[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 141 (Thursday, October 3, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1909]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         A TRIBUTE TO JOHN H. MCCONNELL--WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DEBORAH PRYCE

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 3, 1996

  Ms. PRYCE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Mr. John 
McConnell, chairman emeritus and founder of Worthington Industries of 
Columbus, OH. John McConnell is retiring this year, but the impact that 
he has in central Ohio will certainly continue.
  John McConnell has truly lived the American dream. In 1955, he 
borrowed $600 on his 1952 Oldsmobile to start Worthington Industries. 
Under his leadership, Worthington Industries has grown to employ 9,700 
people at 55 facilities in 23 States, Canada, Mexico, and France. He 
turned his initial $600 loan into a $1.8-billion-a-year company that 
serves as a model for both efficient production and effective 
leadership. When Worthington Industries was just starting out, John 
would spend the morning in a suit with customers, but after lunch he 
would change clothes and spend the afternoon working in the plant. It 
is this commitment to his company and its employees that has won their 
respect and loyalty.
  Equally important, however, is John McConnell's social and civic 
involvement. He is chairman of the Law Enforcement Foundation of Ohio, 
a director of GMI Engineering and Management Institute in Flint, MI, 
and chairman of the board of the U.S. Health Corp. He also serves on a 
summer of charitable boards, including the Columbus Zoo and the YMCA.
  All of these accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. He is a 
recipient of the 33 Degree Scottish Rite Mason, the Horatio Alger 
Award, the Ohio Governor's Award, and the Mr. Ohio Gold Award. Mr. 
McConnell has been named a Michigan State University Outstanding Alumni 
and Entrepreneur of the Year by Southern Illinois University. Financial 
World magazine recogized him as an outstanding Chief Executive Office 
of the Year. Industry Week magazine applauded his excellence in 
management.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I ask my colleagues to 
join me in congratulating my good friend, Mr. John McConnell, on a long 
and brilliant career with Worthington Industries. I wish him and his 
wife, Peggy, of 50 years continued health and happiness.

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