[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 72 (Thursday, June 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1077]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO LAWRENCE P. FORD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 8, 2006

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to pay tribute to a man 
of monumental significance in my hometown of Flint Michigan, Lawrence 
P. Ford. Larry is retiring as the President of the Flint Area Chamber 
of Commerce after 30 years of service and will be feted at a dinner on 
June 16 in Grand Blan, Michigan.
  When Larry Ford became the Chief Executive Officer of the Flint Area 
Chamber of Commerce the organization had 435 members. During his tenure 
the membership has grown to 1900. He was instrumental in starting 
several organizations entrusted with the advancement of business 
interests and economic growth in Genesee County. These organizations 
include the Women's Business Council, the Powerlink Program, the ATHENA 
Program, Business Education Council, Leadership Flint, Visitors and 
Convention Bureau, Economic Growth Alliance, Inventor's Council, Young 
Inventor's Program, the SCORE program, the Small Business Development 
Center, Katherine Stevens Foundation, the first business Trade Show, 
and the Business Awards Program including the C.S. Mott Citizen of the 
Year Award and the Mass Mutual Blue Chip A ward.
  Interspersed with these activities, Larry guided the Chamber and 
business community to take action on significant events that occurred 
in the community over the past 30 years. Larry has been a true 
visionary for the mid-Michigan area. He has been at the forefront to 
develop partnerships between the business, government, education, 
labor, and consumer sectors of Flint and illuminating our common stake 
in our community's future development. Through his hard work the Flint 
area has made an in depth examination of its potential and scrutinized 
ways to build on its existing strengths. Among the many successes he 
has helped achieve over the years, the growth and modernization of 
Flint Bishop International Airport stand out.
  The article written by Larry titled ``Don't just survive--thrive!'' 
appearing in the Winter 2004 Execlink, outlines a program for success 
as the President/CEO of a Chamber of Commerce. His advice includes 
learning from others, never coasting, always look for a way to 
accomplish the goal, do not believe your press clippings, and enjoy 
what you do. Larry Ford lives his own philosophy. His wisdom can be 
applied to life in general and is essential for anyone seeking to 
succeed.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to one of the giants of 
the Flint community. His influence and impact on my hometown is 
enormous. During the many years I have known Larry he is always civil, 
patient, analytical and incisive. I value his counsel, and his 
commitment to the people of Flint. As a lifelong resident and business 
leader, his insight has helped me over the years. I hope that he has as 
much joy from his retirement as he has had from his work and I wish him 
the best for the future.

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