[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 37 (Monday, March 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E379]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO RICHARD ``DICK'' SWEEBE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE COHEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 15, 2010

  Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Richard 
``Dick'' Sweebe and his Memphis-based business, Diamond Companies, for 
receiving Navistar Incorporated's prestigious 2009 International Circle 
of Excellence Award.
  The Circle of Excellence Award honors International truck dealerships 
that achieve the highest level of dealer performance with respect to 
operating and financial standards, market representation, and most 
importantly, customer satisfaction. It is the highest award a dealer 
principal can receive from Navistar. Diamond Companies has now received 
the Circle of Excellence Award a total of 17 times.
  Diamond Companies has grown from a single International truck 
dealership to one of the largest International truck dealers in North 
America. Mr. Sweebe began his career with International Harvester in 
1972 and served in several capacities before purchasing his first 
International dealership in 1982. His entrepreneurial leadership helped 
grow Diamond Companies to an operation with more than 600 employees in 
16 locations across Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas. Diamond 
Companies is the holding company for Diamond International, Diamond 
Idealease and Diamond State Bus Company.
  As an industry leader, Mr. Sweebe has held numerous positions of 
responsibility in International organizations, including the former 
chairman of the International Dealer Council and co-chair of the 
International Dealer Development and Systems Board.
  Through his commitment to hard work and outstanding customer service, 
Mr. Sweebe has built an economically vital business of which he can be 
justly proud. Madam Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join with 
me in congratulating Dick Sweebe for his record of accomplishment, the 
success of Diamond Companies, and for his many contributions to his 
community.

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