[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 84 (Tuesday, June 17, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1227]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     A TRIBUTE TO JAMES D. ERICSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. THOMAS M. BARRETT

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 1997

  Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I pay tribute today to one of 
Milwaukee's truly outstanding citizens, Mr. James D. Ericson. As the 
Wisconsin Chapter of the State of Israel Bonds gathers this evening to 
present Mr. Ericson with its 1997 LaSociete Award, I would like to take 
a moment to reflect on his remarkable contributions to the State of 
Israel Bonds, the city of Milwaukee, and the State of Wisconsin.
  As the president and CEO of Northwestern Mutual Life since 1990, Jim 
Ericson has skillfully led one of the Nation's largest and most 
respected insurance companies to unprecedented levels of success. Named 
the ``Most Admired Company'' among insurance executives in a recent 
Fortune magazine survey, Northwestern Mutual has been a responsible and 
innovative corporate citizen, thanks in no small part to Jim Ericson's 
hands-on leadership and management capabilities. During the past 5 
years, Northwestern Mutual has contributed more than $20 million to an 
array of educational, health, community, and civic endeavors. And as 
the president of Northwestern Mutual, Jim Ericson has always encouraged 
the company's 3,500 employees to volunteer their time and energy to 
make a real difference in our community. To honor the efforts of his 
employees, Jim Ericson established the Agent Community Service awards 
to recognize specific agents for volunteer commitment to their local 
communities.
  Jim Ericson is know throughout Milwaukee and all of Wisconsin for his 
impressive civic accomplishments. From his initial organization of the 
Milwaukee Redevelopment Commission, to his successful work to bring 
professional baseball back to Milwaukee, Jim Ericson has always been at 
the forefront of all matters important to the economic progress of our 
city. In addition to his undeniable commitment to the State of Israel 
Bonds, Jim Ericson has served on more than a dozen boards and advisory 
panels. Most notably, he is a director of the Metropolitan Milwaukee 
Association of Commerce, and serves on the boards of the United Way of 
Milwaukee, Wisconsin Literacy Services, and the Blood Center of 
Milwaukee, just to name a few. In 1996, Jim Ericson received the 
prestigious St. Francis Children's Center Community Service Award for 
his leadership and personal commitment to our community.
  The State of Israel Bonds plays a vital role in Wisconsin by creating 
a public awareness about the importance of maintaining a strong state 
of Israel. The organization also raises critical capital through Israel 
bonds which will ensure the long-term economic security and viability 
of the country. Jim Ericson has always recognized the importance of 
Israel bonds, and is well deserving of the organization's appreciation.
  I would like to congratulate Jim Ericson's wife Patricia, their four 
children, and four grandchildren on this most special occasion. Thank 
you Jim Ericson, for all of your hard work and dedication. Your 
selfless efforts and persistence epitomizes Milwaukee's spirit of 
giving and sense of community.

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