Ed Perlmutter

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor PICOCYL for being recognized as the 2017 Business Recognition Award winner by the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation (Jeffco EDC). The Business Recognition Award shows appreciation for a local company who has shown exceptional growth in primary employment, sales and/or capital investments in the last year. PICOCYL designs, develops and manufactures very small compressed gas cylinders for drug delivery systems, self-injection devices, and the delivery of medical gases. Their patented pic-o cylinders feature accurate and consistent gas fill levels, extremely low puncture forces, and precision sealing surfaces. PICOCYL's proprietary manufacturing systems and processes have earned their position as the sole global provider of such components to the Life Sciences industry. Congratulations to PICOCYL for this well-deserved award, and I thank them for their contribution to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the STEM Program at Wheat Ridge High School for being recognized as the 2017 Horizon Award winner by the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation (Jeffco EDC). The Horizon Award recognizes an organization or program that is a rising star in the community and will contribute to the future economic vitality of Jefferson County. Established in 2014, Wheat Ridge High School's STEM Program focuses on taking science, technology, engineering & math taught in class and using it in a real-world application through the building of concept vehicles. Since it was created, it has expanded to 80 students. The cost to run the STEM program is approximately $50,000 per year and 80 percent of these funds are raised by the students themselves, expanding their learning opportunity into fundraising and finance. Participating students are responsible for all their own fundraising, marketing, social media and videography. The Wheat Ridge High School STEM Program gives students real world experience from concept to implementation and everything in between. Congratulations to the STEM Program at Wheat Ridge High School for this well-deserved award, and I thank them for their contribution to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Zimmer Biomet Spine for being recognized as the 2017 Business Recognition Award winner by the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation (Jeffco EDC). The Business Recognition Award shows appreciation for a local company who has shown exceptional growth in primary employment, sales and/or capital investments in the last year. Zimmer Biomet Spine is a leader in restoring mobility, alleviating pain, and improving the quality of life for patients around the world by delivering surgeons a comprehensive portfolio of quality spine technologies and procedural innovation. It maintains world-class scientific facilities and resources and collaborates with leading clinicians and researchers around the world. Today, it has operations in more than 25 countries and sells products in more than 100 countries. Congratulations to Zimmer Biomet Spine for this well-deserved award, and I thank them for their contribution to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor SAS Manufacturing for being recognized as the 2017 Business Recognition Award winner by the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation (Jeffco EDC). The Business Recognition Award shows appreciation for a local company who has shown exceptional growth in primary employment, sales and/or capital investments in the last year. SAS Manufacturing is an advanced manufacturing firm with more than a decade of experience providing cutting-edge solutions to aerospace, aviation, defense and energy organizations worldwide. Today, it is a 21st Century manufacturing facility capable of meeting the rigorous standards of clients in aerospace, defense, energy and many commercial industries where accuracy and precision are mission critical. Congratulations to SAS Manufacturing for this well-deserved award, and I thank them for their contribution to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Gina Rivas for receiving the 2017 Image Award from the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. Each year the Arvada Chamber recognizes Arvada's finest men and women for their involvement and dedication to the community. As the principal of Arvada High School, Gina has gone above and beyond to portray a positive, kind and community minded image in Arvada. Every day she works to change the story of Arvada High School and improve the outcomes for her students, which ensures a bright future for our families and our community. Congratulations to Gina Rivas for this well-deserved award, and I thank her for her contribution to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The Pilatus Group for being recognized as the 2017 Business Recognition Award winner by the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation (Jeffco EDC). The Business Recognition Award shows appreciation for a local company who has shown exceptional growth in primary employment, sales and/or capital investments in the last year. Founded in 1939 and headquartered in Stans, Switzerland, The Pilatus Group is a leader in the world's aviation industry and known for its legendary aircraft. The company's North American operations were established in Jefferson County in 1996 at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport and is responsible for PC-12 and PC-24 marketing, sales and servicing activities across North and South America. About 70 percent of all PC- 12s that come off the production line in Switzerland are finished to customer specifications at its Jefferson County-based facility. Today, the company employs over 1,900 people worldwide. Congratulations to The Pilatus Group for this well-deserved award, and I thank them for their contribution to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Anita Marcussen for being selected as the 2017 Woman of the Year by the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. Each year the Arvada Chamber recognizes Arvada's finest men and women for their involvement and dedication to the community. Anita's community involvement through many community activities, including the Arvada Historical Society, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, Arvada West High School Foundation and Arvada K-8 Elementary have helped to enrich the City of Arvada. Anita's spirit of service and true passion for giving to others is why she has been selected as the 2017 Woman of the Year. Congratulations to Anita Marcussen for this well-deserved award, and I thank her for her contribution to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Rick Crandall, United States Air Force veteran and radio host of the ``Breakfast Club'' on KEZW 1430 AM, for his service to our country. Rick made his radio debut while serving in the United States Air Force at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam before moving to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Rick is a dedicated champion