Member of Congress
David Young
- Role
- Former Representative
- State
- IA
- Party
- Republican
Speeches
TRIBUTE TO JUDY WEDEMEYER2016-09-12
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Judy Wedemeyer for receiving the Distinguished Service Award from the Casey Service Club. Ms. Wedemeyer was recognized at the Casey Fun Day celebration on July 9, 2016. Judy Wedemeyer and Nita Fagan currently serve as co-presidents of the Casey Service Club and are active members of the Casey Historical Society. They have given many hours to researching and writing the ``Memories of Casey'' column for The Adair News and are responsible for spearheading the Hearts of Gold Fundraiser campaign. Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in commending Judy Wedemeyer for her service to Casey and congratulate her on this award. It is an honor to represent her in the United States House of Representatives and I wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors.
TRIBUTE TO EARLHAM LION'S CLUB2016-09-12
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Earlham Lion's Club for being honored as the 2016 Citizens of the Year at the Earlham Freedom Fest. Earlham Lion's Club was chartered on June 1, 2009 and have since faithfully served their community. They provide eyesight screenings and collect used eye glasses for use on missions in developing countries. Earlham Lion's club members have provided a free community Thanksgiving dinner and provide school supplies for children in need along with a number of other programs. Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in congratulating the Earlham Lion's Club for being selected as the 2016 Citizens of the Year. It is an honor to represent them in the United States House of Representatives and I wish them all nothing but continued success.
TRIBUTE TO NANCY AND WALTER COZIAHR2016-09-09
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Nancy and Walter Coziahr of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. They were married June 8, 1956 in Council Bluffs. Nancy and Walter's lifelong commitment to each other and their children, Mary, David, Tom, and Jane, as well as their eight grandchildren, truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 60th anniversary, I hope it is filled with happy memories and for continued hope for the future. Mr. Speaker, I commend this great couple on their 60th year together and I wish them many more. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.
TRIBUTE TO DANIEL LEONARD2016-09-09
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Daniel Leonard, of Mount Ayr, Iowa for earning the Gold Medal in ``Electrical Construction Wiring'' at the 2016 SkillsUSA competition. SkillsUSA is a collaborative effort among students, instructors and industry representatives to ensure the nation has a skilled workforce. The purpose of this championship is to reward students for excellence, involve industry professionals in directly evaluating students' performance and keep training relevant to employers' needs today. Daniel Leonard received the highest score ever awarded at this competition. He is a 2009 graduate of Mount Ayr High School, and earned his Associate of Arts degree from Southwestern Community College in Creston in 2011, completing his Associate of Applied Science degree in electrical technology in 2015. Mr. Speaker, the example set by Daniel Leonard demonstrates the rewards of harnessing one's talents and sharing them with the world. His efforts embody the Iowa spirit. I am honored to represent Iowans like him in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating Daniel Leonard for his achievements and in wishing him nothing but continued success.
TRIBUTE TO DONALD AND MARILYN ROBERTS2016-09-09
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Donald and Marilyn Roberts on the very special occasion of their 65th wedding anniversary. Donald and Marilyn were married in the summer of 1951 and make their home in Stuart, Iowa. Their lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa's values. As the years pass, may their love continue to grow even stronger and may they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for many more years to come. Mr. Speaker, I commend this lovely couple on their 65 years of life together and I wish them many more. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.
TRIBUTE TO THE 2016 JOHNSTON HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL TEAM2016-09-09
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Johnston High School Softball team for winning the Iowa Girls State Class 5A Softball Tournament on July 21, 2016. I would like to congratulate each member of the Team: Players: Brooke Sandstoe, Chloe Fehn, Kylee Walker, Olivia Goodale, Emily Flint, Hannah Espeland, Sydney Illg, Emma Ford, Alisha Rusch, Haley Pemble, Taylor Canny, Alyssa Shepherd, Mercedes Worsfold, Brooke Wilmes, Sophie Maras, Haylee Towers, Bailey Sutton, Madison Thilges, Halle Van Roekel, Ally Schaer, Ellie Roquet Manager: Eilise Murray Coaches: Todd Merical, Destiny Willer, Abby Sonner, Laura Calvert, Leah Embrey Mr. Speaker, the example set by these students and their coaches demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I am honored to represent them in the United States Congress. I know all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating these young women for competing in this rigorous competition and wishing them all nothing but continued success.
