Billy Long

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Daniel ``Tiny'' Cross of Bolivar, Missouri, whose hand-carved hobo nickels have been included in the National Numismatic Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Tiny became interested in numismatics quite some years ago, collecting hobo coins, specifically, about a decade ago, and carving his own about two years ago. In 2003, he joined the American Numismatic Association and, became the district representative for the State of Missouri. While attending a numismatic seminar in Colorado, he met the collection manager for the Smithsonian Institution National Numismatic Collection, and she found his coins very interesting. Unlike many numismatic artists, Tiny does all of his work by hand. A unique staple of Tiny's work includes golf hats carved on the bearded men on his coins. His work has captured the attention of many and will be a fantastic addition to the Smithsonian collection.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the Branson, Missouri theme park, Silver Dollar City, for winning the Golden Ticket Award for ``Best New Ride'' in the theme park industry for their new wooden roller coaster, Outlaw Run. This prestigious $10 million wooden roller coaster was also ranked seventh among the Top 50 Wooden Coasters Worldwide by Amusement Today magazine's awards on September 7, 2013, at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in California. Silver Dollar City was also voted as one of the Top 10 Best Theme Parks in the world--a first for Missouri. As an economic driver to the famous entertainment town of Branson, Missouri, Outlaw Run created an additional 100,000 visitors during summer 2013. These awards are a huge honor to Silver Dollar City. Silver Dollar City wanted to leave a worldwide footprint when it comes to family friendly destinations, and through hard work and determination was beyond successful.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John Matt Hutchinson for receiving the Boy Scouts' top award, the Honor Medal with Crossed Palms. The Honor Medal with Crossed Palms is described as the Scouting equivalent of the Medal of Honor. Since 1938, only 277 other Scouts nationwide have received the award. Matt earned the honor after the May 22, 2011, Joplin tornado when he exemplified outstanding leadership and bravery. Matt was ending his shift as a cook at St. John's Regional Medical Center when the storm hit. He sheltered six other people in a doorway during the storm. When the storm calmed down, the entire hospital was left in shambles and there were many people with serious injuries. Matt stepped up as a leader, getting help for people who needed first aid and making sure everyone was safe until help got there. Matt would like to recognize the following leaders that had an impact on his Scouting career that began in the first grade: Richard Sapp, Jon Mikrut, Dan and Mary McKenzie, Tom and Jeannette Rouse, Sean Simmons, Kurt Garner, Curtis Ware, Michael Mueller, Glenn Weibel, Dr. Raymond Grote, Bruce Turner, Jeff Hole, Dan Webber, Dan and Dolly Johnson, Kathy Bal, and Byron Haverstick. I am honored to recognize John Matt Hutchison for his courage and leadership.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 100th anniversary of the Historic Greene County Courthouse in Springfield, Missouri. The centennial will be celebrated on October 26, 2013. The Greene County Courthouse was the fourth courthouse built for county use. It was moved to the geographical center of the city in order to unite the cities of what had been North Springfield and Springfield. After many political and financial battles, construction began in 1909. The Historic Greene County Courthouse has proved important to economic growth, development, and prosperity for the city of Springfield and Greene County. The courthouse was a key part of the county's history and will be celebrated with displays, demonstrations, stories of numerous trials, as well as recognizing the elected officials who served in this grand building over the past 100 years. On a personal note, the Greene County Courthouse is very special to my family and me. My Great Grandfather, Judge Benjamin Jacob Diemer, was the presiding judge of the county court and helped lead the drive for the new courthouse. He was a key figure in getting the courthouse built on its current location. I am proud to honor the Greene County Courthouse's Centennial Anniversary.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Golden Living Center of McDonald County's Executive Director, Susan Woods, and Director of Nursing, Misty Furgenson, as recipients of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living 2013 Silver National Quality Award. Susan joined the facility in 1995 as a Certified Nursing Assistant. After holding just about every position in the living center, she became the Executive Director in 2005. Misty joined the Living Center as the Director of Nursing eight years ago. The Golden Living Center provides patients with quality health care in a comfortable living environment during their recoveries. Susan and Misty have led the McDonald County facility as a model of excellence in providing that care. The National Quality Award Program highlights facilities across the nation that serve as models in providing high-quality long-term care. Recipients of the Silver-Achievement award have demonstrated systematic advancement in quality, plans for continual improvement, and sustainable organizational goals. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Susan Woods and Misty Furgenson.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Bob Beine, Cheryl Burnett, Leon Combs, Charles Edwards, Dwayne Holden, Norm Ridder, Dr. Bharat Shah, Erick Taylor, Mike Williamson, Rudy Farber, C.J. Huff, and Glenna Wallace as this year's recipients of the Missourian Award. The Missourian Award recognizes Missourians who have positively impacted their communities, state, or nation through contributions in civics, arts, business, or politics. The late Charles Edwards was awarded for his many years of service at CoxHealth and Cox Medical Plaza. Bob Beine is the president of Beine Automotive Group and has served on the Ford Motor Co. National Dealer Council, the Ozarks Technical Community College Foundation board of directors, and the Springfield First Community Bank board of directors. Cheryl Burnett is director of development for Missouri State University, and served as coach of the Missouri State women's basketball team and is a member of two halls of fame. Leon Combs is the chair of the Skaggs Foundation and owner of the Beaver Creek Elk and Cattle Ranch. Dwayne Holden leads Custom Metalcraft Inc., a small business he started in 1977 that focuses on customized metal work. Norm Ridder has served as an advocate for children's issues, serving for eight years as Springfield Public Schools' superintendent. Dr. Bharat Shah has promoted health care innovation through his invention of four different medical devices. Erick Taylor is the president and CEO of Pyramid Foods, which operates 48 stores in Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas and frequently holds charity events. Mike Williamson led Empire Bank for 26 years and has held a number of leadership roles in the community. Glenna Wallace has been the chief of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe since 2006. Rudy Farber has served as CEO and president of Community Bank and Trust and former chairman of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. C.J. Huff was honored for his service as the superintendent of the Joplin R-VIII school district. Each of these recipients has served the community and nation in a unique way and made a positive impact for Southwest Missouri. The hard work and dedication to their respective fields and to the community displayed by these leaders is exceptional. I am proud of these honorees for each receiving the 2013 Missourian Award and even prouder to call them my neighbors; they make such an incredible positive impact on the Southwest Missouri community. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring their achievements.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize William St. Gemme, Commander of Springfield, Missouri's Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3404, to whom the VFW has given All American status as a Post Commander. William was drafted into the United States Army in November of 1967. He served in a number of locations, including Vietnam, as a Captain in the Medical Service Corps and was honorably discharged in October of 1971. William joined the VFW Post 3404 in 2005 and was named Commander in October of 2011. The title of All American Commander is the most prestigious honor given by the VFW. Out of more than 7,200 VFW Posts, only 204 VFW Post Commanders have been selected worldwide as an All American Commander. This honor is based on outstanding achievements in membership growth and participation in other VFW programs that benefit veterans and their communities. Post 3404 and the Ladies Auxiliary of Springfield, Missouri also received the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Outstanding Community Service Post Award. There were only 68 recipients of this award. These Posts are remarkable examples of nearly 12 million hours of community service throughout the U.S. valued at over $263 million performed by VFW volunteers last year. I am honored to recognize William's achievements as Post Commander of VFW Post 3404.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the outstanding public education career of Carl Fisher. Carl has been recognized as one of five 2013 Pioneers in Education in Missouri for his commitment and contributions to public education in Missouri. Since he was just 16 years old, Carl has been serving the children in Pleasant Hope as their school bus driver. Now 83, Carl has transported three generations of students to and from school for 66 extraordinary years. This remarkable feat makes Carl a Guinness World Record holder for the longest career as a school bus driver. However, Carl isn't the only one in his family with experience behind the wheel. Carl comes from a family of bus drivers where four out of five brothers, their father, uncle, and brothers-in-law all have served the community by safely getting students to and from school every day. I am extremely proud of the work Carl has done for the children and families of the Pleasant Hope community over the past 66 years. His steadfast determination of truly doing what he loves is admired by all. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Carl Fisher, recipient of the 2013 Pioneers in Education award in Missouri.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor SRC Electrical on their induction into the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). Founded in 1991 under the Springfield Remanufacturing Company umbrella, SRC Electrical has been a market leader in providing new and remanufactured rotating electrical components that include starters, alternators, and generators. For over twenty years, SRC Electrical has remained an employee-owned company based on the desire to redefine the art of remanufacturing and operates under Founder, President, and CEO Jack Stack's world-renowned open-book management business philosophy. Through hard work and dedication, SRC Electrical was awarded its Voluntary Protection Program approval in April 2013. SRC Electrical should be extremely proud of this achievement as worksites under the VPP boast some very impressive statistics. Working cooperatively between management, labor, and OSHA, companies under VPP work to prevent and reduce the chances of worksite fatalities, injuries, and illnesses through a rigorous onsite evaluation by a team of safety and health professionals. In fact, companies included in the program have an average Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred (DART) case rate 52 percent below the industry average. As of July 1, 2013, SRC Electrical reached 1.2 million safe hours without a lost time incident. Our nation needs strong and robust manufacturing companies like SRC Electrical. The hard working men and women who make up SRC Electrical are the backbone of our nation's manufacturing sector. I am honored to recognize SRC Electrical on its outstanding achievement and look forward to following its continued success.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Joplin High School's Jeremy Lynn for winning the Missouri Class 2 Boys State Tennis Championship. Jeremy's victory demonstrated hard work, dedication, and courage. Despite battling increasing pain during the match, he won the State championship and finished with a 36-1 record for the season. Jeremy's victory served as the capstone of a brilliant high school career. In addition to being a State champion, Jeremy is a three time district champion and a three time conference champion. His senior year established him amongst the Nation's best, ranking second in the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Missouri Valley region, as high as 47th in the entire Nation, and as the champion of the 2012 Boy's 18's USTA National Open Championship in Denver. Jeremy's accomplishments are not just tied to the court; they extend to the classroom. In his first semester of his senior year, Jeremy earned a 4.3 GPA, achieving academic all-conference status. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Jeremy Lynn on his Missouri Class 2 Boys State Tennis Championship and a stellar athletic and academic career.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor WinTech, Inc., as the U.S. Commerce Department's ``Make it in America'' Manufacturer of the Week for July 1-5, 2013, as part of their National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP). Founded in 1991, WinTech, Inc. custom manufactures high quality, cost-effective windows for metal and modular buildings. WinTech also manufactures access doors, view ports, and panels for the HVAC industry. The company recently added a new division which produces an innovative series of commercial windows and PTAC Louvers for the construction industry. Located in Monett, Missouri, for over twenty years, WinTech is an outstanding example of what the Manufacturing Extension Partnership aims to highlight. WinTech continues to develop innovative products, reach new markets, and create jobs through their company values of integrity, honesty, self discipline, and continuous improvement. It is these values that enable WinTech to live up to its mission of building quality, cost-effective products while striving each day to reach its full potential. The ingenuity, creativity, and hard work of American manufacturers helped build our nation, and it is our manufacturers that are vital to keeping our nation strong. I am honored to recognize WinTech, Inc. for their contributions and outstanding work in being named the NIST MEP ``Make it in America'' Manufacturer of the Week. I am proud of the work they do and jobs they provide for Missourians in the 7th District.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven Motel, located in Springfield, Missouri. Founded in 1938, the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven Motel has a long and storied history of serving Southwest Missouri and travelers from all over the United States. Brothers Elwyn and Lawrence Lippman built the original motel on their grandfather's apple orchard located on the eastern city limits of Springfield and Route 66. From 1938 and on, the Lippman brothers continued to expand their motel to accompany more customers. In 1948, the Best Western motel chain was founded and Lawrence began to serve on their board of directors in 1951, making Rail Haven part of the Best Western family. The motel is the oldest continually operating national branded Best Western hotel on Route 66 