[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 133 (Tuesday, September 6, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1178]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO DEBI DURHAM

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. DAVID YOUNG

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 6, 2016

  Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and 
recognize Iowa Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham for 
being named a 2016 Women of Influence honoree by the award-winning 
central Iowa publication, Business Record.
  For 17 years, the Business Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual 
review to identify a standout group of women who have made a 
significant difference in business, civic and philanthropic endeavors 
throughout the Greater Des Moines Area. Ms. Durham has devoted her life 
to confronting challenges many others might avoid. She has spent 
countless hours on various boards while blazing a trail for others to 
follow. She was selected for the chosen field of expertise, the lasting 
impact on the community, involvement with civic or non-profit 
organizations and being seen as a role model because of her lofty 
achievements and high ethical standards.
  Debi Durham has the determination and drive to be successful in 
anything she does, and her exemplary work with the Iowa Economic 
Development Authority is a testament to that. Ms. Durham works with 
Iowa Governor Terry Branstad to maintain the Iowa Economic Development 
Authority as a public-private partnership to improve Iowa's delivery of 
Iowa's economic services. Prior to leading Iowa's economic development 
initiatives, Debi Durham served as president of the Siouxland Chamber 
of Commerce, serving communities in northwest Iowa. In all aspects of 
her life, Debi Durham is an example of hard work and service who makes 
Iowans proud.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Debi 
Durham in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I 
recognize and applaud her for utilizing her talents to better both her 
community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the 
House to join me in congratulating Debi Durham on receiving this 
esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great 
work, and wishing Ms. Durham a long and successful career.

                          ____________________