[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 22, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1118]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO LANE BEATTIE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ROB BISHOP

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 22, 2007

  Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Madam Speaker, today I would like to pay tribute 
to Lane Beattie, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber. Lane was 
honored last week as the Distinguished Utahn of the Year, joining the 
ranks of many other Utahns who have contributed to the development of 
the State. Each year the Salt Lake City Chapter of the BYU Management 
Society recognizes individuals in the State of Utah for their exemplary 
leadership and service to the community, and Lane is a well-deserving 
recipient.
  Lane was a professional real estate broker and developer. He has also 
given extensive service in the public sector. Lane, a friend and 
colleague of mine from the State legislature, was elected to the Utah 
State Senate in 1989. He quickly ascended the ranks of leadership, 
becoming Utah Senate President just 5 years later. He served as 
president of the Senate for 6 years and established a reputation as one 
who had the best interests of Utahns at heart.
  While in the Senate, Lane proposed and implemented some of the most 
sweeping changes in the legislative process in several decades, 
including total internet access for legislators as well as the public. 
This made the legislative process significantly more efficient and 
allowed more legislator and citizen involvement. This is just one 
example of his commitment to truly serving the citizens of Utah by 
making the process and product of the legislature better.
  This award is evidence of the high esteem in which Lane is held by 
all those who know him. His colleagues in the Senate have commented 
that, under his leadership, the Senate became ``more efficient, 
productive, professional, and more open to the public.'' For those of 
us who know something about the Senate, that's saying a lot! One 
quality that I admired about Lane when we served together in the Utah 
State Legislature was his ability to build consensus. Having a good 
leader in the Senate certainly made my life easier on the House side.
  I always appreciated Lane's commitment to lowering taxes. As leader 
of the Senate, he made sure the Senate passed major tax reforms and 
reductions across the State that have saved taxpayers millions of 
dollars. The Taxpayers Association, in presenting Lane the Taxpayers 
Advocate Award in 1999, estimated that, during his leadership in the 
Senate, permanent tax cuts amounting to $1 billion were enacted.
  Lane has represented our State well, being asked to speak locally, 
nationally, and internationally. In 1996 he was invited to address the 
European Union in Italy on Federalism and State's rights. He also 
served as a representative for all United States Senate Presidents when 
he was elected as Chairman of the National Senate Presidents Forum in 
1998. The following year he headed a delegation from the United States 
on an official visit to China as a guest of the Vice President of 
China.
  In June 2000, Governor Leavitt asked Lane to accept the post as Chief 
State Olympic Officer for the State of Utah to oversee and manage the 
2002 Winter Olympic Games. As State Olympic Officer, Lane was in charge 
of coordinating the legal, financial and intergovernment arrangements 
for Utah's hosting of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Other members of the 
Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the Olympics commended Lane for his 
unwavering commitment and tireless efforts at the Olympics. He was 
particularly effective at bringing together different groups and 
uniting everyone toward accomplishing a common goal. Lane's 
effectiveness at finding solutions to problems greatly contributed to 
the success of the 2002 Winter Olympics. His reputation as a leader 
extends beyond just the State of Utah.

  Following the Olympics, Lane was chosen as president and CEO of the 
Salt Lake Chamber. His experience in both the public and private sector 
has been a tremendous asset to the business community in the Salt Lake 
area and his vision for Utah has improved the state as a whole. Lane is 
truly a voice for the business community in Utah.
  Working with and supporting Lane in his various civic pursuits is 
Lane's wife Joy and their three children. His contributions as a 
legislator, businessman, and Olympic Officer have truly made Utah a 
better place to live. Lane Beattie is one of Utah's most accomplished 
leaders and I am pleased to honor him today for his outstanding 
contributions and achievements.

                          ____________________