[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18863]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 HOBART CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2010 AWARDS

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 2, 2010

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I stand 
before you today to recognize the Hobart Chamber of Commerce 2010 award 
winners and to congratulate the recipient of the Mayor's Award, County 
Line Orchard. These outstanding recipients will be honored during the 
Chamber's Annual Christmas Open House and Installation, on December 3, 
2010, at the Community Center in Hobart, Indiana.
  The 2010 Outstanding Business Award recipients are: Regional Federal 
Credit Union, Centier Bank, and Ginter Realty. Regional Federal Credit 
Union was established by a group of teachers in 1961 and now has 
offices in Hammond, Portage, and Valparaiso, as well as ten student 
credit unions in these areas. Centier Bank, founded in 1895, has 
remained in the Schrage family for the past 115 years. Mike Schrage is 
the current Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, Centier has 
grown to include 48 branches in Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Saint Joseph, 
Marshall, and Tippecanoe counties. Centier Bank was recently named one 
of the Best Places to Work in Indiana by the Indiana Chamber of 
Commerce. Ginter Realty is owned by Joyce and George Ginter, who 
started their business in 1965. The family-owned business is now 
managed by their daughter, Polly Koesters, who is the current owner and 
principal broker. Another daughter, Carrie Ledyard, is a real estate 
agent with the company. They are currently celebrating their 45th year 
in business. Each organization is dedicated to providing excellent 
business and customer service to their communities, and for that 
reason, they are to be commended.
  The Outstanding Businessperson Award recipient is Kevin Grace. Kevin 
has worked for Strack and Van Til for the past 27 years. Currently, he 
is the manager at the Hobart location, a position that he has held for 
the past four years. Kevin's consistent dedication to his community, 
civic organizations, and sports teams is worthy of the highest praise.
  Scott and William Frey are the recipients of the Visionary Award. In 
1997, brothers Scott and William bought The Art Theatre, located in 
downtown Hobart. The two renovated and restored the theatre, which was 
first built in 1941. Today, the theatre attracts many visitors from 
surrounding communities. Scott and William have expanded their business 
to include the Art of Pizza restaurant, located next door to the 
theatre, which is set to open in 2011. For their outstanding commitment 
to their community, Scott and William Frey are to be honored.
  The Legacy Award recipient is People's Bank. People's Bank is 
headquartered in Munster, with twelve branches located throughout Lake 
and Porter counties. David Bochnowski is the current Chairman and Chief 
Executive Officer. This year, People's Bank is celebrating its 100th 
Anniversary of community banking. People's Bank and their commitment to 
exceptional customer service for the past 100 years is truly 
remarkable, and they are worthy of such a prestigious award.
  County Line Orchard is the recipient of the Chamber of Commerce, 
Mayor's Award. County Line Orchard in Hobart attracts a very 
significant number of consumers to the area. In addition to their 
exemplary efforts that boost business locally, they also give back to 
the community. Throughout the year, County Line Orchard supports non-
profit organizations. They also host a free Halloween party for 
children in the community. For their exceptional service to their 
community, I congratulate County Line Orchard on this esteemed award.
  Madam Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other 
distinguished colleagues join me in honoring the Hobart Chamber of 
Commerce award winners. For their dedication and commitment to the 
community of Hobart, as well as Northwest Indiana, they are worthy of 
the honors bestowed upon them.

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