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[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 177 (Thursday, November 20, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2292-E2293]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

   IN HONOR OF THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DELAWARE STATE CHAMBER OF 
       COMMERCE'S MARVIN S. GILMAN SUPERSTARS IN BUSINESS AWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2008

  Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise 
today to recognize the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce's Marvin S. 
Gilman Superstars in Business Awards. For ten years, the Delaware State 
Chamber of Commerce has taken pride in honoring small businesses and 
organizations for their outstanding services, quality of management, 
and exemplary approach to business in our state.
  Each year, winners of the Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business 
Awards are companies that have met three criteria: the companies have 
been established at least three years, have 150 employees or less, and 
are members of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. In addition, 
Awards of Excellence are

[[Page E2293]]

given to commendable companies, and one award is given to one 
outstanding non-profit organization. Over the years, corporations 
within the development, arts, public utilities, communications, and 
healthcare industries, among others, have been recognized for playing a 
leading role in Delaware's economic well-being. In November of 1998, 
the very first luncheon was held to present these distinguished awards 
in the Gold Ballroom at the Hotel DuPont, the very same location where 
many of the 40 winning companies, state and local officials, Chamber 
members, and other notable members of the community will gather to 
celebrate this milestone. In fact, I was among the guests present at 
the first Superstars in Business Awards luncheon, and a decade later I 
am pleased to join in saluting what has become a distinguished 
tradition.
  In recognizing this program, it is only fitting to also recognize the 
program's entrepreneurial namesake, the late Marvin S. Gilman. Mr. 
Gilman served as president of Gilman Development Co. in Wilmington for 
more than forty years, during which time he earned the reputation of a 
model small business owner and leader in the community. He used his 
position in the housing industry to further the cause of desegregation, 
sponsoring the Sutton Place high-rise facility project in Baltimore--
one of the first major real estate projects to welcome tenants of all 
races--and serving on the National Committee Against Discrimination in 
Housing. Recognized for their service to the community, Mr. Gilman and 
his wife, Muriel, were the first couple to receive the Delaware State 
Chamber of Commerce's Josiah Marvel Cup Award.
  Once again, I recognize the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce's 
Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Awards for ten years of 
honoring exceptional small businesses and organizations. It is this 
commitment to fostering economic and community excellence that keeps 
Delaware one of the best environments to conduct business in the United 
States.

                          ____________________
```