Richard Hudson

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Pinecrest High School Women's Golf Team on winning their second straight state championship. Last month, for the second straight year and the sixth time in school history, the women of Pinecrest High School have brought the North Carolina High School Athletic Association championship back home to Southern Pines. The Patriots won this year's championship by a hefty 10 strokes over their closest rival, Northwest Guilford. After this year's victory, Pinecrest is tied for the most N.C. High School Athletic Association girls' golf titles of all time. Additionally, Pinecrest placed three individual golfers in the top 12 and four in the top 17. The coaches and players of the Pinecrest Women's Golf Team have brought great pride to both their school and all of Moore County. I wish them all the best and hope to see them continue their great success next season. Go Patriots! Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating the coaches and golfers of Pinecrest High School on their victory in this year's N.C. High School Athletic Association 4A girls' golf state championship.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Chief Deputy William ``Richard'' Maness on his retirement from the Moore County Sheriff's Office and to thank him for his more than 37 years of total law enforcement service. Maness is a born and bred native of Moore County, North Carolina. He grew up in Robbins, attended North Moore High School and went on to college at Appalachian State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Shortly after graduation, he began what would be a dynamic career in law enforcement. Over the course of his career, Maness would serve in various law enforcement capacities across the state. In 1990, Maness joined the North Carolina State Highway Patrol where he rose the ranks, achieving the rank of Captain before his retirement from the group in 2014. After leaving the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, he took a position as the school resource officer with STARs Charter School. Eventually, in 2018, Sheriff Ronnie Fields appointed Richard as his Chief Deputy, a position he has served in up until this day. Maness' dedication to service and constant willingness to step up when needed is commendable and inspiring. It has been an honor serving the people of Moore County alongside him and I wish him all the best as he begins this next chapter of his life. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recognizing William ``Richard'' Maness for his great service to our community and the great state of North Carolina.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor George Little for his great service to Sandhills Community College (SCC) and to thank him for serving as Chairman of SCC's Board of Trustees. Earlier this month, George announced that he was stepping down as Chairman of the SCC Board of Trustees, a role he has served in for almost four decades. George became board chair in 1985 and under his leadership both the college and our community at large have grown tremendously. When George became Chairman, SCC was still a small, growing institution. However, George saw its potential as an academic institution and development driver. During his tenure, SCC has risen to become an academic powerhouse and established an endowment of over $50 million, a sum unheard of at the community college level. George is a nationally recognized academic leader, great American and dear friend. While he will continue to serve on the college's board, I certainly know he will be missed at the helm. That being said, I know he will continue to serve with vigor and have full faith that his chosen successor, Larry Caddell, will be able to carry on George's great work. George's dedication to service and constant willingness to step up when needed is commendable and inspiring. It has been an honor serving the people of Moore County alongside him. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recognizing George Little for his service to our community and the great state of North Carolina.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Chief Carl Colasacco on his retirement from the Aberdeen Police Department and to thank him for his more than 31 years of law enforcement service. Colasacco's esteemed law enforcement career began over three decades ago in 1992, when he started as a reserve officer with the Pinebluff Police Department. Over the course of his career, he would serve in various law enforcement capacities across our community. In 1995, Colasacco joined the Aberdeen Police Department, where he steadily rose the ranks. He served as a patrol officer, detective, Captain, Deputy Chief and, eventually, Chief of Police. The wealth of knowledge and experience Colasacco has provided is astounding and I think I speak for the whole of our community when I say he will be dearly missed as he enters retirement. Colasacco's dedication to service and constant willingness to step up when needed is commendable and inspiring. It has been an honor serving the people of Moore County alongside him and I wish him all the best as he begins this next chapter of his life. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recognizing Chief Carl Colasacco for his great service to our community and the great state of North Carolina.