David Young

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Michelle DeClerck on being awarded the Women in Business Champion of the Year by the Iowa Small Business Administration. Every year, during National Small Business Week, the Iowa Small Business Administration announces winners of the Iowa Small Business Week Awards. Michelle is the founder and president of Conference Event Management in West Des Moines. In its 13 years, Michelle has grown the company across Iowa and around the globe. One of her passions in life is promoting women in business and fostering the growth of women business owners. She devotes her time and energy to several organizations that advocate for, mentors, and supports women business owners, encouraging them to enter the world of business ownership. She also serves with organizations that focus on aiding the hungry and homeless in Central Iowa. Mr. Speaker, strong communities are built upon people like Michelle, who go above and beyond their own self-interests and devote their time and energy to helping others. I am honored to represent leaders like her in the United States Congress and I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Michele for receiving this outstanding recognition and in wishing her nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John Lerdal of Pleasant Hill, Iowa for being awarded the Pillar of Service Award at the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony earlier this year. The Pillar of Service Award celebrates a community member who is the model of dedication to the chamber and the community. John is the director of the Pleasant Hill Public Library and has helped lead them through numerous expansions and improvements over the years. He is an active member of the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce, having served as a board member and volunteer at countless chamber events over the years. John has impacted the lives of countless community members, whether it was at the Lions Club handing out hotdogs and popcorn or reading books to children at the public library where the kids know him as ``Mr. John.'' Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to represent community leaders like John in the United States Congress, and it is with great pride that I recognize him today. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating John for this outstanding achievement and in wishing him nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Nora Schatzberg of Pleasant Hill, Iowa for being named the 2016 Pleasant Hill Citizen of the Year at the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony earlier this year. The Citizen of the Year award celebrates a community member who has devoted their time and energy to making their community a better place. Nora has taken a leading role in promoting the arts in Pleasant Hill. She organized the first Art by the Lake event this year, which showcased local artists as well as youth in local school districts. Nora's already begun plans for next year, including receiving a grant from Bravo. She has also organized community workshops and programs to spread the word about the importance of a community having a strong commitment to the arts. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to represent community leaders like Nora in the United States Congress, and it is with great pride that I recognize her today. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Nora for this outstanding achievement and in wishing her nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Bedford Public Library in Bedford, Iowa for celebrating their 100 year anniversary. The Bedford Public Library was built in 1916 as a gift from Andrew Carnegie and is one of 101 Carnegie Libraries built in Iowa. It has come a long way since 1916, there are no longer just books housed there. It is home to five public access computers with high speed internet connections along with a number of other modern amenities. The library also contains a large genealogy collection. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent those who have made the Bedford Public Library such an integral part of the community and it is with great pride that I recognize them today. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them for this outstanding milestone and in wishing them all nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Christie Beving of Norwalk, Iowa for being named the 2017 Norwalk Educator of the Year at the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony earlier this year. The Educator of the Year award recognizes a local teacher who has exemplified what excellence in teaching looks like. Christie has been teaching English at the Norwalk Community School District for the past 19 years, and this year is serving as an instructional coach. She is known by students and parents alike as an educator who is student centered, and always pushing them to their full potential. Her dedication to the children of Norwalk extends beyond her classrooms though. She is also a prep teacher at St. John's Catholic Church and volunteers for NABC basketball tournaments. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent educators like Christie in the United States Congress, and it is with great pride that I recognize her today. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Christie for this outstanding achievement and in wishing her nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Joel Shapiro of West Des Moines Valley High School for winning the Class 3A, 160 pound bracket at the Iowa High School State Wrestling tournament earlier this year. Iowa has a long and proud history of strong wrestling programs, producing college and Olympic champions for years. Winning a state championship is the culmination of years of hard work and commitment, not only on the part of Joel, but also his parents, his family, coaches and fellow teammates. Mr. Speaker, the example set by Joel demonstrates the rewards of dedication, and perseverance. I am honored to represent Joel and his family in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize them today. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Joel on competing in this rigorous competition and in wishing him nothing but continued success in his education and wrestling career.