Capitol Words a project of the Sunlight Foundation

Sen. Olympia J. Snowe

Mr. President, during the past 100 years our country has seen remarkable changes. From horse drawn-carriages to cars and airplanes, and handwritten letters to text messaging, our world has undergone a vast transformation. Few small businesses have had the tenacity to adapt to these changes and continue to prosper, but those who have, deserve our sincerest praise. With this in mind, today I rise to recognize Cyr Bus Lines, located in Old Town, ME, which this year celebrates its 100th anniversary.

When John T. Cyr founded this small transportation firm in 1912, it utilized horses and carriages for transporting everything from timber to passengers. And now, the Cyr name is highly regarded throughout Maine for its elite bus transportation. As the needs of Maine changed, so did the company, shifting from local trucking to expand into school buses and motor coaches to best suit the wishes of its customers. The result of Cyr's successful adaptation has been a flourishing enterprise.

Today, Cyr buses are a familiar sight to numerous school children and parents, serving 17 different school districts across Maine. Additionally, the company offers over 120 guided coach tours, allowing customers a relaxing and informative trip to several destinations. In 2012, these guided tours include routes to popular destinations throughout New England as well as more distant favorites such as Quebec and New Orleans. This year, one could even book a tour aboard a luxurious Cyr bus to visit Washington D.C. during the magnificent cherry blossom season.

Cyr Bus Lines represents a true family-owned small business, which has been handed down throughout generations and is now owned and operated by the founder's grandson, Joe Cyr. Joe took over operations in 1967 from his father, Harvey, and has continually strived to improve the company. As the years have progressed, the fourth generation of the Cyr family has become involved with Joe's son Mike running the coach department and Joe's daughter Becky acting as bookkeeper.

In light of this firm's long-term success, it should come as no surprise that this small business has received several honors recognizing their commitment to safety and quality. Most recently in 2011, Cyr Bus Lines was awarded the International Motor Coach Group, IMG, award for Motor Coach Safety. Further, at the 2011 annual meeting of the Maine Chamber Group Trust, the local provider for workers' compensation insurance, Cyr Bus Lines received honors for both ``Most Improved Safety Program'' and for ``No Indemnity Claims in 2010.'' Additionally on April 21, 2011, two of Cyr's employees received first place trophies, in the categories of transit school bus and conventional school bus, for their exceptional driving skills at the Maine Association for Pupil Transportation Central Maine Conference and School Bus Rodeo.

A century later, Cyr Bus Lines continues to maintain a position of excellence in the community. This small business' tireless and successful efforts to persevere and prosper in a changing environment represent a truly monumental achievement. I am proud to extend my congratulations to the Cyr family and everyone at Cyr Bus Lines on their 100th anniversary. I offer my best wishes for their continued success.