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr, Speaker, I rise today to honor Stuart Mills on being named as the Man of the Year by the Moore County Community Foundation. Stuart Mills' impact on Moore County is similarly robust and wide ranging. He has and continues to work in many important community leadership roles, including as Chairman of The Given Tufts Foundation, director of Pinehurst's Village Heritage Foundation, as well as board Chairman and trustee of The O'Neal School. Likewise, Governor Roy Cooper appointed Stuart to North Carolina's Financial Literacy Council last year. Stuart's most prominent community role is as Executive Director of Partners for Children and Families, a private nonprofit organization promoting early childhood development in Moore County. Stuart's dedication to the people of Moore County is without question. His many years of service are both commendable and inspiring. I know I speak for everyone in our community when I say that we are grateful for all he has done to improve the place we call home. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring Stuart Mills on being named Man of the Year and to thank him for all he has done for the people of Moore County.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Senator Jim Perry for his great service to the state of North Carolina and to offer my best wishes as he enters the next chapter of his career. Earlier this month, Jim announced that he would not file for re- election for the North Carolina Senate after serving three terms. Jim has served in the state senate since 2019, and in that time, did much to support his constituents of the 2nd district and the state as a whole. He is a staunch supporter of North Carolina's agricultural industry, rural communities as well as our military personnel. What's more--Jim is a leader within the Senate itself, currently serving as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and is a Member of the Committees on Commerce and Insurance Health Care, Redistricting and Elections and Rules and Operations of the Senate. In his time, he's served in leadership roles on numerous other Committees. Furthermore, he also serves as Majority Whip, to which he was elected unanimously during his first term in office. Jim is a born and bred son of North Carolina, great American and dear friend. Jim's dedication to service and constant willingness to step up when needed is commendable and inspiring. It has been an honor serving the people of North Carolina alongside him and I wish him the best in all his future endeavors. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recognizing Senator Jim Perry for his service to our community and the great state of North Carolina.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Amie Fraley on being named Woman of the Year by the Moore County Community Foundation. A resident of Whispering Pines, Amie Fraley has headed Habitat for Humanity of the NC Sandhills since 2014. Through providing financial backing, volunteering and advocacy services, Habitat for Humanity of the NC Sandhills helps families gain the strength and stability needed to build better lives for themselves. Under her leadership, this organization engages in fundraising efforts to construct numerous homes and provide critical repairs to around 50 homes annually. Amie hopes, and expects, to reach 1,000 families helped in the coming year. Beyond her work with Habitat, Amie is an active member of the Southern Pines Rotary Club, Moore County Chamber of Commerce, as well as other community service focused groups. Amie's dedication to the people of Moore County is without question. Her many years of service are both commendable and inspiring. I know I speak for everyone in our community when I say that we are grateful for all she has done to better the place we call home. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring Amie Fraley on being named Woman of the Year and to thank her for all she has done for the people of Moore County.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the student athletes of Sandhills Community College's (SCC) Women's Golf Team on being recognized as Academic All-Americans by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). SCC has a proud history of both academic and athletic excellence and is a regional leader on both fronts. I was proud to see so many SCC student athletes carry on this great tradition and be named to the 2022-2023 Academic Teams of the Year. In particular, I would like to recognize the SCC Women's Golf Team and the following members of this team on their achievement of this honor. Student athletes, Ava Ray and Trinity Ahing. Their great success in the classroom is proof that each of them truly embody what it means to be a student athlete. I think I speak for everyone in our community when I say they have made Pinehurst and the whole of Moore County proud. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recognizing the SCC Women's Golf Team for this great achievement and to wish them continued success both on the green and in the classroom.