of veterans and veterans' issues. He has served as the emcee for many veteran's events, created an annual Veterans Fair, Valentines for Veterans drive for the Denver VA Medical Center, worked with Regis University in their ``Stories from Wartime'' classes, and established the Colorado Freedom Memorial Foundation. The Colorado Freedom Memorial is the first of its kind honoring all Colorado military members killed or missing in military action from the Spanish American War to the present. Rick interviewed each of the Spann brothers about their military service as part of our Vietnam War 50th Commemoration series. The stories of the Spann brothers will be submitted to the Library of Congress (LOC) Veterans History Project (VHP), a congressionally chartered project to collect, preserve and make accessible personal accounts of American war veterans. Rick's courageous service to our state and nation has charted the path for future generations of men and women to serve in the military and civilian community. I extend my deepest appreciation to Rick Crandall for his dedication, integrity and outstanding service to the United States of America.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Denver West Partners for being recognized as the 2017 Chairman's Choice Award winner by the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation (Jeffco EDC). The Chairman's Choice Award is a special recognition from the Jeffco EDC chairman of a company that has had a substantial impact to Jefferson County. As Managing Principal of Denver West Partners, Greg Stevinson has devoted the past 40 years to the development of the 500+ acre Denver West community. He was instrumental in the creation of the Denver West Business Park which includes a vibrant retail district that spans Colorado Mills/Denver West Village, the Promenade Shops and the Denver West Automotive District. Greg's leadership and business acumen have been instrumental in helping to develop Lakewood and Jefferson County. Congratulations to Greg Stevinson and Denver West Partners for this well-deserved award, and I thank them for their contribution to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Master Sergeant Gerald Harman Spann, United States Marine Corps, for his service to our country. Master Sergeant Spann served in the United States Marine Corps from 1964 to 1968, enlisting with his brother, Donald, and serving for one year, two months, and eighteen days in country, in the Republic of Vietnam. From there, he served in the Colorado Army National Guard from 1975 to 1992, retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant. Gerald's military awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnamese Service Medal with one device, the Vietnamese Campaign Medal with the 60 device, the USMC Good Conduct Medal, the Rifle and Pistol badges. After his military service, Gerald taught Industrial Arts Education in the Jefferson County School District, retiring in 1999. After completing a course of study at Emily Griffith Technical College studying clock repair, Gerald continues to work as a clock technician. My office had the honor and privilege of getting to know Master Sergeant Spann and hearing about his experiences during a Vietnam War 50th Commemoration pinning ceremony in August 2017. In addition, Sergeant Spann's stories and that of his brothers will be submitted to the Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP) , a congressionally chartered project to collect, preserve and make accessible personal accounts of American war veterans. Master Sergeant Spann's courageous service has charted the path for future generations of men and women to serve in the military. I extend my deepest appreciation to Master Sergeant Spann for his dedication, integrity and outstanding service to the United States of America.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor SustainAbility for being recognized as the 2017 Community Champion Award winner by the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation (Jeffco EDC). The Community Champion Award recognizes a business that has significantly improved and influenced the quality of life in the community through active engagement, community service and creating positive economic growth. As a recycling company, SustainAbility uses the untapped potential of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to contribute to society through meaningful work. The company employs over 190 people--145 of which have disabilities. Over the past year, the company has helped divert over 2.5 million pounds of materials from landfills through other public services such as hard-to- recycle drop-off centers, electronics disassembly and hospital and small business recycling pick-up. Congratulations to SustainAbility for this well-deserved award, and I thank them for their contribution to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Trimble for being recognized as the 2017 Innovative Technology award winner by the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation (Jeffco EDC). The Innovative Technology Award is given to a local company that is on the forefront of new and advanced technologies and a company that is leading the way in aerospace, aviation, bioscience, energy or other similar industries. Founded in 1978, Trimble has become widely known as a pioneer in GPS technology, helping harness precise GPS satellite positioning for land and marine surveying. Today, the company serves many diverse industries including agriculture, building construction, heavy civil construction, energy, transportation and utilities. While positioning is still at the core, Trimble now innovates using a wide range of technologies such as Building Information Modeling, Mixed Reality, and Artificial Intelligence to help customers around the world do great things. Congratulations to Trimble for this well-deserved award, and I thank them for their contribution to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor posthumously, Captain Stephen Allison Spann, United States Navy Reserve, (ret) for his service to our country. Captain Spann served in the United States Marine Corps from 1959 to 1963. From there he served for four years in the United States Marine Corps Reserves and three years in the United States Navy (Seabees) Reserves. Captain Spann served for thirty years as a member of the United States Navy Reserves, Civil Engineer Corps, retiring at the rank of Captain. Captain Spann's military awards and decorations include the USMC Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Meritorious Unit, Rifle and Pistol ribbons. My office had the honor and privilege of getting to know Captain Spann and hearing about his experiences during a Vietnam War 50th Commemoration pinning ceremony in August 2017. Captain Spann's courageous service charted a path for future generations of men and women to serve in the military. I extend my deepest appreciation to Captain Stephen Spann for his dedication, integrity and outstanding service to the United States of America.