[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 2306-2307]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING DR. AND MRS. DICK C.E. DAVIS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. LEE TERRY

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 27, 2012

  Mr. TERRY. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise during Black 
History Month--to acknowledge the important contributions that African-
Americans have made, and continue to make to American society. Today, I 
honor some of the extraordinary citizens who have shaped Nebraska's 
Second District, and our great nation. Let's pay special tribute to Dr. 
and Mrs. Dick C.E. Davis, two highly respected and successful members 
of my community of Omaha.
  This couple has long been recognized as dedicated supporters of 
projects and causes that improve the lives of Nebraskans--particularly 
those hit hardest by poverty and the declining economic heft of our 
minority communities. Late last year, the couple celebrated the 40th 
anniversary of Davis Companies: a family business that has long been 
recognized as a pillar in Omaha's business community, recently being 
acknowledged as one of the ten fastest-growing Omaha businesses.
  Rather than resting on the success of Davis Companies, the Davis 
family has turned a laser-like focus to restoring a vibrant economic 
renaissance in Omaha's minority sectors.

[[Page 2307]]

  In 1989, the Davis family pioneered the State's first public/private 
funding allocated to addressing the underrepresentation of all minority 
students--in every sector of public post-secondary education. Since its 
inception, the Davis-Chambers scholarship fund has grown to a more than 
3 million dollar endowment. It has fully funded undergraduate 
educations for more than 300 of Nebraska's ``best and brightest'' 
minority students.
  Dr. Davis also helped acquire and disperse more than $385 thousand 
dollars in grants--to test a groundbreaking entrepreneurship education 
program in Omaha's public schools.
  On the business front, the couple has spearheaded a private capital 
fund to provide seed money for minority-owned small businesses. The 
program identifies promising small businesses, coaches them through 
growth, provides initial start-up funds, and stands behind them as they 
grow into their own creditworthiness and financial maturity. More than 
86 businesses have gone through the process, and in the initial run, 
reported a default rate of less than 3 percent--an excellent rate, 
considering that the national trend shows over half of these type of 
loans failing.
  These are just a sample of the myriad achievements and selfless 
actions in education, community service, and wealth-building endeavors 
that the couple has undertaken to leave an indelible mark on the 
economy and future of my hometown. I am proud to recognize and honor 
Dr. Dick C.E. Davis and Mrs. Sharon Davis for their service to our 
community, and the nation.

                          ____________________