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the student athletes of Sandhills Community College (SCC) on achieving GPAs of high remark. SCC has a proud history of both academic and athletic excellence and is a regional leader on both fronts. I was proud to see so many SCC student athletes carry on this great tradition. In particular, I would like to recognize the following members of these teams on their achievement of this honor. Student athletes, Ava Ray, Trinity Ahing of the Women's Golf team, Emma Brown, Lannah Huneycutt, Keke Lawrence, Alyssa Maragelis, Anna Ty Ivey, Jalasia Ray, Mackenzie Swett, Rachel Burley, Olivia Barlowe Britta Martin of the Beach and Court Volleyball teams, Alon Hanani, Isaiah Nelson, Zac Sledge, Sam Stoltz, Kendall Wooldridge, and LeNijel Robinson of the Basketball team, and Logan Hay, Noah Maness, Alex Martin, Liam Harris, Supinat Rvjiranan and Ben Read of the Men's Golf team. Their great success in the classroom is proof that each of them truly embody what it means to be a student athlete. I think I speak for everyone in our community when I say they have made Pinehurst and the whole of Moore County proud. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recognizing the SCC Athletics Department for this great achievement and to wish them continued success both on the court and in the classroom.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the student athletes of Sandhills Community College's (SCC) Court and Beach Volleyball Teams on being recognized as Academic All-Americans by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). SCC has a proud history of both academic and athletic excellence and is a regional leader on both fronts. I was proud to see so many SCC student athletes carry on this great tradition and be named to the 2022-2023 Academic Teams of the Year. In particular, I would like to recognize the SCC Court and Beach Volleyball teams and the following members of these teams on their achievement of this honor. Student athletes, Emma Brown, Lannah Huneycutt, Keke Lawrence, Alyssa Maragelis, Anna Ty Ivey, Jalasia Ray, Mackenzie Swett, Rachel Burley, Olivia Barlowe and Britta Martin. Their great success in the classroom is proof that each of them truly embody what it means to be a student athlete. I think I speak for everyone in our community when I say they have made Pinehurst and the whole Moore County proud. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recognizing the SCC Court and Beach Volleyball teams for this great achievement and to wish them continued success both on the court and in the classroom.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Veteran Golfers Association on reaching a membership of 20,000 people. The Veteran Golfers Association originated as an idea amongst wounded veterans at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC. Several friends routinely got together to play golf courses around the area to encourage each other to improve their game and heal through camaraderie and competition. After recovering from their injuries, these friends relocated around the country and missed the opportunity to compete against one another regularly. Realizing that other Veterans might be in this same situation, these friends got together in 2014 to create the Veteran Golfers Association, which is currently based out of Pinehurst, North Carolina. The VGA is the first golfing organization dedicated to promoting the game to all veterans and their family members and annually hosts more than 450 local tournaments across the country. The VGA develops programs that allow members to compete, socialize, and remain physically active through the game of golf. Through league play, regional tournaments, and national qualifiers, the VGA helps reinforce values like integrity, respect, and perseverance through the game of golf. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recognizing the Veteran Golfers Association on this momentous occasion and thanking them for all they do for our shared home of North Carolina.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Chief Warrant Officer (CW5) Scott Gronowski on his retirement and to honor him for his many years of dedicated service in the defense of our Nation. Scott enlisted in the Army as an infantryman in 1989 and undertook one of the most remarkable and decorated military careers I have seen. While serving as an infantryman, Scott attended Airborne School and Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia. He eventually went on to serve in the 2nd Battalion of the prestigious 75th Ranger Regiment In 1997, he completed the Special Forces Qualification Course, earning him the coveted Green Beret. Scott went on to become a Warrant Officer in 2002 and served in numerous leadership and educational roles within the Army. His remarkable career culminated with his appointment as the Command Chief Warrant Officer for 1st Special Forces Command, where he served from April 2021 until June of 2023. Throughout his career, Scott deployed on numerous occasions in support of U.S. operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan. As a result of his bravery, Scott received many medals and distinctions including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Assault Badge, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, among many others. All of these accomplishments merely scratch the surface of Scott's illustrious military career. CW5 Scott Gronowski's dedication to the U.S. Army and the United States is both commendable and inspiring. I know I speak for the whole of our community when I wish Scott the very best as he begins this next chapter of his life. I thank Scott for his courage and sacrifice. Mr Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Scott Gronowski on his retirement and thanking him for his decades of dedicated service to our military and Nation.