[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 87 (Wednesday, May 24, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1110]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       HONORING MICHAEL SCHENKLER

                                 ______


                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 23, 1995
  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my constituents 
of the Fifth Congressional District and many other citizens of New York 
as the Queens Council on the Arts celebrates its 29th anniversary by 
honoring the long-time Publisher of The Queens Tribune, Michael 
Schenkler.
  Mr. Speaker, Mike Schenkler epitomizes a success story that stands as 
a shinning example of dedication and achievement for the citizens of 
Queens County and its many communities. A product of the New York City 
schools, Mike first became involved in community affairs as a student 
at Queens College. Upon graduation, he began his professional career in 
the New York City school system, and quickly rose to the rank of 
principal.
  In 1978, when I needed someone to take over the day-to-day operations 
of the community newspaper I had published, I was fortunate enough to 
lure Michael away from a career in education and introduce him to the 
world of journalism and small business. This was a move that would have 
a major impact not only on Mike's own career, but on the borough of 
Queens as well.
  Mike departed from the school system and became totally immersed in 
the operation of The Queens Tribune, which quickly became the county's 
dominant weekly newspaper. In 1989, the Tribune merged with News 
Communications, Inc., and Michael rapidly rose to the rank of president 
and CEO of the newly formed company.
  From his start in the private sector in a small storefront operation 
in Flushing, Mike Schenkler now runs a publishing empire that employs 
more than 300 people and publishes 23 different newspapers and 
magazines throughout the New York metropolitan area and in Washington, 
DC.
  As the Queens Tribune grew, so did Michael's love for community, 
politics, the arts, economics, local sports and the many areas that 
join together to represent the dynamics of the borough of Queens.
  Testimony for this dedication can be found every week on the pages of 
his newspapers, which cover all aspects of the Queens community. The 
annual Guide to Queens and the historical anniversary editions have 
highlighted the paper's ability to cover all the news.
  The Queens Tribune is a living tribute to Michael Schenkler, his 
borough and the dynamic communities that thrive in Queens. The paper 
has received numerous journalism awards, including the New York Press 
Association Award for Mike's column, QUIPS. In 1994, Michael was named 
Businessman of the Year by the Queens Chamber of Commerce.
  Mr. Speaker, Michael Schenkler is a true American success story: a 
successful businessman, a warm and caring individual, a person 
dedicated to his family. I am truly honored to consider him my friend.
  I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join with 
me and the Queens Council on the Arts in extending our best wishes to 
Mike, his lovely wife, Lillian, and their two children, Lee and 
Allison, and in saluting Michael Schenkler for his energy, vision and 
tireless efforts on behalf of the people and the arts of the Borough of 
Queens.


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