[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 112 (Friday, August 1, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1587]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO DR. RICHARD LESHER, U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 1997

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take some time today to 
pay tribute to a man of great integrity and fortitude. For over 22 
years, Dr. Richard Lesher has been at the helm of the largest business 
advocacy group in the Nation, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Since the 
chamber was founded in 1912 at the request of William Taft, its motto 
has been ``The Spirit of Enterprise.'' No person deserves more credit 
in promoting that ideal than Dr. Lesher.
  Dick Lesher has not only continued the chamber's longstanding 
tradition of being a distinguished advocacy group but has also made the 
chamber a distinguished media group. During his tenure, he established 
the chamber's grassroots network which helps American business be more 
aware of and involved in the issues we debate here in Congress. Dr. 
Lesher supervised the creation of BizNet, the chamber's 
telecommunications network, which syndicates television shows like 
``It's Your Business'' and ``First Business'' to one million homes each 
week. He also oversaw the rapid growth of the chamber's flagship 
publication, Nation's Business magazine which now has a readership of 
more than two and half million readers a month.
  From Capitol Hill to main street America, Dick has been a constant 
source of inspiration and advice. His knowledge of issues and his keen 
ability to navigate Washington has earned him the respect of Members 
from both sides of the aisle. We appreciate Dick's hard work, 
commitment, and contribution to America's political process.
  It is an honor to count Dick and Agnes Lesher among my constituents 
and my friends. We wish them all the best for the future.

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