Brian Higgins

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. I move to strike the last word.

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of this bipartisan amendment, which seeks to adequately fund the Non-Defense Environmental Cleanup program. Our amendment ensures that nuclear cleanup sites get the funding they need to protect communities, including western New York, from radioactive contamination. The West Valley Nuclear Waste Reprocessing plant, established in response to a Federal call to reprocess spent nuclear fuel, has since ceased operations, leaving behind more than 600,000 gallons of high- level radioactive waste. To say this is a public safety and environmental hazard is a massive understatement. We have already seen a leak develop into a plume of radioactive groundwater. And if this radioactive waste makes its way into the Great Lakes, the environmental and economic implications would be devastating. It is the responsibility of the Federal Government to not let funding shortfalls delay further cleanup. For West Valley alone, further delays would add an additional $30 million in maintenance costs per year. Like paying a minimum on a credit card, not committing adequate funding only delays progress and adds cost. I am proud to join my friend and colleague, Congressman Tom Reed, on this very important issue, and I urge bipartisan support for this important amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Daniel B. Pulinski and Mrs. Stephanie M. Urbanczyk, lifelong residents of Lackawanna, on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. The couple was wed on August 10, 1963 in a ceremony at St. Michael's Church, now Queen of Angels, in Lackawanna, New York. Daniel attended St. Barbara's elementary school and St. Francis High School, after which he nobly enlisted in the United States Army. After his service, he worked in the Bethlehem Steel plant, rising through the ranks to become a foreman. A dedicated family man, Daniel worked several more jobs to support his wife and children after the plant closed. He retired after working as a custodian in the auto tech division of Erie Community College. Stephanie attended St. Michael's elementary school and Lackawanna High School. After completing her education, she became a secretary for a Buffalo insurance company. While starting a family, she became a stay-at-home mother for a few years, returning to work at Hills Department Store. The store became Ames, where she rose to the position of Manager. Stephanie continues to work to this day, currently at Dollar General. Daniel and Stephanie raised four children together, Anita, Ronald, Denise, and Daniel. They are grandparents to eight beautiful grandchildren: Stephanie, Alanna, James, Rebecca, Danielle, Brandon, Nicholas, and Matthew. The couple enjoys spending family time with their grandchildren and traveling across the globe with their many friends. They continue to reside in Lackawanna, and are still active in Queen of Angels Church and the Buffalo Polish community. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to offer my sincerest congratulations to Daniel, Stephanie, and their family on this most joyous occasion. I ask my colleagues to join me to acknowledge their commitment to each other as they celebrate their Golden Anniversary, and offer our best wishes for continued happiness.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, in a historic decision yesterday, the Supreme Court rightly ruled that all married couples, regardless of gender of the spouses, are deserving of equal protections and rights under the law. In doing so, they recognize what 13 States, including my home State of New York, already knows: that a family is a family and that love is love. Our Nation was founded on the basic principles of freedom and equality, and any law that discriminates against one group of individuals is an unjust law; and injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Mr. Speaker, the next step is in Congress's hand. We must bring to the floor and pass Congressman Jerry Nadler's Respect for Marriage Act. It is time to get rid of this discriminatory law once and for all and bring us one step closer to full marriage equality.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Kathleen Morcio, of Cheektowaga, on their 50th wedding anniversary. The couple was wed on July 7, 1963 in a ceremony at St. Bonaventure Church in West Seneca, NY. Tim Russert, of Meet the Press fame, served as an altar boy at the wedding. Robert and Kathleen, or Bob and Kitty as they are known, raised four children, Robert, Joseph, Ronald, and Cynthia, and now have six grandchildren: Taylor, Samantha, Michael, Adam, Ryan, and Riley. They reside in Cheektowaga and have been active members of Our Lady of Czestochowa parish for over 40 years. Bob attended South Park High School and continued his education at Bryant & Stratton's business management program and Cornell University's management training program. After serving in the U.S. Army as a missile technician, Bob began a long career in manufacturing, working his way up the ladder from a pressman at a printing company to plant and production supervisor. Bob retired from International Imaging in 2001 as Senior Production Supervisor. He also was a volunteer fireman at Doyle Hose Company II, serving as chief for four years. Kitty is a licensed beautician and entrepreneur. She started her own beauty shop, Coiffure de Joy, over 35 years ago in Cheektowaga. During the time her husband was a volunteer fireman, Kitty served as Vice President of the Ladies Auxiliary at the same fire company. