[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 142 (Tuesday, October 19, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2130]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING WILLIE AND VERONICA ARTIS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 19, 1999

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I am very honored to rise before you today 
to acknowledge the achievements and contributions to the Flint, 
Michigan community of a wonderful couple who have cultivated a 
successful business partnership, as well as a life partnership. On 
Tuesday, October 19, members of the Charles Stewart Mott Community 
College Foundation will gather and, in the spirit of Minority Business 
Month, will honor Mr. and Mrs. Willie and Veronica Artis of Genesee 
Packaging, Inc.
  It was in 1979 that Willie Artis and Buel Jones founded Genesee 
Packaging. Using an opportunity granted from minority business programs 
sponsored by General Motors, Artis and Jones ventured into business 
together and reached over one million dollars in revenue within the 
first year. In the 1980's, once again due to the benefit of General 
Motors, the company expanded with Genesee Corrugated, Inc. Now, instead 
of creating the packaging, they were manufacturing the materials to 
create the packaging as well.
  Following the retirement of Buel Jones, Willie Artis began overseeing 
daily operations of the companies. The companies, which eventually 
merged, served to be profitable, not only to its owners, but to the 
community as well. Currently, Genesee Packaging employs nearly 300 
people in three plants throughout the Flint area. The company 
constantly serves as one the city's strongest economic resources.
  As Willie Artis can claim to over 28 years of experience in the 
packaging field, his wife, Veronica can claim an equal amount of 
experience in the business administration field. After obtaining an 
education from such schools as the University of Wisconsin, Dartmouth, 
and Harvard, Veronica began a noted work history with Ameritech, 
holding positions including District Training Coordinator, Personnel 
Manger, Marketing Manager, and Purchasing Manager. Veronica joined 
Genesee Packaging in 1989 as Vice President of Administration, and 
currently sits on the company's Executive Staff.
  Mr. Speaker, not only will the Mott College Foundation celebrate the 
contributions of Mr. and Mrs. Artis, but, to further establish the 
impact they make on Flint residents, the evening will also mark the 
creation of a scholarship in their name. I am pleased to be witness to 
all they have done on a corporate level, and what they have done in 
serving as positive role models for young people. I ask my colleagues 
in the 106th Congress to join me in congratulating Willie and Veronica 
Artis. Together they have made our community a better place.

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