[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 27 (Friday, February 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE MEMORY OF MICRON TECHNOLOGY CEO STEVE APPLETON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 17, 2012

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and 
accomplishments of Micron Technology Chairman and Chief Executive 
Officer Steve Appleton, who died in an aircraft accident on February 3, 
2012.
  Mr. Appleton, 51, began his career at Micron Technology in 1983 
working the nightshift on the company's chip fabrication line. As was 
the case with many of Mr. Appleton's pursuits, his work for Micron 
Technology was tireless and done with a steadfast devotion to the 
highest levels of performance. Mr. Appleton quickly climbed through the 
ranks of a highly competitive corporate structure at Micron Technology. 
He was named chairman, CEO and president at age 34, making him the 
third youngest CEO of a Fortune 500 company at the time.
  Under his leadership, Micron Technology grew to over 23,000 employees 
in 20 countries, producing annual revenues of $8.9 billion. The company 
employs more than 1,800 Virginians, and the work performed at its 
Prince William County facility has helped make semiconductors the 
Commonwealth's largest manufactured export. His efforts earned him the 
recognition of his industry colleagues. In 2011, Mr. Appleton received 
the Robert N. Noyce Award, the highest honor bestowed by the 
Semiconductor Industry Association.
  Mr. Appleton is described by friends and family as a fierce 
competitor who valued personal relationships. For a CEO of a Fortune 
500 company who remained on a first name basis with many of his 
employees, this balance was second nature to Mr. Appleton. In his 
limited spare time, he became an accomplished pilot and motocross 
racer. He is survived by his wife and four children.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in extending our 
condolences to Steve Appleton's friends, family and colleagues at 
Micron Technology Inc. They have lost an incredibly talented and 
devoted leader. Mr. Appleton's achievements cannot be overstated. He 
always strived to be the best.

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