[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 160 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S12646]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  1997 HUMAN RELATIONS AWARD OF THE GREATER DETROIT INTERFAITH ROUND 
                    TABLE OF THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Alex Trotman 
and Mandell ``Bill'' Berman who will receive the 1997 Human Relations 
Award of the Greater Detroit Interfaith Round Table of the National 
Conference, on November 18, 1997. This important awards ceremony will 
take place during the Greater Detroit Interfaith Round Table's 50th 
Annual Dinner.
  The Greater Detroit Interfaith Round Table was established in 1940 as 
the local chapter of the National Conference of Christians and Jews. 
The Detroit community quickly supported the NCCJ's goal of providing a 
forum where people of varied faiths could explore and celebrate their 
differences. During the last 57 years, the Interfaith Round Table has 
promoted such understanding through its many popular programs and fora.
  The Human Relations Award recognizes leaders in the community ``for 
moving us forward in building a city, State, and Nation committed to 
the ideals of dignity, justice, and respect for all people.'' This 
year's recipients have displayed a strong personal commitment to 
promoting understanding among all races, religions, and cultures. Their 
great efforts are an inspiration to us all.
  Alex Trotman is chairman of the board of directors and chief 
executive officer of Ford Motor Co. He was born in Middlesex, England, 
and came to the United States in 1969. Since coming to America, Mr. 
Trotman has used his unique vantage point to promote understanding 
among different people. He is currently a member of several 
organizations which promote international exchange, such as the Chase 
International Advisory Committee, the America-China Society, and the 
United States-Japan Business Council.
  Bill Berman is a Detroit native and, like me, a product of its public 
school system. After a distinguished career in industry, Mr. Berman is 
currently a member of the board of the Dreyfus Corp. He has also been 
closely involved with supporting his community. He has served in 
leadership positions of the Skillman Foundation, JESNA, and its Berman 
Research and Evaluation Center, Detroit Jewish Welfare Federation, and 
the United Way.
  Mr. President, I know my Senate colleagues join me in congratulating 
Alex Trotman and Mandell ``Bill'' Berman on receiving the 1997 Human 
Relations Award of the Greater Detroit Interfaith Round Table.

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