[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 13 (Thursday, January 22, 2009)] [Senate] [Page S785] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING SIVAD PRODUCTIONS, INC.Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, this week, our country celebrated two historic events. On Monday, we commemorated the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on what would have been his 80th birthday. The following day, January 20, our Nation's first African-American President, Barack Obama, was inaugurated on the west front of the U.S. Capitol. During this special and remarkable week, I rise to celebrate an African-American owned small business in my home State of Maine that has consistently sought to make a difference in people's lives, and has succeeded every step of the way. Sivad Productions, Inc., located in Portland, offers its clients a wide variety of general contracting services. From administrative services and video production, to real estate and information technology, Sivad provides customers with superior quality and years of knowledge and experience. In March of 2008, Sivad Productions was named a Small Business Administration certified 8(a) firm. The 8(a) program is a business development tool that assists small disadvantaged businesses to compete in the Federal marketplace by helping them gain a myriad of procurement opportunities. One of the most innovative projects that Sivad Productions' president, Dudley Davis, has been a part of is the Youth News & Entertainment Television, or YNETV. YNETV produces youth programming, and involves young adults in the process of producing, directing, and creating the shows. In nearly a decade and a half, students of high school and college age have created over 600 television episodes seen on many of the Maine affiliate stations of major networks. Of YNETV's television shows, its most popular is Youth in Politics. Area high school and college students from across Maine debate the pressing issues facing Maine and America by engaging in thoughtful and substantive discussions and hosting candidate forums. The show's goal is the civic education and wider political participation of Maine's young adults. YNETV frequently features an equal number of college Democrats and college Republicans to provide balance, and deals with issues as varied as the war in Iraq to academic freedom. Mr. Davis has forged a reputation as someone who has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community in southern Maine. He has long been associated with the YES! Summer Basketball League and The Basketball Academy, which seek to provide young athletes with an outlet to participate in sports in a positive environment. Parents and students alike have praised Mr. Davis's ``exceptional ability to inspire, motivate and teach,'' and commended his admirable contributions to Maine's children. Mr. Davis has also been honored by the Maine Commission for Community Service for his motivated and exceptional service to Maine youth programs. President Obama has made a passionate and eloquent plea for increased community service on the part of all Americans. It is a call that Dudley Davis heard long ago. Mr. Davis's determination to effectuate positive change for the youth of southern Maine is laudable, and his tremendous work has certainly not gone unnoticed. I thank Mr. Davis for his passion and dedication, and wish everyone at Sivad Productions, Inc., much success in the years to come. ____________________