George Radanovich

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goode), the sponsor of the bill.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 1456, introduced by the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goode), would expand the boundary of the Booker T. Washington National Monument in Franklin County, Virginia, through the purchase from willing sellers of 15 acres adjacent to the existing monument. Mr. Speaker, Booker T. Washington, perhaps the most notable African American educator of his day and founder of the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, was born into slavery in 1856 on a 200-acre tobacco farm in southwestern Virginia. Today, the Booker T. Washington National Monument preserves and protects the birthplace and childhood home of Mr. Washington and interprets his life experiences and his significance in American history. The monument is one-half mile from the rapidly growing commercial crossroads of Westlake Corner and commercial and residential development is visible from the park. Much of the farmland around the park is for sale, including the 15-acre proposed piece of property. If authorized and acquired, the 15-acre parcel of land would be added to the park's agricultural permit program in order to preserve the agricultural setting of the park. The Park Service estimates the purchase and acquisition cost of the 15-acre parcel will be approximately $400,000. The Park Service's Northeast Region has determined this project as its top land acquisition funding priority for fiscal year 2003. Mr. Speaker, this legislation is not controversial. It is supported by the majority and minority of the Committee on Resources, the administration and the surrounding communities in southwestern Virginia. I urge an ``aye'' vote on this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1456) to expand the boundary of the Booker T. Washington National Monument, and for other purposes.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, the sponsor of this legislation, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), has been detained; and he will be producing a statement for the Record. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1161 introduced by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) would authorize a memorial to be built on Federal land in the District of Columbia to honor Tomas G. Masaryk, the first President of Czechoslovakia. Mr. Masaryk embodies the close ties between the governments of the United States and Czechoslovakia. He was well acquainted with the United States from repeated trips to this country over the period of 4 decades as a philosopher, scholar, and teacher. President Masaryk's close personal relationship with many Americans, including President Woodrow Wilson, ultimately led to the recognition by the United States of a free Czechoslovakia in 1918. The bill, as introduced, specified an exact location for the memorial, but was later amended to merely state that the memorial would be established on Federal land in the District of Columbia and that the memorial would be in compliance with the Commemorative Works Act. Moreover, the passage of this bill would not result in any expense to the Federal Government. The bill, as amended, specifies that the United States will pay no expenses associated with the establishment or maintenance of the memorial. Mr. Speaker, this legislation is not controversial. It is supported by the majority and minority of the Committee on Resources and the administration. I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 1161, as amended. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1161) to authorize the American Friends of the Czech Republic to establish a memorial to honor Tomas G. Masaryk in the District of Columbia, as amended.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I lend my support to this bill. I believe it is a rare opportunity to protect these resources by creating a long-lasting public-private partnership that will protect these fossils, while at the same time provide opportunities for the scientific community to study these important findings and allow the general public rare glimpses into life during the Jurassic Period. I think it is exceptional that this is getting more attendance than the Grand Escalante Staircase Monument. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 2385.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a friend, Rod Sinclair of Mariposa County, CA in my district. Rod passed away early Tuesday morning at the John C. Fremont Hospital in Mariposa. Rod spent 27 years serving the people of Mariposa County as a deputy Sheriff, Sergeant and Captain in the Mariposa County Sheriffs Department. As a very visible figure in the community, Rod was known to all as a practical, friendly `old style' officer, who was able to enforce the law by knowing the who, what, when and where about everything that was happening in the community. Later in his career, he was responsible for modernizing the Sheriff's Information systems, and took great delight in learning the newest technology. After work and on weekends, Rod spent innumerable hours working in support of youth sports, particularly football. He maintained the football field at the fairgrounds, and made sure that the ``Mustangs'' stayed organized, active and funded through community support. Following his retirement, Rod was a visible fixture at the Mariposa Fairgrounds where he volunteered doing maintenance and special projects as needed by his wife, Linda, who is the Fair Manager. Rod will be missed by his wife Linda Sinclair, and his sons Ed and Jeffrey. Ed has followed Rod as a Deputy Sheriff in Mariposa, and Jeffrey serves his country as a Lieutenant Commander on board the USS Enterprise. Mr. Speaker, I am saddened by this loss. Mariposa County has lost one of its true characters and community supporters with the passing of Rod Sinclair.