[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 169 (Tuesday, November 17, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING MR. PATRICK WHALEN FOR HIS DEDICATION TO THE BUFFALO 
              NIAGARA MEDICAL CAMPUS AND WESTERN NEW YORK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 17, 2015

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to recognize and 
honor Mr. Patrick Whalen as he steps down as the Chief Operating 
Officer of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. A driving force in 
Buffalo's transformation, Mr. Whalen has helped ignite the renaissance 
underway in Western New York.
   Mr. Whalen has played a crucial role in the development of the 
Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus since 2008. As COO, Mr. Whalen 
demonstrated a true collaborative spirit in partnering with top 
medical, clinical, and research institutions and with the Fruit Belt 
and Allentown neighborhoods, the City of Buffalo and Erie County to 
establish world-class healthcare facilities. His leadership and 
organizational abilities most recently included his role as Conference 
Chair at the 2015 MedTech Association conference held in Buffalo.
   Mr. Whalen has traveled throughout the world to deliver remarks and 
share his vision at professional conferences and talks. His expertise 
is especially welcomed by our partners to the north, where Mr. Whalen 
was a founding member of the Canadian/American Border Trade Alliance 
and his efforts were recognized with the Canadian Consulate Ambassador 
Award. Mr. Whalen's deep understanding of the value of a strong 
partnership with Canada came from decades of private sector experience 
and entrepreneurship including the founding of Fulfillment Systems 
International. As President and CEO, he pioneered the concept of 
consolidated cross-border shipping that transformed the international 
distribution industry.
   Mr. Whalen's commitment to Western New York goes well beyond his 
contributions to the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and his productive 
relationship with Canada. Mr. Whalen consistently demonstrates his 
passion for serving the community through humanitarian organizations 
and service. He previously sat on the Board of Directors of the Greater 
Buffalo Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Rotary Club of 
Buffalo. In recognition of his dedicated service, Mr. Whalen was 
presented with the University at Buffalo School of Management Community 
Service Award.
   Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize 
Mr. Patrick Whalen as his family, friends and colleagues will gather on 
November 18 in appreciation for all he has accomplished and to wish him 
continued success in future endeavors. I ask that my colleagues join me 
in congratulating Mr. Whalen for his energetic passion, his grassroots 
and international perspective and his innovative contributions to his 
city and his country. His dedication to the growth and revitalization 
of Western New York community continue to heighten Buffalo's reputation 
and improve the health and well-being of all.

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