Michael Michaud

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Shanna Rogers for being awarded the Geneva Kirk Award by the United Way Foundation of Androscoggin. The Geneva Kirk Award is given annually by United Way of Androscoggin to individuals who have exemplified exceptional volunteerism and service to their community. This award honors the memory of Miss Geneva Kirk who dedicated her life to serving and teaching others, volunteering in a multitude of ways throughout her community. Shanna was nominated by Androscoggin Head Start not only for her innumerable hours of community service to Head Start, but also for her involvement in many other organizations. Shanna works part time for the Neighborhood Housing League and part time at Marche's Restaurant. In her work with the Neighborhood Housing League, Shanna acts as an advocate for safe and affordable housing and as a mentor for tenants in the downtown area. Her tireless work with Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care, the Neighborhood Housing League, the Women's Wisdom Center and the Visible Community demonstrates a commitment to her neighbors that would have made Geneva proud. I am extremely honored to congratulate Shanna Rogers for receiving the Geneva Kirk Award. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in recognizing Shanna Rogers for her hard work within her community.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the families who petitioned the General Court in Boston on February 16, 1811, to incorporate the town of Exeter in the state of Maine. On July 23, 2011, Exeter officially celebrates its bicentennial. At the time of the 1810 Census, Exeter was home to 140 people comprising 40 different families. Working together to settle and clear the land, a thriving community was established. In only the second official town meeting, the community voted to raise $200 for the purpose of building schools. The town went on to become famous for its apple orchards and its saw and grist mills, as well as the Exeter Fair, which occurred every September from 1867 to 1950, drawing families from all over New England. Today, the people of Exeter celebrate the bicentennial of their town filled with the same local spirit and sense of common purpose that filled the founding 40 families as they petitioned to have their community recognized. These individuals embody the hardworking people of Maine who throughout our history have embraced the challenges and opportunities of living in our state. It is an honor and a privilege to represent the people of Exeter, and I am pleased to have the opportunity to help this community celebrate its 200th anniversary. Mr. Speaker, please join me in wishing all the citizens of Exeter well on this joyous occasion.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the town of Greenville, Maine as it celebrates its 175th anniversary on August 27, 2011. Nestled along the edge of the largest mountain lake in the eastern United States, the Greenville community's history in Maine precedes the establishment of the State itself. Its land, originally just 6 square miles, was granted by the Massachusetts General Court to Saco Academy in 1812. After acquiring the Academy in 1824, Nathaniel Haskell joined with Oliver Young and John Smith in clearing trees near Wilson pond. It was just over a decade later that Henry Gower built the Seboomook House, and Greenville was incorporated from the Haskell Plantation. In many ways, the history of Greenville stands in line with much of the State. Its residents have been farmers, lumbermen and mill workers. But somewhere between the cascades of Wilson's stream and the breathtaking vistas atop Indian Hill, the town puts forth its own unique identity. As the gateway to Moosehead and the Northern Woods, Greenville attracts thousands of visitors every year to witness the International Seaplane Fly-in, to ride the ``Kate'' up the lake or to camp in Maine's storied forests. On August 27, this small town will celebrate its birthday with a week full of events and festivities commemorating this special milestone. I am pleased to share in the celebration as Greenville looks back on 175 years of rich and varied history. Mr. Speaker, please join me in wishing all the citizens of Greenville, Maine, well on this joyous occasion.