[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 28 (Tuesday, March 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E285]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CELEBRATING THE 80TH BIRTHDAY OF RICH DeVOS

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                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 7, 2006

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Richard (Rich) DeVos, a great American business leader, on the special 
occasion of his 80th birthday. Rich co-founded Amway Corporation, a 
direct selling company, based on the principle of helping people live 
better lives. By providing individuals around the world the opportunity 
to be entrepreneurs, Amway has become an industry leader, and is now a 
subsidiary of Alticor, Inc.--a Michigan-based company with 
international presence and annual sales of $6.4 billion.
  Now retired from the company, Rich serves as Chairman of the Orlando 
Magic, which he and his family acquired in 1991. Rich continues to be a 
source of inspiration and motivation to others by sharing accounts of 
his personal challenges and achievements through speaking engagements 
and writings. Remarkably, Rich did not stop upon reaching his American 
Dream, but rather continues to encourage others to believe in 
themselves and pursue their own dreams. Rich DeVos was born in Grand 
Rapids, Michigan on March 4, 1926. He and his wife, Helen DeVos, have 
four children and fifteen grandchildren.

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