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ron Maness on his retirement as Moore County Airport Director. A native of Moore County. Maness displayed a deep passion for the skies throughout his entire career. After graduating from UNC Chapel Hill as a member of the Air Force ROTC, Maness joined the United States Air Force and flew the premier interceptor jet of his time, the supersonic F-106. As his Air Force career progressed, he was promoted to the Air Force precision flight squadron, the Thunderbirds, one of the highest honors an Air Force Pilot can receive. After his time in the military ended, Maness served as a pilot to U.S. Airways (now American Airlines) for 22 years. Much like his time in the Air Force, Maness' commitment to service and skilled leadership continued during his civilian career. Maness first became Moore County Airport Director in 2004 and would go on to serve in this role on four separate occasions. Each time, Maness set aside everything to answer the call to serve his community. Maness' dedication to service and constant willingness to step up when needed is commendable and inspiring. It has been an honor serving the people of Moore County alongside him. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Ron Maness on his retirement and thanking him for his decades of dedicated service to Moore County and our entire Nation.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate my friend David Whisenant on his retirement from WBTV after 32 years of service. David Whisenant started his news career at Salisbury-based radio station WSTP while in high school in 1976. He went on to attend Appalachian State University, earning degrees in both Political Science and English. Throughout his four years, he worked at a radio station in Boone, North Carolina. After graduation, David returned to Salisbury and started a full-time job at WSTP. When WBTV first created their bureau in Salisbury, David sent a handwritten letter to the news director expressing his interest in working for the station. David started at WBTV as a stringer and within a year was promoted to General Assignment Reporter. David would go on to provide coverage for Charlotte as well as Salisbury, Concord, and Kannapolis. In his words, he would go ``wherever they send me.'' Some of David's biggest stories include the Pillowtex/NC Research Campus developments, the tragic fire at Salisbury Millworks, the funeral of President Ronald Reagan, NASCAR-related stories, and coverage and updates of Hurricane Katrina. I think I speak for the whole of our community here in North Carolina in wishing David all the best as he begins this next chapter of life. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recognizing David Whisenant's retirement from WBTV and his 32 years of service to the people of North Carolina.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and missed the vote. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 546, NAY on Roll Call No. 545, and NAY on Roll Call No. 544.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Bojangles on being named one of the top ten regional fast-food restaurants in the country according to USA Today's Readers' Choice 2023. Bojangles opened back in 1977 in Charlotte, North Carolina and has since spread nationwide, operating around 800 locations throughout the Midwest, South and up and down the East Coast. However, Bojangles has remained true to its Carolina roots and is a regional staple, specializing in perfectly seasoned fried chicken, biscuits and, of course, all the fixings. I have been a big fan of Bojangles since I was a boy growing up in North Carolina. To this day, one of my favorite parts about going home after a long stint in Washington is being able to sit down and enjoy Bojangles with my family, friends, or staff. Bojangles is a cultural icon and an esteemed member of our community in North Carolina. Its economic and community impact on our state is astounding and I look forward to continuing to work with them to see what they will accomplish in the future. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recognizing Bojangles, its leaders, and employees on this momentous occasion and thanking them for all they do for our shared home of North Carolina.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Biscuitville on being named the number one top regional fast-food restaurant in the country according to USA Today's Readers' Choice 2023. Biscuitville opened in 1966 in Burlington, North Carolina and has since spread nationwide, operating around 70 locations across the region. However, Biscuitville has remained true to its North Carolina roots and is a regional staple, best known for its famous fresh biscuits and biscuit sandwiches. I have been a big fan of Biscuitville since I was a young boy in North Carolina. To this day, one of my favorite parts about going home after a long stint in Washington is being able to sit down and enjoy Biscuitville with my family, friends, or staff. Biscuitville is a cultural icon and an esteemed member of our community in North Carolina. Its economic and community impact on our state is astounding and I look forward to continuing to work with them to see what they will accomplish in the future. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recognizing Biscuitville, its leaders, and employees on this momentous occasion and thanking them for all they do for our shared home of North Carolina.