
Building Industry Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the members 
of which are celebrating their 50th anniversary.
  From humble beginnings a half century ago, this group, the first of 
its kind in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the ninth largest 
among 39 similar groups across the State, has committed itself to 
professionalism and consumer advocacy.
  At 450 members, the BIA today continues a tradition established by 
its founders to represent the interests of those associated with the 
building industry and to provide a source of information and protection 
for those seeking quality, affordable housing.
  Peter Restaino, the president of the BIA, is committed to honoring 
the group's origins and to connect current members with that proud 
tradition. He has directed Matthew Hodorowski, a former BIA president, 
to compile a history of the organization that will be shared with those 
participating in the anniversary celebration to be held at the historic 
Wilkes-Barre Westmoreland Club.
  Mr. Restaino has stated that the BIA's focus has been to consistently 
represent the interests of the building community and to assure an 
adequate supply of quality housing at fair prices across northeastern 
Pennsylvania.
  Services provided by the BIA include education, a group insurance 
program and sharing information about the interests of members with all 
levels of government.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Building Industry 
Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania for 50 years of service to the 
people of northeastern Pennsylvania. Their commitment to the principles 
of professionalism, tradesmanship, and honorable business practices has 
earned them an enviable reputation throughout the northeastern 
Pennsylvania region.

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