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor MillerCoors for being recognized as the 2017 Pioneer Award winner by the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation (Jeffco EDC). The Pioneer Award is given to a company in Jefferson County that demonstrates a pioneering attitude within its industry and the local business community. MillerCoors, a MOLSON Coors Company, has been demonstrating their commitment to community and innovative spirit since 1873 when they first started brewing beer on the banks of Clear Creek in Golden, Colorado. Now on its fifth generation of family leadership, the company continues to be a good community partner making numerous investments in the community and local jobs. In addition, the company helped launch a recycling revolution, reduced its water usage by more than 25 percent, reduced energy use more than 50 percent and achieved Zero Waste to Landfill status. Congratulations to MillerCoors for this well-deserved award, and I thank them for their contribution to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Sergeant Donald Keith Spann, United States Marine Corps for his service to our country. Sergeant Spann served in the United States Marine Corps from 1964 to 1968, serving for one year, two months and twenty-three days in- country, in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Spann's military awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnamese Service Medal with one device, the Vietnamese Campaign Medal with the 60 device, and the Rifle Qualification Badges for the M-14 and 202 MM. My office had the honor and privilege of getting to know Sergeant Spann and hearing about his experiences during a Vietnam War 50th Commemoration pinning ceremony in August 2017. In addition, Sergeant Spann's stories and that of his brothers will be submitted to the Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP), a congressionally chartered project to collect, preserve and make accessible personal accounts of American war veterans. Sergeant Spann's courageous service has charted the path for future generations of men and women to serve in the military. I extend my deepest appreciation to Sergeant Spann for his dedication, integrity and outstanding service to the United States of America.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Lieutenant Colonel John Mark Spann, United States Army and Colorado Army National Guard for his service to our country. John served as a Specialist 5 in the United States Army from 1972 to 1975, and served in the Colorado Army National Guard from 1975 to 1993, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. John also served as a Federal Civil Service civilian employee for the U.S. Air Force at Buckley Air Force Base from 1984 to 2014. Lieutenant Colonel Spann's military awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal, Desert Storm Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. My office had the honor and privilege of getting to know Lieutenant Colonel Spann and hearing about his experiences during a Vietnam War 50th Commemoration pinning ceremony in August 2017. In addition, Sergeant Spann's stories and that of his brothers will be submitted to the Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP), a congressionally chartered project to collect, preserve and make accessible personal accounts of American war veterans. Lieutenant Colonel Spann's courageous service has charted the path for future generations of men and women to serve in the military. I extend my deepest appreciation to Lieutenant Colonel Spann for his dedication, integrity and outstanding service to the United States of America.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bandimere Speedway for being recognized as the 2017 Genesis Award winner by the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation (Jeffco EDC). The Genesis Award honors an individual, elected official, city, company or organization that has contributed to the economic vitality of Jefferson County through leadership, innovation, facilitation, and collaboration. A quarter-mile dragstrip located in Morrison, Colorado, Bandimere Speedway opened in 1958 and hosts the NHRA's Mile-High Nationals. Bandimere Speedway has shown their commitment to the community, families and education through its ``Race to Read'' program reaching more than 35,000 elementary age children each year. The program is now in its 22nd year and continues to find new and innovative ways to grow with support from racers and businesses. Congratulations to Bandimere Speedway for this well-deserved award, and I thank them for their contribution to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Megan Schueller for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Megan Schueller is a student at Warren Tech North and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Megan Schueller is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Megan Schueller for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Sutton Sparr for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Sutton Sparr is a student at Mandalay Middle School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Sutton Sparr is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Sutton Sparr for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Serenity Turner for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Serenity Turner is a student at Arvada K-8 and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Serenity Turner is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Serenity Turner for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Raegan Sawano for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Raegan Sawano is a student at Oberson Middle School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Raegan Sawano is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Raegan Sawano for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Tyler Pitera for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Tyler Pitera is a student at Arvada K-8 and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Tyler Pitera is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Tyler Pitera for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Lyla Taylor for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Lyla Taylor is a student at Oberon Middle School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Lyla Taylor is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Lyla Taylor for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Kaleigh Melinger for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Kaleigh Melinger is a student at Jefferson High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Kaleigh Melinger is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Kaleigh Melinger for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Jose Villegas Garcia for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Jose Villegas Garcia is a student at Jefferson High School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Jose Villegas Garcia is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Jose Villegas Garcia for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.