[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12061]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       CONGRATULATING SAUNDERS YACHTWORKS ON ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

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                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                          Thursday, May 7, 2009

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Saunders Yachtworks 
with facilities in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama, on its 50th 
anniversary.
  In 1959, the Saunders Engine & Equipment Company, Inc. was founded by 
Andrew Saunders Sr. in Mobile, and today members of the second and 
third generation represent the majority of the company's ownership. The 
company's ``can do'' attitude has set it apart as a premier marine 
service provider along the central Gulf Coast.
  In 1993, Saunders Yachtworks opened as a mechanical service facility 
in Orange Beach, and in 2007, Saunders Yachtworks became the sole focus 
of the corporation. This year, the company expanded its operations to 
Gulf Shores with the opening of its new corporate headquarters and 
mechanical service shop.
  This new facility features one of the largest boat lifts on the 
central Gulf Coast allowing Saunders to work on boats up to 115 feet. 
There is no doubt this new expansion will bring yachters from around 
the world to Alabama's Gulf Coast.
  Throughout its 50 years of operations, the company has received 
numerous awards and accolades. In 1990, Saunders Engine & Equipment was 
named ``Small Business of the Year'' by the Mobile Area Chamber of 
Commerce. Earlier this year, Saunders Yachtworks was named Boatyard of 
the Year by the American Boat Builders and Repairers Association. This 
award is given to the boatyard that ``demonstrates excellence in all 
facets of business through commitment to customer service, quality 
management and positive vendor and employee relations.''
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating 
Saunders Yachtworks on its 50th anniversary and for being recognized as 
the Boatyard of the Year. I know John Fitzgerald, the company 
president, Andrew Saunders Jr., chairman of the board, along with the 
company employees, their friends, families, and members of the 
community also join with me in praising Saunders Yachtworks for their 
many accomplishments and for extending thanks for their continued 
service to the Alabama business community and the First Congressional 
District.

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