[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 23, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E204-E205]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING MICHAEL BAIRD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 23, 2010

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I take 
this time to honor one of Northwest Indiana's most respected business 
and community leaders, Mr. Michael Baird, from Valparaiso, Indiana. On 
January 21, 2010, Mike was honored by the Northwest Indiana Forum in 
appreciation for his many years of service as a dedicated executive and 
for his numerous contributions to the community of Northwest Indiana. 
The celebration took place at the Avalon Manor in Merrillville, 
Indiana.
  Mike Baird's professional and academic career led him to become a 
prominent leader in the banking industry for thirty-seven years. In 
1970, Mike earned a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from Indiana 
University. Prior to graduate school, he worked as a representative for 
Hallmark Cards and also served in the United States Naval Reserve. In 
1975, Mike went on to earn his Master's of Business Administration 
degree in Finance from Indiana University. Mike then began his career 
managing a middle-market lending division for Continental Bank in 
Chicago, covering both the Michigan and Indiana markets. In 1988, Mike 
joined Mercantile Bank as Senior Vice President, Chief Lending Officer, 
a position he held until 2004 when he assumed the position of Chief 
Credit Officer. In addition, Mike also served on the board of directors 
at Mercantile Bank from 1999 to 2004. In December 2004, Harris Bank 
completed the acquisition of the Hammond, Indiana-based Mercantile 
Bancorp Incorporated. On January 1, 2005, Mike joined Harris Bank as 
Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer for the Northwest 
Indiana region. Mike continued to advance in the company and on January 
1, 2008, he became the Northwest Indiana Region President for Harris 
Bank. After many years of devotion to the banking industry, Mike 
retired from his remarkable career in January 2010.
  In addition to his impressive professional career, Mike passionately 
serves the people of Northwest Indiana through his involvement in many 
community organizations. Among his many contributions to the community, 
Mike currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the Northwest Indiana 
Forum, Vice Chairman of the Board for the Center for Workforce 
Innovations, Board Member for the Valparaiso Economic Development 
Corporation, Board Member for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest 
Indiana, Advisory Board Member for the Northwest Indiana Small Business 
Development Center, and Advisory Board Member for the Porter County 
Vocational Career Center.
  Mike's dedication to his community is exceeded only by his devotion 
to his wonderful family. He has been married to his loving wife, 
Jeanne, for almost 29 years. They have one son, Eric, who is married to 
Tricia, and three beloved grandchildren: Nick, Russ, and Molly Baird.
  Madam Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other 
distinguished colleagues join me

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in commending Mr. Michael Baird as he is honored for his lifetime of 
service and dedication to the Northwest Indiana community. Mike 
continues to touch the lives of countless people, and for his 
unselfish, lifelong commitment, he is worthy of the highest praise.

                          ____________________