Ed Perlmutter

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Griffin Cross for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Griffin Cross is a student at Arvada West High School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Griffin Cross 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 Griffin Cross 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 Alexander Fernandez for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Alexander Fernandez is a student at Arvada K-8 School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Alexander Fernandez 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 Alexander Fernandez 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 Tom Clark for his leadership, vision and lasting impact on Denver and Colorado as the CEO of the Metro Economic Development Corporation and Executive Vice President of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. With more than 30 years of economic development experience at the state, regional, county and city level, Tom's unique perspective and wealth of knowledge is unparalleled. Tom's career spans four decades from Director of Commercial and Industrial Development for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, through positions with the Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Denver Corporation, the Boulder Chamber of Commerce, the Jefferson Economic Council, and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. Tom was the founder and first president of the Metro Denver Network, the Metro Denver region's first economic development program, for which he received the Arthur D. Little Award for Excellence in Economic Development. In 2012, Tom was recognized as the Denver Post's Business Person of the Year as well as awarded the Denver Business Journal's Power Book Award for Economic Development and Government. He has also been recognized as one of the nation's top economic development professionals by the Council on Urban Economic Development. I extend my deepest appreciation for Tom and his dedication to our great state, and wish him the best of luck in retirement and future endeavors.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Bret Elzey for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Bret Elzey is a student at Goal Academy and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Bret Elzey 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 Bret Elzey 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 William Corona for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. William Corona is a student at Arvada K-8 School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by William Corona 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 William Corona 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 Makhmud Chariev for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Makhmud Chariev is a student at Standley Lake High School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Makhmud Chariev 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 Makhmud Chariev 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, on May 16, 2017, I was not present to vote on H.R. 1616, the Strengthening State and Local Cyber Crime Fighting Act due to a family medical emergency. Had I been present for roll call No. 258, I would have voted YEA.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tom Clark for his leadership, vision and lasting impact on Denver and Colorado as the CEO of the Metro Economic Development Corporation and Executive Vice President of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. With more than 30 years of economic development experience at the state, regional, county and city level, Tom's unique perspective and wealth of knowledge is unparalleled. Tom's career spans four decades from Director of Commercial and Industrial Development for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, through positions with the Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Denver Corporation, the Boulder Chamber of Commerce, the Jefferson Economic Council, and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. Tom was the founder and first president of the Metro Denver Network, the Metro Denver region's first economic development program, for which he received the Arthur D. Little Award for Excellence in Economic Development. In 2012, Tom was recognized as the Denver Post's Business Person of the Year as well as awarded the Denver Business Journal's Power Book Award for Economic Development and Government. He has also been recognized as one of the nation's top economic development professionals by the Council on Urban Economic Development. I extend my deepest appreciation for Tom and his dedication to our great state, and wish him the best of luck in retirement and future endeavors.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Reina Bautista for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. Reina Bautista is a 10th grader at Eagle Ridge Academy and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Reina Bautista 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 Reina Bautista for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners 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 Zaira Garcia De La Cueva for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. Zaira Garcia De La Cueva is an 11th grader at Northglenn High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Zaira Garcia De La Cueva 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 Zaira Garcia De La Cueva for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners 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 Bill Orchard, Rebel Rodriguez, Ranger and Dot Miller, Ron Slinger, Bob Dyer, Andrew Heesaker, Jill Hartmann and Maddie Schmidt for being honored by the Arvada Chamber of Commerce for their service and dedication to the community. Man of the Year Bill Orchard: The Man of the Year Award is a long standing tradition in Arvada recognizing an outstanding man for his amazing community involvement, generosity and overall impact on Arvada. Bill Orchard is being honored by the Arvada Chamber for his years of dedication and support of the community through Arvada Gardener's, Arvada Festivals Commission, Bike Friendly Arvada and much more. Woman of the Year Rebel Rodriguez: The Woman of the Year Award is a long standing tradition in Arvada recognizing an outstanding woman for her amazing community involvement, generosity and overall impact on Arvada. Rebel Rodriguez is being honored by the Arvada Chamber for her years of dedication and volunteerism serving children at Ralston House and supporting homelessness efforts in Olde Town Arvada. Image Award Ranger and Dot Miller: Image Award winners are selected for their commitment to Arvada and the overall positive image they portray within the community. Ranger and Dot Miller are being honored by the Arvada Chamber for their commitment to Arvada through their outstanding community leadership and volunteerism with countless organizations including Jefferson County Business Education Alliance, Arvada Vitality Alliance and Blues and BBQ for Better Housing. Image Award Ron Slinger: Image Award winners are selected for their commitment to Arvada and the overall positive image they portray within the community. Ron Slinger is being honored by the Arvada Chamber for his commitment to Arvada through his engagement with countless organizations including Arvada Vitality Alliance, AWRSAY, Red Rocks Community College, Arvada Chamber of Commerce and many more. Pioneer Award Bob Dyer: The Pioneer Award is given to an exceptional leader in the community who has served Arvada for many years and contributed in ways that are unprecedented. This award is only given as needed and is regarded with the highest level of accolades for the recipient's accomplishments. Bob Dyer is being honored by the Arvada Chamber for his incredible commitment to Arvada through civic and community leadership with the City of Arvada, Arvada Vitality Alliance, The Arvada Center For The Arts and Humanities, The Arvada Chamber of Commerce and much more. AYP Leadership Award Andrew Heesaker: The AYP Leadership Award is based on the selected individuals innovation, entrepreneurship, professional accomplishments and/or community leadership. Andrew Heesaker is being honored by the Arvada Chamber for his extraordinary leadership and volunteerism with organizations including Arvada Chamber of Commerce, Arvada