[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 110 (Wednesday, July 30, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H6302]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATIONS TO DR. RICHARD L. LESHER ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE 
                        U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

  (Mr. GOODE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GOODE. Mr. Speaker, I wish to make a few comments on the 
retirement of Dr. Richard L. Lesher, who is retiring after 22 years as 
president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
  During his tenure, chamber membership has grown to 215,000 business 
members, 3,000 State and local chambers, 1,200 trades and professional 
associations, and he guided the creation of BizNet, the American 
Business Network, and its two award winning television programs, First 
Business and It's Your Business.
  He oversaw creation of the Center for Workforce Preparation, which 
helps ensure that Americans are ready to meet the challenges of a new 
economy. And he credits retired Virginia Justice Lewis F. Powell with 
the high profile that the chamber has taken. He implemented many of 
Powell's suggestions over the years.
  Congratulations to Dr. Lesher on his successful years at the U.S. 
Chamber and best wishes on his retirement.

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