Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a great leader, innovator, industrialist, and philanthropist on the occasion of his induction into the Wisconsin Manufacturers' Hall of Fame. Ron Wanek founded Arcadia Furniture in 1970 in the small western Wisconsin town of Arcadia. Back then, Mr. Wanek employed just 35 people. In 1982, Arcadia Furniture and Ashley Furniture Corporation merged into Ashley Furniture Industries. Today, Ashley has grown to become the world's largest manufacturer of home furnishings with over 30 million square feet of worldwide manufacturing and distribution capacity and Ashley retail locations throughout the United States and 67 countries. Ashley employs 16,000 Americans, including 3,000 in my home State of Wisconsin. Mr. Wanek is the personification of the phrase ``business is a force for good.'' Not only is Ashley Furniture Industries a massive economic driver in Wisconsin and beyond, but the Ronald and Joyce Wanek Foundation has contributed tens of millions of dollars in support of a multitude of important charities. Mr. Wanek is an unmatched supporter of technical and STEM education at both the K-12 and secondary levels. Through its various programs and partnerships, the Ronald and Joyce Wanek Foundation aims to inspire and empower students to pursue careers in STEM fields and improve the quality of life in our communities. In addition, Mr. Wanek is a passionate supporter of veterans.…”