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to have the opportunity to offer my utmost congratulations to the Morcios and their family on this joyous occasion. I ask my colleagues to join me to acknowledge their achievement and to pass on our best wishes.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of Michele Iannello- Ward, an outstanding woman in our community who has had an incredibly successful career leading and taking part in many organizations for the betterment of the Western New York region. Michele grew up in Tonawanda and graduated from Kenmore West Senior High School. She then went on to achieve great success academically as she completed her undergraduate degree, became a Certified Paralegal and a graduate of the New York State Association of Counties--Dennis Pelletier Institute. She has dedicated many years of service to the community where she started as a two-year Trustee in the Village of Kenmore. She was then elected to the Erie County Legislator in 2006 where she had many accomplishments over her two terms. As Legislator, Michele chaired the Community Enrichment Committee and the Green Actions Community Committee and was also a member of both the Energy and Environment and Public Safety Committees. She has made an unmatched commitment to the public and created the first and only community wide focus group with citizens, business owners and non- profit activist to assist individuals or groups with their needs within her district. Michele was also the first elected official to support the efforts of the Clean Air Coalition where she worked hand-in-hand with the founder against Tonawanda Coke that eventually led to a successful guilty verdict. Michele is also an active member in a number of many other organizations where her leadership has undoubtedly left a positive and long-standing impression on anyone involved. She is a member of NYS Women Inc., the Kenmore Village Improvement Society and the Romulus Women's Club. As part of the Romulus Women's Club, Michele has even chaired two major charity events to help raise money for cancer research and Loaves and Fishes. A strong proponent and advocate of women's rights, Michele was honored by the YWCA of the Tonawandas with the Marybeth Lawton Leadership Award in 2009. There is no doubting how lucky our community has been to have her, and how appreciative we remain that she still has an influence through her work as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister of the St. John the Baptist Church in Kenmore. It is with great pride that I stand today to recognize the achievements of Michele Iannello-Ward, an incredibly dedicated and outstanding woman in our community.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the war record and accomplishments of a local military hero, Mr. Joseph Dispenza, who recently turned 92. A resident of Cheektowaga for the vast majority of his life, Joseph Dispenza was born in Buffalo and enlisted into active service November 6, 1942. He was just 21 years of age when he became the tail gunner in the Army Air Force for a B-24 D Liberator, ``Blessed Event.'' This plane was shot down in battle by Japanese fighters over the Pacific on New Year's Day 1944, with a hole blown into the ``Blessed Event'' the size of a bathtub. Two of Joseph's ten comrades were killed. The other eight were shot from shrapnel, including Joseph. Protecting his compatriots, Joseph was courageously still able to shoot down an enemy plane before his own plane crash-landed with only one wheel remaining. The crew's chances for survival were so low that the army sent a telegram to Joseph's parents on Buffalo's West Side reporting their son's death. Humble and quietly brave, over the next 64 years, Joseph told his incredible survival story to no one, until he saw an old issue of Look magazine which had reported the events. Joseph never even applied for his medals; his family did so for him. Joseph deservedly was awarded the Purple Heart and Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, among other medals, though only received them recently, and this great Buffalonian, this great American, does not even see himself as a hero, deferring the label to his fallen brethren in arms. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing me a few moments to honor one of America's great defenders, who put his life and liberty on the line to protect our freedoms here at home. Joseph represents the best of American courage, humility, and strength, and with the recent celebration of Memorial Day, I am thankful for his nearly three years of service in World War II, from which he was honorably discharged, and his service for all Americans.