[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 87 (Friday, May 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1145]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING ALABAMA GOVERNOR BOB RILEY AND ALABAMA DEVELOPMENT OFFICE 
DIRECTOR NEAL WADE FOR THEIR ROLE IN RECRUITING THYSSENKRUPP TO ALABAMA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 24, 2007

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Alabama 
Governor Bob Riley and Alabama Development Office Director Neal Wade 
for their efforts in recruiting ThyssenKrupp to build a new steel mill 
in southwest Alabama. ThyssenKrupp is one of Germany's leading steel 
industries, employing over 180,000 workers at 670 sites around the 
world, and their economic impact will certainly resonate across Mobile 
County and the State of Alabama.
  Both Governor Riley and Mr. Wade worked extensively over the past 2 
years to recruit this world class steel company to Alabama. In an 
unprecedented way, leaders from across Alabama and the future region 
came together to promote the Alabama site.
  Make no mistake, Alabama encountered stiff competition in their 
recruitment attempts. ThyssenKrupp chose Alabama from an initial pool 
of 67 other locations in 20 States across the country. While other 
States made competitive offers, ThyssenKrupp determined that Alabama is 
the best fit--due in large part to the efforts of Governor Bob Riley 
and Director Wade.
  Over a century ago, steel was Alabama's ``cash crop'' and steel 
manufacturing played a major role in Alabama's industrial revolution. 
Now in 2007, Alabama is one of the leading producers of automobiles in 
the United States. ThyssenKrupp's announcement brings Alabama's steel 
legacy full circle.
  The impact of this new steel mill will be profound. ThyssenKrupp's 
new steel mill promises at least 2,700 new permanent jobs, paying 
upwards of $50,000 a year. Construction will require almost 30,000 
employees who will earn $40,000 to $50,000 a year. Such benefits would 
not be possible without the efforts of Alabama's outstanding governor 
and ADO director.
  Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you and my colleagues to join me in 
honoring Alabama Governor Bob Riley and Alabama Development Office 
Director Neal Wade for their outstanding accomplishments. I would like 
to offer each of them my heartfelt thanks on behalf of the First 
Congressional District for their continued contributions to the great 
State of Alabama.

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