[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 13 (Monday, February 14, 2000)]
[House]
[Page H361]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING CLIFF HOUSER, ACCOMPLISHED BUSINESSMAN, AND OUTSTANDING 
                            COMMUNITY LEADER

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Barcia) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BARCIA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Cliff Houser, an 
accomplished businessman and an outstanding community leader who has 
worked tirelessly, not only to create jobs in our State but who has 
also given to our community and served our country with distinction. He 
is the embodiment of the entrepreneurial spirit and a testament to the 
notion that through hard work and perseverance, one can fulfill their 
dreams.
  I have known Cliff for many years and can personally attest to his 
strong character, his strong commitment to his family and his 
dedication to civic duty. Cliff began his career in radio in 1965 in 
Flint, Michigan and later moved on to the television medium, WNEM-TV in 
Saginaw, Michigan. In 1968, he graduated from the John F. Kennedy 
Special Forces Center War College. He also attended the Aresty 
Institute of Executive Education within the Wharton School at the 
university of Pennsylvania.
  When Cliff was asked to serve his country in the mid-1960s, he did so 
without hesitation and began his tour in Vietnam. As a field 
correspondent and as a producer for the Armed Forces Radio Network, he 
was often in harm's way. For his bravery, courage and service, Cliff 
was awarded the Bronze Star, the National Defense Service Medal, two 
Asian Theater Citations and the Vietnam Commendation Medal, among 
others.
  Upon returning to the United States after the war, Cliff utilized his 
keen business sense and cofounded Video Productions, Inc. in 1974. Four 
years later, he expanded his business by founding an advertising 
agency, Tel-Ad, Inc. Cliff had the foresight to combine the two 
agencies, forming an award-winning national full service advertising 
agency, Cliff Houser & Associates Advertising Corporation.
  For the last 5 years, the company has grown to be one of the top 50 
fastest growing, privately held companies in our State. In fact, his 
company is thriving nationwide. As the CEO of a successful business, 
Cliff taps into his boundless energy and is heavily involved in civic 
activities and community leadership. He was the 1997 Bay County March 
of Dimes chairman, the Tri-county Chairman for Easter seals, a past 
member of the Advising Board of the Bay City Board of Education, and 
the Teen Ranch of Michigan.
  Cliff also invests his time in the business community and is involved 
with the Michigan Small Business Leadership Panel, on the board of 
directors of the Downtown Management Authority of Bay City and is a 
charter member of the Flint Area Advertising Federation, among other 
organizations.
  While much of his time is devoted to his business and civic 
responsibilities, Cliff is also devoted very much to his family. He 
could not have achieved these accomplishments without the love and 
support of his family, including his wife Elizabeth and his three 
children, Chip, Bethany, and Jordan who are the joy and pride of his 
life.
  Cliff also makes his spiritual growth a priority and is very active 
in his church. His great appreciation for nature and the outdoors has 
also fostered an avid interest in hunting and recreational boating. 
Madam Speaker, I can unequivocally state that our community, our State 
of Michigan, and our country is fortunate to have Cliff Houser as a 
neighbor and friend. I invite my colleagues to join with me in thanking 
Cliff for all his good work and congratulating him on the successes of 
his company, Cliff Houser & Associates Advertising Corporation.

                          ____________________