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of the town of Eddington, Maine, as they celebrate their community's bicentennial. In 1784, after the close of the Revolutionary War, Colonel Jonathan Eddy was granted 9,000 acres on the east bank of the Penobscot River in appreciation of his services during the conflict. This area would later be incorporated in 1811 as the town of Eddington, becoming the 184th town in the District of Maine. Working together to clear the land, the early settlers erected buildings, planted crops and built roads. Town records over the years from the individual villages show saw and grist- mills, a post office, general stores, churches, schools and other large and small enterprises. The town of Eddington illustrates the spirit of industry and perseverance that Maine people throughout history have demonstrated in embracing the challenges and opportunities of living in our state. Eddington has shared in many of our nation's experiences. There is evidence of the Underground Railroad, and in the Civil War, one-eighth of the total population of the town was in service. Industrialization brought railroads to neighboring towns, small factories, and electric lights. The depression hit hard as the lumber industry began to diminish and mills were relocated. The conflicts of the twentieth century called upon many Eddington residents to protect their country, state and community, but the members of this town have always risen to the challenge. Today, the people of Eddington celebrate the bicentennial of their town filled with the same local spirit and sense of common purpose that filled the first families as they petitioned to have their community recognized. These individuals embody the hardworking people of Maine. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the people of Eddington. It is an honor and a privilege to represent them, and I am pleased to have this opportunity to help Eddington celebrate its 200th anniversary.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the accomplishments of Maureen Aube of Auburn, Maine. Maureen is the recent recipient of the Jim Phillips Award bestowed upon her by United Way of America. The Jim Phillips Award is given to an individual who exemplifies the missions, visions and values of the United Way. Jim Phillips served United Way in numerous capacities over the years: marketing committee, campaigner, board member and board chairman prior to his death in 2002. The award is now given to one whom exhibits a character of compassion that is visible throughout his or her business, personal and family life. I have had the honor to know Maureen personally, and she more than meets these standards. The United Way of America defines community impact as ``mobilizing communities to create lasting changes in community conditions that improve lives.'' Maureen does just that. She has been a long-time volunteer with United Way, serving 4 terms on the Campaign Cabinet, as well as advocating for those in the National Guard and working on community revitalization and service projects through the Elks Club. In addition to serving on the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce, Maureen is also a volunteer for the Public Theatre, the L/A Film Festival and the Regional Plan Advisory Committee. She also serves on the Ben Hayes Support Fund Committee. Maureen has left a lasting mark on Androscoggin County and the state of Maine. On behalf of the people of Maine, it is with pride that I congratulate Maureen for her excellent work. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Maureen Aube on the receipt of this award and in thanking her for her dedication to the people of Maine.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. MICHAUD. I thank the chairman very much. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MICHAUD. I yield to the gentleman from Florida.

Mr. MICHAUD. I rise today to offer an amendment with Mr. Kissell to ensure that no funds in this bill are spent in violation of the Berry Amendment. The Berry Amendment requires DOD to procure certain categories of products from American manufacturers including food, clothing, fabrics, stainless steel, and certain tools. It was enacted to ensure that the United States troops wore military uniforms made in the U.S.A. and to ensure that U.S. troops were fed American-made food. The Berry Amendment has been on the books for 70 years. Yet, in recent years, some in Congress have tried to weaken it. At a time of 9 percent unemployment and when employment in the U.S. manufacturing sector is on the decline, it is more important than ever for Congress to reiterate its support for existing law that promotes domestic procurement. I urge my colleagues to support American manufacturing and to promote American food and uniforms for our troops by voting for the Michaud- Kissell Amendment. At this time, I yield to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Kissell).

