[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 19 (Wednesday, February 15, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S1350]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM A. COOPER

 Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. President, I rise to extend my 
congratulations to Mr. William A. Cooper for long standing service as 
CEO at TCF Financial Corporation, a financial holding company based in 
Minnesota.
  Bill Cooper came to TCF Financial in 1985 with an impressive 
financial leadership record which included serving as a senior auditor 
for Touche, Ross and company, a Detroit firm, and as President of 
Huntington Bank of Ohio.
  But based on my personal relationship with Bill, I would say his high 
school graduating class might have voted him ``least likely to become a 
banker.'' The banker's stereotype is reserved, cautious, and 
circumspect. Bill Cooper is bold, innovative, and refreshingly 
outspoken. Like his hero Ronald Reagan, there is never a bit of doubt 
as to where Bill Cooper stands.
  During his tenure as CEO, Bill Cooper directed an impressive 
expansion of TCF Financial in Minnesota and elsewhere through his 
innovative leadership. From 1985 until his retirement in January, he 
helped to transform TCF Financial from a small banking enterprise into 
a thriving operation offering industry leading consumer services.
  Bill Cooper is a complete citizen. He not only led a thriving 
business that provided thousands of jobs and financial services to a 
big proportion of our Minnesota population, Bill used his voice, his 
philanthropy, and his influence to improve as many sectors of our State 
as he could get his hands on.
  His work on education not only shaped Minnesota public policy, his 
personal involvement changed the lives of hundreds of disadvantaged 
students forever. He has always had strong opinions and had the 
integrity to walk his talk.
  Although Mr. Cooper has retired as CEO of TCF, he has not completely 
given himself up to the ski slopes or the golf courses as he continues 
to remain active in the financial world and in his community.
  Minnesota has been fortunate to have a business leader like Mr. 
Cooper who not only has enriched the economy of Minnesota and elsewhere 
but has also used his good name, time, and money for the good of the 
community. Minnesota celebrates its lakes and farms and excellent 
community assets. One of the secrets of our success is community 
leaders like Bill Cooper who shoulder the burdens of leadership.
  I congratulate Bill Cooper, the staff of TCF, and his family on his 
great career and leadership in the community.

                          ____________________