On Friday, June 25, Duro-Last was honored to host Vice President Dick Cheney at their Saginaw location. The Bush-Cheney '04 campaign chose the Duro-Last venue to recognize Duro-Last's consistent and strong sales and jobs growth, and to promote the success of the Bush administration's economic policies.
"I see Michigan's optimistic spirit right here in Saginaw," he said. "You're meeting the high standards that John Burt set for his company. It's a strong, prosperous company, and on the President's behalf, I want to congratulate you for a winning strategy and a winning team."
Vice President Cheney and his wife, Lynne, arrived at Duro-Last's Saginaw facility just before noon and were greeted by the Duro-Last board: Chairman Jack Burt and Senior Vice Presidents Kathy Allen, Sharon Sny, and Tom Lawler, who then conducted a tour of the Duro-Last and Plastatech Engineering Ltd. manufacturing facilities.
Following the tour, Mr. Cheney addressed a crowd of about 500 employees and family members, as well as local Republican Party supporters and the press. He began by thanking Duro-Last and Plastatech for their hospitality, and relaying greetings from President Bush.
In his speech to the supportive audience, Mr. Cheney primarily spoke about the administration's economic policies, including tax code legislations and removing trade barriers. He also addressed the need to secure affordable, reliable supplies of energy, and the need for lawsuit abuse reform.
Following Mr. Cheney's speech, Fox News anchor Neil Cavuto conducted an interview with the Vice President on the Plastatech factory floor.
Senior Vice President Sharon Sny summed the day up this way: "It was an honor for us to have hosted Mr. and Mrs. Cheney here in Saginaw. And Dad would have been thrilled. Although he really wasn't one for the spotlight, he truly believed in this country and the opportunities it gave him. Having Mr. Cheney recognize the success of our business is really a testament to the American dream."
