[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 18, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E31-E32]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING GERALD ROPER

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 18, 2012

  Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, on January 25, 2012 longtime civic leader 
Gerald Roper will receive honors for his commitment to greening and 
beautifying Chicago, as well as improving the region's business and 
entrepreneurial communities.
  A founding member of Chicago Gateway Green Committee, Jerry's 
commitment to beautifying Chicago over the past 25 years can be seen 
all across our city. As Chairman, Jerry oversaw the planting of 57,000 
shrubs, 53,000 perennials, and 2,050 trees and the removal of more than 
one million pounds of litter from Chicago's expressways. He was 
instrumental in the installation of numerous sculptures at Chicago's 
beautiful landmarks and has helped make our hometown a place travelers 
from around the world want to visit and admire.
  Under Jerry's leadership as President and Chief Executive Officer of 
the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce for more than 18 years, the Chamber 
earned a 5-star accreditation by the United States Chamber of Commerce 
for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and 
positive impact on the region's business climate. The award is given to 
only the top five percent of all chambers in the country.
  Jerry demonstrates the meaning of a true public servant. In 2000 he 
formed the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center, an affiliate of the 
Chamber of Commerce. The Center's contributions features the innovative 
Bridge Program that connects emerging companies to establish Chicago 
area firms to their mutual benefit, as well as the Illinois Innovation 
Accelerator Fund that bolsters access to venture capital.
  A founding member of the National Business Leaders for 
Transportation, Jerry is an outspoken voice for the aviation and rapid 
transit industries. He also participates actively in several civic and 
industry organizations, serving as Chairman of the President's Advisory 
Council for Harold Washington College, for example.
  Jerry's passion and commitment to the City of Chicago is beyond 
compare. On this day, we thank Jerry for his outstanding service to our 
greater community and look forward to his future contributions.

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