STATEHOUSE – Cook Group Inc. was recognized today with a resolution in the Indiana House of Representatives. Authored by State Representative Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute), the resolution was received by prestigious members from the Cook Inc. commemorating the 50th anniversary of the company’s founding. “Serving as a major economic engine for Indiana, it is an honor authoring this resolution commemorating the outstanding contributions Cook has made over the past 50 years,” said Rep. Heaton on the House floor. “The story of how this company began is the definition of the American Dream. Founded in Bill and Gayle Cook’s apartment bedroom, with two employees, Cook Group Incorporated now employs more than 6,200 Hoosiers with roughly 11,000 worldwide.” In 1963, Cook Inc. was founding in a spare bedroom of Bill and Gayle Cook’s apartment. The company became the first American business to introduce a matched set of needle, wire guide and catheter needed to perform the percutaneous vascular entry procedure known as the Seldinger technique. Revolutionizing the medical science of interventional medicine, the nonsurgical technique almost eliminated exploratory surgery and opened new ways for physicians to diagnose and treat patients in the most minimally invasive manner –reducing trauma to them. Through Cook technologies, Cook Medical and Cook Group companies, patient needs continue to be placed above all by pursuing new medical advances to improve and help people live healthier lives. In doing so, the company has grown continually for 50 years in revenue, expanded from two employees to 11,000 worldwide. As the world’s largest family-owned medical device manufacturer, the company has evolved from a single manufacturing specialty to now distributing more than 16,000 unique products in 135 countries. “Indiana's favorable business climate and the ongoing support we have received from our elected officials have been crucial in sustaining the growth of our company," said Cook Group Chairman Steve Ferguson. "Everyone at Cook is honored by this recognition and humbled by what it represents.” Additionally, Cook Group Inc. has made contributions to organizations like Monroe County’s YMCA and Volunteers in Medicine which provide healthcare to low-income patients in South Central Indiana. Cook also restores historic sites in Indiana including: West Baden and French Lick Springs Hotels, Old Centrum Church, Tivoli Theater, Yoho General Store, Beck’s Mill, Cedar Farms, Showers Plaza, Grant Street Inn and Illinois Central Railroad to list a few. These projects were restored to further enhance the economic situation of the communities they are located in. As a strong supporter of education and the arts, Cook has made contributions to the musical industry as well as higher education. They have provided assistance to the Star of Indiana Drum and Bugle Corps including a unique, stage-based musical group known as BLAST. In addition, they donated Cook Hall to Indiana University and the William and Gayle Cook Music Library to the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. “Cook is truly an excellent example of a Hoosier-grown business that has had a positive impact on the world,” said Rep. Heaton. “Today, this resolution not only recognizes the amazing contributions that Cook Incorporated has made over the past 50 years but also serves as an example that the American Dream is alive and well.” Visit www.in.gov/legislative for more information about House Concurrent Resolution 37 or visit www.cookgroup.com for more information about Cook Group. -30- |