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the remarkable life and legacy of retired New York State Supreme Court Justice Frank A. Sedita, Jr., who passed away on June 16, 2013, at the age of 78. Judge Sedita was a key member of a long-respected local political family in my hometown of Buffalo, New York. He was the son of the late three-term Buffalo Mayor Frank A. Sedita and was the father of Erie County's current District Attorney, Frank A. Sedita III. He started off as an impressive student, graduating summa cum laude from Canisius College, and subsequently earned his law degree from the University at Buffalo, gaining admission to the bar in 1961. Judge Sedita's dedication and work ethic led to great professional success, as he started in private practice, working in trial and family law until 1968, when he achieved a 99 on a civil service test and was named an assistant city corporation counsel. From 1970-76, he served as senior deputy corporation counsel. While in the midst of a stint as an Erie County Family Court judge, Mr. Sedita ran unopposed for the position of Buffalo Chief City Court judge. Unafraid to tackle a tough job, Judge Sedita named himself a Housing Court judge in 1992, when no one else wanted to take the position, and received praise for his no-nonsense tack with slumlords, cracking down with a record number of fines and jailing many. He quickly became known as ``Maximum Frank.'' Following his service as the city's top jurist, he was elected to serve as a Justice of the New York State Supreme Court. On several occasions, the Western New York community recognized the great work of Judge Sedita as he was named the recipient of many awards for his successes in Housing Court, including the Buffalo News Outstanding Citizen award in 1992, the Buffalo Urban League Stewardship Award in 1993, and the West Side Business Association's Citizen of the Year Award, in 1994. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me and with Members of the House to express our deepest condolences to the family of the late Judge Frank A. Sedita, Jr., and join with me in recognizing the many good works he performed during his long and full career and life.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate Juneteenth. Each June 19, we observe Juneteenth to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth is observed in 42 States, including my home State of New York. In Buffalo, we are proud to have the third-largest Juneteenth celebration in the Nation. In Buffalo, we are also proud to have a rich history in the anti- slavery movement. The Michigan Street Baptist Church hosted abolitionist Frederick Douglass at an anti-slave gathering in 1843 and Booker T. Washington in 1910. Nearby, Buffalonian Mary Talbert opened her home to prominent African American leaders in the early 1900s and founded the Niagara Movement, which was a forerunner of the NAACP. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to honor Juneteenth to honor the strength of our Nation's African American heritage and to celebrate the promise of an even stronger future.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, unless Congress takes action, student loan rates will double on July 1. This is unacceptable. Access to affordable education is one of the most important issues to young people today, yet many graduates find themselves tens of thousands of dollars in debt as they leave school and try to enter the workforce. In New York State, 60 percent of college students graduate with some debt, averaging $27,000. Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to sign the discharge petition by Representative Joe Courtney, H.R. 1595, the Student Loan Relief Act, along with over 180 of my colleagues. This legislation would freeze the interest rate at its current 3.4 percent for the next 2 years. It's time for Republican leadership to acknowledge the urgency of this legislation and bring it to the floor. All Americans deserve a fair shot at a good and affordable education.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the extraordinary life of Mary Johnson, who passed away on June 7, 2013 at the age of 87. Mrs. Johnson, a fixture of Buffalo's Ellicott community, was a pioneering activist whose life was an unwavering crusade for the betterment of others. Mrs. Johnson was truly adored by her neighbors as a tireless advocate for the less fortunate. A nearly lifelong resident of the Frederick Douglass Housing complex, Mrs. Johnson was a fearless force dedicated to improving public housing in the community for more than fifty years. In 2001, the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority recognized her spirited volunteerism with the dedication of Mary Johnson Boulevard on Buffalo's East Side. An active, steady force for change, Mrs. Johnson gave her time and talents to myriad organizations focused on community advancement. She served on the board of directors of the Community Action Organization and was a member of the JFK Community Center, Urban League Education Auxiliary Group, AMVETS Auxiliary Post 5, Ellicott Neighborhood Advisory Council, and the YMCA Heart of the Home Club. Her tenure with the Buffalo Urban League alone spanned over twenty three years. Mrs. Johnson was an unselfish champion for her community and will be remembered as a lasting role model for those graced with her acquaintance. Her enduring contributions have made Buffalo a better city for generations to come. The love Mrs. Johnson poured into her community is equaled by her love of family. The wife of the late, great Billy Johnson, this caring mother is survived by her son, George Jr., and six daughters, Jean Ann Robinson, Estelle Arlene Blue, Catherine Lee Watkins, Virginia Beard, Anna Mae Hoskin, and Mary Harris. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a moment to remember the life of this remarkable woman. I ask my colleagues to join me in offering our sincere condolences to her family. I am grateful for her innumerable good works and inspired by her legacy.