and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Throughout the next half century, Rail Haven and the City of Springfield saw vast growth and change. In 1994, local Certified Public Accountant Gordon A. Elliott acquired the property and through his vision and leadership, the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven Motel extensively remodeled and upgraded its facilities. Today vintage gas pumps and classic cars can be found on the Rail Haven grounds, which shed light on the motel's humble beginnings. Through Gordon's hard work, innovation, and leadership, Rail Haven has seen tremendous success in recent decades. In fact, Gordon was recognized as the 2013 Springfieldian by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. The Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven Motel has a very distinct honor to be one of the original Route 66 motels. A very few number of these motels were part of the national chain, and it is very rare to find one that retains that affiliation to this day. I am honored to recognize the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven Motel for its steadfast hard work and dedication over the past 75 years and look forward to watching its success for years to come.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate seven young men and women of Carl Junction High School for winning the Destination Imagination Global Finals. The Destination Imagination Challenge is a global competition where students from all over the world imagine, create, and develop solutions to world problems in the areas of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, fine arts, and service learning. The problem solving competition is held over a four day period at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville where 1,200 local, state, and regional winners from 45 states and 13 countries gather to compete in the global competition. The Carl Junction team put their device against 66 other teams competing in the area of wind energy and bested them all, including teams from Mexico, Singapore, China, Turkey, and South Korea. These outstanding world champion students include seniors JW Keckley, Parker Fitzgerald, Carter Richardson, Nate Demery, Morgan Ross, Julie Jones, and junior Abigail Danley. Through the team's hard work, dedication, and guidance from their gifted education teacher, Lori Good, the team was able to extensively research wind energy and incorporate the research into a technical device and presentation. Team member Parker Fitzgerald stated, ``The technical device was essentially a reduced-friction neodymium-magnet motor powered by compressed air. The device utilized the properties of magnets to precipitate motion without any physical contact between gears.'' In addition to the global championship, the team also placed first in Destination Imagination's Instant Challenge. In this challenge, teams apply their quick-thinking problem solving skills to create solutions to challenges they have never seen before in as little as five minutes. I am proud of the job these brilliant young men and women performed. This is the first time a Missouri team at the elementary, middle level, or high school level has placed first at Destination Imagination Global Finals.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 25th Anniversary of TLC Properties. TLC Properties was founded 25 years ago by Sam and Carol Coryell. The Coryells were college music teachers who had a desire to establish a real-estate business to supplement their income and retirement and to fulfill a dream of owning their own business. Over the last 25 years, Sam and Carol have grown their business from just a handful of units to approximately 3,000 units in the Springfield area. In 1999, Sam and Carol welcomed their three sons Sam M., Daniel, and David to the family business. The elder Coryells were sure to pass on to their sons the two leading values of TLC Properties: strong character and service. These two values, coupled with the entrepreneurial spirit, compassionate care, and friendly service, promise that TLC Properties will continue to grow, succeed, and serve the Springfield area for years to come. However, the business success of TLC Properties over the last 25 years does not outshine their contributions to the community; they have donated time and money to various worthy causes. Over the years, TLC Properties has been honored with many prestigious awards including the W. Curtis Strube Small Business of the Year Award in 2009 and the Springfield News-Leader Best Property Management Company Award for the years 2009-2012. I am honored to recognize TLC Properties, Sam, Carol, their sons, and their outstanding staff for the service they have given to the Springfield area for the past 25 years.