WASHINGTON: New York Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, Democrat, took the initiative to make a special mention in the House of Representatives of Anumolu Rao, president and CEO of ASR International of Hauppauge, New York, and the work his firm has done. Rao, who hails from Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, was felicitated for his efforts in supporting the defence needs of the Homeland Security Department. Rao told IANS: "I am proud that an Indian American owned company has been chosen for this. In fact I feel it is not just me but the whole Indian American community that has been honoured with the recognition given to ASR." Since its inception in 1986, ASR International has developed cost effective technology and systems to protect the United States' airports, waterways, railroads and highways. Most recently, ASR International produced the "Safety/Security Assurance System" to further support efforts of the Homeland Security Department in a comprehensive and cost effective manner. McCarthy also hosted a reception to honour Rao in Rayburn House last week where she said: "Rao has been a shining example of what it means to be a successful businessman, a good neighbour, a caring and generous individual and certainly a loyal and patriotic American citizen. "Rao is known by so many for his work as president and CEO of ASR International and the service to this country that ASR has performed, particularly in the area of homeland security. He is also known throughout the engineering and defence communities for his insight and forward thinking in those areas. "I mentioned that Rao is also a good neighbour. When my office was looking for financial help to get care packages sent to our troops in Iraq, it was Rao who stepped forward with a sizeable contribution for that effort." The Congresswoman also presented to Rao a copy of the remarks she made to the House of Representatives to highlight "the great contributions he has made to Long Island, New York and the United States of America". This is not the first time Rao has been recognised for his efforts. In 1993, he received the Business Excellence Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration for his work in the field of defence. "I ask my colleagues to join with me to express our gratitude to Anumolu for his exemplary work and dedication to the safety and protection of all Americans. His many accomplishments have helped make the U.S. a safe place for all," McCarthy said. ASR International has got awards from prestigious organisations like the American Society of Quality, American Management Association and the National Defence Industrial Association, she said. Rao said his company could not have come into the limelight without the efforts made by McCarthy, for whom he said had great respect and admiration. Rao said ASR is a management and technical support services consulting firm dedicated to providing engineering/scientific, technical and administrative support services to government agencies. Those who attended the reception included Congressman Frank Pallone, Democrat from New Jersey and founder of the Congressional India Caucus, and Ajay Swarup, political affairs minister in the Indian embassy. Rao came to Chicago in 1969 for higher studies. Earning a M.S. in industrial engineering and a MBA, he enrolled in various courses at Defence Systems Management College, Harvard University and other esteemed institutions.
Source: IANS