[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15053]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE FAKLIS' 100 YEARS IN TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 26, 2012

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate 
the Faklis family of Tarpon Springs, Florida, on the 100th anniversary 
of Faklis' Department Store and Shoe Repair Service. Throughout their 
many decades in the United States, the Faklis family has lived the 
American dream, applying hard work and determination to create a 
successful small business in our community.
  In 1909, two young brothers--Nikita and Nicola Papafaklis--arrived in 
America from Symi, Greece, in search of a better life for themselves 
and their families. Shortly thereafter, another brother, Vasile, 
arrived in America. Vasile and Nikita soon settled in Tarpon Springs 
and established their own small business. This small business opened as 
a custom shoe maker. The business evolved into a dry goods department 
store carrying shoes, clothing, suits and specializing in shoe repairs 
and orthopedic corrections.
  Vasile and his sons, George, Nick and Michael are proud American 
veterans, having served in WWI and Korea. They continue to be involved 
in the local American Legion and never open for business without first 
displaying the American flag in front of their building.
  Throughout the generations, the Faklis family's store evolved with 
the times and provided services with excellent professionalism. The 
family business has passed from Nikita and Vasile down to Vasile's sons 
George and Michael, and down again to Vasile G. Faklis, the current 
operator and namesake of one of the family's patriarchs. Serving the 
greater Tampa Bay area from their location in Tarpon Springs, the 
Faklis family has been able to merge old world craftsmanship and warm 
customer service with the orthotic technology of today and the future.
  Mr. Speaker, for 100 years the Faklis family has represented the best 
of the American entrepreneurial spirit. They came to America seeking a 
better life and have become a pillar of the local community. Their 
economic success and ability to adapt with the changing times exemplify 
the strength of this country's business community, and I commend them 
for their contributions to our area.

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