Ed Perlmutter

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Commerce City Family Dentist for receiving the 2016 Commerce City Business on the Move Award. The Business on the Move Award recognizes businesses bringing new employment, growth in sales or new capital investment to the city in the last year. Commerce City Family Dentist is a woman- and minority- owned business that provides orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and pediatric dentistry in the Derby area. It has made an impact in Commerce City since the August 2012 opening, growing to 22 employees. Because they believe in giving back, Commerce City Family Dentist offers services to low-income residents and those who do not have health and dental insurance. I extend my deepest congratulations to the Commerce City Family Dentist for this well-deserved recognition by Commerce City.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud United Parcel Service (UPS) for receiving the 2016 Commerce City Business of the Year Award. The Business of the Year Award is given to a company showing leadership within its industry and the community. UPS has been in the Commerce City community for over 44 years and employs 2,700 people as the largest private-sector employer in the city. They recently added 90 full-time jobs and constructed a large high capacity Compressed Natural Gas fueling station for their local fleet of 300 UPS cars and tractors. The employees at the UPS facility are an integral part of the transportation and logistics sector in Colorado and in the western U.S. but also an integral part of the local community. They give countless hours in volunteer services, donate to local charity programs and are stewards of the economy and the environment. They have assisted in many community projects including the relocation of the old Commerce City Civic Center to the new Historical Society Property, the renovation efforts in local schools, and the remodel of the Hope Center, which helps individuals with developmental disabilities and at-risk children and adults. I extend my deepest congratulations to the United Parcel Service for this well-deserved recognition by Commerce City.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Denver Machine Shop for receiving the 2016 Commerce City Business on the Move Award. The Business on the Move Award recognizes businesses bringing new employment, growth in sales or new capital investment to the city in the last year. Denver Machine Shop is a fourth generation family business that was founded in 1916 and services the Rocky Mountain region in the mining, petroleum, and manufacturing industries with replacement parts and heavy machinery rebuild services. They repair industrial machinery including heavy mining equipment, rock crushers, steel making production lines, food industry equipment, and sand and gravel screening equipment. In 2013, they moved to a 30,000 square feet facility allowing for a full service machine shop, welding service trucks, field machining, and welding capabilities. Since their move, they have hired eight new employees. I extend my deepest congratulations to the Denver Machine Shop for this well-deserved recognition by Commerce City.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Food for Thought for receiving the Arvada Chamber of Commerce's 2015 Image Award. With support and initial funding from the Arvada Sunrise Rotary Foundation, Food for Thought today serves a tremendous need with free or reduced meals in public schools across the Denver metro area. The Food for Thought program has expanded into Denver and now delivers more than 1,600 weekly ``Powersacks'' and has delivered over 4,300 tons of food in total to children in need. The support from the Arvada Sunrise Rotary Foundation was instrumental in this program and the expansion of the program into Denver. I extend my deepest congratulations to Food for Thought for this well-deserved recognition by the Arvada Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. for receiving the 2016 Commerce City Business on the Move Award. The Business on the Move Award recognizes businesses bringing new employment, growth in sales or new capital investment to the city in the last year. Old Dominion Freight Line is a motor carrier providing regional, inter-regional and national less-than-truckload (LTL) and value-added logistics services. The company has been in Commerce City for 20 years. In 2015, the company expanded its footprint to a 65,000 square foot facility which enabled them to add 70 jobs and 125 trucks departures a day, delivering 275,000 packages annually. I extend my deepest congratulations to the Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. for this well-deserved recognition by Commerce City.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Stryker by Design for receiving the 2016 Commerce City Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. The Entrepreneurial Spirit Award recognizes a company or entrepreneur that demonstrates a pioneer spirit toward new product development, a business start-up, or growth into new markets. Stryker by Design is a woman-owned, contract manufacturing company that has been in business since 2000. Stryker by Design specializes in ``soft-sewn'' products, made by highly-trained and talented operators including refugees from war-torn countries in Africa and the Middle East. Stryker manufactures backpacks, military and tactical gear, fashion bags and more at their facility located on Monaco Street in Commerce City. The company uses an innovative approach to contract manufacturing. The owners not only make their clients' products, but they also offer office, design and warehouse space to some of their clients and even allow the companies access to their production floor. Their success has enabled them to double their employee count, invest in new machinery, and fully utilize their 10,000 square foot space. I extend my deepest congratulations to the Stryker by Design for this well-deserved recognition by Commerce City.