TRIBUTE TO PATRICIA YOUNG2016-09-09
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Patricia Young of Jamaica, Iowa for receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD). Ms. Young manages the Iowa HIV and Hepatitis Prevention Program. She earned the award because of her passion, leadership and dedication in working to improve the lives of people living with HIV and hepatitis as well as her tireless service and devotion to NASTAD. She has engaged in HIV prevention and care for nearly three decades and has held many roles in the Iowa Department of Health including prevention, care and community planning. Mr. Speaker, it's an honor to represent Iowans like Patricia Young in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating her on receiving this award and in wishing her nothing but continued success.
TRIBUTE TO KIM AVEY2016-09-09
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Kim Avey for being honored in her community as the 2016 Good Egg Days Citizen of the Year. Ms. Avey is a great volunteer throughout the community, helping at Scoop the Loop and the local skating rink. She also works as a rural mail delivery person, well-known to go out of her way to make sure her route patrons get their mail in the best shape and in a timely manner. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Kim Avey in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating her on receiving this award and in wishing her nothing but continued success.
TRIBUTE TO LOIS AND DAVID AISTROPE2016-09-09
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Lois and David Aistrope of Randolph, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on June 10, 2016. Lois and David's lifelong commitment to each other and their children, Duane, Doug, and Dalene, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 60th anniversary, I hope it is filled with happy memories. May their commitment grow even stronger, as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for many years to come. Mr. Speaker, I commend this great couple on their 60th year together and I wish them many more. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.
TRIBUTE TO PHYLLIS AND HAROLD SCHOLL2016-09-09
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Phyllis and Harold Scholl of Adair, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. They were married on June 10, 1956. Phyllis and Harold's lifelong commitment to their six daughters, 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 60th anniversary, I hope it is filled with happy memories. May their commitment grow even stronger, as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for many years to come. Mr. Speaker, I commend this great couple on their 60th year together and I wish them many more. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.
TRIBUTE TO ESTEL AND MARVA LEA SHARON2016-09-09
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Estel and Marva Lea Sharon on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. Estel and Marva Lea were married on June 17, 1956 and make their home in Guthrie Center, Iowa. Their lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa's values. As the years pass, may their love continue to grow even stronger and may they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for many more years to come. Mr. Speaker, I commend this lovely couple on their 60 years of life together and I wish them many more. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.
TRIBUTE TO DONNA AND VAN LOBENDO2016-09-09
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Donna and Van Lobendo of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 70th wedding anniversary. They were married on June 8, 1946 in Glenwood, Iowa. They were the owners of the Council Bluffs Hatchery and Donna's Beauty Salon. Donna and Van's lifelong commitment to each other, their children, Stanley and Dani, six grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 70th anniversary, I hope it is filled with happy memories and for continued hope for the future. Mr. Speaker, I commend this great couple on their 70th year together and I wish them many more. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.
BIRTHDAY CARDS FOR AVA2016-09-09
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, everyone, meet Ava. Ava hails from Bondurant, Iowa, and is turning 11 years old next week. She is the beautiful daughter of Kris and Joni Hutchinson. Something you should know about Ava? Ava is a warrior. She is a fighter. She also is battling brain cancer. Now, cancer is not new to Ava. It is something she has fought as a toddler. The battle began again, though, for Ava this summer. Ava has faced the heartbreaking realities and struggles in her fight against cancer that many folks are lucky enough to never encounter in their lifetime, but Ava is strong, Ava is brave, and Ava is an inspiration to us all. She makes us all smile--everyone she has met. With her 11th birthday quickly approaching, you may be asking yourself: What does she wish for? Ava wants a birthday card from you-- anyone--everyone who would like to send one. Folks from across the country and around the world are sending birthday cards for Ava. Of the cards, she said: I like getting them because I know people are praying for me and thinking about me every day. Let's help make Ava's birthday one to remember. I encourage all who can--everybody--to take part in this outpouring of love and support for Ava. Anyone can send a card to Ava at: cards for Ava, 104 9th Street SE, Altoona, Iowa 50009. The address is right here. Mr. Speaker, today, let us take a moment to send our thoughts and prayers to Ava and her family. Let us wish Ava a happy birthday. The best one is yet to come. Happy birthday, Ava.
