[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 151 (Tuesday, October 11, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6386-S6387]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO DICK WILKERSON

 Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, I would like to recognize the 
achievements of one of South Carolina's most respected citizens.
  Greenville, SC, is the home of Michelin's North American 
headquarters. One of the largest tire manufacturers in the world, 
Michelin has had a presence in the state for over thirty years and 
currently employs nearly 8,000 South Carolinians. Michelin is known for 
its innovation and the quality of its products. It is also one of the 
finest corporate citizens we have in South Carolina.
  Dick Wilkerson, the current chairman and president of Michelin North 
America, will retire at the end of 2011 after 31 years with the 
company, the last 3-plus years in his current role. Upon his 
retirement, he will become chairman emeritus of Michelin North America, 
in recognition of his remarkable career and strong and effective 
leadership during a very difficult economic time.
  Under Dick's leadership, Michelin became the largest tire maker in 
North America by sales and has remained the most profitable tire maker 
in North America for 7 consecutive years. That is quite an achievement 
given the tough economic circumstances.
  Wilkerson also led the creation of major community programs, 
including Michelin Development Upstate South Carolina and Michelin 
Challenge Education.
  Michelin Development provides low interest loans and access to our 
considerable business expertise to create quality sustainable jobs and 
promote economic growth. To date, investments in Upstate South Carolina 
total more than $2 million, 33 loans have been supported, and more than 
750 potential jobs have been created inspiring new economic growth.
  Michelin Challenge Education focuses on the support of public 
elementary schools located in close proximity

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to major Michelin facilities. By forming a true partnership between 
each facility and its adopted school, Michelin provides support to meet 
the specific needs of each school. Several of these include low-income 
schools receiving Federal title I funds. The program formalizes an 
opportunity for Michelin's nearly 8,000 South Carolina employees to 
make a personal contribution to the improvement of public education 
through hands-on involvement. Michelin employees serve as mentors, 
tutors and volunteers.
  Dick currently serves as chairman of the South Carolina State Chamber 
of Commerce Board of Directors. He also serves on the Clemson 
University President's Advisory Board and the University of South 
Carolina National Advisory Council. Nationally, he serves on the board 
of the Rubber Manufacturers Association and Board of Directors of the 
Yellowstone Park Foundation.
  He is active in the Greenville, SC community, serving as chairman-
elect of the United Way of Greenville County Board of Trustees. 
Previously, Dick served as chair of the United Way of Greenville County 
fundraising campaign. He has served on the boards of the Greenville 
Urban League, the chamber of commerce, the University Center, and the 
Greenville Symphony.
  Dick has been a true leader in the State's business community. 
Michelin has turned in strong financial results, which reflects their 
strong commitment to their shareholders. Beyond that, is the company's 
commitment to its employees and the fact that Michelin is a true 
partner with the communities where their employees live and operate 
manufacturing facilities. Michelin is a superb example of how a good 
corporate citizen behaves. We are proud of the fact that Michelin calls 
South Carolina ``home.''
  Dick, congratulations to you on your 31 years with Michelin. Thank 
you for your past contributions to South Carolina, and I look forward 
to continuing our work together to make South Carolina a great place to 
live and work.

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