[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 139 (Thursday, September 29, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
    A SPECIAL SALUTE TO JOHN BURRY, JR., RECIPIENT OF THE FRANKLIN 
                 ROOSEVELT SERVICE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

                                 ______


                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 1994

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to salute a very special 
individual who is being honored in my congressional district. On 
Saturday, October 1, 1994, the Northern Ohio Chapter of the March of 
Dimes will present its first Franklin Delano Roosevelt Service Award 
for Excellence. The inaugural recipient of the award is John Burry, 
Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield 
of Ohio. I rise to share with my colleagues some pertinent information 
regarding this distinguished business leader who is being honored.
  Jack Burry came to Cleveland in 1981 as president and chief 
administrative officer of Medical Mutual, Inc. [Blue Shield], having 
spent the previous 5 years with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan. 
In 1983, he was promoted to chief executive officer, and the following 
year he planned a merger with Blue Cross of Northern Ohio. In 1986, 
Jack Burry oversaw the merger with Blue Cross of Northwest Ohio, to 
form Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ohio.
  Under the strong leadership of Jack Burry, Blue Cross and Blue Shield 
in 1993 became the fastest growing Blue Cross plan in the country, with 
120,000 new members. That same year, the company achieved a record 
surplus for the benefit of its policyholders of over $291 million.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud that the March of Dimes has selected Jack 
Burry to receive its first Franklin Delano Roosevelt Service Award for 
Excellence. We are aware of the important role the March of Dimes plays 
through its campaign to prevent birth defects. The organization 
instituted Service Award for Excellence to recognize outstanding 
volunteers who have demonstrated exemplary service to the March of 
Dimes and its mission.
  For the past 6 years, Jack Burry has been the honorary chairman of 
the annual March of Dimes Celebrity Golf Classic, with Blue Cross and 
Blue Shield of Ohio serving as the event's largest corporate sponsor. 
The March of Dimes credits Jack and Blue Cross with turning the 
Celebrity Golf Classic into its largest and most successful golf 
fundraiser in the Nation, in terms of both dollars raised and number of 
participants. Over the past 5 years, the tournament has raised more 
than $750,000 to support the fight against birth defects.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to note that Blue Cross and Blue Shield has 
also donated resources and services to assist in printing brochures for 
educational outreach programs. This allows thousands of pregnant women 
to understand the importance of early prenatal care and other 
information to benefit their child's health. Through his tireless 
efforts, Jack Burry has supported the March of Dimes in meeting its 
mission, helping mothers and babies to live healthier lives.
  In addition to his work with the March of Dimes, Jack Burry is a 
member of various boards, including the Greater Cleveland Growth 
Association, Cleveland Tomorrow, and the Weatherhead School of Case 
Western Reserve University board of visitors.
  Mr. Speaker, as he receives the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Service 
Award for Excellence, I join his colleagues and friends throughout the 
community in congratulating Jack Burry. Over the years, I have 
benefitted from a close friendship and outstanding working relationship 
with him. Jack is an individual whom I greatly admire and respect, and 
I am pleased to salute him upon this important occasion.

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