[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 16 (Thursday, February 26, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO JOHN L. ``JACK'' SMITH, DISTRICT DIRECTOR, CHICAGO DISTRICT 
               OFFICE, U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOBBY L. RUSH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 26, 1998

  Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor John L. ``Jack'' Smith, 
who is retiring as the District Director, Chicago District Office, of 
the U.S. Small Business Administration. An event will be held in his 
honor on Thursday, February 26, 1998, in Chicago, Illinois. Jack began 
his service to his country in 1951 when he joined the Navy. From 1967 
to 1970, Jack worked as a loan specialist for the Economic Development 
Administration after two years as Director of Financial Assistance for 
the Business and Job Development Corp. in Pittsburgh. In October, 1973, 
Jack joined the Office of Minority Business Enterprise of the 
Department of Commerce as the Midwest Regional Director in Chicago. 
Jack joined the SBA in November, 1975. As District Director, Jack was 
responsible for the administration of SBA's loan management assistance, 
government contract, and advocacy programs for small businesses 
throughout Illinois. Jack's efforts as Chicago District Director have 
resulted in several billion dollars in loans and federal contracts on 
behalf of Illinois' small business community.
  Jack's 23 years as District Director and 34 years of federal service 
have greatly benefited Illinois' small business concerns. However, his 
service did not end there. Jack has volunteered his considerable 
expertise to benefit the Heart Association, the Kiwanis Club, United 
Fund and Boy Scouts of America.
  I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring John L. Smith, an 
outstanding community and business leader and role model. I wish him 
the best of luck in his retirement. May he continue to share his talent 
and love of community that he has given to the federal government and 
the community at large.

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