[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15689]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING LAFAYETTE MUSIC COMPANY

 Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, American musicians play a large 
role in the cultural development of our Nation's history, and much of 
that success is due to the local small businesses responsible for 
providing the equipment and instruction musicians need. This week's 
Small Business of the Week has an expert staff that is dedicated to 
serving all kinds of musicians. Congratulations to Lafayette Music 
Company of Lafayette, LA, for being selected Small Business of the 
Week.
  The Lafayette Music Company is a 60-year-old family-owned business 
that has continuously provided musicians in their community with 
excellent equipment and instruction. Built in 1955 by Mr. William C. 
``Bill'' Peyton, the Lafayette Music Company initially focused on the 
sale of pianos and organs. When Mr. Raymond J. Goodrich joined the 
sales team in 1967, he expanded the company's focus to include 
servicing additional instruments, including the brass family. Under Mr. 
Goodrich's management, the Lafayette Music Company developed a band 
department, catering to schools in the Acadiana region of south 
Louisiana. Mr. Goodrich's affable approach to securing a local consumer 
base offered a unique and personalized level of assistance that was 
unrivaled in the area. After working as a salesman and sales manager 
for 6 years and part owner for 3 years, Mr. Goodrich purchased a 
majority of the company's shares to become the primary owner.
  Today, Mr. Goodrich and his wife, Karen, provide beginner, 
intermediate, and expert musicians with a diverse product selection. 
The Lafayette Music Company offers a wide array of the latest guitars, 
drums, band instruments, accessories, pianos, church organs, and more, 
as well as an in-house repair department that has been in service for 
more than 80 years. Additionally, the Lafayette Music Company boasts an 
astonishing customer service record that has ranked them in the top 100 
largest music products retailers by The Music Trades magazine for 3 
consecutive years.
  Mr. Goodrich and his wife, Karen, provide entrepreneurs across the 
Nation with an inspiring example of how pursuing a business plan with 
unrelenting vigor and creativity is the key to success. Centered in an 
area of the country with world-renowned music and an incomparable 
heritage, the Goodrich family has secured the business of a community 
of musicians with specific needs. Congratulations again to Small 
Business of the Week, Acadiana's own Lafayette Music Company.

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