[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 42 (Tuesday, March 30, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E481]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING AND CONGRATULATING MR. THOMAS M. McDERMOTT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 30, 2004

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and honor that 
I congratulate Mr. Thomas M. McDermott on his retirement from the 
Northwest Indiana Forum. Tom has spent the past 11 years dedicating his 
life to the promotion of economic development and growth in Northwest 
Indiana. His career as President and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum 
has allowed him the opportunity to touch the lives of many people. In 
honor of his gracious service to his community, there will be a 
celebration of his accomplishments on March 31 at the Horseshoe Casino 
in Hammond, Indiana.
  Tom McDermott has accomplished many visionary goals throughout his 
career. Before joining the Forum in 1992, Tom served as Mayor of the 
City of Hammond for nine years. Prior to that, Mr. McDermott served as 
Circulation Director of The Times and as Suburban Circulation Director 
for the Chicago Sun Times. Tom has also ventured into the newspaper and 
radio business, serving at one time as owner of WIMS Radio in Michigan 
City, WXRD in Crown Point, WJOB in Hammond, WCGO in Chicago Heights, 
Illinois, WABT in Kane County, Illinois. and WZVN in Merrillville.
  Not only has Tom had many positive accomplishments throughout his 
career, he has also actively contributed to his community through 
participation in various programs aimed at improving opportunities for 
the people of Northwest Indiana. He has been a powerful member of the 
Board of the Fund for American Studies, the Lake Area United Way, 
Hoosier Boys Town, Boy Scouts of the Calumet Council, Lake Point 
Children's Discovery Center, Chancellor's Advisory Board at Purdue 
North Central, Partnership for a Drug Free Lake County, Northwest 
Indiana Urban League, Trade Winds Board, Welfare Reform Council, 
Campagna Academy Board, and the Northwest Indiana Quality of Life 
Board. In addition, Tom has addressed educators and community leaders 
in London on partnership programs to encourage excellence in education, 
and was chosen by the American Council of Young Political Leaders to 
represent the United States in Australia and Norway.
  Along with his many other accomplishments, Tom has received numerous 
community service and leadership awards, including ``Business Person of 
the Year'' from the Hammond Chamber of Commerce. Other awards include: 
Lake County Economic Opportunity Council Service Award, Greater Hammond 
Community Services ``Man of the Year'' award, and the American Business 
Women's Association ``Boss of the Year'' award.
  Mr. Speaker, Tom McDermott has given his time and efforts selflessly 
to the people of Northwest Indiana throughout his years of service. He 
has taught every member of his staff the true meaning of service to all 
members of the Northwest Indiana community. I respectfully ask that you 
and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Mr. Tom 
McDermott for his outstanding contributions to Indiana's First 
Congressional District. I am proud to commend him for his lifetime of 
service and dedication.

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