[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 107 (Friday, July 18, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1521]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING EDSEL BRYANT FORD II

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 17, 2003

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commemorate my 
dear friend Edsel Bryant Ford II, former president and chief operating 
officer of the Ford Motor Credit Company. Mr. Ford is also a noted 
philanthropist in the Detroit Metropolitan area.
  Named after his grandfather, Edsel Bryant Ford, the son of Ford Motor 
company founder Henry Ford, Mr. Ford retired from daily executive life 
in 1999 in order to be more involved with his family and community. Due 
to Edsel's stalwart leadership, Ford Motor Credit Company remains the 
world's largest automotive finance company. Edsel maintains ties to his 
family's business, sitting on the Ford board of directors and working 
as a consultant. Edsel participates in many dealer conferences and 
meetings, and remains, for many dealers, the face of the Ford Motor 
Company.
  The Fords have been giving back to Detroit for more than 100 years, 
and Edsel Ford II is another example of continuing Ford philanthropy. 
The reach of the company and the family is felt throughout the Detroit 
metro area. Mr. Ford's dedication and commitment to the city of Detroit 
have led to many developments both for the city and the surrounding 
community. As president of the Detroit-based Henry Ford II Fund, Mr. 
Ford oversees a foundation that dispenses millions of dollars annually 
to charitable and educational organizations including Focus: HOPE, the 
Detroit Zoological Society, the United Negro College Fund, the Juvenile 
Diabetes Research Foundation and Caring Athletes Team for Children's 
and Henry Ford Hospitals (CATCH). Mr. Ford is also chairman of the 
Detroit 300 Committee, which raised $30 million, for the city's 
tricentennial celebration in 2001 and for the development of Campus 
Martius Park, which will become a gathering place for metro Detroit 
citizens. Additional community activities include the Skillman 
Foundation, Henry Ford Health System, and the Detroit Metropolitan 
Wayne County Airport Commission. In 2001, Mr. Ford was honored by the 
Detroit News as one of its Michiganians of the year.
  The hard work and goodwill of Mr. Ford should be applauded. Mr. 
Speaker, I ask that all of my colleagues join me in congratulating Mr. 
Edsel Ford II for his inexhaustible support, generosity, and leadership 
to his community and to give him our best wishes for a well deserved, 
relaxing and enjoyable future.

                          ____________________