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Town of Carmel, Maine as it celebrates its 200TH Anniversary. First purchased in 1695 by Martin Kinsley of Hamden, Carmel was later founded by the Rev. Paul Ruggles, his wife Mercy and his brother Abel. The three first settlers named the town for the biblical prophet Elijah's experience on Mt. Carmel. Located in the heart of Penobscot County, Carmel grew from 387 people at incorporation in 1811 to nearly 1,400 people by 1870. It is a town steeped in the history of Maine, growing from a small farming village into a mill town renowned for its textiles, boots and shoes. Carmel's residents are still tied to their roots; descendents of the early settlers continue to live throughout the town. Today, Carmel continues to push ahead through new challenges. The town boasts nearly 2,800 residents, a far cry from its founding. While the two dozen school houses that were a fixture of the community have been replaced with homes, businesses and the Simpson Memorial Library, Carmel continues to look toward the future with a sense of possibility. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the town of Carmel, Maine on its 200th birthday.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Senior Companion Program as it celebrates its 30th Anniversary. For the past 30 years, the Senior Companion Program has paired homebound elderly citizens with dedicated Senior Companions, age 55 and older, who enable these citizens to live longer in their own homes. The program serves 606 Maine citizens in 14 of the state's 16 counties. Having logged an astounding 85,000 hours of volunteer time, the program's 130 companions give both independence and support to Maine seniors. With an aging population, Maine is increasingly in need of support systems for its older citizens. Many seniors do not have relatives close by, leaving them on their own without help for household tasks, errands or basic companionship. The dedicated volunteers from the Senior Companion Program are there to aid seniors in their day-to-day lives so that these seniors are able to remain in their own homes and improve their quality of life. The Senior Companion Program provides many Maine seniors with the support and friendship all people need and deserve. The care and dedication of the program's volunteers is nothing short of amazing, and the program helps not only with essential tasks, but also offers the opportunity to foster meaningful relationships between seniors and volunteers. Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Senior Companion Program on this joyous occasion.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Claudette Violette of Lewiston, ME, on her graduation after having earned her GED. This achievement is a great personal accomplishment for Claudette. She has faced many obstacles in her life, but her work ethic and tenacity allowed her to persevere, raise her family and volunteer thousands of hours for the Lewiston/Auburn community. She has truly found her voice with her volunteer work. Claudette volunteers for the Good Shepherd Food Bank, Red Cross Blood Drives and Salvation Army fundraising. She delivers promotional posters for L/A Arts and the Public Theatre, and assembles a multi-thousand piece mailing in hours. Claudette also helps organize a monthly French luncheon for the Franco-American Heritage Center, making 300 plus calls each month to invite attendees. Claudette is an inspiration to both me and my staff. Her commitment and dedication to completing her high school education speaks to the strength of her character. I am so proud of Claudette's achievement and her personal growth over the 10 years that I have known her. Claudette is a well-known and well-loved member of the community, and I know she will continue to play an active role in the lives of Lewiston/Auburn residents, my staff and myself. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Claudette on her outstanding personal achievement.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great voice for labor, a great Mainer and most importantly, a great friend, Ken Morgan. For 35 years, Ken worked at the AFL-CIO fighting for the rights of Maine's hard-working men and women. As a union brother of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1837, Ken believed that united in solidarity, we could all move our society forward. In the late 1960s, Ken's principles led him to refuse his doctorate from Northwestern University because of a dispute regarding the extension of civil rights based upon sexual orientation. Ken carried this strong commitment to justice and solidarity into all aspects of his life and was a trail blazer in the civil rights community. During his long career, Ken served as a member of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, was an award-winning member of the Maine Gay and Lesbian Political Alliance and a member of the Board of Directors of the Maine Center for Economic Policy. These are only a few of the many organizations Ken was involved with, all of which worked to help those who might otherwise be forgotten. However, Ken is best remembered by his friends and family as a great man, with a mind that was deep, broad and keen. His heart was huge. He was a gentle soul who leaves a huge void and who so richly filled the lives of his many friends and family. Above all, Ken was a loving friend, mentor, brother, son and partner. On the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, President Obama declared, ``Dr. King once said that the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice. It bends towards justice, but here is the thing: it does not bend on its own. It bends because each of us in our own ways put our hand on that arc . . .'' Ken's work and life embodied this active engagement with our nation's, and our world's, struggle to be a place of equality and freedom. Ken leaves behind his partner of more than three decades, Rick Strout, his brother Charles, his sister-in-law Jerie, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Mr. Speaker, please join me in remembering a great American, Ken Morgan.