[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 37 (Tuesday, April 5, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E543]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E543]]
                     TRIBUTE TO MR. WILLIAM SOLOMON

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 5, 2005

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk 
today about a remarkable, courageous man who has dedicated himself for 
the betterment of Texas, and the lives of those around him. Mr. William 
Solomon is a fine member of my home community of Dallas, Texas and I am 
proud to announce that he has been recognized for his outstanding work 
as the latest recipient of the Linz Award, Dallas County's oldest award 
for recognizing exceptional community and humanitarian volunteer 
efforts.
  Bill Solomon began working in 1967 at the company that his 
grandfather founded in 1918, Austin Industries, Incorporated, the 
largest commercial and industrial contractor in Dallas. In 1970, Bill 
was named president of the company, and he continues to serve as 
chairman of Austin Industries today.
  Mr. Solomon is also a renowned civic leader, a member of the Dallas 
Citizens Council, the World Presidents' Organization, and the Northaven 
United Methodist Church. He serves on the boards of the A. H. Belo 
Corporation, the Southwestern Medical Foundation Board of Trustees, and 
the Hoblitzelle Foundation. In addition to this, he has been the 
recipient of numerous awards and honors.
  Mr. Speaker, our communities and our country have always relied on 
the contributions of those individuals who have the ability to rise 
above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference in the lives of 
others, both personally and professionally. Bill Solomon has 
demonstrated an unfailing and tireless commitment to the betterment of 
Dallas County, the State of Texas, and the entire Nation. With his 
steady guidance and strong leadership, in 1991, he founded the Dallas 
Together Forum, were he has potentially made his greatest impact. This 
multi-racial group of approximately 30 Dallas business leaders met 
monthly to discuss ways to reduce racial tension and improve minority 
economic opportunities. The Dallas Together Forum helped defuse racial 
tensions in the '80s and early '90s, and its impact on racial harmony 
is still felt today.
  Bill Solomon is a dedicated community servant, activist, and leader. 
He is a credit to Dallas, and through his tireless work, my home town 
has become a better place to live. I am proud to join his family, his 
colleagues, Zale Corp. and The Dallas Morning News in congratulating 
Bill Solomon on a job well done.

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