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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E584-E585]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2019
______
HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY
of indiana
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration
that I rise to commend several exceptional leaders from Indiana who
will be honored as the Northwest Indiana Business and Industry Hall of
Fame Class of 2019. While there are many deserving nominees, this
year's inductees include Kenneth J. Allen, Benito Gamba, Ron McColly,
and David Van Eekeren. In addition, U.S. Steel will be presented with
the Enterprise of the Year Award. For their many contributions to the
community of Northwest Indiana and beyond, these honorees will be
recognized at the 12th Annual Induction Ceremony on Tuesday, May 28,
2019, at Avalon Manor in Merrillville, Indiana. The Honorable Eric
Holcomb, Governor of the State of Indiana, and United States Senator
Todd Young will serve as keynote speakers for this special event.
Kenneth J. Allen graduated from Gary Lew Wallace High School and
went on to study at Valparaiso University and the Indiana University
School of Law. Before becoming an attorney, Mr. Allen worked in
construction and then for a railroad company at a steel mill. After
graduating law school, Ken opened his law firm in Valparaiso, focusing
on personal injury
[[Page E585]]
and wrongful death litigation. Today, his business consists of six
locations, three in Indiana and three in Illinois. The Kenneth Allen
Law Group tirelessly seeks out cases that can bring about true change
in society. Mr. Allen also gives much of his time and support to
various charitable endeavors, including the Lake Area United Way and
the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana.
Benito Gamba is the founder and owner of Gamba Ristorante, located
in Merrillville, Indiana. Benito was born in Altomonte, Italy, and
moved to the United States in 1977. After working in several
established restaurants, Mr. Gamba opened his own place, Cafe Venezia,
in 1988. In 2001, he then opened the Venezia Bar and Grill, which was
followed by the opening of his current establishment, Gamba Ristorante,
in 2006. At this time in his life, Benito is focused on providing good
jobs and continuing to share his love of food with the people of
Northwest Indiana and beyond.
Ron McColly, a Gary native, is the owner of McColly Real Estate, the
largest residential real estate company in Northwest Indiana.
Throughout the years, Mr. McColly continued to build his business, and
he has been immensely successful due to his outstanding leadership
skills and determination. Today, McColly Real Estate consists of
twenty-three real estate offices throughout the region. The McColly
Company includes: Community Title, McColly Bennett Commercial, McColly
Insurance, McColly Auctions, and the McColly School of Real Estate. Ron
has continuously given back to the community through charitable support
for numerous organizations, including the Methodist Hospitals
Foundation and the Crown Point YMCA, among many others.
David Van Eekeren is the President and Chief Executive Officer of
Land O'Frost, a processed deli meat company that is headquartered in
Munster, Indiana. David is the third generation of his family to run
the business. Land O'Frost is currently the third largest producer of
processed deli meats in the United States and has plants in Illinois,
Kentucky, and Arkansas. Under Mr. Van Eekeren's leadership the company
continues to grow and is focused on adding new and innovative products.
David gives back to his community in many ways, especially through his
support for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and his service as a
trustee for the Illinois Institute of Technology.
The recipient of the Enterprise of the Year Award is U.S. Steel for
recently pledging two billion dollars to a company-wide asset
revitalization program. A large part of the revitalization program is
allocated for Gary Works, which is the largest integrated steel mill in
North America and stretches for seven miles along the Lake Michigan
shoreline. Gary Works currently employs more than 3,800 people,
providing good jobs for hard-working families throughout the region.
The revitalization program will ensure that the company is able to
continue building the economy in Gary and Northwest Indiana for many
years to come.
Madam Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to
join me in commending these dedicated leaders and organizations upon
their induction into the Northwest Indiana Business and Industry Hall
of Fame. They are truly deserving of this honor, and for their
exceptional leadership and commitment to the region and beyond, each of
them is worthy of the highest praise.
____________________