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate John Murphy, President and CEO of the Maine Credit Union League, on his induction into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders. For nearly two decades, John has served as President and CEO of the Maine Credit Union League. He has worked diligently on the behalf of credit unions for even longer. I have had multiple opportunities to work with John on the issues that impact his members and, as a result, the people and the economy of Maine, and I have always found him to be a dedicated and thoughtful advocate. The Credit Union National Association inducted John into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders because he has shown a unique level of commitment to ensuring that these vital community institutions are able to continue serving the individuals and small businesses that make up their customer base. His name will be on permanent display to the thousands of individuals that visit the Credit Union House each year. John is the first inductee from the State of Maine, and I cannot think of a more appropriate individual. It has been an honor to work with John in the past, and I have no doubt that this recognition in the Hall of Leaders will inspire him to continue his advocacy on behalf of credit unions and the people they serve. I know that the sixty-four credit unions in Maine, as well as their 613,000 members, greatly appreciate John as a resource and as their representative fighting for the issues that matter to them. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring John Murphy and congratulating him on his induction into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge the leaders of the United Nation's Framework Convention on Climate Change, UNFCCC, to allow for Taiwan's meaningful participation. As climate change continues to impact our world and as we face the prospect of dwindling oil reserves, Taiwan's renewable-energy section is growing rapidly. Taiwan has invested heavily in turbines generating electricity, use of alternatives to fossil fuels and possibilities of harnessing energy from the ocean. Taiwan is also the fourth largest producer of solar cells in the world. Moreover, Taiwan's Environmental Protection Administration, EPA, is doing everything possible to promote environmental sustainability. For instance, Taiwan has made significant strides in waste management, with the nation's overall recycling rate reaching almost 42 percent in 2008. Improving air quality, reducing noise pollution and vehicular emissions and protecting wildlife are also top priorities for the government and people of Taiwan. Taiwan is totally committed to protecting the environment and reducing pollution. But due to political factors, Taiwan is not a UNFCCC contracting party. Instead, they are considered a non-governmental organization observer under the name Industrial Technology Research Institute and are not permitted to participate in either the discussions over the post-Kyoto mechanism or the international carbon market. I hope that the UNFCCC leaders will see the wisdom of Taiwan's need to participate in the UNFCCC and the post-Kyoto mechanism, especially considering that Taiwan and its environment are vulnerable to climate change and need to avoid the negative impacts on its economy and trade. Taiwan is an important part of the world economy and should be able to provide direct input to the UNFCCC, and I would ask the UNFCCC leaders to allow meaningful participation from Taiwan.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Muriel Scott, the President and CEO of the Central Maine Area Agency on Aging, better known as Spectrum Generations. For more than three decades, Muriel has been dedicated to building a strong agency to serve central Maine's elderly population. Muriel has always believed in the importance of seniors' exercising their own independence. For decades, Muriel has worked to support policies and initiatives that make it easier for seniors to live in their own homes and lead their own lives. Muriel's hard work and dedication expanded Spectrum Generations to seven community center locations in central Maine. She first joined Spectrum in 1976 as the Director for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and Muriel would serve as Nutrition Director before rising to the position of Associate Director in 1979. Under Muriel's leadership, Spectrum became a leader in ensuring community access to these services in multiple, convenient locations. Her achievements in Maine led her to national success, serving as a delegate to the 1995 White House Conference on Aging and a Board member of the National Association of Area Agencies. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Muriel Scott on her retirement after 34 years of dedication to Maine's elderly.