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[Pages H1051-H1052]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CONGRATULATING LIBERTY CLARK ON MEDICAL DEVICE INNOVATION
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
Minnesota (Mr. Emmer) for 5 minutes.
Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Liberty Clark in
Elk River, Minnesota, for receiving an award from Enterprise Minnesota
for attaining their ISO 9001:2015 certification.
Liberty Clark specializes in precision pad printing for medical
device and industrial manufacturers, and this certification verifies to
their clients that they are a reliable producer of high-quality
products.
The medical device industry in Minnesota employs over 30,000
Minnesotans, driving our State's economy by producing devices that save
lives. Recently, I was able to tour Liberty Clark and see firsthand how
remarkable this company is and how it is contributing to the
marketplace.
Liberty Clark's ISO certification, paired with the end-of-the-year
repeal
[[Page H1052]]
of the medical device tax, are two important indicators that our best
days of medical innovation are ahead for our manufacturers, as well as
the millions of Americas who rely on lifesaving medical devices.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate everyone at Liberty Clark on achieving
this certification, and I thank them for being one of the best
manufacturers in Minnesota.
Honoring Reverend Gordon Grimm
Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Reverend
Gordon ``Gordy'' Grimm, who passed away last month at the age of 86.
Reverend Grimm was an ordained Lutheran minister and a leader in the
field of addiction recovery in Minnesota. Through his work with the
Hazelden Foundation, he pioneered the Minnesota model of treatment,
which revolutionized addiction treatment and brought dignity to
recovering alcoholics and addicts.
Reverend Grimm's work was recognized on the national stage. President
Ronald Reagan selected him as a part of the White House Conference for
a Drug Free America. He also served as a goodwill ambassador in
Minnesota and alongside First Ladies Betty Ford and Rosalynn Carter at
the United States Capitol.
Reverend Grimm was known not only for his work but for his kindness.
A colleague described him as a man with ``no sharp elbows, only open
arms.'' His life's work touched so many in need.
We offer our condolences to his wife, Esther; his three children,
John, Mary, and Jim; and the many who knew and were impacted by
Reverend Gordon.
Mr. Speaker, Reverend Gordon's legacy lives on through his family and
all the people he helped. I thank him for a life well-lived.
Recognizing Braxton Battaglia, a True Minnesota Hero
Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Braxton Battaglia
of Blaine, Minnesota.
Braxton is a 10-year-old gymnast who is currently fighting B-cell
acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Despite the overwhelming nature of a
diagnosis like this, Braxton has shown a drive to overcome by focusing
on others and starting the TeamBrax1 Fund, an effort designed to help
other kids and families at the University of Minnesota Masonic
Children's Hospital.
Not surprisingly, Braxton has been recognized for her strength and
heart for service. The University of Minnesota's gymnastics program
presented her with the Abby Szott Courage Award, which recognizes an
individual's incorporation of gymnastics to overcome major life
obstacles. She also recently received her very own spot in the
University of Minnesota Gymnastics Hall of Fame.
Braxton is an inspiration to everyone. While she is currently in
remission, her will to fight will remain as strong as ever. Her
chemotherapy continues until 2021.
We will all continue to pray for Braxton and her family.
Mr. Speaker, Braxton inspires us all to help others, even in the
midst of our own challenges. I thank Braxton, and may God continue to
bless her and her family in the months and years ahead.
Congratulating Scandia Internet Focus Group
Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Scandia
Internet Focus Group for receiving the Good Neighbor Award for their
efforts to secure additional funding for broadband expansion in
Scandia, Minnesota.
Because of the focus group's efforts, more than half a million
dollars will go toward building out internet service for more than 200
homes through the State's Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant
Program.
Building out broadband to the last mile will give unserved and
underserved communities access to the digital world, allowing access to
vital educational resources, telehealth services, and an increasing
amount of commerce done online.
Thanks to the Scandia Internet Focus Group, this service will meet
and exceed the State's goals for 2022 and 2026.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Steve Kronmiller, Patti Ray, Beth Mohr,
Eric Mohr, Aron Larson, Christopher Johnson, Chris Frymire, Jesse
Pereboom, Travis Waite, Kristen Novaak, John Carney, and Andy Brogan.
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