The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING THE EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE OF LEN SIMICH
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HON. DEAN PHILLIPS
of minnesota
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
Mr. PHILLIPS. Madam Speaker, today I recognize Len Simich for his extraordinary service to the state of Minnesota as the longtime leader of SouthWest Transit.
Since 1997, Len has served as the CEO of SouthWest Transit, a public transit agency serving the cities of Chaska, Chanhassen, Eden Prairie, and Carver. Under his leadership, SouthWest Transit has embodied its mission to be more than a transit agency by putting people first. This approach established SouthWest Transit as a nation-leading suburban transit agency and key contributor to the region's continued growth and economic development.
Len has helped guide SouthWest Transit from nearly the beginning, helming the agency for over two-thirds of its existence. In that time, he has spurred a fourfold increase in ridership, the construction of numerous new transit stations, and the implementation of innovative transit services such as SouthWest Prime. He also helped lead the agency through the many challenges that have faced transportation agencies in the past two-and-a-half decades, including the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Len's dedication and ingenuity has been recognized time and time again at the state and national levels. Len was previously honored as the Minnesota Transit Professional of the Year, and the list of accolades for SouthWest Transit are too numerous to fully list but include the American Public Transportation Association's Outstanding Public Transportation System of the Year and the Federal Highway Administration's National Environmental Excellence Award.
Even as he embarks on his retirement, both SouthWest Transit and the communities the agency serves will continue to benefit from his visionary leadership. His service has made it easier for families and friends to share moments together, for residents to achieve economic success through access to job openings across the region, for seniors to live more independently and maintain access to the care and services they need, and for all to enjoy unique seasonal events like the Minnesota State Fair. Our region owes a debt of gratitude to Len for allowing us all to enjoy the fruits of his labor, and on behalf of a grateful community, we wish him a happy, healthy, and meaningful retirement.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 38
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