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our Nation's Hispanic-American veterans with the unveiling of the Hispanic-American Veterans' Memorial. Dedicated to the service of past, present, and future veterans, the memorial honors the courageous sacrifices and immense contributions by the Hispanic-American community while defending our Nation. Hispanic-Americans have a storied history in the armed forces. The legendary 65th Infantry Regiment, known as the ``Borinqueneers,'' was the only segregated Hispanic-American branch in the history of our military. Established in 1899, the regiment made significant contributions to the American effort in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Locally, the Gabriel A. Rodriguez American Legion Post Number 1928 primarily serves and honors Hispanic-American veterans. The Hispanic-American Veterans' Memorial is the first monument to Hispanic-American veterans in our region. Thanks to the efforts of countless individuals, including the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and the Western New York Hispanic American Veterans' Committee, these brave men and women will be memorialized permanently along the waterfront. Placed among many military memorials, the monument demonstrates the unity among our country's noble service men and women. The memorial features boots, a rifle, and a helmet arranged in a battlefield cross to remember fallen heroes. The flags of twenty-two countries are engraved on an ellipse with a kneeling soldier and a female soldier, representing the twenty-one countries where most Hispanic-American veterans trace their roots, and the United States. Four hundred sixty personalized bricks symbolize the sacrifices and history of those who have fallen in battle, and allow public and private engagement with those who are memorialized. It is with great pride that today I recognize the service of over one million Hispanic-American veterans with the unveiling of this memorial. I am immensely grateful for the commitment of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and the Western New York Hispanic-American Veterans' Committee to telling the stories of these heroes. Their service to our region and our Nation is inspiring, and I am proud that Western New Yorkers now have a place to reflect on their legacy.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, the original GI Bill was one of the most significant pieces of legislation in American history. It is responsible for providing education to a generation of veterans--the right to rise--and it transformed our Nation's economy from an industrial-based economy to a knowledge-based economy. Unfortunately, the GI Bill today sets forth limits for using these educational benefits. After leaving service, many veterans must postpone further education to support families or are unable to work due to lengthy rehabilitation from service-related injuries. GI Bill benefits should not come with an expiration date. We should provide our veterans greater flexibility. That's why I've introduced the Veterans Education Flexibility Act. This legislation would remove the expiration date for veterans in order for them to take advantage of the GI Bill's educational benefits, and it would retroactively restore benefits to individuals whose benefits have already expired. Mr. Speaker, caring for our veterans is more than thanking them for their service. On behalf of a good and generous Nation, we must restore the promise to and the potential of every returning veteran.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, this week, the House will take up Homeland Security appropriations legislation for fiscal year 2014. Unfortunately, this legislation, once again, limits the number of cities in the Urban Area Security Initiative program to 25. This is unacceptable. It excludes many cities that have been determined to be a high risk of a terror threat. The Buffalo-Niagara region, which I represent, includes four international border crossings and the busiest passenger crossing along the northern border with Canada; the largest electricity producer in New York State; and is within a 500-mile radius of 55 percent of the American population and 62 percent of the Canadian population. Recently, authorities thwarted a terror plot in which the target is thought to have been a bridge in Niagara Falls. It is unthinkable this bill should continue to exclude Buffalo from this important program it was once eligible for. Mr. Speaker, protecting the homeland should be a Federal Government priority. We should be doing more, not less, to protect our most vulnerable cities, including returning cities to this program and ensuring we maintain the capabilities gained under the program.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise with great solemnity to honor the life and service of a great man, Mr. Morton H. Abramowitz. Morton ``Mort'' was a tireless resident of Niagara Falls, NY who dedicated himself to the residents and to the betterment of his hometown. Mort was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls and proudly served his country in World War II as a Non-Commissioned Officer. He earned a degree in business from the University of Michigan as well as his Juris Doctor of Law Degree from the University at Buffalo. Mort was a distinguished attorney in Niagara Falls as well as former Niagara Falls City Manager, former Niagara County Attorney and was currently the legal advisor for the Niagara Falls City Council and Niagara Falls Library Board. Mort recognized the importance and inherent value in serving in a community, through his commitment to service in local government, and also through his devotion to his local congregation, the former Temple Beth Israel in Niagara Falls and Rotary International of the Niagara Falls, NY chapter, where he served as past-President. Mort also served as past President of the Jewish Federation and the Health Systems Agency. Mort also served as a volunteer for the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross. Service was a very important part of his life. One of Mort's quotes was ``service is the highest honor of any public servant.'' Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing me a few moments to honor the life and service of Morton H. Abramowitz. I ask my colleagues to join me in offering our sincere condolences to the family he leaves behind.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize my good friend Thomas 'Te' Caulfield as he receives the ``Civil Pride Award.'' Te's admirable work contributes greatly to the strength and vitality of our neighborhood in South Buffalo, New York. Te is a pillar in our tight-knit community. He embodies the Celtic values of hard work, loyalty, righteousness, and an inimitable sense of humor. Through his genuine love of Irish culture, Te builds a deep sense of community. Born and raised in South Buffalo, Te is a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas, and attended high school at Nichols. Te earned his bachelor's degree from Buffalo State College, and went to Vermont College for his master's degree in Irish Studies. Te has held positions as an adjunct lecturer, speaking to students at the University at Buffalo, Hilbert College, Daemon College and Ameri-Corps. A lifelong student, Te's extensive research includes the study of Irish language through Scoil Cultur na hEireann, Irish song and dance through Comhaltas Ceoltrori Eireann, Irish Gaelic identity, the Irish Famine in North Ulster, integrated education in Northern Ireland, and the study of Irish history through music. A dual citizen of the United States and Ireland and a member of the Irish American Cultural Institute, Irish Cultural and Folk Art Association, and the American Conference of Irish Studies, Te applies his research practically to advance cultural exchange. His efforts with the City of Buffalo Street Sign Project can be seen in the dual English and Gaelic street signs on each street in the South Buffalo Irish Heritage District. Te is involved in countless community organizations and annual events, often serving as the Master of Ceremonies or as one of the lead event coordinators. To name only a few, they include the South Buffalo Irish Feis, South Buffalo Education Center, the Greater Buffalo Feis, American Conference of Irish Studies, American Society of Public Administrators, Goin' South, Notre Dame Academy, Nichols Alumni Board, Buffalo Board of Education Ethics Committee, South Buffalo Reunion, Ride for Roswell, and multiple races, including the Buffalo Marathon and the race we celebrate today, the Mount Mercy Academy 5k. Te's love of his culture is matched only by his love for his family. Te is partner and best friend to Nancy Krug, father of Liam and Lauren Caulfield, a graduate of the Mount Mercy Academy class of 1992, and grandfather to Mairead and Brian Caulfield, the children of Liam and his wife Mary Kay. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me to recognize the great works and spirit of Te Caulfield. I am grateful for the generosity and passion he so willingly shares with us, and I am honored to call him my friend.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative represents our Nation's commitment to protecting the health of our Great Lakes, the largest source of fresh water in the world, representing $7 billion in economic activity annually. In western New York, the revitalization of Buffalo's Inner and Outer Harbor areas depends on efforts to restore the health of Lake Erie and the Buffalo River. The Environmental Protection Agency will soon host a series of public meetings to gain community input to guide the next phase of Great Lakes restoration, and one of the meetings will be held in Buffalo. Madam Speaker, the Great Lakes are a unique natural treasure with global significance. The Brookings Institution report shows that for every $1 invested in Great Lakes restoration, a $2 return in the form of increased fishing, tourism, and home values is achieved. It is our responsibility to ensure that the restoration initiative is fully funded in this year's appropriations, and also to be an active partner in protecting and restoring our Great Lakes.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Democrats' Make It In America Working Group, I was pleased to attend a ceremony yesterday welcoming Longaberger Pottery to Niagara Ceramics Corporation in Buffalo. In 2005, Longaberger moved its production line to China. Its return will create 22 American jobs. Under CEO Tammy Longaberger, this fifth- generation family business manufactures in the true American artisan tradition. This story is further evidence that we are approaching what the writer Charles Fishman calls ``the insourcing boom.'' American companies are reconsidering their decisions to move operations overseas. The issues of rising transportation costs, quality control, and the productivity of American workers is driving this trend. Congress should be working to ensure the new trend becomes a sustainable, large-scale movement. And austerity is exactly the wrong response. We should be investing in our infrastructure, in education, and in science. We should adopt the House Democrats' Make It In America agenda, including legislation that replaces tax breaks for moving jobs overseas with incentives for bringing them home.