[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 51 (Friday, April 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E672]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   DISTINGUISHED HOOSIER TOM ANDERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 8, 2011

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand before you and my 
colleagues today to recognize Tom Anderson. Governor Mitch Daniels 
recently named Tom a Distinguished Hoosier, an annual award given to 
Indiana residents who have excelled in their chosen fields. Tom was 
selected to receive this high honor due to his many years of 
exceptional work with Save the Dunes Council. For his outstanding 
efforts, Tom will be presented with this award on Saturday, April 9, 
2011, at Barker House in Michigan City, Indiana.
  Save the Dunes Council was founded in 1952 with the mission to 
preserve, protect, and restore the Indiana Dunes and all natural 
resources in Northwest Indiana's Lake Michigan Watershed for an 
enhanced quality of life. It is one of the most knowledgeable, 
involved, and valued organizations in Northwest Indiana and beyond. The 
members of this respected organization continue to devote their time 
and unrelenting efforts to serve their community through the 
preservation of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Tom Anderson has 
demonstrated an enduring dedication to this organization and its ideals 
and for his lifelong commitment he is worthy of the highest praise.
  From 1992 through 2010, Tom acted as the Executive Director of Save 
the Dunes Council. A major focus of Save the Dunes Council is to 
protect the Indiana Dunes through advocacy, education, and lobbying. 
During his career with Save the Dunes Council, Tom lobbied tirelessly 
for land protection and resources to fulfill the organization's mission 
of protecting and restoring natural resources within the Lake Michigan 
Basin. From 1994 through 2010, Tom acted as the Executive Director of 
the Save the Dunes Conservation Fund. The Fund protects natural 
resources through land protection, restoration, watershed 
implementations, and education. Impressively, Tom helped to increase 
the Fund's budget from less than $80,000 in 2005 to over $1 million by 
2009. Presently, Tom continues his efforts with Save the Dunes Council 
as a member of the Save the Dunes Conservation Fund Land Committee. 
Tom's undying dedication to conservation has led to him to found 
Conservation Connections, LLC, a company that strives to implement 
community-based conservation solutions.
  Tom's dedication to the environment, conservation, and his career is 
exceeded only by his devotion to his amazing family. He is happily 
married to attorney Joan Wiseman Anderson, and is the proud stepfather 
of four children who, following his inspirational example, all have 
become involved with conservation, public service, and resource 
protection. Tom and Joan have five grandchildren and reside in Michigan 
City.
  Mr. Speaker, Tom Anderson has selflessly dedicated his time and 
effort to serve his community though his work with Save the Dunes 
Council. His passionate commitment to improving the quality of life for 
countless individuals is truly inspirational, and he is deserving of 
the high honor which has been bestowed upon him. I respectfully ask 
that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending 
Tom Anderson on being recognized as a Distinguished Hoosier.

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