[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 118 (Wednesday, September 9, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1663]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    TRIBUTE TO JAMES O. WRIGHT, CHAIRMAN OF GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF 
                      SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN, INC.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GERALD D. KLECZKA

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 9, 1998

  Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor James O. Wright, 
chairman of Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin, 
Incorporated, who is marking 50 years of service with the organization.
  Words are a poor measure of Mr. Wright's devotion and commitment to 
the Goodwill movement and his generous contributions to the community 
at large. His record is replete with accomplishments that underscore 
his belief in the power of work and the American Dream.
  In 1948, Mr. Wright joined the board of directors of Goodwill 
Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin at the age 27. As a result of his 
unfailing dedication to helping others, he was named chairman of the 
organization in 1959.
  Under Mr. Wright's stewardship, Goodwill Industries of Southeastern 
Wisconsin has expanded its mission by administering Employment 
Solutions of Milwaukee, Inc, a Wisconsin Works (W-2) welfare program 
that places welfare recipients into jobs. As a component part of W-2 
Goodwill also administers the Team Parenting pilot program that 
supports and strengthens the emotional and financial ties of families.
  In 1994, goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin placed 2,222 
individuals in the workforce. This achievement earned the organization 
the 1994 Goodwill Industries International Outstanding Job Placement 
Services Award.
  A Milwaukee native and WWII veteran who served on three navy vessels, 
Mr. Wright holds that individuals achieve the American Dream by 
empowering themselves through work, which reveals the individual's 
potential. In keeping with this creed, Goodwill of Southeastern 
Wisconsin established the James O. Wright Award to recognize employers, 
volunteers, and organizations who assist the disabled in seeking their 
right to work.
  Mr. Wright's benevolence also extends beyond his good works for 
Goodwill and his position as chairman of Badger Meter Inc., one of 
Milwaukee's top industries. He has championed Urban Day School, a small 
independent school in Milwaukee's central city. Struck by the school's 
innovations in educating disadvantaged youth, Mr. Wright led a fund 
drive to raise $1.5 million for school scholarships, repairs and 
teacher salaries. When the fund drive faced a $5,400 shortfall, Mr. 
Wright tapped the foundation at Badger Meter to make up the difference. 
The school has now established the (W)right Stuff program which brings 
Mr. Wright together with 9- to 12-year-old African Americans for tours 
of his company and discussions centering on jobs and the professional 
world.
  Notwithstanding these notable accomplishments, Mr. Wright also has 
generously contributed his time to the community by serving on the 
Mequon-Thiensville School Board for 18 years.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with a great sense of honor that I bring before 
you a commendation for Mr. James O. Wright, who marks with Goodwill a 
half century of leadership, commitment and service.

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