[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Pages 14518-14519]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING HEALTHY IMAGE

 Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, the path to small business success 
is different for each person, and every so often, one will stumble 
across an idea that fulfills a niche, which then benefits both the 
entrepreneur and the surrounding community. As we continue to celebrate 
National Women's Small Business Month, I would like to recognize 
Healthy Image of Lake Charles, LA, as Small Business of the Week for 
its impressive work in helping neighboring businesses grow and succeed.
  As a marketing director for a healthcare organization in the Lake 
Charles area, Kristy Armand recognized the demand for a local marketing 
agency that catered to medical groups. An entrepreneur at heart, Kristy 
jumped at the opportunity to utilize her experience in health care and 
marketing to develop her own small business. Kristy enlisted the help 
of Christine Fisher, an intern with whom she had worked nearly a decade 
before, and together the women behind Healthy Image landed their first 
client in 2002. Five years later, Barbara VanGossen joined the growing 
business as a partner and the creative director, and within 1 year, 
Healthy Image outgrew its original location, moved to a new office, and 
hired several more employees.
  During this period, the Healthy Image team worked closely with the 
Louisiana Small Business Development Center, SBDC, at McNeese State 
University to provide marketing tips, financial consulting, and 
business advice

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with local entrepreneurs. Today, Healthy Image is made up of a team of 
specialists who provide an array of business services, including 
advertising, event planning, graphic design, social media, and branding 
to over 100 clients.
  The success of Healthy Image has earned Kristy, Christine, and 
Barbara recognition on the national level. In 2013, the U.S. Chamber of 
Commerce selected Healthy Image as one of its distinguished Blue Ribbon 
Award winners with the title of being one of the ``Top 100 Small 
Businesses in the Country.''
  I would like to congratulate the inspiring team at Healthy Image and 
wish them the best in their continued growth and success.

                          ____________________