[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E319]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE SERVICE OF TIM PENNY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD FINSTAD

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 17, 2025

  Mr. FINSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Tim 
Penny, a friend and leader in southern Minnesota who is retiring from 
eighteen years as President/CEO of the Southern Minnesota Initiative 
Foundation.
  Tim Penny first stepped into public service forty-nine years ago when 
he was elected to the Minnesota State Senate in his twenties. From 
there, he would go on to serve in this very chamber as the U.S. 
Representative for southeastern Minnesota, part of the district that 
I'm proud to represent today.
  Whether in or out of elected office, Tim has been a fixture in our 
state for decades, fiercely advocating for the region's economic 
growth, rural development, and community revitalization.
  In his nearly twenty years leading SMIF, the organization has 
launched several grant projects, educational programs, and community 
improvement initiatives.
  His departure leaves behind enormous shoes to fill, but also a legacy 
of service that will long be remembered by all of us in southern 
Minnesota.
  Congratulations to Tim on his well-deserved retirement, and wishing 
him and Sandy the best in this next chapter.

                          ____________________