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Neosho National Fish Hatchery. Established in 1888, the Neosho National Fish Hatchery is truly one of a kind. It is the oldest operating federal fish hatchery in the United States and has raised over 130 different species of fish since its creation. With a mission to conserve and protect our nation's fishery resources, the Neosho National Fish Hatchery continues to produce high quality fish year after year. The Neosho National Fish Hatchery is responsible for a long list of various operations to enhance the fish industry. The hatchery is responsible for producing high quality rainbow trout to stock Lake Taneycomo for recreational fishing, helping the local economy. The hatchery also continues to support and protect the conservation of the endangered Ozark Cavefish, and raises Freshwater Drum Fish to serve as host fish for rearing Neosho Mucket Mussels. All of this is done while over 45,000 annual visitors travel to Neosho to tour and learn about America's longest running national fish hatchery. I am honored to recognize the Neosho National Fish Hatchery for their excellent work over the past 125 years. By working to conserve, protect, and enhance our fishing industry, the Neosho National Fish Hatchery continues to serve for the benefit all Americans.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Spokane High School's Kailey Chapman for winning the 300 meter hurdles at the 2013 Missouri Class 2 State Track and Field Championships. Through her hard work and dedication, Kailey placed first in the 300 meter hurdles with a time of 44.62 seconds. Throughout the season, Kailey worked to perfect her technique and was able to reset four school records from her previous season and was All State in all four of her events. She credits her family, coaches, teammates, Spokane community, and our Heavenly Father for the support that enabled her to complete an outstanding season. Kailey hopes to come back her senior year to repeat as the 300 meter hurdles champion and become Missouri's 100 meter hurdles champion, as well. Kailey plans to compete in the Junior Olympic Regionals and at the college level, as well as completing a degree in nursing. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Kailey Chapman, winner of the 300 meter hurdles at the Missouri Class 2 State Track and Field Championships.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Thomas H. Douglas, the Missouri Small Business Person of 2013. Thomas is the current President and CEO of JMARK Business Solutions, Inc. JMARK has made its name by providing outstanding technology consulting services for small to medium sized businesses looking to streamline IT operations to enhance employee performance and increase customer satisfaction. Founded in 1988, JMARK started as a small computer company in Cabool, and is now headquartered in Springfield, Missouri. In 1997, Thomas joined the company after serving in the US Navy. The leadership skills he developed in the Navy ensured a quick rise as the company's level one engineer to president and majority owner in 1999. Under Thomas' guidance, JMARK has seen tremendous growth combining an incredible customer-friendly business philosophy with a full array of support services. He has taken JMARK from a small team of experts in a single office to a group of over 60 employees with offices in three states. As a leader of one our nation's successful small businesses, I am honored to recognize Thomas for his outstanding service to JMARK Business Solutions and the community. The leadership, innovation, customer service, and hard work exemplified by Thomas is properly recognized through this exceptional award. It is an honor to recognize Thomas H. Douglas as the Missouri Small Business Person of 2013.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Republic High School's Garrett Metscher for winning the high jump at the 2013 Class 4 State Track and Field Championships. Through his hard work and dedication, Garrett placed first in the high jump with a new school record of 6'7\1/2\''. Throughout the season, he dominated the field and his effort resulted in the event's top seed heading into the state championship. In the state championship event, Garrett did not disappoint, besting the 15-man field and taking the title. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Garrett Metscher, winner of the high jump at the Missouri Class 4 State Track and Field Championships.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ozark Christian College Men's Basketball Coach Chris Lahm on his 500th career victory. Chris achieved his 500th win after a 78-68 victory over Hillsdale Baptist in the Association of Christian College Athletics Tournament 3rd place game. Not only did Chris lead his team to 3rd place in this tournament, Chris and his team finished another tremendous season with a 3rd place finish in the 2013 National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Division II National Tournament, as well. With these accomplishments, Chris was named the 2013 NCCAA Division II Southwest Regional Basketball Coach of the Year. Chris' 27-year career as head basketball coach at both Nebraska Christian College and Ozark Christian College translates to thousands of hours of practice, games, and travel in addition to the hundreds of players he has helped throughout his time serving as head coach and mentor. Through his hard work and dedication, Chris has left a positive impact at Ozark Christian College and the community. Chris should be proud of his accomplishments in recruiting, coaching, and guiding a phenomenal group of young men throughout the past 27 years. I commend him on a job well done. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ozark Christian College Men's Basketball Coach Chris Lahm on his 500th career victory.