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 1384, introduced by the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Udall) and amended by the Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation, and Public Lands, would authorize the Secretary of Interior to study the suitability of designating a series of routes that are to comprise the Long Walk National Historic Trail in Arizona and New Mexico as part of the National Trails System. Mr. Speaker, the Long Walk Trail is significant due to the fact that in the fall of 1863 and the winter of 1864, the United States Government forced thousands of Navajos and Mescalero Apaches to relocate from their ancestral lands in Arizona and New Mexico to Fort Sumner, New Mexico, where the tribal members were held captive, virtually as prisoners of war, for over 4 years. During that time, thousands of Native Americans died at Fort Sumner from starvation, malnutrition, disease, exposure or conflicts between tribes and United States military personnel. Mr. Speaker, this legislation is not controversial. It is supported by the majority and minority of the Committee on Resources and the administration. I urge an ``aye'' vote on H.R. 1384. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1384) to amend the National Trails System Act to designate the Navajo Long Walk to Bosque Redondo as a national historic trail, as amended.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Tom and Doris Chester, Lloyd and Leona Beiderwell, and Kenny and Myrna Hook for being the recipients of the Central Valley Chapter of the California Restaurant Association's 2001 Diamond Award. In 1946, Lloyd and Leona Beiderwell opened a Foster's Freeze restaurant in Visalia, California. Today, 55 years later, the Beiderwells are still serving food at Foster's Freeze to their friends and neighbors in Visalia. Tom and Doris Chester have owned and operated the Wagon Wheel Steak House in Visalia since 1975. In 1984, the Chesters expanded their business and began growing oranges. Most recently, the Chesters added a pizza operation to their restaurant. Estrada's Spanish Kitchen was a Visalia landmark from the time it opened, in 1912, until its closing eighty years later, in 1992. Kenny and Myrna Hook were an integral part of Estrada Kitchen's long tradition of service and unique cuisine. The Hooks, along with numerous other members of their extended family, worked at Estrada's Spanish Kitchen for 34 years. I am pleased to take this opportunity to congratulate Kenny and Myrna Hook, Tom and Doris Chester, and Lloyd and Leona Beiderwell on their receipt of the California Restaurant Association's 2001 Diamond Award. Furthermore, I would like to thank them for their hardwork and dedication to providing quality food and outstanding customer service to the people of California's Central Valley.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to John C. Fremont Hospital for 50 years of service to the Mariposa community. In 1947, the Mariposa county voters overwhelmingly approved the formation of the John C. Fremont Hospital District. Shortly after, the 1st meeting of the Board of Directors was held and they proceeded to purchase 20 acres of land to build a facility. In 1951, the John C. Fremont Hospital opened a 24-bed facility. As the community grew, so did the hospital facilities. A 10-bed skilled nursing facility was created in 1964. Additionally, the Ewing Wing has been added. The Ewing wing is a ``home'' facility that has beds to accommodate 28 residents. In 1975, a Home Health Agency was established to serve patients with at-home health needs. In 1981, the hospital was designated a primary health service hospital by the state of California and a sole community provider by the Federal Government. In 1994, the hospital received a complete face-lift. Revenue bonds totaling $5.84 million allowed the hospital to expand their emergency services, build a new clinic, enlarge a heliport pad, reopen surgery capabilities, and add additional facilities. In 1995, a hospice was added to serve the terminally ill and their families. John C. Fremont is one of the few California hospitals granted the ``Critical Access Hospital'' designation, which allows the health care district to receive a higher reimbursement for its Medicare patients. The John C. Fremont Health Care District supplies education to the community by conducting CPR courses, Certified Nursing Assistant programs, and Licensed Vocational Nurse prerequisite programs. The health care district is one of the largest employers in the area with 168 employees. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor John C. Fremont Hospital for serving the health care needs in Mariposa County for 50 years. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing John C. Fremont Hospital many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Don and Craig Saladino on the occasion of the grand opening of their new facility. Saladino Company operates as two separate privately owned corporate entities: Saladino Sausage Company and Saladino's, Incorporated, which is a specialized foodservice distribution company. The Saladino Sausage Company was established in Fresno, California in the meat department of a grocery store, owned by Don Saladino's father. Don's sausage products were first made and sold in 1944. The distinct sausages were made from special family recipes brought over from the Calabrese region of Italy. His special sausages helped Don's business grow quickly and earned him a reputation for producing quality sausages at a fair price. Craig, Don's son, joined his father in the family business in 1979. Together they extended their core product line to include pizza sausage and linguica to sell to local restaurants and pizzerias. The Saladino Sausage Company's wide variety of raw and cooked sausage products soon developed a loyal following of retail and institutional customers. A growing reputation of integrity and quality products soon presented Saladino's with expanded distribution opportunities. Saladino's expansion has allowed the company to move into their new state-of-the-art distribution facility. The new facility has increased warehouse capability, climate controlled docks, and a layout that allows for orders to be processed more efficiently. The new facility will help Saladino's Company to continue building on a tradition of service. Saladino's Sausage Company is run by President Don Saladino. Under Don's leadership, the company has maintained a high level of quality, integrity and growth. Don's motto, ``Never forget where you came from,'' keeps the company focused on providing continuous quality service to its customers. Saladino's, Incorporated is run by President Craig Saladino. His company has a unique philosophy of partnership with its foodservice customers, vendors and associates. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Don and Craig Saladino and Saladino's Company on the occasion of the opening of their new facility. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing the Saladino family and the Saladino Company many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Allan Y. Jendian for being elected Secretary/Treasurer of Chapter 97 of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU). The NTEU represents 6,000 employees of the Fresno Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Campus. Jendian has been an IRS Revenue Agent for the past 34 years. During the last fiscal year, he was named ``Employee of the Year'' of the Compliance Division for his community service at Public Service Recognition ceremonies. Jendian also successfully coordinated the Fresno IRS Campus Combined Federal Campaign, which reached a record- breaking high of over $220,000. Jendian, who has long been a highly active member of his community, is a Deacon at the Armenian Orthodox Church. He recently served as the Regional Chairman of the Pontifical Visit of the Catholics of All Armenians to the Central Valley. In addition, he serves on numerous Boards, including the Armenia Fund of the Western Region, the Diocesan Council of the Western Diocese and the Armenian Inter-Denominational Community Council. Furthermore, Jendian is an active member of the St. Paul Armenian Church, Armenian General Benevolent Union, Knights of Vartan and the Tekeyan Cultural Association, while serving on various committees within these organizations. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Allan Y. Jendian for being elected Secretary/Treasurer of Chapter 97 of the National Treasury Employees Union. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Jendian many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Tony and Alice Giannetta on their appointments to the status of Senior Life Directors. The Building Industry Association (BIA) recognizes the appointments by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the National Association of Home Builders Women's Council. The National Association of Home Builders is recognizing Tony Giannetta for his 20 consecutive years of dedicated service as a member of the NAHB Board of Directors. Tony began his career in Fresno County in the 1940s. He has developed over 27 subdivisions and constructed over 4,500 homes. He has been a member of the BIA of the San Joaquin Valley for more than 50 years. Tony served as the BIA President in 1967, 1979, and 1980. He has been active in community activities, including providing student work experience training, helping to establish a National Association of Home Builders Student Chapter at Fresno City College and California State University, Fresno, and supporting scholarship programs to provide financial aid to construction students at both Fresno City College and California State University, Fresno. The NAHB is recognizing Alice Giannetta for 20 years of consecutive service as a member of the NAHB Women's Council. She is a charter member of the Women's Council of the BIA of the San Joaquin Valley, started in 1980. Alice served as the Women's Council President in 1982. She has also been active in community activities, including providing on-going assistance and support to a young blind mother, volunteering with the American Cancer Society's Angels on Wheels Program, and repeatedly serving as a Cub Scout Den Mother and Room Mother. The BIA's membership of builders, developers, subcontractors, and associated businesses is dedicated to protect and promote the home building industry and to keep home ownership possible. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Tony and Alice Giannetta on the occasion of their appointments to the status of Senior Life Directors by the National Association of Home Builders and their Women's Council. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Tony and Alice Giannetta many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Hrayr ``Hagop'' Hovaguimian for his contributions to the improvement of health care in Armenia. He started the Nork Marash Medical Center, which provides cardiac surgery, free of cost, in Armenia. Decades of under-the-table, behind-closed-door payments have plagued the health care system in Armenia. Armenian citizens tell stories of bribing nurses, doctors and other health care staff just to get the medical attention they require. Dr. Hovaguimian, a Syrian-born specialist in complex pediatric surgery, made his first trip to Armenia in 1991 to see the corrupt medical practices first-hand. Since then he has been actively committed to providing affordable cardiac surgery in Armenia and abolishing corrupt medical practices prevalent in that country. Dr. Hovaguimian left behind a lucrative career in Portland, Oregon to establish Nork Marash Medical Center in Yerevan, Armenia. With the help of a pediatric cardiologist from Spokane, Washington, Dr. Hrair Garabedian, Hagop is running Armenia's first medical facility that is free of the corruptive influences that are crippling the country's health care system. In June of 1994, the first pediatric heart surgery was performed at the hospital. In 1996, the first adult surgery was performed. Nork Marash Medical Center operates at standards equivalent to those of United States hospitals. These standards also include noncorrupt business practices indicated by a zero-tolerance policy against gratuities. Led by the efforts of Dr. Hovaguimian, the Nork Marash Medical Center has brought a breath of fresh air to a health care system marked by bribes, kickbacks and payoffs. Nork Marash has struggled to achieve financial self-sufficiency without government subsidies. Many surgeries on pediatric patients who cannot afford the cost of cardiac surgery are performed at no charge. Dr. Hovaguimian has a guiding principle: no patient is denied care because of inability to pay. Although the hospital has faced several financial obstacles, they have been able to achieve financial self- sufficiency. Mr. Speaker, I honor Dr. Hovaguimian for his efforts to bring high standards and professionalism to the health care system in Armenia. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Dr. Hrayr ``Hagop'' Hovaguimian many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, America suffered the most heinous acts of violence and cowardice in her history yesterday, and it is with both a heavy heart and a strong will that I address this body here today. As we mourn the loss of yesterday's victims and offer our hopes and prayers to the families that have been shattered, it is important that the United States remain resolute. Our friends and enemies alike must understand that we will not, under any circumstances, be divided by terror or deterred from the defense of freedom here and abroad. Our spirits will not be broken, nor will the resiliency of this nation. This nation, and this Congress, will unite behind our President to deliver this message to the world with swift and certain punishment for those who committed this crime against freedom. In the meantime, I am moved by the country's outpouring of love, support, and assistance in this time of need. And to those who anxiously await and anguish over the unknown fate of their loved ones in New York and here in Washington--I hope you can find some comfort in Ezekial 34:11-13: For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered . . . and I will bring them into their own land. God bless America.