[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 104 (Tuesday, July 7, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1010]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE OF AUBREY WILLIAM ``BILL'' FRENCH

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 7, 2015

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and 
contributions of Mr. Aubrey William ``Bill'' French for his commitment 
to the betterment of Ypsilanti, MI, and service to his community. Bill 
French's passion for business stimulated the local economy and 
instilled a confidence in other entrepreneurs to invest in Washtenaw 
County.
  Mr. French's business career started in 1972 when he and his wife, 
Sandee French, opened Aubree's Pizzeria in Depot Town. The business 
became the foundation for Depot Town and it has been a special 
establishment in Washtenaw County since 1972. Aubree's continues to 
operate after 43 years, and it has grown to include 8 separate 
locations.
  Mr. French was known as a passionate restaurant owner who worked hard 
to develop a strong rapport with his staff. He helped his team develop 
a strong work ethic, and supported their academic and professional 
goals. His skills as a mentor not only developed a restaurant; he built 
a family.
  In addition to being a restaurant owner, Mr. French was the first 
president of the Depot Downtown Development Authority, and served on 
the Ypsilanti Economic Development Corporation. For his service to his 
community, Mr. French received many awards throughout his life, such as 
the Small Business Person of the Year Award in 1994, and the 
Distinguished Service Award from the Ypsilanti Area Chamber of 
Commerce.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor the memory 
of Mr. Aubrey William ``Bill'' French for his dedication to business, 
the City of Ypsilanti, and Washtenaw County.

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