TRIBUTE TO PATTY AND JIM COWNIE2016-09-07
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Patty and Jim Cownie for being awarded the 2016 Robert D. Ray Pillar of Character Award, presented by the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University. They were presented with the honor during the annual Ray Center's Iowa Character Awards in Altoona, Iowa. Each year, a selection committee of 50 members selects recipients who have exemplified a life filled with volunteerism and sacrifice. The Cownies embody each of those qualities. Ever since the Ray Center opened its doors as Character Counts back in 1997, Patty and Jim Cownie have given their time and resources to make sure it was a total success. Patty Cownie has always displayed a commitment to volunteerism throughout her life. From 1999 to 2014 she served on the Drake University Board of Trustees and now dedicates her time and expertise to the Iowa Board of Regents. She has also contributed her time to organizations such as the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation, Meals from the Heartland and Bravo! Greater Des Moines. Recognized as one of the top businessmen in the State of Iowa, Jim Cownie has still found time to dedicate himself to causes and organizations of which he cares. Along with his wife, Patty, Jim has sacrificed his time and given his expertise to many charitable organizations throughout the state and continues to utilize his own resources to improve the lives of others. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Patty and Jim Cownie for receiving this esteemed designation. It is truly an honor to represent them 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 nothing but continued success.
TRIBUTE TO NORMA AND JACK POPE2016-09-07
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Norma and Jack Pope of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. They were married May 26, 1956 at St. John Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Norma and Jack's lifelong commitment to each other and their children, Scott and Julie, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 60th anniversary, I hope it is filled with happy memories. May their commitment grow even stronger, as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for many years to come. Mr. Speaker, I commend this great couple on their 60th year together and I wish them many more. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating Norma and Jack on this momentous occasion.
TRIBUTE TO RUBY AND DON GODFREY2016-09-07
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Ruby and Don Godfrey of Emerson, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 70th wedding anniversary. They were married on June 2, 1946 at Henderson Christian Church in Henderson, Iowa. Ruby and Don's lifelong commitment to each other, their children, Richard and Darrell, and their grandchildren, truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 70th anniversary, I hope it is filled with happy memories, may their commitment grow even stronger, and may they continue to love and cherish one another for many years to come. Mr. Speaker, I commend this great couple on their 70th year together and I wish them many more. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.
TRIBUTE TO VIOLA AND MYRON ROKER2016-09-07
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Viola and Myron Roker of Glenwood, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 70th wedding anniversary. They were married on June 2, 1946 in Beatrice, Nebraska. Viola and Myron's lifelong commitment to each other, their seven children, 21 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and one great- great-grandchild, truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 70th anniversary, I hope it is filled with happy memories. May their commitment grow even stronger, and may they continue to love and cherish one another for many years to come. Mr. Speaker, I commend this great couple on their 70th year together and I wish them many more. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating Viola and Myron on this momentous occasion.
