[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 120 (Thursday, September 12, 2013)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1311] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] RECOGNIZING COSTANZO'S BAKERY, INC. ______ HON. BRIAN HIGGINS of new york in the house of representatives Thursday, September 12, 2013 Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to recognize Costanzo's Bakery, Inc. and the Costanzo family, as they receive the Special Presentation Award from the Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce. The company is an outstanding employer and well-run company that showcases the endless possibilities of growth for businesses today in Western New York. In 1933, Angelo Costanzo started a small business along the Niagara River known as Costanzo's Bread. His Italian breads became a household name in supermarkets and grocery stores around Buffalo. In the 1970's Angelo Sr. realized the growth in sub and pizza shops around the area, and expanded his business to sell to local food service establishments. In 1977, Angelo Jr. and his brother took over the bakery and moved into a new location on Union Road in Cheektowaga. It was here that Costanzo's grew to serve a national marketplace by developing a line of frozen, fully baked sub rolls and round rolls. This was the beginning of Costanzo's Bakery, Inc. Costanzo's now represents the last remaining member of a once vibrant baking industry locally. The industry has faced many issues over the last several years. Customer demands, compliance costs and increased commodity prices have negatively impacted many bakeries. But Costanzo's has continued to grow, due to its ``recipe for success'' that it has maintained for eight decades. The company's products are delivered fresh up to five days a week to dozens of local delis, convenience stores, specialty markets, and supermarkets throughout the region. It has also launched many new products including brioche rolls, artisan style sandwich rolls, rustic- style sub rolls, whole wheat rolls and spicy Buffalo rolls. While the recipes have stayed the same, Costanzo's has been innovative in developing strategies to meet modern challenges. With the goal of selling its bread to all people regardless of location, it has recently established a national sales team comprised of a director of national accounts and a corporate chef to work directly with multi-unit retail and food service accounts nationwide. The company has also partnered with a Canadian food distributor to represent the brand in Ontario and Quebec. Costanzo's is also pursuing a British Retail Consortium certification, which is the highest level of quality and food safety certification in the industry. The bakery employs over 120 full and part-time employees, many of whom reside in Cheektowaga and the surrounding areas of the Buffalo- Niagara Region. In addition, Costanzo's gives back to the community providing donations to over 40 non-profit organizations and community groups throughout Erie County. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize Costanzo's Bakery and the Costanzo family as they receive their Special Presentation Award from the Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce. For the past 80 years, they have demonstrated impressive commitment to our community, their customers, and employees. Their quality service and history is known throughout Western New York, and we are proud to have such reputable small businesses filled with hard-working employees in our region. ____________________