[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 145 (Thursday, October 16, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2059]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO DAVIS HELBERG

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES L. OBERSTAR

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 16, 2003

  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Davis Helberg's 
leadership with the Northeast-Midwest Institute. Davis has been an 
Institute director for the past eight years and ably led the board's 
nominations committee. With his effortless management style, he ensured 
that the Institute balanced the region's needs for economic vitality 
and environmental quality. But this should surprise no one.
  If there is one word I could use to describe Davis, it is 
``passionate.'' A native Minnesotan who grew up on a family farm in a 
small Finnish community where hard work was considered a hometown 
value, Davis has been a passionate worker and leader throughout his 
varied careers. Living near Lake Superior, it's not surprising that in 
1959, at the age of 17, Davis worked his first paying job as a deckhand 
on a lake steamer. After a few years as a newspaper reporter, he 
returned to his maritime career, working as a vessel agency employee, 
port public relations director, president of a stevedoring company and, 
until his retirement earlier this year, Executive Director of the 
Seaway Port Authority of Duluth. For more than forty years, Davis has 
tirelessly, served Duluth, the broader Great Lakes community, the 
national maritime industry, and the northeast and midwest States. It is 
said that Davis Helberg's name is synonymous with the Great Lakes 
maritime industry in many national and international circles. I 
couldn't agree more. Might I add that I believe he is the most 
passionate Finn I have ever met.
  I have known Davis for almost three decades. During that time, I have 
been the recipient of much of his passionate maritime advocacy. But his 
many accomplishments are attributable to more than just passion. Davis 
succeeded in his many endeavors because of solid leadership, vast 
knowledge, unparalleled experience and energetic dedication, not to 
mention his legendary storytelling ability. He served 24 years as 
executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority--the longest 
serving in the Great Lakes, and he has been a frequent chairman of the 
American Association of Port Authorities. After eight years, his 
invaluable service at the Northeast Midwest Institute will be sorely 
missed.
  Mr. Speaker, I was a founder of the Northeast-Midwest Congressional 
Coalition. The Coalition and the Institute long have provided valuable 
analysis on an array of economic and environmental issues. They have 
worked hard to ensure bipartisan cooperation among Midwestern and 
Northeastern lawmakers. Davis Helberg, with his unique talents and 
unwavering passion, has improved that tradition. He made a difference. 
His contributions to the Northeast-Midwest Institute are much 
appreciated.

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