Young Professionals and Arvada Economic Development Association. Andrew also works with countless local non-profit organizations to support their events and efforts through Arvada Rent Alls. AYP Leadership Award Jill Hartmann: The AYP Leadership Award is based on the selected individuals innovation, entrepreneurship, professional accomplishments and/or community leadership. Jill Hartman is being honored for her willingness to contribute to her community and provide exceptional Leadership within the Arvada Chamber of Commerce, Arvada Young Professionals and at Jefferson Center For Mental Health. Rising Star Award Maddie Schmidt: Each year the Arvada Chamber of Commerce and the Arvada Young Professionals select a High School student who lives or attends school in Arvada who has exemplified extraordinary skills in entrepreneurship, innovation, community impact and leadership. Maddie Schmidt is being honored for her incredible involvement at Pomona High School and in her community through Westminster Youth Advisory panel, Denver Homeless Shelter, Baton Twirling and the Executive High School Internship Program. I extend my deepest congratulations to Bill Orchard, Rebel Rodriguez, Ranger and Dot Miller, Ron Slinger, Bob Dyer, Andrew Heesaker, Jill Hartmann and Maddie Schmidt for these well-deserved honors by the Arvada Chamber of Commerce and their outstanding commitment to the community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Stacey Tejada-Sandoval for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. Stacey Tejada-Sandoval is an 8th grader at Shaw Heights Middle School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Stacey Tejada-Sandoval 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 Stacey Tejada-Sandoval for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners 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 Jesus Navarrete for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. Jesus Navarrete is a 12th grader at North Valley School for Young Adults and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Jesus Navarrete 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 Jesus Navarrete for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners 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 Nicole Wickersheim for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. Nicole Wickersheim is a 12th grader at Adams City High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Nicole Wickersheim 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 Nicole Wickersheim for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners 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 Maria Alejandra Frayre for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. Maria Alejandra Frayre is a 12th grader at Aurora West College Prep Academy and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Maria Alejandra Frayre 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 Maria Alejandra Frayre for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners 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 Perla Barron for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. Perla Barron is a 12th grader at North Valley School for Young Adults and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Perla Barron 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 Perla Barron for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners 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 Mikah Vega for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. Mikah Vega is a 12th grader at Mountain Range High School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Mikah Vega 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 Mikah Vega for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners 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 Jordyn Ashburn for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. Jordyn Ashburn is a 9th grader at Mapleton Early College High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Jordyn Ashburn 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 Jordyn Ashburn for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners 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 Josiah Jensen for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. Josiah Jensen is a 12th grader at Mapleton Expeditionary School of the Arts and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Josiah Jensen 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 Josiah Jensen for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners 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 Jozlynn McCaslin for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. Jozlynn McCaslin is a 12th grader at North Valley School for Young Adults and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Jozlynn McCaslin 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 Jozlynn McCaslin for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners 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 Neyra Valdez for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. Neyra Valdez is a 12th grader at Hinkley High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Neyra Valdez 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 Neyra Valdez for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners 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 Paola Andujar for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. Paola Andujar is a 12th grader at Brighton High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Paola Andujar 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 Paola Andujar for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners 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 Major General H. Michael Edwards, The Adjutant General of the State of Colorado, for his combined service of more than 44 years in the United States Air Force and the Colorado National Guard. Major General Edwards' remarkable service to our state and our nation is much appreciated. His leadership skills were evident even as a cadet attending the United States Air Force Academy; transitioning to Student pilot while attending Undergraduate Pilot Training. He continued to hone his flying skills, serving a distinguished career flying various aircraft from the T-38 to the F-4s. Major General Edwards' command expertise was showcased as he rose through the ranks, becoming commander of the 140th Wing, Buckley Air Force Base, Colorado, and as the Director of the Combined Air Operations Center, Al Udeid Air Base, State of Qatar. His honorable military career is significant, culminating in the selection and service as The Adjutant General, Colorado National Guard. Major General Edwards has also advised my office on military and National Guard matters and assisted in a number of medal and service recognition ceremonies. His congenial manner, yet focused approach to his command has led to admiration and respect by all Coloradans. I extend my deepest congratulations to Major General H. Michael Edwards for his dedication, commitment and service to our community, state and nation.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Vartega Carbon Fiber Recycling for winning the 2016 Innovative Technology Award from the Jeffco EDC. The award recognizes a company that is on the forefront of new and advanced technologies and show leadership in the industries of aerospace, aviation, bioscience, energy, photonics, nontechnology or the like. Founded in 2014, Vartega is a technology development company specializing in the carbon fiber-reinforced plastic recycling process. Repurposing scrap materials, their innovative technology and processes enables them to provide low-cost carbon fiber for mass-market applications while maximizing the environmental benefit of carbon fiber. Using low-cost recycled carbon fiber, the Vartega process helps to reduce fuel consumption and waste, and it diverts thousands of tons of waste from landfills each year. I extend my deepest congratulations to Vartega Carbon Fiber Recycling for this well-deserved recognition from the Jeffco EDC.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Jessica Wickersheim for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. Jessica Wickersheim is a student at Adams City High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Jessica Wickersheim 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 Jessica Wickersheim for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.