[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 60 (Wednesday, May 13, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E848]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO HERB WHEELER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN W. OLVER

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 13, 1998

  Mr. OLVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the community leadership 
of my constituent, Mr. Herb Wheeler of Athol, Massachusetts.
  On May 20th, 1998, the North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce will be 
honoring Mr. Wheeler as Citizen of the Year. Mr. Wheeler is the co-
owner, with his wife Colleen, of Flowerland Florist, located in Athol. 
The prestigious Citizen of the Year award is given to the person who 
has most exemplified selfless dedication to the pursuit of economic 
prosperity for the North Quabbin region.
  From the beginning of his career, Herb Wheeler understood how 
important a thriving retail climate was for Main Street, not only to 
his own success, but to that of the whole town. Herb has worked 
diligently to bring retail businesses into Athol's downtown. His 
interest and involvement led him to the Athol Merchant's Association, 
of which he eventually became president. Through Herb's leadership, 
this organization grew into a group who's proactive commitment to 
economic development is unsurpassed in the region.
  Herb Wheeler has become even more involved in his community as the 
years have progressed. In addition to his leadership role with the 
Athol Merchant's Association, Herb is an executive board member of the 
North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce, a board member of Athol-Orange 
Public Access Television, and a member of the Athol/Royalston School 
District Building Committee.
  I join the Chamber in saluting Herb Wheeler's contributions, and look 
forward to working with Herb and the North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce 
on future economic development endeavors.

                          ____________________