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 50th wedding anniversary of Gary and Judi Samuel. Gary and Judi Samuel were married on June 1, 1963. Since then, Gary has served as the president of Portable Livestock Shelters and Judi is a partner at Debco Management, Inc. Gary and Judi are also members of Second Baptist Church in Springfield. Gary and Judi have two children, a daughter, Sherry, and a son, Greg. They are also blessed with five granddaughters. I am proud of Gary and Judi Samuel and am honored to call them my neighbors in the 7th Congressional District of Missouri. This milestone shows what true devotion Gary and Judi have to one another. I wanted to take this opportunity to commemorate their 50th anniversary. May God bless them with many more happy and loving years together.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hard work and perseverance of Paul Comstedt, Derek Hammeke, and Kip Johnson, owners of Amplify Gymnastics, and as the recipients of the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2013 Phoenix Award. In May 2011, Paul, Derek, and Kip were preparing for the grand opening of their business, Amplify Gymnastics. Tragically, just days before the opening, an EF5 tornado tore through the Joplin community, destroying 20 percent of the city. In addition, their entire building was destroyed and a single slab of concrete was all that was left of the gym. In fact, on the day of the tornado Kip stopped by the gym to complete some finishing touches. During that time, the tornado ripped through the gym and a two-ton truck that Kip used for cover was thrown 20 feet. Thankfully, he survived. After surviving the catastrophic event, the men were forced to rebuild their entire gym. Paul, Derek, and Kip applied for an SBA disaster loan to cover rebuilding costs and operating expenses. After 9 months of rebuilding, Amplify held its grand opening with over 200 young athletes registered. In the following months, Amplify added 300 more athletes and grew their staff from 10 to 23 employees. In just a few months following the grand opening, Amplify Gymnastics surpassed their five-year goal. The efforts of these three men encompass all the characteristics of true entrepreneurs. Despite overwhelming odds, Amplify Gymnastics has become a place in the community where local kids can train their bodies and exercise their minds. I am grateful for the contributions they have given to the Joplin community. The Small Business Administration's Phoenix Award is awarded to businesses, public officials and volunteers who are tested by disasters like the Joplin tornado but work to overcome the disaster by rebuilding and helping their communities recover. I would like to take this opportunity to express how grateful I am by the courage and ingenuity of Paul Comstedt, Derek Hammeke, and Kip Johnson. May God bless them and the continued recovery of the Joplin community.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce President Rob O' Brian, recipient of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Phoenix Award. Like all Joplin residents, Rob had his life drastically changed on May 22, 2011, when an EF5 tornado touched down leaving only a path of destruction in its wake. The aftermath of the Joplin tornado left the area with nearly 5,000 jobs in jeopardy of being lost and damage to over 550 local businesses. As president of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, Rob used his quick thinking and resourcefulness to help business owners recover from the destruction left behind from the tornado. Through the leadership of Rob, the Joplin Chamber was able to set up a Small Business Administration Business Recovery Center just days after the tornado. This center enabled the chamber and its staff to help all business owners in their time of need. In fact, over 500 affected companies are still operating today and 90 percent of the jobs affected by the storm were saved. In addition to the reopened businesses, more than 100 new employers have opened their doors since the storm. The new businesses cited the resilience of Joplin residents and the support of Rob and the Joplin Chamber as key reasons for their decision to locate to the region. The Small Business Administration's Phoenix Award is awarded to businesses, public officials, and volunteers who are tested by disasters like the Joplin tornado but work to overcome the disaster by rebuilding and helping their communities recover. Rob's acts of courage, selflessness and perseverance in the aftermath of this disaster make him an outstanding recipient of this award. I am grateful for his leadership and service to Missouri's 7th District.