[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 114 (Wednesday, September 3, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S8723]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO DR. RICHARD LESHER

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I rise to pay a word of tribute to Dr. 
Richard Lesher, outgoing president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
  Mr. President, it has been my pleasure to know and work with Dick 
Lesher since I was a freshman Member of the Senate. We have served in 
the army of free enterprise in many important legislative battles. Dick 
was a dedicated fighter for small businesses.
  Dick can also be justifiably proud of the growth and success of the 
U.S. Chamber over the last 22 years. During his tenure as president, 
the Chamber has grown to 215,000 strong.
  The Chamber has also expanded its information services to include 
television. ``First Business'' is carried on 42 local stations, the USA 
Latin American channel, and USIA's WorldNet. ``It's Your Business'' is 
seen on USA Cable Network and 140 stations around the country.
  Dick Lesher also took very seriously the Chamber's responsibility to 
help educate the next generation of business leaders and created the 
Center for Workforce Preparation.
  These are just a few of Dick Lesher's many accomplishments as 
president of the flagship business organization in our country.
  But, Dick is a man we can appreciate as much for who he is as for 
what he did. I have always known Dick Lesher to be straightforward and 
honest. He never pulled punches. You knew where you stood. And, even if 
Dick disagreed on a matter of policy, he admired his opponents' 
convictions. Such a fair-minded attitude sets the stage for alliances 
on other issues. And, I have always believed, having genuine respect 
for everyone on the playing field is not only good business, it is a 
hallmark of good character.
  Dick is leaving the Chamber to return to his hometown in 
Chambersburg, PA. I wish him all the best in his new home and, 
hopefully, more relaxed lifestyle.
  But, while he will be leaving the day-to-day battles on labor and tax 
policy to his successor, I do not believe for a minute that he is 
retiring. I know that he will remain informed and engaged in the myriad 
of issues that affect the health and growth prospects of American 
business. And, I look forward to his continued counsel and insights.

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