[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24393]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DELAWARE STATE CHAMBER OF 
       COMMERCE'S MARVIN S. GILMAN SUPERSTARS IN BUSINESS AWARDS

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                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2008

  Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise 
today to recognize the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce's Marvin S. 
Gilman Superstars in Business Awards. For ten years, the Delaware State 
Chamber of Commerce has taken pride in honoring small businesses and 
organizations for their outstanding services, quality of management, 
and exemplary approach to business in our state.
  Each year, winners of the Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business 
Awards are companies that have met three criteria: the companies have 
been established at least three years, have 150 employees or less, and 
are members of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. In addition, 
Awards of Excellence are given to commendable companies, and one award 
is given to one outstanding non-profit organization. Over the years, 
corporations within the development, arts, public utilities, 
communications, and healthcare industries, among others, have been 
recognized for playing a leading role in Delaware's economic well-
being. In November of 1998, the very first luncheon was held to present 
these distinguished awards in the Gold Ballroom at the Hotel DuPont, 
the very same location where many of the 40 winning companies, state 
and local officials, Chamber members, and other notable members of the 
community will gather to celebrate this milestone. In fact, I was among 
the guests present at the first Superstars in Business Awards luncheon, 
and a decade later I am pleased to join in saluting what has become a 
distinguished tradition.
  In recognizing this program, it is only fitting to also recognize the 
program's entrepreneurial namesake, the late Marvin S. Gilman. Mr. 
Gilman served as president of Gilman Development Co. in Wilmington for 
more than forty years, during which time he earned the reputation of a 
model small business owner and leader in the community. He used his 
position in the housing industry to further the cause of desegregation, 
sponsoring the Sutton Place high-rise facility project in Baltimore--
one of the first major real estate projects to welcome tenants of all 
races--and serving on the National Committee Against Discrimination in 
Housing. Recognized for their service to the community, Mr. Gilman and 
his wife, Muriel, were the first couple to receive the Delaware State 
Chamber of Commerce's Josiah Marvel Cup Award.
  Once again, I recognize the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce's 
Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Awards for ten years of 
honoring exceptional small businesses and organizations. It is this 
commitment to fostering economic and community excellence that keeps 
Delaware one of the best environments to conduct business in the United 
States.

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