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Connell Insurance, the 2013 recipient of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce's W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award. Connell Insurance is a full service, independent insurance agency that was founded by Pat Connell in 1971. The launch of Connell Insurance came after Pat saw his father, Bob, lose his successful houseboat manufacturing business to a fire in the late sixties. This disaster took an even worse turn with the insurance difficulties that occurred after the fire. With this tragedy in mind and being an entrepreneur by nature, as well as family tradition, Pat launched Connell Insurance Inc. to serve his community. Throughout the years, Connell Insurance garnered a reputation for excellence in serving the rapid growth of the hospitality industry in Branson. The growth of Branson was equally matched by the agency itself. It was this growth that spurred Pat's brother, Tim, to join the agency in 1987. In 1995, Connell Insurance became even more of a family affair when Pat's son, Chad, joined the family business. Connell Insurance is recognized within Southwest Missouri for its focus on community, its unique service offerings, and its philosophy of being a trusted partner and advisor to its clients. The agency's forward-thinking enabled it to be among one of the first agencies to go ``paperless,'' completing the transition nearly a decade ago. In fact, the agency is currently the only Ozarks Greenscore certified insurance agency in Southwest Missouri. Connell Insurance is the 2013 recipient of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award. The W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award celebrates the importance of small business in the Springfield community and highlights the unique entrepreneurial spirit that flourishes here. I am honored to recognize Connell Insurance and their 31 employees, and want to take this opportunity to acknowledge their hard work, innovation, business philosophy, and contributions to our community. On a personal note I would like to mention that not only is Pat a great businessman, he and his wife Patty were even better next door neighbors to my Mom and Dad for several years.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, all Americans are aware how our current Tax Code is too complex and punishes people who save, invest, and achieve economic success. However, the recent news coming from the IRS illustrates another pressing reason for tax reform. Our current Tax Code puts too much power and potential for abuse into the hands of unaccountable, unelected bureaucrats. The American people deserve a tax system that cannot be a political weapon to be used against them. That is why I'm a proud cosponsor of the Fair Tax. The Fair Tax would eliminate the IRS by replacing the current Tax Code with a simple consumption-based tax. The Fair Tax would be collected equally from all Americans, with no opportunity for the government to attack or discriminate against innocent citizens. The Fair Tax is a reform measure that offers a rare chance to unleash economic growth, create good jobs, and at the same time protect the rights of American people. I urge this body to swiftly pass the Fair Tax.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th Anniversary of Empire District Electric Company's Ozark Beach Dam. In early 1911, two businessmen from St. Louis formed the Ozark Power and Water Company and obtained permission from Congress to erect a hydroelectric dam across the White River at Ozark Beach. Unfortunately, the financial backing the men had secured was lost. At this point, the Ambursen Hydraulic Construction Co. of Boston became involved with the project. They took the plan for the dam to the Henry L. Doherty & Company of New York, a company that had been investing in electric and gas companies in Missouri and Kansas, primarily due to the lead and other mining operations that were springing up in the states. The Doherty Company, which later formed the basis of the Empire District Electric Company through the consolidation of several utilities, began work on the dam. The dam was completed and the White River was officially closed off on March 20, 1913, creating Lake Taneycomo. Power began flowing on September 1, 1913. Upon completion, the dam housed five, 25-cycle turbines that were rated at two megawatts each. Energy from the dam was carried north to the Nichol Street Substation in Springfield on steel towers and then west to Joplin. This line carried 66,000 volts of electricity which involved considerable pioneering since transmission facilities were limited in the ``Ozark'' country. The 150-mile line was also considered an engineering achievement, since transformers, insulators, switching, and the general design were just being developed for such a high voltage. With the exception of some reinforcement work completed on the dam in the early 1920's, the dam remained unchanged until the early 1930's when the original 25-cycle equipment was replaced. The power house interior was redesigned to house new vertical water wheels and four, four-megawatt, 60-cycle generators were installed. In 1995, the plant received further modernization. Following installation of some control equipment, the plant became remotely operated from the Company's Systems Operation Center in Joplin. Starting in 2002, each one of the turbines was replaced with stainless steel turbines with additional horsepower improvements. The turbines were replaced one per year with the last one coming online in March 2005. With the exception of several modernization upgrades, the dam stands much the same as it was when finished in 1913. It provides the Empire District system with 16 megawatts of power and the Taney County area with a beautiful recreational area. I would like to take this opportunity to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Empire District Electric Company's Ozark Beach Dam.