[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 159 (Friday, November 16, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2111]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  DENNIS KOONS: BANKING ON THE FUTURE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 16, 2001

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my close and longtime 
friend Dennis Koons as he prepares to end the chapter of his life as 
Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Association of Realtors. Dennis 
has led many battles during his tenure, but in doing so he has always 
equally earned the respect and friendship of those on his side as well 
as those with other viewpoints.
  I have known Dennis since our early days as staff members in the 
State Legislature and it comes as no surprise that his organizational 
and leadership skills have been instrumental both in his success and in 
the success of the Michigan Association of Realtors. Dennis has guided 
this 26,000-member statewide trade association with a steady hand and 
an eye to the future. His efforts to develop long-range strategic 
planning will provide untold benefits for the association for years to 
come.
  Dennis has worked hard over the past six years to identify achievable 
goals and to put the full force and influence of the organization's 
membership to work in advocating for legislative initiatives to improve 
the business climate for realtors throughout the state of Michigan. His 
achievements include drafting the Land Conservation Plat, which set the 
standard for land use discussions in Lansing, and writing the Detroit 
Title Report for Governor John Engler in an effort to help revitalize 
the thousands of vacant land parcels in the city of Detroit.
  However, the workplace is not the only place to which Dennis has 
spread his involvement and enthusiasm for quality. He has done 
significant work on behalf of many boards and associations, including 
Michigan Habitat for Humanity, the People and Land Advisory Board and 
the Board of Directors for the Employers' Unemployment Compensation 
Council. His wife, Linda, and children, Brian and Kevin, also deserve 
credit for providing the love and support so necessary to his 
professional success and to his dedication to volunteer efforts in the 
community.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I wish to applaud Dennis Koons for his years of 
commitment to the Michigan Association of Realtors and to the state of 
Michigan, both professionally and outside of the office. He has served 
his profession and his community well, and he will be sorely missed by 
his friends and coworkers. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating Dennis and in wishing him the very best in his new 
position leading the Michigan Bankers Association.

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