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Jim Scharfenberg as the Arvada Chamber of Commerce's 2015 Man of the Year for his volunteerism, kindness and dedication to the community. Jim has been a long-time supporter and participant in many of Arvada's community programs, such as the Arvada Center and the City of Arvada's Adopt-a-Trail Program. He also worked as a volunteer for the Arvada Community Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, Rose Roots Garden, Santa House, and the Majestic View Nature Center. He co-founded Trees Across Arvada with his wife, a nonprofit program that offers an annual opportunity for residents to purchase low-cost trees suitable for Colorado's drought environment and to help beautify the community. I extend my deepest congratulations to Jim Scharfenberg for this well-deserved recognition by the Arvada Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Ryan Stachelski for receiving the Arvada Chamber of Commerce's 2015 Arvada Young Professionals Leadership Award. As the Deputy Director of the Arvada Economic Development Association (AEDA), Ryan has achieved outstanding results in fostering economic development and vitality for the City of Arvada. His community-mindedness has helped create and enhance meaningful partnerships with a variety of organizations across the City. Ryan played an integral role in AEDA becoming certified as an economic development organization for the city and has helped grow engagement from local businesses to assist in Arvada's overall economic development efforts. I extend my deepest congratulations to Ryan Stachelski for this well-deserved recognition by the Arvada Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Vanessa Kendrick for receiving the Arvada Chamber of Commerce's 2015 Arvada Young Professionals Leadership Award. As a local realtor in Arvada, Vanessa's professionalism and energetic attitude has enabled her to become a leader and successful entrepreneur in the City. Vanessa's dedication to the community is obvious through her involvement in several local organizations including Chair of the Arvada Young Professionals, Two Ponds Foundation board member, and captain for Sand and the City. I extend my deepest congratulations to Vanessa Kendrick for this well-deserved recognition by the Arvada Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Terumo BCT for receiving the Chairman's Choice Award from the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation. Terumo BCT, a global leader in blood component and cellular technologies, has a 45-year history in Jefferson County. Starting as a small medical device manufacturer in California, Terumo has grown to be one of Jefferson County's largest employers with more than 1,800 employees in the county. They are the only company with the unique combination of apheresis collections, manual and automated whole blood processing, and pathogen reduction coupled. Additionally, they operate the only ethanol-oxide sterilization facility in the state. Terumo BCT has been in Lakewood since 1964 and evolved into the organization it is today through mergers of different companies and increased growth. In April 2015, Terumo BCT opened their new 125,000 square foot state-of-the-art global headquarters in Lakewood, which includes office, lab, parking, and an onsite fitness center and cafeteria. The expansion will bring 300 high-paying jobs and over $37 million in new capital investment to Jefferson County over the next couple of years. I extend my deepest congratulations to Terumo BCT for this well- deserved recognition by Jefferson County EDC. Thank you for your contributions to the Jefferson County economy and community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Don Wick for receiving the Arvada Chamber of Commerce's 2015 Image Award. Over the years, Don has been involved in a variety of boards and organizations that have exemplified his passion and deep commitment to the City of Arvada. Don has served as a board member for the Jefferson Foundation, Colorado Associations of Chiefs of Police, Center for Public Safety, Ralston House, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. In addition, he is the former executive director for the Arvada Child Advocacy Center and also been involved in the Arvada Jefferson Kiwanis Club. With all he does, Don has the best interest of the community and its residents in mind. I extend my deepest congratulations to Don Wick for this well- deserved recognition by the Arvada Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Steelhead Composites for receiving the Innovative Technology Award from the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation. The Innovative Technology Award is given to a company that is on the forefront of new and advanced technologies including the industries of aerospace, aviation, bioscience, energy, outdoor recreation and apparel, among others. Steelhead Composites manufactures lightweight, high-strength cylinders to be used for weight-sensitive energy and fuel storage application. The company's specialties include lightweight bladder accumulators, mobile compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel storage and transport, gas bottles, aluminum liners, and accessories. Steelhead also offers a full array of technical services in vessel design, metal spin forming, filament winding, prototyping, and testing of high pressure vessels. These fuel tanks are designed for the CNG and hydrogen vehicle industry, are lined with aluminum, and are just as strong as steel but at one-sixth the weight. Steelhead is in the early stages of commercialization and currently has 6 high-paying employees with plans to expand significantly during the next couple of years. I extend my deepest congratulations to Steelhead Composites for this well-deserved recognition by Jefferson County EDC. Thank you for your contributions to the Jefferson County economy and community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Jean Scharfenberg as the Arvada Chamber of Commerce's 2015 Woman of the Year for her years of volunteerism, kindness and dedication to the community. After many years as an educator and volunteer, Jean embodies the spirit of the community and is a perfect recipient for this award. Jean worked as a volunteer for the Arvada Community Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, Rose Roots Garden, Santa House, and the Majestic View Nature Center. Jean regularly participates in the City of Arvada's Adopt-a- Trail Program and has been a long-time supporter of the Arvada Center. She also co-founded Trees Across Arvada, a