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Homeland Security Committee adopted my amendment to block a study of new fees for passengers and pedestrians crossing our borders. A similar amendment was successfully included in the Senate legislation last week. The consensus for blocking this tax is welcome, but not surprising. Cross-border travel is central to the economic viability of border communities, including my own in western New York. Last year, 3 million Canadians visited our region, spending nearly $1 billion. Canadians rely on seamless travel at one of my district's five border crossings to travel from the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, area businesses, and to attend sporting and cultural events. Mr. Speaker, with the bipartisan support, bicameral support for this issue, I suggest that language blocking the border fees should be included in the upcoming immigration reform legislation. This is a senseless tax. It's counterproductive, and we should take every action to prevent it.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ansar Khan and James O'Leary, inventors of the revolutionary Ambur Point of Sale app, as they are honored by the Amherst Chamber of Commerce as recipients of the 2013 Trailblazer Award. Ansar Khan immigrated from Pakistan to Buffalo, New York in 2001 with his family. Inspired to share their culinary traditions with their new community, the Khan family opened Kabab & Curry, an Indian and Pakistani restaurant on Transit Road in East Amherst, New York. Ansar worked in the restaurant from the time he was 11 years old, providing him with an intimate understanding of all facets of the restaurant industry. James O'Leary met Ansar at Williamsville North High School. James worked server at Kabab & Curry, but his true passions were Apple products and computer programming. Together, Ansar and James developed the Ambur Point of Sale mobile application to empower independent restaurant owners to regain control of their business. Previously, aspiring entrepreneurs had only two options for managing the moment at which a transaction occurs. The difficult point of sale software inhibited aspiring entrepreneurs and frustrated small business owners. Ambur Point of Sale's straightforward, customizable design provides a simple solution for restaurant owners to wirelessly manage their business. The product has become an international success. Ansar and James remain local, housing their business in the University at Buffalo Technology Incubator. Their seven additional employees primarily hail from Western New York and most attended the University at Buffalo. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing me to recognize these two mobile software pioneers for their incredible contributions. Ansar and James are brilliant young entrepreneurs and I look forward to seeing what their careers hold. I wish them the absolute best in all their future endeavors.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bean Media Productions as they are honored by the Amherst Chamber of Commerce as the recipient of the 2013 President's Award. Bean Media Productions was founded in 2006 by Mike Bean to provide a wide variety of digital marketing services to local companies. As the internet became ubiquitous, Bean Media kept pace, adopting a sophisticated business strategy emphasizing web marketing and web media development. Bean Media excelled at internet marketing. The firm developed advanced strategies, using popular search engines and media sharing sites like Google and Youtube to access consumers, broadening their clients' reach through promoting videos online. As a web marketing company with foundations in traditional media marketing, Bean Media Productions appeals to a wide audience, from the consumers of today to the future base of our economy. Bean Media's focus on local companies is commendable. The success of such an advertising firm instills confidence in consumers to purchase local goods, ensuring our small businesses remain competitive with larger national chains. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize Mike Bean and Bean Media Productions for their excellence in advertising and great efforts to promote business in Western New York.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Moses Insurance Group and its members as they are honored by the Amherst Chamber of Commerce with the 2013 Family Owned Business Award. The Moses Insurance Group was founded by Charles ``Herky'' Moses in 1955. Herky was a true community servant with an incredible work ethic. During World War II, he served his country by joining the Marines. Herky later continued his service as a volunteer firefighter, coach, and community youth mentor, in addition to being an active member of several service organizations including the Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus, Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts of America, George Lamm Post, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The Moses Insurance Group remains a family-owned business. Herky's son Robert joined the firm in 1977, followed by his sons Ken in 1979 and Douglas in 1984. Robert and Ken remain with the firm to this day, serving as President and Vice President, respectively. Their sister, Carole, and brother, Charles Jr., came on board in 1988. Carole serves as the Human