[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 56 (Friday, April 15, 2011)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E743] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CONGRATULATIONS TO MR. AND MRS. JOHN AND TINA DOWD ______ HON. LOU BARLETTA of pennsylvania in the house of representatives Friday, April 15, 2011 Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge Mr. and Mrs. John and Tina Dowd, recipients of the 2011 Volunteers of America Pennsylvania's Spirit of Youth award. The Spirit of Youth award is given to those who instill hope and belief in the advancement of all. Their support of the community and of Volunteers of America ranges from helping children to helping those who are young at heart. John and Tina Dowd exemplify these traits, and have used their own lives to help others. John Dowd grew up in Sunbury, Pennsylvania. He attended Shikellamy High School before studying engineering at the Pennsylvania State University. John is the president of Sundance Vacations, which he grew from one small office in Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania, into a national company that was named one of the Inc 500 fastest-growing companies two years in a row. As he grew his business, he also dedicated himself to giving back to his community. In addition to his work with Volunteers of America, John donates to the Luzerne Foundation and the Wyoming Valley Children's Association. His company sponsors local Little League and booster club sports teams, and he participates in many other local and national charitable causes. Tina Dowd co-founded Sundance Vacations with her husband, John. Tina is a graduate of Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. She has been an integral part of growing the business. In November 2010, Tina accepted the Employer of the Year Award at the seventh annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business. In addition to managing and training employees, Tina oversees all of the firm's communications. John and Tina spend a lot of time with their three daughters, but like her husband, Tina volunteers for many organizations. Tina serves as vice president of an organization serving homeless children and their families in Carbon County--an organization she helped found. She is a member of the Lehighton Area School District Board of Directors, the Community Action Council of Palmerton Area Churches, and the Luzerne Foundation Millennium Circle. She is a past board member of the Northeast Pennsylvania Better Business Bureau. Mr. Speaker, Mr. and Mrs. Dowd have not only grown a business that employs more than 700 people, but they have used their talents to give back to the community they love so much. Their philanthropic efforts and volunteerism have helped so many of our neighbors. John and Tina are extraordinary both as a couple and as individuals. Mr. Speaker, today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating John and Tina Dowd, recipients of this year's Volunteers of America Pennsylvania's Spirit of Youth award. ____________________