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Cook Out on being named one of the top ten regional fast-food restaurants in the country according to USA Today's Readers Choice 2023. Cook Out opened in 1989 in Greensboro, North Carolina and has since spread nationwide, operating more than 300 locations across the Southern United States. However, Cook Out has remained true to its Carolina roots and is a regional staple, best known for its famous tray combos and delicious milkshakes. I have been a big fan of Cook Out since I was growing up in North Carolina. To this day, one of my favorite parts about going home after a long stint in Washington is being able to sit down and enjoy Cook Out with my family, friends, or staff. Cook Out is a cultural icon and an esteemed member of our community in North Carolina. Its economic and community impact on our state is astounding and I look forward to continuing to work with them to see what they will accomplish in the future. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recognizing Cook Out, its leaders, and employees on this momentous occasion and thanking them for all they do for our shared home of North Carolina.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker pro tempore, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 10 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker pro tempore, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Chief Gary Gacek on his retirement from the Concord Police Department and to honor his many years of faithful service to the people of Concord, North Carolina. Gacek began his career in law enforcement with the Milwaukee Police Department. where he served in a variety of roles over the course of 25 years. He began his role as Chief of Police of the Concord Police Department in July 2015. Under his leadership, Concord became one of the safest cities in the state, with crime rates hitting their lowest levels in over twenty years. Gacek implemented numerous reforms and initiatives that helped modernize the department, reduce crime and develop the community. Some of these reforms include the implementation of an evidence-based community policing strategy. updating the department's technology and information systems, expanding the department's analytical and intelligence capabilities. and developing several community engagement initiatives, among many others. Perhaps one of his greatest initiatives was the creation of the Concord Police Foundation, which supports Concord Police Department employees and their families and helps make Concord a safer community to live and work. Gacek established this program in 2021 in honor of Concord Officer Jason Shuping who was tragically killed in the line of duty on December 16, 2020. I have known Chief Gacek for many years and witnessed firsthand the tremendous work he has done for the people of Concord. I am proud to call him my friend and know I speak for the whole community when I wish him well in this next chapter of his life. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, please join me today in congratulating Gary Gacek on his retirement and to thank him for his many years of dedicated service.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to honor the public service of a long-time member of my team, George Elliott Guffin IV, and wish him success as he enters the next stage of his career. A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Elliott is a proud graduate of the University of Mississippi--a fact he will share with you within five minutes of meeting him. Elliott began his congressional service in the United States Senate in the office of Senator Roger Wicker prior to joining my staff in May 2016 and beginning a long tenure of service to the people of North Carolina's 8th, and later 9th, Congressional District. As a young staff assistant, Elliott excelled at many things. His sunny disposition, eagerness to learn, and dedication to public service are the main reasons why I didn't fire him that time he forgot and stranded a scheduled tour group at the White House. However, my faith in Elliott was rewarded as he grew to be a trusted advisor, mentor to others, an exceptional leader, and a valued part of the team. Advancing as a legislative correspondent, legislative aide, legislative assistant, senior legislative assistant, legislative director, deputy chief of staff, and chief of staff, Elliott never wavered in his commitment to serving our constituents. Over the years, he helped me secure legislation to push for the paving of roads for the Green Gap community in the Uwharrie National Forest--a process that will soon come to fruition. In addition, Elliott helped me secure multiple pieces of legislation to address the needs of our farmers, expand rural broadband access for North Carolinians, and increase support for our region's troops, military families, and veterans. I am especially proud of the work Elliott accomplished in defense of the Second Amendment, drafting legislation with me to harden and secure schools and pushing for concealed carry reciprocity. Over the years, Elliott has established himself as a trusted leader and friend to his colleagues. He was the backbone of our office--always willing to do whatever was needed to help the team. I have been impressed by the attention Elliott gave to his managerial role by setting aside time to work with each member of our staff in order to help them develop into great congressional staffers. Through his dedicated leadership, Elliott has taken what has always been a great team and built an exceptional one by understanding the values and motivations of his peers. Of all his tremendous achievements for North Carolina and the country, I am most proud of the man I've had the privilege to watch him grow into. I always tell my staff that over all things, family is first. Elliott has taken this to heart since day one, even ensuring I made it to my son's soccer game as we drove from the opposite end of North Carolina. I've been able to see the same values watching him get married and start his own family, starting with his lovely wife, Ariel, and their beloved dog, Moose. Elliott Guffin made a difference. He made a difference to me and to his colleagues. He made a difference in the lives of my constituents. He made a difference to this institution. And he made a difference to the United States of America. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, please join me today in congratulating Elliott Guffin for more than seven years of incredible service to the House of Representatives and to the people of North Carolina, and wishing he, Ariel, and Moose the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Donald Woodfield. Sadly, Mr. Woodfield passed away on September 3, 2023, at the age of 81. Donald Woodfield was born in Buffalo, New York on November 24, 1941. A lifelong patriot, Mr. Woodfield joined the U.S. Air Force, where he proudly served for 8 years, including during the Vietnam War. Among his many awards were the Vietnam Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Shortly after leaving the military, he was called again to a life of serving others and he pursued his passion of being a teacher. He served as an educator for over 30 years, both teaching and coaching at B'Nai Shalom, Ballinger Academy, Greensboro Day School in Greensboro, and finally The O'Neal School in Southern Pines. Mr. Woodfield had a profound love of teaching and mentoring young people, a notion that carried into nearly every aspect of his life. He was an avid golfer, pickle baller and active member of the local Southern Pines Veteran of Foreign Wars Post No. 7318, serving as quartermaster and holding numerous roles in the Military Order of the Cooties. Perhaps most importantly, Mr. Woodfield was a man of faith, who loved God and his family above all else. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring the life of Donald Woodfield and to offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Energizer Holdings on its 75th anniversary in Asheboro, North Carolina. Energizer Holdings is a dynamic and diverse company, operating within a wide range of industries and producing an equally wide range of products and services. Perhaps best known for Energizer batteries and its bunny mascot, this company also runs Rayovac and Eveready, as well as prominent auto care brands like Armor All and STP. Energizer's impact on our Nation's economy is tremendous, especially within my community in North Carolina. Energizer set up shop in Asheboro, North Carolina 75 years ago and has since remained an economic staple of the community. Energizer hosts hundreds of high paying, local jobs and has brought in millions of dollars in economic development into the region. Yet, its impact is soon to grow even more. Last spring, Energizer announced a new investment of $43 million into its Asheboro-based facilities that will add 143 new jobs with wages far above the average for the county. This investment will greatly benefit both the city of Asheboro and our region at-large. Energizer is an esteemed member of our community down in North Carolina. Its economic and community impact is astounding, and I am pleased that they have called Asheboro home for the last 75 years. I look forward to continuing to work with Energizer to see what they will accomplish in the future. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recognizing Energizer, its leaders, and employees on this momentous occasion and to thank them for all they do for the community in Randolph County.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Joyce Hamlett on her retirement from the House Office of Chamber Security and honor her many years of faithful service to the U.S. House of Representatives and the American people. A native of Broadway, North Carolina, Joyce was raised in a home where faith and integrity were cherished above all else. These virtues remain the guiding principles of her life and helped to define her time here on Capitol Hill. Joyce left North Carolina for Washington in the early 1980s to begin a job as a sandwich maker at the Capitol Cafe. She quickly rose through the ranks and eventually took a position with chamber security. She is known for her hard work ethic and stark reputation as a no-nonsense enforcer of the House's many rules and traditions. She has no issue being tough on journalists, visitors, and members alike when they step out of line. Yet, she also possesses a deep affection for lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, many of whom she views as family. All this eventually led to her appointment as Assistant Sergeant at Arms, where she serves in the important role as Keeper of the Mace of the House of Representatives. Joyce's impact on the history and character of this chamber is without question. I was elated to hear that, upon her retirement, she will be moving to Sanford, North Carolina, a town in the heart of my district. I look forward to serving as her representative and can't wait to welcome her into our community. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Joyce Hamlett on her retirement and to thank her for her decades of dedicated service to this chamber.