TRIBUTE TO EILEEN WIXTED2016-09-07
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Eileen Wixted, Owner and Principal for Wixted & Company for being named a 2016 Women of Influence honoree as CAPTRUST Woman Business Owner of the Year by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record. For 17 years, the Business Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual review to identify a standout group of women who have made a significant difference in business, civic and philanthropic endeavors throughout the Greater Des Moines Area. Ms. Wixted has devoted her life to doing so many challenges which many others might avoid. She has spent countless hours on various boards while blazing a trail for others to follow. She was selected for the chosen field of expertise, the lasting impact on the community, involvement with civic or nonprofit organization and being seen as a role model because of her lofty achievements and high ethical standards. Eileen Wixted has the determination and drive to be successful in anything she does. She is nationally recognized as an expert in strategic communication and crisis management. For over 20 years, Ms. Wixted has actively assisted clients manage potentially brand-damaging issues and prepared them for the media, shareholder meeting and government investigations. In all aspects of her life Eileen Wixted is an example of hard work and service who makes Iowans proud. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Eileen Wixted in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud her for utilizing her talents to better both her community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Eileen Wixted on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing Ms. Wixted a long and successful career.
TRIBUTE TO BARB AND LANNY WALKER2016-09-07
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Barb and Lanny Walker of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on June 4, 1966 at Henderson Christian Church in Henderson, Iowa. Barb and Lanny's lifelong commitment to each other, their children and grandchildren truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 50th anniversary, I hope it is filled with happy memories. May their commitment grow even stronger as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for many years to come. Mr. Speaker, I commend this great couple on their 50th year together and I wish them many more. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.
TRIBUTE TO TYPHANIE AND NICK MAHLSTADT2016-09-07
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Typhanie and Nick Mahlstadt of Indianola, Iowa as honorees of the 2016 Angels in Adoption Award. Each year, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) selects individuals, families or organizations who demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of children in need of permanent, loving homes. Many have come away from this experience with a renewed commitment to serve the needs of the millions of children who are waiting for a loving family to call their own. I am proud that you are being welcomed into a select group of distinguished leaders who CCAI recognizes as 2016 Angels in Adoption honorees. Your tireless dedication to children sets you apart as a shining example in Indianola, across Iowa and throughout the United States, earning you well-deserved recognition as extraordinary individuals and quite worthy of this award. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Typhanie and Nick Mahlstadt 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 the Mahlstadt family as they receive this honor and wish them nothing but the best in their lives and the lives of children everywhere.
TRIBUTE TO EAGLE SCOUT JARED KAUFMAN2016-09-07
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Jared Kaufman of Council Bluffs, Iowa for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Jared is a member of Boy Scout Troop 550 in Council Bluffs. The Eagle Scout designation is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Approximately five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well-maintained over the past century. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. Jared's Eagle Project involved community service at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs. Jared led a team of scouts who collected donations and built carts to hold entertainment supplies such as books, magazines, and puzzles for the patients confined to the hospital. The work ethic Jared has shown in his Eagle Project and every other project leading to his Eagle Scout rank speaks volumes of his commitment to serving a cause greater than himself and assisting his community. Mr. Speaker, the example set by Jared Kaufman and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I am honored to represent Jared and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in congratulating him on obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking, and I wish him continued success in his future education and career.
TRIBUTE TO ANGELA CONNOLLY2016-09-07
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Polk County (Iowa) Supervisor Angela Connolly for being honored as a 2016 Iowa Women's Hall of Fame recipient by the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women. Angela Connolly, a native Iowan, was born to second-generation Italian immigrants and cultivated a strong work ethic at her parents' small Italian restaurant. She attended college in Kansas, returning to Iowa and marrying her husband, Tom, raising three children and overseeing the development of the next generation with four grandchildren. Ms. Connolly began her career in the Polk County Public Works Department, working for nearly 20 years before being elected a Polk County Supervisor in 1998. She is only one of three female Supervisors ever elected in over 150 years to the Polk County Board of Supervisors and still serves in that post today. ``Community engagement'' is the key phrase for Ms. Connolly. Evidenced by her dedication to civic activities, she currently serves as Co-Chairman of The Tomorrow Plan and is Tri-Chairman for Capital Crossroads: A Vision for Greater Des Moines and Central Iowa as well as Chairman for Rebuilding Together. She aptly represents the Polk County Board of Supervisors on a long list of boards and commissions. Ms. Connolly has played a leadership role in many significant efforts to improve the lives of area residents. She advocates for mental health issues, domestic violence victims, homeless challenges, and most visibly in recent months, the efforts to stop hunger in Polk County. She is a proponent of the Des Moines downtown revitalization efforts as well as updating the historical Polk County Courthouse complex. She never stops and works tirelessly for all Iowans. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Angela Connolly in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud her for utilizing her talents to better both her community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Angela Connolly on receiving this esteemed designation and in wishing Ms. Connolly a long and successful career.