Resources Department and keeps the company's books, while Charles worked part-time as a sales producer. Jeffrey Moses, a member of the third generation of the Moses family, is the newest hire, after receiving his P&C Insurance Brokers' License in 2008. Inspired by Herky's tradition of service, the members of the Moses Insurance Agency are active in many service organizations today. Agency owners are members of or volunteers with the Independent Insurance Agents Association, Trusted Choice Agents, Amherst Chamber of Commerce, Williamsville Business Association, Western New York Food Shuttle, Amherst Lions Club, Amherst Senior Citizens Foundation, several committees at St. Leo the Great and St. Gregory the Great churches, Sacred Heart Academy High School, American Heart Association Walk-a- thon, Cancer Diamond Society Ball, and the Boy Scouts of America Troop 431. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize the good works of this service-minded, family-owned business. I admire their commitment to our community and am grateful for their continued involvement.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Tom Ulbrich as he is awarded the 2013 Small Business Advocate of the Year Award by the Amherst Chamber of Commerce. Few have been so generous with their time and talents as Tom Ulbrich. As one of our community's most passionate advocates for small business, and a business owner himself, Tom intimately understands the incredible significance of entrepreneurship to the economy and culture of the United States of America. Tom has selflessly dedicated his personal and professional work to small business advocacy. Tom is a member of the National Federation for Independent Business's New York State Leadership team, and a frequent author and orator on topics concerning the importance of small business and entrepreneurship to the vitality of the American economy. A testament to Tom's insights is his recent TED talk, ``Is There a Better Way?'' which explores the necessity of developing entrepreneurial skills and spirit in students from a young age. In a world where modern technology and unprecedented access to information have rendered entrepreneurial skills essential, Tom's keen business sense and inimitable knowledge are invaluable. Currently, Tom serves as the Executive Director of the University at Buffalo School of Management's Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. Since assuming the role in 2008, Tom has worked tirelessly to advance the Center's mission of invigorating the Western New York economy and community through entrepreneurial development. Under Tom's direction, the Center has expanded its sophisticated interdisciplinary approach to educating emerging business leaders. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me to recognize Tom Ulbrich, a true champion for the American economy.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize MBMS, Inc. as it is honored by the Amherst Chamber of Commerce as the 2013 First Niagara Bank Sponsor's Award winner. Founded in 1985 by James E. Kunert, MBMS, Inc. initially focused on mortgage servicing system consulting and software development for mortgage servicing and risk management systems. Under the pressure of an increasingly digital economy, Gary Andalora joined MBMS in 1987 and worked with James to expand the software development business. One year later, MBMS chose to focus on software development exclusively. Despite initial struggles, by 1992 MBMS had grown into a firmly established company. Today, their clients include 9 out of the 10 largest banks in the nation. MBMS remains American-owned and domestically based, providing all services from their main office in Amherst, New York. A winner of the ``Best Companies to Work for in New York State'' for the past four consecutive years, MBMS's loyalty and dedication to their employees undoubtedly contributes to their success. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me to recognize MBMS, Inc. for their 27 years of service to Western New York and our nation. I wish them the best of luck in all their future endeavors.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Williamsville Business Association as it is honored by the Amherst Chamber of Commerce as the 2013 Small Business Organization of the Year. The Williamsville Business Association was established 28 years ago to promote positive economic development in the village of Williamsville. Since its beginnings, the Association has garnered a membership of over 130 business and professional leaders. The Association is a centralized resource for the business community, government, and village residents, which encourages cooperation between key economic actors in the village. By providing a platform for collaboration, the Association fosters a cohesive vision for the future of Williamsville. The Williamsville Business Association has been tremendously successful in their mission to transform the village into a destination. Williamsville is known locally, regionally and internationally for its shops, music, arts, and cultural life, regularly attracting from across Western New York and as far away as Canada. Their website features every event and activity occurring in the village, ranging from farmers markets and concerts to the discounts offered by village shops. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize the Williamsville Business Association. I am grateful for their outstanding efforts towards developing Western New York's economy.