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ron Orlopp for his contributions to the California poultry industry. After many years of dedicated service, Mr. Orlopp is retiring as Chairman of the California Poultry Federation (CPF). Ron has served as Chairman of the CPF for the past two years; he has served on the CPF board for the past 10 years. During his tenure, Orlopp has enhanced the legislative and regulatory effectiveness in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., expanded the Nutrient Management Certification efforts of the CPF, and assisted in bringing the National Chicken Contest to California. Under his leadership, the CPF Executive Committee visits Washington, D.C. annually and sponsors a trip for members and associates every year. Orlopp's efforts with the legislators is one reason the California poultry industry in one of the most profitable agricultural businesses today. Ron started working with turkeys at the age of eight. He earned a degree in Avian Science from the University of California at Davis in 1976. Later, he studied accounting at Fresno State University and has passed the state board exam to become a Certified Public Accountant. In addition to his position with the CPF, Orlopp is the president of Orlopp Turkey Breeding Farms and a partner in Orlopp-Caviglia Farms. Orlopp has long been active in agricultural and civic organizations in the area. He is the current chairman of the Tulare County Agricultural Advisory Committee. He is also the past-president of the Poultry Forum. He is a former trustee with the Cutler-Orosi School Board and coached Little League for 10 years. Ron was born on October 21, 1954 in Dinuba, California. He has been married to his wife, Mary Jane, since 1981. They have three sons, Bryan, Jason and Kevin. His favorite pastimes are watching his boys play sports, hunting, playing basketball, walking in the hills, and playing golf. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Ron Orlopp for his years of service to the California Poultry Federation and his contributions to the California poultry industry. I wish Mr. Orlopp many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Ed Sobey for his innovative work in the field of education. He has been active in various areas of education, including teaching, museum directing, program founding, and has traveled on many expeditions for academic study. Dr. Sobey received his Bachelor's degree in Physics and Mathematics form the University of Richmond. He went on to obtain his Master's degree and doctorate in Oceanography, both from Oregon State University. Dr. Sobey is currently an instructor at the University of Washington and California State University, Fresno. Dr. Sobey has served as Executive Director of museums at the Museum of Science and History, South Florida Science Museum, and the Fresno Metropolitan Museum. He is also President of the Ohio Museums Association. In addition, Dr. Sobey has gone on whale recording expeditions by kayak, Antarctic winter oceanography expeditions, and has done exhibit research in countries including China, Kenya, and Egypt. Dr. Sobey is the founder of the National Toy Hall of Fame and the Kids Invent Toys program. Kids Invent Toys is a one-week summer camp for elementary and middle school children that stimulates creative thinking, inventing, and entrepreneurial enterprise. Dr. Sobey has also written more than ten books on science and inventions. Mr. Speaker, I want to honor Dr. Ed Sobey for his dedication to education and invention. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Dr. Sobey many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Garo Mardirossian for being selected as Los Angeles' Trial Lawyer of the Year 2000. Mardirossian was selected for the honor by the board of governors of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles. Mardirossian is originally from Allepo, Syria. Due to that government's intolerance of Christian-Armenians, his family moved to Lebanon and lived in Beirut for two years. At the age of eleven, Garo and his family decided to relocate to Cleveland, Ohio. From Cleveland they moved to La Mirada and finally settled in Los Angeles, California. Mardirossian earned his Bachelor's degree in Economics from UCLA and earned his law degree from Whittier Law School in 1981. Later that same year, he founded the Law Offices of Garo Mardirossian. His firm started out by handling small personal injury and auto injury cases. Garo has established himself and his firm as defenders of the U.S. Constitution. He often speaks at attorney association's conventions, bar association meetings, and at law schools. Garo's trial achievements include: Palmer v. Schindler Elevator Company--in which Garo won a $5.75 million verdict for his client who suffered post-concussion syndrome and a broken arm and leg when a belt in an elevator disintegrated. Saakyan v. Modern Auto--an eight year case of defective tires where the jury returned a verdict of $21 million. Hakiman v. Gabbai--in which a jury returned a verdict of $6.65 million for a man badly burned due to an apartment complex full of malfunctioning stoves. Since 1986, Garo has been married to his wife Kathy, who is also a lawyer in his firm. They have three children: Ani, Nora & Kevin. Mr. Speaker, I want to honor Garo Mardirossian for being selected as Los Angeles' Trial Lawyer of the Year 2000. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Mardirossian and his family many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Richard ``Dick'' Moss for his contributions to the agricultural water needs of California's Central Valley. After many years of dedicated service, Mr. Moss is retiring as General Manager of the Friant Water Users Authority (FWUA). Moss graduated from California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, in agricultural engineering. He is a registered civil engineer in California and a graduate of the California Agricultural Leadership Program. His career began with the USDA Soil Conservation Service. Moss served three years as a Lower Tule River Irrigation District staff engineer and later as the manager of the Orange Cove Irrigation District. Formed on October 1, 1985, the FWUA has been managed by Dick from its inception. A joint powers agency, the FWUA has 25 member districts in portions of five San Joaquin Valley counties, all of which contract for water delivered through the Central Valley Project's Friant-Kern and Madera canals. Friant districts serve one million irrigated acres and 15,000 mostly small family farmers along the southern San Joaquin Valley's East Side. Moss has long been active in water organizations and water issues in California and the West. He has guided the FWUA in search of solutions to major water questions, including the ongoing concensus-based cooperative effort with environmental organizations on San Joaquin River restoration possibilities. Earlier this year, the FWUA aided most Friant agencies in gaining enactment of 25-year water service renewal contracts with the Bureau of Reclamation. Even though he is leaving the FWUA, Moss will still work diligently on various water issues in the Central Valley. Moss will be leaving the FWUA to establish his own engineering consulting firm. Moss, his wife Charlene and their three children live near Ivanhoe in Tulare County. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Richard ``Dick'' Moss for his years of service to the Friant Water Users Authority. I wish Mr. Moss continued success in the years to come.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sam Toledo for his contributions to the local restaurant industry and his success as a restaurateur. Sam has three Mexican restaurants that are operated in Fresno, California. At the age of fourteen, Sam came from Guanajuato, Mexico hoping to find work so he could help his parents financially. He began working as a farm laborer, then was hired as a dishwasher at a local restaurant. This was Sam's first Job in the restaurant industry. Within two years he worked his way from dishwasher to bussing tables to assistant cook. Sam married at the age of 18 and continued working in the restaurant industry. He worked at various restaurants as a cook, server, bartender, and head chef A few years later Sam helped a friend open a Mexican restaurant. He put his industry knowledge to work by helping his friend open the restaurant and serving as general manager of the new establishment. That restaurant chain now has three restaurants in Fresno and one in Oakhurst, CA. After working as general manager of all four restaurants over ten years, Sam was ready to open his own business. Mr. Toledo started with an empty building, prepared the restaurant by himself and billed all expenses to his line of credit. After eight months of hard work, Sam opened the first Toledo's Mexican Restaurant on September 5, 1991. In February of 1995, Sam opened the second Toledo's Mexican Restaurant and three months later opened the third. Mr. Toledo used his experience in the restaurant industry to help three of his nephews open their own businesses. Toledo's Mexican Restaurants remain successful in the Fresno community. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Sam Toledo for his contributions to the local business community. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Toledo many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Timothy M. Stearns for his innovative work in the field of education. He has been active in various areas of education, including teaching, researching, launching new programs, and journal editing. Dr. Stearns received his Bachelor's degree in Sociology from San Jose State University. He went on to obtain his Master's in Business Administration and his Doctorate in Management and Sociology, both from Indiana University. Dr. Stearns has been a member of the Management faculty at the University of Wisconsin, Madison and Marquette University. Dr. Stearns serves on the editorial board of three academic journals, and is the author of more than 50 research articles and presentations. Dr. Stearns has lectured on entrepreneurship, strategic planning, and corporate reengineering to executives in various countries, including Poland, Japan, and the People's Republic of China. In 1996, Professor Stearns founded the Institute for Developing Entrepreneurial Action (IDEA). IDEA works with students and local entrepreneurs to help move their dreams toward reality. Dr. Stearns is currently the Coleman Foundation Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurial Studies at the Craig School of Business at California State University, Fresno. In addition, Dr. Stearns is directing the development of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship on the CSUF campus. The Center will house a creativity lab, a technology transfer center, a venture capital fund, and curriculum for undergraduate and graduate students. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Timothy M. Stearns for his dedication to education. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Dr. Stearns many more years of continued success.