[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4979]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO BOB MYERS AND PILLAR TECHNOLOGY GROUP

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAVID YOUNG

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 21, 2016

  Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
congratulate Mr. Bob Myers, CEO of Pillar Technology Group for its 
innovative vision while creating Des Moines, Iowa's newest technology 
office space, aptly called ``The Forge''. The Ohio-based technology 
firm works with large companies to develop unique software for 
autonomous vehicles and ``The Internet of Things.''
  Pillar Technology Group prides itself for being in direct competition 
to many of California's Silicon Valley firms, stating that Des Moines, 
Iowa lends itself to a venue which ``constantly pushes us.'' Pillar 
Technology Group has other ``Forge'' locations in Michigan and Ohio. 
Des Moines was selected, said CEO Myers, because it is close to several 
universities, has a good talent pool and is increasingly innovative. 
Calling Des Moines, Iowa ``the Silicon Prairie,'' Myers revealed they 
have hired at least 30 employees in Iowa to join their current staff of 
200 nationwide.
  Bouyed by a loan from the Iowa Economic Development Authority Board 
in 2015, Pillar Technology Group established its foothold in central 
Iowa. Myers explained that ``The Forge'' is a philosophy, not a place. 
Upon entering their doors, said Myers, there is an aura of ``no 
constraints.'' Nothing is impossible. That's the Iowa way. With hard 
work, determination, innovation and an open mind, anything can be 
accomplished.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Pillar Technology Group and 
CEO Bob Myers for locating its innovative vision in Iowa. I am proud to 
represent the Pillar Technology Group and its employees in the United 
States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of 
Representatives join me in congratulating the firm and wishing Pillar 
Technology Group's ``The Forge'' nothing but continued success.

                          ____________________