[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 134 (Friday, October 11, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1848]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MR. LES SCHWAB

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 10, 2002

  Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise 
today to pay special tribute to an outstanding business leader and 
gentleman from Oregon's Second Congressional District, Mr. Les Schwab. 
I am pleased to announce that this year marks the 50th anniversary of 
the company he founded, Les Schwab Tires.
  In 1952, Les bought a small tire store in the city of Prineville, 
deep in the heart of Central Oregon, for $3,500. From that simple 
investment, Les Schwab Tires has grown to become the nation's leading 
independent tire business with over 330 stores throughout the West. 
Today, there is hardly a town in Oregon that does not fall under the 
shadow of a Les Schwab Tires sign.
  His innovative business programs inspire a fierce loyalty that few 
other companies can match. The tenets for achievement are the same for 
all of his 7,000 employees: start at the bottom, work hard, and never 
rest on your laurels. The many profit sharing programs he pioneered 
ensure all employees have a stake in the success or failure of a store. 
To this end, the company returns over forty-nine percent of each 
store's profits to its employees. As Les explained in his inspirational 
book, ``Pride In Performance'', this return investment is ``unselfish 
for good reasons.'' It is his sincere wish to instill within his 
current and future employees a desire to succeed in business to last 
for many generations to come.
  The same honesty and fairness that Les shows his employees is 
bestowed upon his customers as well. Customers know that Les is a man 
of his word. Westerners, especially Oregonians, appreciate his 
commitment to customer service and satisfaction, and have rewarded his 
efforts with 50 years of loyal business. Now, at 85 years of age, Les 
continues to lead by example. He comes to work daily at his 
headquarters in Prineville, right where it all started. Ultimately, it 
is Les' own straightforward leadership and no nonsense Oregon values 
that have made Les Schwab Tires an American success story.
  Les is also known for his civic leadership. He gives back generously 
to the communities that made his company thrive. Les Schwab Tires 
sponsors numerous charitable events to support local food banks, youth 
shelters, and several different scholarship foundations. The state All-
Star high school football game, the Les Schwab Bowl, benefits athletic 
programs for disadvantaged youth in the greater Portland area and 
provides free equipment and sportsmanship education for underprivileged 
youth in all Oregon high schools. Les is also the chief supporter of 
the Les Schwab Invitational, a four-day basketball tournament that 
showcases the top Oregon high school basketball teams and matches them 
against other outstanding teams from around the country. This event, 
now in its seventh year, expects to raise $30,000 to help curb the 
dramatic cuts in the state's athletic programs.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating this 
extraordinary man and great American, Mr. Les Schwab. I wish continued 
happiness for him and Dorothy, his wife of 66 years. Personally, I 
would like to thank him for all the opportunities he has provided to 
the people of Prineville, the Second District, and all of Oregon.

                          ____________________