[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21559]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     ACKNOWLEDGING EDGAR HAGOPIAN'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO HIS COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 14, 2009

  Mr. McCOTTER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge 
Mr. Edgar Hagopian, a compassionate humanitarian and public advocate 
who has worked tirelessly on behalf of his fellow citizens.
  Edgar grew up in metro Detroit. As a teen in the 1950s, he began 
working for his father, Haroutun Hagopian, who ran a cleaning business. 
Edgar worked hard under the leadership example set by his father. 
Buoyed by the devotion and support of his wife Sarah, the Hagopian 
Family of Companies grew and earned a reputation for excellence in 
business. Presently, Edgar serves as Chairman of the Hagopian Family of 
Companies, which encompasses Hagopian & Sons, Incorporated, Hagopian 
World of Rugs, Hagopian Cleaning Services, Incorporated, Hagopian Fire 
& Flood Services and The Ghiordes Knot. The Hagopian name has long been 
associated with carpet cleaning and fine Oriental Rugs and their 
cleaning slogan, ``expect the best, expect the purple truck'', can be 
heard over local airwaves daily.
  As 2009 marks the distinct recognition of 70 years in business, it is 
with great gratitude and appreciation that I recognize Edgar Hagopian. 
His leadership stands as a fine illustration of Southeast Michigan 
ingenuity and innovation. He has assertively fostered economic growth, 
created jobs and inspired hope in a state ravaged by mass unemployment. 
Additionally, Edgar has been involved in numerous charitable 
organizations and his generosity is well known throughout the 
community.
  Edgar and his wife Sarah have worked to promote Armenian culture and 
unite the metro Detroit Armenian community. They have worked to help 
build a stronger Armenia by bridging the cultural gap and bringing 
people of all ethnicities and traditions together. Mr. Hagopian has 
spearheaded both large and small projects, each with qualitative 
impacts felt across all spectrums of life. Moreover, he has long worked 
tirelessly to better inform people of the Armenian Genocide on both a 
local and national level. These efforts resulted in the passing of 
Michigan Public Act 558 (2002) ``Armenian Genocide Remembrance Days'' 
signed into law by Governor John Engler.
  Madam Speaker, Edgar Hagopian is a spirited political activist, 
caring benefactor, compassionate citizen and cultural icon whose 
generosity has shaped the lives of countless people in our community. 
We are all indebted to the countless sacrifices and contributions he 
has made to strengthen the social fabric of our society. He personifies 
a legacy of distinction. Madam Speaker, today, I ask my colleagues to 
join me in congratulating Mr. Hagopian and recognizing his years of 
loyal service to our community and country.

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