TRIBUTE TO EMILY ABBAS2016-09-07
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Emily Abbas, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief of Staff at Bankers Trust Company for being named a 2016 Women of Influence honoree as Meredith Emerging Woman of Influence by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record. For 17 years, the Business Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual review to identify a standout group of women who have made a significant difference in business, civic and philanthropic endeavors throughout the Greater Des Moines Area. Ms. Abbas has devoted her life to doing so many challenges which many others might avoid. She has spent countless hours on various boards while blazing a trail for others to follow. She was selected for the chosen field of expertise, the lasting impact on the community, involvement with civic or nonprofit organization and being seen as a role model because of her lofty achievements and high ethical standards. Emily Abbas has the determination and drive to be successful in anything she does. Ms. Abbas is charged with furthering Bankers Trust's strategic focus on customers, community and employees, and solid business relationships. In all aspects of her life Emily Abbas is an example of hard work and service who makes Iowans proud. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Emily Abbas in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud her for utilizing her talents to better both her community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Emily Abbas on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing Ms. Abbas a long and successful career.
TRIBUTE TO NORA EVERETT2016-09-06
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Principal Financial Group, Inc. President of Retirement and Income Solutions Nora Everett for being named a 2016 Women of Influence honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record. For 17 years, the Business Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual review to identify a standout group of women who have made a significant difference in business, civic and philanthropic endeavors throughout the Greater Des Moines Area. Ms. Everett has devoted her life to confronting challenges which many others might avoid. She has spent countless hours on various boards while blazing a trail for others to follow. She was selected for the chosen field of expertise, the lasting impact on the community, involvement with civic or non- profit organization and being seen as a role model because of her lofty achievements and high ethical standards. Nora Everett has the determination and drive to be successful in anything she does and her exemplary work with the Principal Financial Group, Inc. She is an integral component of one of Iowa's largest and most successful employers, building a long and illustrious career with The Principal Financial Group, Inc., based in Des Moines, Iowa. In all aspects of her life, Nora Everett is an example of hard work and service who makes Iowans proud. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Nora Everett in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud her for utilizing her talents to better both her community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Nora Everett on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing Ms. Everett a long and successful career.
TRIBUTE TO DEBI DURHAM2016-09-06
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Iowa Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham for being named a 2016 Women of Influence honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record. For 17 years, the Business Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual review to identify a standout group of women who have made a significant difference in business, civic and philanthropic endeavors throughout the Greater Des Moines Area. Ms. Durham has devoted her life to confronting challenges many others might avoid. She has spent countless hours on various boards while blazing a trail for others to follow. She was selected for the chosen field of expertise, the lasting impact on the community, involvement with civic or non-profit organizations and being seen as a role model because of her lofty achievements and high ethical standards. Debi Durham has the determination and drive to be successful in anything she does, and her exemplary work with the Iowa Economic Development Authority is a testament to that. Ms. Durham works with Iowa Governor Terry Branstad to maintain the Iowa Economic Development Authority as a public-private partnership to improve Iowa's delivery of Iowa's economic services. Prior to leading Iowa's economic development initiatives, Debi Durham served as president of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce, serving communities in northwest Iowa. In all aspects of her life, Debi Durham is an example of hard work and service who makes Iowans proud. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Debi Durham in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud her for utilizing her talents to better both her community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Debi Durham on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing Ms. Durham a long and successful career.