[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 60 (Wednesday, April 16, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E630]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE ON THE OCCASION OF THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOLEDO 
                METROPOLITAN AREA COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS

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                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 16, 2008

  Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today, pleased to recognize a 
milestone anniversary for the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of 
Governments, TMACOG, in northwestern Ohio and southeast Michigan. 
TMACOG celebrates its 40th anniversary this month.
  When in the early 1960s Federal funds began to go to local 
governments directly, local leaders from communities in northwest Ohio 
and southeast Michigan had been meeting informally as the Area 
Cooperation Committee and building a regional organization. In 1968 the 
group formally adopted bylaws and elected leadership as TMACOG. Andy 
Devine, who was then a member of Toledo City Council, was elected to be 
the first chair. The newly formed executive committee held its first 
meeting in the council chambers in the city of Oregon, Ohio. In 
celebration of TMACOG's 40th year, the April 16, 2008, meeting of the 
TMACOG executive committee will also be held in the city of Oregon.
  TMACOG's areas of concentration are transportation planning, 
environmental planning, and commuter services. Looking to the future, 
member concerns also include alternative energy and energy conservation 
measures, economic development, and more interest in freight 
transportation and logistics.
  TMACOG's vision statement, adopted in 2002, states that ``TMACOG will 
be the governmental partner of choice to coordinate regional assets, 
opportunities, and challenges.'' Over the course of four decades, local 
leaders have looked to the organization to lead the region forward. 
While we celebrate TMACOG's achievements the past 40 years. we join 
with the organization to promote a bright future of opportunity and 
growth.

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