[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 55 (Thursday, March 29, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E693]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               PAYING TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM ``BILL'' WRIGHT

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                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2007

  Mr. PORTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of William V. ``Bill'' Wright, who for over 57 years contributed 
immensely to the people of Southern Nevada in a variety of roles both 
civically and professionally. As a result of his commitment to his 
fellow Nevadans, the Clark County School District Board of Trustees 
named a new elementary school in his memory and honor.
  Bill was born in Corsicana, Texas in 1917 and he was raised in 
Illinois. He attended the University of Missouri where he earned a 
degree in journalism. Prior to his move to Las Vegas with his wife, 
Annelle, he began his professional journalism career as an advertising 
salesman at The Peoria Star in Peoria, Illinois.
  After his move to Las Vegas, Bill joined the Las Vegas Review-Journal 
as a member of the staff. He was promoted to advertising director in 
1945 and served in this capacity until 1966 when he was appointed to 
the position of general manager. During his tenure as general manager 
of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Bill was responsible for many of the 
important milestones in the development and growth of the newspaper. He 
oversaw the newspaper's circulation increase from 48,273 to 89,079 
subscribers, which allowed it to claim the title of being the largest 
daily newspaper in the state of Nevada. He was also responsible for the 
construction of the newspaper's facilities on Bonanza Road and the 
modernization of the newspaper printing process from molten lead-
typography to computerized typesetting.
  As general manager of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Bill was 
committed to the idea that its readers should understand how the news 
stories impacted their lives and insisted that the articles included 
information on how it would impact the Las Vegas community.
  In addition to his many successes and achievements with his 
professional career, Bill was also passionate about history and was an 
adamant collector. As a result of his interests in history and his 
pride for Nevada, Bill became involved with many civic organizations 
such as the Nevada Historical Society and the Nevada State Museum. He 
served in several leadership positions and was both a member of the 
board of trustees and also chairman of the board for 14 years. In 1980, 
the University of Nevada Las Vegas honored him with the Distinguished 
Nevadan Award for his many years of service to his state. He was also 
honored by the Nevada State Press Association with the Silver Makeup 
Rule Award and inducted into the Nevada Newspaper Hall of Fame.
  Unfortunately, Annelle, his wife passed away in 1977 but Bill 
remained general manager of the newspaper until 1981. Bill was active 
with his civic organizations and projects until his passing in 1998 at 
the age of 80 years old. Bill and his wife were survived by 4 children, 
6 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren with many of them residing 
in Southern Nevada.
  Madam Speaker, William V. ``Bill'' Wright was an outstanding Nevadan 
whose commitment to civic and community organizations has made a 
profound difference in our state. I thank the Clark County School 
District for honoring Bill Wright's memory by naming a school after him 
and I congratulate his family on this special occasion.

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