Formatting necessary for an accurate reading of this text may be shown by tags (e.g., <DELETED> or <BOLD>) or may be missing from this TXT display. For complete and accurate display of this text, see the PDF.
[Pages S4580-S4581]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
______
RECOGNIZING HYDRA ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION, LLC
Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, as chairman of the Senate Committee
on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize a small
business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit at the
heart of our country. It is my privilege to recognize a woman-owned
small business known for its excellence in industry and environmental
stewardship. This week, it is my pleasure to honor Hydra Engineering
and Construction, LLC, of Crawfordville, FL, as the Senate Small
Business of the Week.
In 2008, Leslie Hope established Hydra Engineering after she left her
position as a partner in an engineering firm to pursue her dream of
being a small business owner. After graduating from the University of
South Florida, Leslie started planning how to open her own engineering
company. Leslie turned to her local Small Business Development Center
where she enrolled Hydra Engineering in the U.S. Small Business
Administration's 8(a) business development program. This program
provides resources, mentorship, and training to help small businesses
owned by socially and economically disadvantaged persons compete for
government contracts.
Over the next 12 years, Leslie rebranded her enterprise as Hydra
Engineering and Construction to reflect its growth and expansion. She
completed the 8(a) program, was certified by the State of Florida as a
Minority Business Enterprise and as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Hydra Engineering has worked for several Florida private companies
and
[[Page S4581]]
agencies, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission. They have completed projects in 16 other States, working
for the National Park Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and
the U.S. Forest Service.
For their entrepreneurship, innovation and environmental stewardship,
Hydra Engineering has been recognized by local, State, and industry
organizations. In 2018, they were nominated as a GrowFL Florida Company
to Watch, recognizing their status as a Floridian second-stage company
demonstrating high marketplace performance and innovation. As one of
the world's fastest growing USF-alumni owned or led businesses, Hydra
Engineering earned the USF Fast 56 Award in 2016 and 2018.
Additionally, Leslie was nominated as the 2011 SBA North Florida Region
Small Business Person of the Year. She also sits on the Florida
Agricultural and Mechanical University-Florida State University
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Advisory Board.
Like many small businesses across Florida, Hydra was impacted by the
coronavirus pandemic. When the U.S. Small Business Administration
launched the Paycheck Protection Program, Leslie applied for funding.
The PPP provides forgivable loans to impacted small businesses and
nonprofits who maintain their payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thanks to the PPP, Hydra Engineering is able to support its employees,
many who work and reside in Wakulla County.
Hydra Engineering and Construction demonstrates how small firms use
SBA resources to grow. I applaud their commitment to excellence and
unique role in supporting Florida's critical infrastructure.
Congratulations to Leslie and the entire team, I look forward to
watching your continued growth and success in Florida.
____________________