[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 11]
[House]
[Pages 15463-15464]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                THANK YOU STATE SENATOR BRANDEN PETERSEN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Minnesota (Mr. Emmer) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor State 
Senator Branden Petersen of Andover for his public service. Branden was 
elected to the Minnesota House in 2010 at the young age of 24 and then 
reelected to serve his constituents, but this time in the Minnesota 
Senate in 2012. Recently, Branden resigned to spend more time with his 
young family. His leadership in the Minnesota Legislature will be 
sorely missed.
  Branden represents portions of my district, and I have been honored 
to work with him and to know him. He is a man of great character and 
principle.
  While in office, Branden worked hard to improve Minnesota's schools, 
economy, and budget, all while being part of a growing family that now 
includes three little ones at home. It has been wonderful to see 
Branden's dedication over the past 5 years, and I believe that the 
people of his district are so lucky to have benefited from his service. 
Branden's leadership will be truly missed, but I have no doubt that he 
will find success and happiness in his future endeavors.
  Enjoy your time with your family, Senator. You deserve it.


                         Manufacturing Day 2015

  Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 
Manufacturing Day and the importance of Minnesota's manufacturing 
industry.
  Manufacturing is one of the main drivers of the economy in my 
district and my State. Manufacturers generate billions of dollars in 
revenue for my State each year, making them a key pillar of Minnesota's 
economy.
  Minnesota is home to an impressive 292,000 manufacturing jobs, and 
the State's manufacturing industry has the second largest payroll of 
any business sector.
  Minnesotans are hardworking people, and they deserve the best that 
life has to offer. They deserve a strong State economy, which allows 
for individual growth, prosperity, and the pursuit of happiness. That 
is why I will continue to emphasize the importance of manufacturing-
friendly policies for as long as I serve in Congress.
  I am proud to support Manufacturing Day in our country, but I want to 
make it clear that every day is Manufacturing Day in Minnesota.


                    Hal Becker, a Servant to Delano

  Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hal 
Becker for his tireless service to the city of Delano and to wish him 
luck in his upcoming retirement.
  Hal graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1977 with a degree 
in mathematics. Not long after completing his education, Hal began to 
work at Delano Municipal Utilities and served as the general manager 
there for 30 years. He was the perfect candidate for this position, as 
he also graduated from the St. Paul Public Schools electricity course, 
holds an electrician's license and a water supply system operator 
license.
  Hal has done an outstanding job over the past 30 years, which is 
proven by the recognition he has received for his work. In 2013, he was 
the recipient of the impressive American Public Power Association's 
Larry Hobart Seven Hats Award.
  Hal has been a great neighbor and member of our Delano community and, 
above all, our friend.
  Hal, your shoes will be tough to fill, and we will all miss your 
service. I wish you a peaceful and happy retirement.


                  Marco, Inc., of St. Cloud, Minnesota

  Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate 
Marco, Inc., of St. Cloud, Minnesota, for making Fortune's list of best 
small- and medium-sized companies to work for.
  Marco has an incredible story and is proof that the American Dream is 
alive and well. What began as a small typewriter shop in St. Cloud 
quickly evolved into one of the top technology providers in the 
country, with offices located throughout the Midwest.
  However, what truly stands out about Marco is that they are one of 
the first companies to create an employee stock ownership plan, and 
they are among the few companies in this country to be 100 percent 
employee owned.
  I truly commend Marco, Inc., for understanding that employees are the 
heart and soul of every company and that they must be taken care of and 
rewarded. Your quick rise and large success is undoubtedly due to the 
way you treat your employees and your positive work environment. I am 
proud to recognize you here today.

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