[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 22, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1103]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


PAYING TRIBUTE TO PAT KIELY FOR HIS 23 YEARS OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO 
                 THE INDIANA MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 22, 2015

  Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Pat Kiely 
on the occasion of his retirement. For 23 years, Pat served as 
President of the Indiana Manufacturers Association, the second oldest 
manufacturers association in the country and only trade association in 
Indiana that exclusively focuses on manufacturing. Pat has been a well-
respected legislator and successful business leader in Indiana for 
decades. The Hoosier community is forever grateful to Pat for his 
tireless efforts and dedication to making Indiana a better place.
  A lifelong Hoosier, Pat spent most of his personal and professional 
life in Anderson, Indiana. He attended college in Indiana as well, 
earning his bachelor's degree in Marketing Research and Statistics from 
Ball State University. In 1978 Pat became the State Representative for 
the 36th District of Indiana; he was only 26 at the time. Five years 
into his service at the age of 31, he was appointed Chairman of the 
Ways and Means Committee, making him the youngest Chairman in Indiana 
history. During his six and a half terms as a state legislator, he also 
served as Chairman of the State Budget Committee and Chairman of the 
State Tax and Financing Policy Commission.
  Throughout his tenure as a legislator, Pat was also a business owner 
and operator. In 1982, he opened Computerland, which was the first 
computer store in Indianapolis. Additionally, he was the Vice President 
at City Securities Corporation in Anderson from 1983 to 1991. He knew 
that technology would have a significant impact on the economy and his 
expertise in the area and experience as a business owner allowed him to 
bring valuable perspective to his role as a legislator.
  In 1991, Pat left the legislature and began his service as President 
and CEO of the Indiana Manufacturers Association. Under his leadership, 
the Indiana Manufacturers Association became a national leader in 
protecting the business environment. Pat was instrumental in his 
advocacy for manufacturer's interest at both the state and federal 
level. His advocacy and strong leadership led the association to many 
accomplishments in the areas of taxes, budget, infrastructure, 
healthcare, and environmental policy, among others. Pat also enhanced 
Indiana's economy through his ability to maintain, promote, and create 
quality manufacturing jobs in Indiana. This was especially important 
since Indiana is one of the top manufacturing states in the nation.
  Pat's involvement with the Indiana business community is extensive. 
Since 1979, he has been involved with over 35 organizations including 
the Indiana Economic Development Council, Indiana Employers Quality 
Health Alliance, Governor's Education Roundtable, Indiana Business 
Journal's Editorial Advisory Board, Skyline Club Board of Directors, 
and Indiana Legal Foundation.
  His commitment to the community and success as a leader have not gone 
unnoticed. He has been honored with Ball State University's 
Distinguished Alumni Award, Ball State's College of Business Award of 
Achievement, the Professional Fire Fighters' Union of Indiana 
Legislator of the Year Award, and the Indiana Department of 
Environmental Management's Environmental Impact Award.
  Pat has been a champion for manufacturers in Indiana and across the 
country for decades. On behalf of the grateful constituents of 
Indiana's Fifth Congressional District, I would like to congratulate 
Pat on all of his success and extend a huge thank you for his 
extraordinary contributions to the Hoosier community. I wish the very 
best to Pat, his wife Mary Pat, and his entire family as he enjoys a 
well-deserved retirement.

                          ____________________