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Kyle Biscoglia of Waukee, Iowa for winning the Class 3A, 113 pound bracket at the Iowa High School State Wrestling tournament earlier this year. Iowa has a long and proud history of strong wrestling programs, producing college and Olympic champions for years. Kyle, a sophomore at Waukee High School, capped off a great season with 54 wins, 1 loss and a state championship medal. He is the first Waukee wrestler to win a state championship in this particular weight class. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent Kyle and his family in the United States Congress, and it is with great pride that I recognize him today. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Kyle on competing in this rigorous competition and in wishing him nothing but continued success in his education and wrestling career.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Chase Shiltz of Creston High School for winning the Class 2A, 182 pound bracket at the Iowa High School State Wrestling tournament earlier this year. This is Chase's third individual State Wrestling championship. In addition to the championship win, Chase was also chosen as the 2017 Dan Gable Mr. Wrestler of the Year in Class 2A. Chase was quoted in the Creston News Advertiser as saying, `` `It shows all of the hard work paid off,' Shiltz said. `I credit all of the coaches, workout partners, my parents. It's a big reward for all of them.' '' Iowa has a long and proud history of strong wrestling programs, producing college and Olympic champions for years. Winning three state championships in a row has been the culmination of years of hard work and commitment, not only on the part of Chase, but also his parents, his family, coaches and fellow teammates. Mr. Speaker, the example set by Chase demonstrates the rewards of dedication and perseverance. It is an honor representing Chase and his family in the United States Congress, and it is with great pride that I recognize them today. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Chase on competing in this rigorous competition and in wishing him nothing but continued success in his education and in his future college football career at Northwest Missouri State University.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Redfield, Iowa Lion's Club for celebrating 60 years of service to their community. The members of this organization have been working since 1956 to meet the Lion's objectives of empowering volunteers to better their communities, meeting humanitarian needs, encouraging peace and promoting international understanding. Their valued work within the community has been integral to the people of Redfield and I commend them for their service. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate the Redfield Lion's Club for celebrating this outstanding milestone. It is because of Iowans like them that I'm proud to represent our great state in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them and in wishing them all nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Nicci Baker of Pleasant Hill, Iowa for being named the 2016 Pleasant Hill Volunteer of the Year at the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony earlier this year. The Volunteer of the Year award celebrates a chamber member who is active within the organization. Almost everywhere she goes, you will find Nicci promoting the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce, and encouraging others to join. If there is a chamber event you can be sure she will be there, and she is a member who can always be counted on to do her part, from stuffing envelopes to putting up tents. Nicci understands the benefits of having strong local businesses in her community, so she doesn't hesitate to help serve food at chamber member business's open houses, as well as dishing up tacos for The Shores Senior Living Community. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to represent community leaders like Nicci in the United States Congress, and it is with great pride that I recognize her today. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Nicci for this outstanding achievement and in wishing her nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Becky Peterson for receiving the Hero of Hope Award from the Iowa American Cancer Society at this year's annual Winter Leadership Conference in Panora, Iowa. The Hero of Hope Award is presented annually to an outstanding volunteer who exemplifies inspirational communication skills, a passion for Relay For Life and a commitment to the mission of the American Cancer Society. Becky exemplified that commitment when she went the extra mile with her efforts as event lead for the Guthrie County Relay For Life. Becky has also had her own personal battle with cancer and has now been cancer free for six years. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to represent community leaders like Becky in the United States Congress, and it is with great pride that I recognize her today. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Becky for this outstanding achievement and in wishing her nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Shade Tree Auto of Grimes, Iowa for being named the 2016 Grimes Business of the Year at the Grimes Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony earlier this year. The Business of the Year award celebrates a local business that has helped serve the community in many different ways. Owner Clint Dudley founded the automotive repair shop in 2001 in Johnston, Iowa, and moved the business to Grimes in 2005, where a larger facility allowed them to conduct repairs quicker and to accommodate more types of vehicles. Shade Tree Auto has been the recipient of numerous awards over the years, including twice as the Blue Ribbon recipient of the Dream Big Small Business Award by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and five times with the AAA Top Shop Award. Not only is Shade Tree Auto a great business, they are also generous in giving back to the community, lending financial or volunteer help to as many events in Grimes as they can. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to represent business like Shade Tree Auto in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize them today for this outstanding accomplishment. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Shade Tree Auto for receiving this award and in wishing them nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Peggy Triggs, of Grimes, Iowa for being named the 2016 Grimes Ambassador of the Year at the Grimes Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony earlier this year. The Ambassador of the Year award honors a member who has been active in the organization and throughout the community. Peggy, even with the busy schedule that comes with being the owner of Cabinets by Design, still manages to attend almost every Grimes Chamber of Commerce event. Whether it's a ribbon cutting, a dinner, or any other event, Peggy is there lending her support to her fellow business owners and her community. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent community leaders like Peggy in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize her today for this outstanding accomplishment. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Peggy for receiving this award and in wishing her nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate The Bird's Nest in Bondurant, Iowa for being named the 2016 Bondurant Large Business of the Year at this year's Bondurant Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony. The Large Business of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding community business with over 10 employees. The Bird's Nest, with owners Jill Sullivan and Felicia Collison, have provided a safe, secure, and educational place for children to go before and after school. In an age where parents are pulled in many different directions, The Bird's Nest helps to fill a valuable need for families in the Bondurant community. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to represent businesses like The Bird's Nest in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize them today for this outstanding accomplishment. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating The Bird's Nest for receiving this award and in wishing them nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Phyllis and Robert Kaldenberg, of Winterset, Iowa for receiving Madison County Chamber of Commerce's Lifetime Achievement Award. Phyllis has been a popular daycare provider in the city of Winterset, and is active with the local United Methodist Church. She worked to get the Iowa Quilt Museum off the ground and is a member of the Covered Bridge Quilters. Robert, a member of the Winterset Rotary, participates in community volunteering opportunities as much as he can, including City Park hedge maze, the Bluebird house projects, and construction of the community bocce ball court. Robert is also active in the local Methodist Church and has been a big help in the construction of the Winterset Area Skate Park. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to represent community leaders like Phyllis and Robert in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize them today. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Phyllis and Robert for their outstanding achievements and in wishing them both nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Seth and Jennifer Evans, of Lenox, Iowa for being named 2016 Master Pork Producers by the Iowa Pork Producers Association. Seth and Jennifer were presented the award earlier this year at the Iowa Pork Congress Banquet in Des Moines. They operate a 600-head sow farm and farrow-to-finish swine business. Currently, they market 13,000 head of swine from their own business a year. In addition to hogs, they maintain a 60-head cow/calf herd of Angus and Angus-Simmental cross cattle. Seth and Jennifer are also active members of their community, coaching youth sports and serving as board members at various local organizations. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent leaders like the Seth and Jennifer in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize them today for this outstanding accomplishment. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Seth and Jennifer for receiving this award and in wishing them nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Hypsie Salon Suites in Bondurant, Iowa for being named the 2016 Bondurant Small Business of the Year at this year's Bondurant Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony. The Small Business of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding community business that has fewer than 10 employees. Through owner Crystal Trunnel and the salon's suite owners, Hypsie has been providing the citizens of Bondurant with a salon that features a ``small town feel, with a big city vibe.'' The friendliness and professionalism of the staff has made Hypsie a staple in the Bondurant community. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to represent small businesses like Hypsie Salon in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize them today for this outstanding accomplishment. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Hypsie Salon Suites for receiving this award and in wishing them nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Bonny Baker on her recent retirement from the Taylor County Courthouse after 43 years of dedicated service. Bonny began her work at the Taylor County Courthouse in September of 1973 while she was still a senior at Bedford High School. For seven years, she worked in the Treasurer's office before moving to the County Auditor's office. In 1999, Bonny was appointed as county auditor. She has worked on everything from secretary duties to the board of supervisors, election-day preparation, passport services and tax statements. She stated in the Bedford Times-Press that ``I loved working there and loved the rush of working with people all day long.'' Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent Iowans like Bonny in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize her today for her outstanding service. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating her on her retirement and in wishing her nothing but the best in the next chapter of her life.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Lynnette Yossi of Dallas Center, Iowa for being named the 2016 Grimes Educator of the Year at the Grimes Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony earlier this year. The Educator of the Year award recognizes a local teacher who has exemplified what excellence in teaching looks like. Lynnette is the Physical Education teacher at South Prairie Elementary School in the Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District. Lynnette has found that creating games around books helps the children learn while also staying engaged in physical activity. Each school day Lynnette stands at the main entrance to greet children and their families as they are dropped off, providing a smiling face to open the door, help direct traffic, and ensure everyone arrives and departs the school safely. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to represent dedicated teachers like Lynnette in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize her today. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Lynette for this outstanding accomplishment and in wishing her nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Keith Williamson of Bondurant, Iowa for being named the 2016 Bondurant Citizen of the Year at the Bondurant Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony earlier this year. The Citizen of the Year award recognizes an outstanding member of the community who has worked to make it a better place to live. Keith has been a local small business owner for almost twenty years, helping citizens to keep their automobiles on the road. Outside of work, Keith has been an ardent supporter of youth softball in Bondurant, and has gone above and beyond to help other citizens when hard times strike. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to represent Iowans like Keith in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize him today for this outstanding accomplishment. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Keith and in wishing him nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Brent Smith of Grimes, Iowa for being named the 2016 Grimes Citizen of the Year at the Grimes Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony earlier this year. The Citizen of the Year award celebrates a member of the community who has devoted their time and energy to making it a better place to live and raise a family. Brent has selflessly committed himself to making sure Grimes is one of Iowa's most welcoming communities. He is an active member at First Presbyterian Church in Grimes, longtime Co- Chair of the Grimes Governors Days, and can be found doing everything necessary to ensure the annual town celebration is a success, whether it's organizing events during the festivities or putting up signs and picking up garbage. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to represent community leaders like Brent in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize him today for this outstanding accomplishment. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Brent for receiving this award and in wishing him nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Lauren Buffington on being awarded the Golden Apple Award, which recognizes central Iowa teachers who make a difference in the lives of their students. Lauren teaches middle school science and history at Southeast Polk High School. In only her fourth year of teaching, she has learned how to engage her students in their studies through hands on activities to discover and learn on their own. She also uses life lessons to help prepare them for the difficulties and hardships it can bring. Lauren told WHO TV, who presented the award to her after she was nominated by her students, that she loves teaching middle school because ``this is the time they are deciding who they are and who they want to become.'' She also finds that she learns more about the world everyday through her students. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Lauren on this outstanding honor, and look forward to many more years of her molding students in Iowa's Third Congressional District into tomorrow's leaders. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating her on receiving the Golden Apple award and in wishing her nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Eldora Gowing of Shenandoah, Iowa, on the very special occasion of her 100th birthday. Our world has changed a great deal during the course of Eldora's life. Since her birth, we have revolutionized air travel and walked on the moon. We have invented the television, cellular phones and the internet. We have fought in wars overseas, seen the rise and fall of Soviet communism and witnessed the birth of new democracies. Eldora lived through eighteen United States presidents and twenty-two governors of Iowa. In her lifetime, the population of the United States has more than tripled. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent Eldora in the United States Congress and I'm proud to recognize her today on this momentous occasion. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating her on reaching this milestone and in wishing her nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Bondurant-Farrar School District for being named the 2016 Bondurant Organization of the Year at the Bondurant Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony on January 20, 2017. The Bondurant-Farrar School District has been an integral part of the Bondurant Community for years. While it's teachers have remained dedicated year after year in educating the area's children and preparing them for the future, administrators have worked hard in meeting the challenges and surpassing the educational needs of a growing population. I am immensely proud of the educators and administrators in our state that dedicate their lives to ensuring the success of our future generations. Mr. Speaker, I'm honored to represent the Bondurant-Farrar School District in the United States Congress and commend them for their outstanding achievements in their community. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating the Bondurant-Farrar School District and in wishing them all nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Jack and Mona Quee, of Afton, Iowa for being selected as Union County's 2017 inductee into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. Over the past 50 years, the Quees have been stepping up to help with youth wherever help is needed. From organizing food for the Saddle Club trail rides, to chaperoning youth while camping at the Iowa State Fair, Jack and Mona have been providing youth leadership in Union County for generations. It was in 1970 that they first became involved with 4-H as Horse and Riders club leaders and haven't stopped helping out since. Mr. Speaker, Jack and Mona's efforts embody the Iowa spirit and I am honored to represent them, and Iowans like them, in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Jack and Mona for this award and wishing them nothing but continued success.