nonprofit program that offers an annual opportunity for residents to purchase low-cost trees suitable for Colorado's drought environment and to help beautify the community. I extend my deepest congratulations to Jean Scharfenberg for this well-deserved recognition by the Arvada Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Korissa Straub for receiving the Arvada Chamber of Commerce's 2015 Rising Star Award. Korissa exemplifies outstanding leadership and involvement in the Arvada community. With a 4.46 GPA, including in AP and Honors classes, and as a three-sport athlete, Korissa clearly excels in school and all she does. She is an accomplished art student, vice president of her DECA team, student ambassador, and is involved in seven other clubs at school as well as the Outdoor Leadership Program and the International Career Development Conference. Korissa also helped coordinate a children's book drive at her middle school and has since continued that annual effort. I extend my deepest congratulations to Korissa Straub for this well- deserved recognition by the Arvada Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Dee Gill for receiving the Arvada Chamber of Commerce's 2015 Image Award. Dee's unwavering and ongoing kindness and generosity has helped to make the Arvada community a better place. Dee's community-minded focus and perspective has enhanced the sense of community and family across Arvada. Her support and bigheartedness provides an example for all of us. Dee's contribution and dedication to her community will forever be remembered. I extend my deepest congratulations to Dee Gill for this well- deserved recognition by the Arvada Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Food for Thought for receiving the Arvada Chamber of Commerce's 2015 Image Award. With support and initial funding from the Arvada Sunrise Rotary Foundation, Food for Thought today serves a tremendous need with free or reduced meals in public schools across the Denver metro area. The Food for Thought program has expanded into Denver and now delivers more than 1,600 weekly ``Powersacks'' and has delivered over 4,300 tons of food in total to children in need. The support from the Arvada Sunrise Rotary Foundation was instrumental in this program and the expansion of the program into Denver. I extend my deepest congratulations to Food for Thought for this well-deserved recognition by the Arvada Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, on April 12, 2016 I was not present to vote on H.R. 1567 (Global Food Security Act). I wish to reflect my intentions had I been present to vote. Had I been present for roll call No. 139, I would have voted ``YEA.''

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Skywriter MD for receiving the Innovative Technology Award from the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation. The Innovative Technology Award is given to a company that is on the forefront of new and advanced technologies including the industries of aerospace, aviation, bioscience, energy, outdoor recreation and apparel, among others. As a startup, Skywriter specializes in electronic medical record (EMR) technology and provides a much-needed service for providers that have lost EMR documentation. The company developed a software tool that offers real-time communication and connectivity with virtual scribes, who serve as an extension of a physician's arm throughout the patient visit. Skywriter helps providers navigate the EMR, enter data and execute other tasks as directed. The user interface supports direct and indirect interaction throughout the patient visit, while non-intrusive presence of Skywriters enables a more personable patient-physician encounter. Skywriter recently expanded its operations by adding a second location in Westminster's Westmoor Technology Park. The company leased 16,000 square feet and brought 120 jobs to Jefferson County. The company predicts to grow to 600 employees in the next three years. I extend my deepest congratulations to Skywriter for this well- deserved recognition by Jefferson County EDC. Thank you for your contributions to the Jefferson County economy and community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Commerce City Attorney Robert Gehler for his decades of service to the City of Commerce City, Colorado. For over forty years Mr. Gehler has been active within the City, including helping to draft the city charter. Originally from South Dakota, Mr. Gehler came to Colorado as a member of the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps at Rocky Mountain Arsenal in 1964. In 1965, ready to leave the Army, Mr. Gehler passed the Colorado Bar and joined the firm of Berger and Rothstein, whose office was just outside the west gate of the arsenal. He served as Assistant County Attorney for Adams County from 1965 to 1968. In January of 1968, he was sworn in as City Attorney at the request of then-Mayor Eli Koff. In 1970, residents voted overwhelmingly to become a home rule city, instead of a statutory city, and the process of adopting a city charter began. The charter, which guides how local government functions, was approved on its first vote but has only been amended five times since its adoption--one of the City's most memorable legal achievements. I extend my deepest thanks to Robert Gehler for his service to the community. Thank you for your continuous dedication to serving the constituents of Commerce City, Colorado.