[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 7 (Wednesday, January 28, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S319]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO JIM WOLFE

 Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a true 
business leader and long-time friend in my State of Delaware, Jim 
Wolfe. Many of us in public office talk about creating good-paying jobs 
and fighting for the middle class, Jim Wolfe has lived those goals 
throughout his professional career.
  For the past 11 years, Jim Wolfe has led the Chrysler, now the 
DiamlerChrysler Automobile Assembly Plant in Newark, DE. Tomorrow, he 
is hanging up his hat as plant manager to take the helm as president 
and CEO of the 2,800-member Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.
  As plant manager of Delaware's DiamlerChrysler plant, which is home 
to the popular, award-winning Dodge Durango, Jim orchestrated a dozen 
overhauls of the facility to retool it for new car models. More 
significantly, he oversaw the re-training of thousands of workers to 
upgrade their skills.
  The DiamlerChrysler plant in Delaware is one of only a few U.S. auto 
facilities remaining on the East Coast. It is an economic engine in 
Delaware, employing more than 2,300 people and contributing $363 
million annually to our State's economy. The financial domino effect 
goes even further: one auto worker creates another 1.6 jobs in other 
industries, such as transportation, retail services, and labor.
  Jim Wolfe is no stranger to the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. 
For the past year he has served as Chairman of the Chamber's 
independent Board of Directors. He is a long-time member of the 
Chamber's Board of Directors and Executive Committee, as well as 
serving as Chairman of the Delaware Manufacturing Association.
  On a personal note, Jim has been a great and trusted friend and 
advisor to me for many years. I have visited with him and his workers 
at the Newark DiamlerChrysler Plant more times than I can count, and he 
always gave it to me straight. When the facility was in jeopardy of 
closing in the early 1990s, he counseled me on how to help save this 
manufacturing gem for our State, which we accomplished.
  Jim is a 40-year employee of Chrysler. We stole him from his native 
Michigan, but he and his wife Laura are now part of the Delaware 
family.
  Jim's stature in the business community has been earned and is well-
deserved. He will bring a hands-on knowledge of the business world to 
his new position directing the Chamber's many affiliates, including the 
Manufacturing Association, the Delaware Retail Council, The Public 
Policy Institute, and the Small Business Alliance.
  DiamlerChrysler's loss is truly the Delaware State Chamber of 
Commerce's gain. But we all win because we'll continue to benefit from 
Jim's affable personality, skilled business acumen and foresight as a 
community leader in Delaware.

                          ____________________