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the honorees of the 2011 MaineBiz Business Leaders of the Year Award. Each year, MaineBiz highlights the most outstanding businessmen and women helping to move Maine's business community forward. This year's honorees, Fletcher Kittredge, Martin Grimnes and Andy Shepard are among the best that Maine has to offer. Fletcher Kittredge is CEO of Great Works Internet, GWI. In 17 years, GWI has grown from a small dial-up Internet company for one Maine community to a statewide Internet company with more than 50 locations. Fletcher has also been instrumental in the Three Ring Binder project, which has begun utilizing funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to expand broadband service throughout rural Maine. Martin Grimnes is the example of a true success story. After leaving his $50 million dollar composites corporation in 2000, Martin is now at the helm of Harbor Technologies. In just a few years, Harbor Technologies has performed outstanding work on contracts like the new 103-foot composite pilings for use by the Navy in Pearl Harbor. With a product estimated to last 150 years, Harbor is now expanding overseas. Despite the company's overseas work, Martin is ensuring that Harbor Technologies remains based in Maine. Andy Shepard, from my district, knows how badly northern rural Maine needs economic development. In only a few years since forming the non- profit Maine Winter Sports Center, Andy has helped to bring Olympic Trials, trainers and the World Cup Biathlon to northern Maine. This has contributed to millions in revenue for the northern part of my state. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring some of the best business leaders that Maine and America have to offer. In addition to their success in the private sector, Fletcher Kittredge, Martin Grimnes and Andy Shepard have remained committed to their local communities and used their entrepreneurial skills to develop economic opportunities throughout Maine.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jim Wellehan, the Vice President of Maine's Lamey-Wellehan's shoe stores and the 2011 Auburn Business Association Citizen of the Year Award. Jim is an exceptional businessman, helping to win Lamey-Wellehan the Boston Shoe Travelers Association award for 2011 Retailer of the Year. More importantly, Jim's commitment to a quality product goes hand in hand with helping to build a quality community. Jim is committed to the environment, already having cut carbon emissions at Lamey-Wellehan by 23 percent and is on pace to achieve his company's ultimate goal of a 50 percent reduction by 2020. It's no coincidence that among the many honors that Jim has received is the 2007 Maine Sierra Club Business of the Year. In recent years, Jim has served on the Lewiston Planning Board, the Board of Overseers at St. Joseph's College, the Board of the Finance Authority of Maine, President of the Board of the Lewiston Auburn Occupational Center, a member of the Maine Small Business Coalition and a youth soccer league coach. There are few individuals more deserving of this award than Jim. His commitment to his state, community and customers is unprecedented, and I am pleased that he is being recognized. Mr. Speaker, I hope you will join me in honoring Jim Wellehan, the 2011 recipient of the Auburn Business Association Good Citizen Award.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in solidarity with the people of the Katahdin region in my home State of Maine. The paper mill in East Millinocket is shutting down and taking with it hundreds of jobs and much of the tax base. Like so many other mills and factories across this country, it couldn't keep its doors open. In the last decade, our Nation has lost nearly 6 million manufacturing jobs and seen 50,000 factories closed. It's because we haven't prioritized our manufacturing sector and haven't made an effort to keep good-paying, blue collar jobs in the United States. I worked at this mill for over 29 years alongside the hardworking people of the Katahdin region. In solidarity, I stand with them today, confident that if we are pulling together, we can find a way to put this mill back online. I urge my colleagues in Congress to help me and workers in Maine and all across this country by supporting a national manufacturing strategy and a new trade policy.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my concern about the decline in U.S. manufacturing and China's currency manipulation. It is time our government responded to these issues by developing a national manufacturing strategy and bringing to the floor immediately H.R. 639, the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act. This chart here shows a significant drop in manufacturing employment in the United States. We have lost nearly 6 million manufacturing jobs in the last decade alone. At our current rate, it will take us 24 years to get back the U.S. manufacturing jobs that we have lost between the year 2000 and 2010. Just last month, a report revealed that United States manufacturing is now in second place behind China. Making things here at home is critical for our economic diversity, our national security, and just makes common sense. China's enormous growth in manufacturing has come at America's expense, and it is bad for American businesses and American jobs. There are many reasons for our manufacturing sector's decline. I want to highlight two that the Obama administration and Congress can act upon today. First, we need to develop, adopt, and adhere to