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[Page S5010]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
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TRIBUTE TO STEVE ANTOLINE
Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, it is an honor to recognize the
legacy of Steve Antoline as fearless leader in business, a dedicated
philanthropist, and a proud West Virginian who has made substantial
contributions to our home State.
One of the greatest milestones we achieved when I was West Virginia's
Governor was when the Boy Scouts of America committed to bringing a
world-class scouting facility to the Mountain State, and Steve was a
vital part of that process. Today, the Summit Bechtel Reserve is
homebase every 4 years for tens of thousands of Boy Scouts from across
the country. I assembled government officials, business leaders, and
private volunteers into what I called the West Virginia Project Arrow
Task Force in order to convince the National Executive Board of the Boy
Scouts of America of what we already knew--that the ideal place for
this facility was in the adventurous terrains and magnificent mountains
of West Virginia. The Boy Scouts and West Virginia truly are a perfect
match--an organization that builds character, inspires reverences, and
promotes the values of hard work and compassion, and a State whose
people live and breathe those values every day.
Steve was able to create and manage so many wonderful programs
through the camp. He worked on the Reaching the Summit Boy Scout
Community Service Initiative, organizing and garnering support for more
than 34 projects that utilized countless hours of community service for
Nicholas County. Also in Nicholas County, he serves as the chairman of
the Young Life Wild Ridge Camp Executive Committee and also as a
sponsor of the Young Life organization for the county. With Steve's
input, Young Life is currently in the early stages of building the Wild
Ridge Camp, which will host more than 22,000 children per year,
providing educational opportunities to develop leadership skills, civic
responsibility, and moral values.
As one of the founding fathers of the Summit Bechtel Reserve Scout
Camp, I cannot think of a more fitting tribute to his legacy than the
Steve Antoline Family Conservation Center and Trail. The coal from that
property helped build the Panama Canal. The timber that from that
property helped build the boats that helped win WWII. It has so much
historical value, and now it builds the tallest timber--our future
leaders. And as Scouts walk by the newly dedicated bronze tribute in
honor of Steve's legacy, it is my hope they are inspired by the man who
has surrounded them with opportunities here in West Virginia.
The Conservation Center will offer hands-on exhibits, projects, and a
laboratory for Scouts and youth to further understand and promote
conservation efforts. This project is being designed and built by
Steve, along with collaborative efforts from the Boy Scouts of America
and West Virginia University.
Beyond the camp, Steve has contributed greatly to the surrounding
region. He has founded and operated various companies that include
operations in natural gas, production, excavation, contracting,
property development and biosciences research companies. Among his many
accomplishments for West Virginia is Superior Highwall Miners, Inc., a
business based in Beckley that grew into the world's largest
manufacturer of highwall mining equipment. His efforts brought in
countless jobs and showcased West Virginia's vast potential across the
globe.
Steve serves as cochairman of the new WVU Children's Hospital
Building Campaign and also serves on the hospital's advisory board. He
is the owner of New River Labs, LLC and KEM Research Group, LLC, a
cancer research company performing state-of-the-art diagnostic services
for esophageal, cervical, melanoma, pancreatic, prostate, and many
other forms of cancer. At Summit Resources, Inc., Steve serves as owner
and president, specializing on excavation, land management, and
investment. Other organizations he has been involved with include the
Remember the Miners Organization, the Norma Mae Huggins Cancer Research
Foundation, Summersville Youth Athletics, Raleigh County, YMCA, Beckley
Chamber of Commerce, and the Fayette and Nicholas County chapter of the
American Red Cross.
Put simply, Steve is a West Virginian, through and through. He knows
our communities inside and out and has strived throughout his endeavors
to give back to the people of West Virginia, particularly to our future
leaders. He has a passion for providing our State's youth with every
opportunity possible to achieve success. With thanks to his efforts at
Summit Bechtel and beyond, countless opportunities have been created
and will continue to come to fruition in the days and years ahead.
I wish the very best for Steve and his family: his wife, Jamie; his
children, Emily, Madison, and Kristopher; and his grandchildren Nina
and Hunter. I am honored to join them and all West Virginians in
celebrating Steve's lifelong commitment to excellence in the Mountain
State.
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