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Spyderco for receiving a Business Recognition Award from the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation. The Business Recognition Award is given to companies that show growth in primary employment, sales and/or capital investment in the last year. Spyderco designs and manufactures innovative knives and knife accessories including one-hand opening, serrations on a folder, and a clip to attach a knife to a pocket. In the company's million- dollar testing facility, continuous testing enables the company to examine edge retention with a CATRA machine, look for rust development with Q-FOG, and test the force needed to open and close a knife. The company also repeatedly tests for stress, wear, optimal heat-treating and actively searches for higher quality, performance enhancing materials. Currently, the company has over 200 different products and produces knives across the globe in Japan, Taiwan, Italy and China. Located in Golden, Spyderco recently expanded from 5,000 sq. ft. to 17,500 sq. ft. to keep up with increased demand for its products, as well as added 10 employees and $1 million in capital investment to Jefferson County. I extend my deepest congratulations to Spyderco for this well- deserved recognition by Jefferson County EDC. Thank you for your contributions to the Jefferson County economy and community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Reed Group for receiving a Business Recognition Award from the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation. The Business Recognition Award is given to companies that show growth in primary employment, sales and/or capital investment in the last year. Providing extended leave management services for public and private organizations, the company helps organizations reduce the cost, compliance risk and complexity of employee absence. Its products and services address FMLA, ADA, state and other leave laws, worker's compensation and short- term and long-term disability programs. Currently, Reed Group employs 530 people nationwide including 442 people at its headquarters in Westminster. The ever-changing business environment means more employers are actively managing employee absence as a way to improve operations and drive better results. Because of this, Reed Group is planning to add an additional 150 employees over the next 3-5 years. During 2015, the company hired 77 employees, which included nurses, IT specialists and customer service representatives. In 2016, due to a major acquisition, the company will add another 200 employees making it the second largest extended-leave management services provider in the nation. I extend my deepest congratulations to Reed Group for this well- deserved recognition by Jefferson County EDC. Thank you for your contributions to the Jefferson County economy and community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Prescient for receiving a Business Recognition Award from the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation. Prescient offers a fully integrated design engineering and construction solution, including 3D virtual model system, welding robots, and CNC drilling machines allowing for industry-leading levels of material efficiency. Prescient has worked on the Colorado Christian University residence hall and the Hyatt House in Belmar. The Business Recognition Award is given to companies that show growth in primary employment, sales and/or capital investment in the last year. Prescient is well-deserving of this award for their upcoming relocation and expansion of their manufacturing operations in Arvada which will bring 250 high-paying jobs to the county and $8.9 million in capital investment to our community. The new facility is owned, and partially occupied by the Sorin Group, which has also decided to relocate their operations and 300-plus employees to Jefferson County. I extend my deepest congratulations to Prescient for this well- deserved recognition by Jefferson County EDC. Thank you for your contributions to the Jefferson County economy and community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Cator, Ruma & Associates for receiving the Business Recognition Award from the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation. Cator, Ruma & Associates recently added 26 high-paying jobs to its headquarters in Lakewood--making it a perfect recipient of the Business Recognition Award which is given to companies that show growth in primary employment, sales and/or capital investment in the last year. Since 1959, Cator, Ruma & Associates has been providing consulting engineering services for institutional, commercial, industrial and medical facilities throughout Colorado and the Western Region. Currently, it has more than 90 employees and three offices in the Western Region. Recent projects include the redevelopment of Denver Union Station, the Kaiser Permanente facility in Westminster, and the Employee Pub at MillerCoors in Golden. I extend my deepest congratulations to Cator, Ruma & Associates for this well-deserved recognition by Jefferson County EDC. Thank you for your contributions to the Jefferson County economy and community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud FirstBank for receiving the Pioneer Award from the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation. The Pioneer Award is given annually to a Jefferson County company that demonstrates an ability to keep up with today's rapidly changing global economy and makes significant contributions to Jefferson County's economy. As one of Lakewood's largest employers, FirstBank is a consumer and commercial lender that has over 115 locations in Colorado, Arizona and California and over $14 billion in assets. The company is currently adding an additional 127,000 square feet to their headquarters on West Colfax. Upon completion in 2016, the location will house 900 employees with room to expand to 1,300 employees in the coming years. The expansion will enable the company to hire about 70 additional employees over the next year. I extend my deepest congratulations to FirstBank for this well- deserved recognition by Jefferson County EDC. Thank you for your contributions to the Jefferson County economy and community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Premium Panel for receiving a Business Recognition Award from the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation. The Business Recognition Award is given to companies that show growth in primary employment, sales and/or capital investment in the last year. Premium Panels is a family-owned and operated metal roofing manufacturer and custom sheet metal fabricator in Arvada. The company specializes in concealed fastener standing seam metal roofing panels, wall panels and also provides aggregate panels. In 2015, Premium Panels expanded to a 30,000 square foot facility in Arvada and has more than doubled the size of its manufacturing facility space and employment. I extend my deepest congratulations to Premium Panels for this well- deserved recognition by Jefferson County EDC. Thank you for your contributions to the Jefferson County economy and community.