[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 92 (Thursday, June 28, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7080-S7081]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING DR. BERNARD MEYERS

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise today to say thank you to Dr. 
Bernard ``Bernie'' Meyers, President and General Manager of Bechtel 
BWXT Idaho, LLC (BBWI). BBWI manages the Idaho National Engineering and 
Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) for the United States Department of 
Energy.
  The INEEL is the third largest employer in the state of Idaho and the 
largest employer in my hometown of Idaho Falls. For the past 2 years 
Bernie's professional and personal skills have helped lead the INEEL in 
its mission to be an enduring national resource that delivers science 
and engineered solutions to the world's environmental, energy and 
security challenges.

[[Page S7081]]

  On August 1, 2001, Bernie will retire as President of BBWI and assume 
additional duties on behalf of Bechtel. In addition to his duties as 
President of BBWI, Bernie is also Senior Vice President in the 30,000 
employee worldwide Bechtel organization.
  Bernie's 39-year professional career includes 26 years spent with 
Bechtel, where he has risen through the nuclear engineering ranks while 
serving as an Engineer, Supervisor, Project Manager, Vice President, 
and finally as Senior Vice President.
  Bernie's stewardship of Bechtel BWXT Idaho represents a strong 
demonstration of Bechtel's commitment to provide customer satisfaction 
and operational excellence for the eastern Idaho community. In addition 
to being a Senior Vice President, Bernie has in the past directed major 
Bechtel companies, managed North American operations, headed up the 
firm's Engineering and Construction operations, managed Bechtel's 
nuclear business line and served as an ``in-the-trenches'' project 
manage for some $30 billion worth of nuclear power jobs.
  During that same time, Bernie gained INEEL-applicable experience in 
integrating safety through diverse workforces and in serving as a 
leader in nuclear technologies and nuclear operations. Over the years, 
he has managed large, complex and highly technical entities; overseen 
research and development organizations, and helped expand new and 
existing business lines into both national and international markets. 
He also has integrated technical, management and business systems 
across multiple offices, companies, sites, and disciplines.
  Bernie is a Fellow in the American Society of Civil Engineers and the 
American Concrete Institute, and has authored a textbook, as well as 
more than 60 professional papers. He holds a master's degree in civil 
engineering from the University of Missouri and a doctor's degree in 
civil engineering from Cornell University.
  During his time in Idaho, Bernie Meyers has provided sound thinking, 
decisive leadership and an intelligent vision for the future of the 
INEEL. He has provided honest and frequent communications about INEEL 
activities with Idaho's Congressional delegation, Idaho elected 
officials, key stakeholders, business and community leaders and the 
site's employees.
  Under Bernie leadership, BBWI has proven to be a solid corporate 
neighbor throughout the state of Idaho. His advocacy for science 
education has helped to firmly establish the JASON Science Education 
program in the state, creating an awareness of science and technology 
careers for Idaho's elementary and secondary school students. His 
support of art, cultural and civic causes have contributed to the 
financial well being of many of organizations in Idaho.
  On behalf of the people of Idaho, I want to say thank you to Bernie 
Meyers for a job well done. I want to wish Bernie and his wife Rita all 
the best as they tackle new challenges in the years ahead.

                          ____________________