[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1327]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


     COMMEMORATING JULIE BAKER DOBSKI, RECIPIENT OF ILLINOIS STATE 
                UNIVERSITY FOUNDERS DAY HONORARY DEGREE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DARIN LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 3, 2016

  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor Julie Baker Dobski, 
the 2016 Honorary Degree Recipient of Illinois State University 
Founders Day.
  Julie Baker Dobski, a citizen of Bloomington-Normal since 1988, is a 
successful business person and philanthropist who serves her fellow 
citizens in more ways than one. In 1982, she and her husband, Bob, 
opened their first McDonald's in Farmington, Missouri and has since 
expanded their franchise to serve Big Macs and Happy Meals in 
Bloomington, Normal, McLean and Gibson City. However, she soon realized 
that local boys and girls were hungry for something greater such as 
knowledge. In 2004, Julie fulfilled those needs by opening her first of 
three Little Jewels Learning Centers. These centers provide family-
oriented child care with a variety of programs and activities that 
engage the children and prepare them for school in a safe, loving, and 
nurturing environment.
  Julie continued her service and devotion in the community by serving 
on various executive boards such as the McLean County Chamber of 
Commerce, American Red Cross, United Way as well as many others. She 
currently serves on the Baby Fold, BN Advantage Leadership Council, and 
the Illinois State University College of Business Advisory Board.
  In addition, her great leadership does not go unrecognized as she was 
awarded with the McDonald's People Award and the McDonald's Ronald 
Award twice. Under her tenure as president of the Bloomington-Normal 
Sunrise Rotary, her club was donned the Club of the Year. Because of 
her values of leadership, hard work, and passion to help others, those 
around her also achieve success. In short, where ever she goes, success 
ultimately follows.
  Again, I want to congratulate Julie Baker Dobski and her continued 
service to the 18th District.

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