a comprehensive national manufacturing strategy. Second, we need to address China's currency manipulation and stop giving our manufacturing jobs to Beijing. A national manufacturing strategy makes sense. Many developed economies and many of our competitors, including China, have them. If China is going to implement nationwide policies designed to boost specific sectors, so should we. Our strategy should not involve illegal trade practices like China, but it should involve clear objectives. We should ask ourselves the question, what should the American manufacturing sector look like? I believe a diverse, robust manufacturing sector is key to a strong American economy and critical to our national security. The strategy should also evaluate what policy changes are needed to promote more domestic production. We should seek the input from companies that currently choose to make their products in the U.S., and we should also consider ways to incentivize U.S. production through our tax structure. And, finally, the manufacturing strategy should establish clear metrics of success over the short, medium and long term. Our manufacturing sector has declined over the last several decades, and it won't be rebuilt overnight. But if we are going to reclaim our spot as a leader in manufacturing, we are going to have to have our own roadmap for the United States manufacturing industry. The second thing we should do to help U.S. manufacturing is address China's currency manipulation. By devaluing the yuan, China makes their exports cheaper and U.S. imports more expensive. This is unfair, and it creates an unlevel playing field that forces U.S. businesses to close their doors here in the United States. We cannot wait any longer to take action. Diplomacy has not worked, so we must seek legislative action. Congress must pass the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act immediately, and President Obama must sign it. In addition, the United States should bring a WTO case against China for undervaluing its currency. We have to fight this blatant violation of trade law through every step available to do that. China's currency manipulations put Americans out of work and force American businesses to close their doors. We must act with urgency to stop that. I urge my colleagues to support a national manufacturing strategy and urge the House leadership to bring H.R. 639 to the floor for a vote immediately.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak in opposition to the Korea Free Trade Agreement. The Korea FTA is fundamentally flawed. As everyone knows, it is the same NAFTA-style agreement that hasn't worked for 17 years. This agreement will further undermine U.S. manufacturing and ship more American jobs overseas. But there are things the American people don't know about this trade deal, things that the administration hopes that they will not find out. The administration will say that this agreement is key to increasing U.S. exports. But what they don't say is that it also increases Korea's imports, too, which will expand our trade deficit by hundreds of millions of dollars each year and cost us 159,000 American jobs. It will also result in more underpriced goods from China being transshipped through Korea and being dumped in the United States. The administration will say that this trade deal is important for U.S. national security. But what they don't say and talk about is the potential for it to benefit North Korea through the Kaesong Industrial Complex. And the administration will say that they fixed the auto provisions and opened up Korea's market to all U.S. companies. But what they don't mention is the fact that they only fixed the auto provisions on paper, not in reality, and this is still a bad deal for the United States companies here in the U.S. They don't tell the American people that this free trade agreement does nothing to stop Korea's currency manipulation. But the Treasury Department actually identified Korea as a currency manipulator in their report this February. I have come to the floor today to make sure the American people are aware of how bad this trade deal is for the United States and how good this FTA is for China, Kim Jong Il, and South Korea. I would urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to oppose this flawed NAFTA-style trade deal.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Honorees of the 2011 Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner. The Mid- Maine Chamber of Commerce serves the people and business community of the greater Waterville area, working with the business community to strengthen economic opportunity throughout the region and the state. Each year, the Mid-Maine Chamber recognizes some of the outstanding businesses and individuals that make Maine ``the way life should be'' for all Mainers and Maine businesses. These individuals and businesses are committed to strengthening opportunity and prosperity in Maine. This year's award recipients include Robert Martin, recipient of the Distinguished Community Service Award; Fortin's Home Furniture, Business of the Year; Bill Mitchell of GHM Insurance, Business Person of the Year; Barbara Haynes, recipient of the Elias A. Joseph award; David Holden of Bangor Savings Bank, Outstanding Professional of the Year; the Maine Children's Home for Little Wanderers, Community Service Project of the Year; Matthew Clark of Weeks & Hutchins, LLC and Sarah Sugden, of the Waterville Public Library, both recipients of the ``Rising Star'' Award; and Valley Distributors' Flint Collier, recipient of the Customer Service Stardom Award. These nine recipients are among the best that Maine has to offer. Through their leadership and incredible commitment to their communities and the region, Maine is a better place to live and do business. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce and these individuals on their outstanding service and achievement.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 12-year-old Christopher Fillyaw, of Waterville, Maine, and his participation in Civic Day 2010 at the Alfond Youth Center, in Waterville, Maine. On Civic Day 2010, 8 students from Benton Elementary School shadowed civic leaders to learn about the important work that they do to serve their communities. I was very impressed with Christopher's comments during a ceremony honoring our troops and would like to enter his remarks into the Record: I would like to start out by saying Thank You to all of our brave men and women and their families in the military. They risk their lives and the lives of their families and fight everyday to ensure the freedoms that we as Americans enjoy and sometimes take for granted. If it were not for these brave men and women who serve our country so well, who knows where we would be today. We really owe them so much more than they receive, for every day is a struggle and the hardships they have to endure while they are in enemy's territory away from loved ones and unfamiliar grounds and then here at home getting readjusted to fit back into their own surroundings. There are no words to describe how important of a job they have and the sacrifices they have to make to do their jobs. It is really amazing. This is one of the hardest and most unbearable jobs in the world to risk the life of your own and the stability of your own family in hopes to save and secure the American way. I hope that when I grow up I can pay a little something back in some way to show how much I thank them for making my life and my family's life safer. Chris's comments ring true and showcase the next generation's respect for the sacrifice made by those who keep all of us safe here at home. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the words of Christopher Fillyaw and his commitment to public service.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Henry D. Moore Parish House and Library as it celebrates 100 years serving the community of Steuben, Maine. Henry D. Moore, a native of Steuben, was a philanthropist who donated the library and parish house for use by the people of Steuben. Opened in 1911, the donation of the Parish House and Library was monumental to the towns and communities in rural, downeast Maine. Many towns in the region did not have a library, and the new building helped provide access to new information and resources in Washington County. Today, the Parish House and Library serves as a non-profit community center, meeting house and venue for classes, arts and performances. The Moore Library also boasts an impressive 12,000 item collection, featuring many rare pieces of literature and other works collected over the years. The Parish House and Library are a central part of Steuben and Washington County. The facility continues to serve the community, including the Kindergarten through Grade 8 students and teachers at the Steuben Ella Lewis School across the street. Mr. Speaker, I hope that you will join me in celebrating the centennial of the Henry D. Moore Parish House and Library in Steuben, Maine.

Mr. MICHAUD

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor John Welsh, who will retire this year after four decades of service in hospital administration. Since obtaining his Master of Health Administration from the University of Missouri in 1971, John has been committed to ensuring the strength of the health institutions he has worked at and to providing the highest level quality of care for patients. John has most recently served as the President of Rumford Hospital in Rumford, Maine. Rumford is a small mill town of just under 5,000. Under John's leadership, Rumford Hospital has provided top quality health care and other services to the residents of Rumford and beyond. The Rumford Hospital is a vital part of the community. Not only does the hospital provide quality healthcare to Rumford and many of the surrounding rural towns, but it also is the leading job creator for the area. Under John's leadership, the Rumford Hospital has been able to offer many services that had formerly been unavailable to the citizens of the region. These services include LifeFlight Helicopter service and an Oncology Suite. Recently, Rumford Hospital named their new building in honor of John as thanks for his many years of service. The building includes a new operating room and nursing unit with up-to-date equipment and furnishings. It is incredibly important for the rural communities of the Rumford area to know that they have access to quality care so close to home. This assurance would not be possible without John Welsh. John has also gone beyond his work at Rumford Hospital and played an important role in the State's health care system. John's many contributions include serving as Chairman of the Maine Hospital Association Board and as the Maine American College of Health Care Executives Regent. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in thanking John Welsh for his tremendous contributions and service to the people of Rumford and the State of Maine.