[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 46 (Thursday, March 16, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E336-E337]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN RECOGNITION OF MR. BRETT FRENCH

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 16, 2017

  Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it's an honor to recognize Mr. Brett French 
as this year's individual recipient of the Distinguished Service Award 
(DSA). The Lake Superior Community Partnership's Distinguished Service 
Award is extended to businesses and individuals who support economic 
development in Marquette County.

[[Page E337]]

  After earning bachelor's and master's degrees from Central Michigan 
University, French served as a public policy and environmental 
consultant before settling in Ishpeming and beginning his career with 
American Transmission Co. (ATC), a high-voltage electric transmission 
system company. As the external affairs manager for ATC, French 
contributes to Marquette County's development by streamlining and 
enhancing access to affordable electricity for hundreds of communities 
across Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Having been with ATC for 16 years 
now, French is responsible for developing, coordinating, and managing 
relationships between ATC and the Michigan-based customers and 
stakeholders who make ATC's work possible.
  French participates in numerous community development organizations 
and remains devoted to improving American infrastructure and the 
quality of life in the Upper Peninsula. His commitment to economic 
development is exemplified through his service with Marquette County's 
Economic Development Corp., Dickinson Economic Development Alliance, 
and Operation Action U.P., where he works to identify and address 
regional opportunities that advance economic development in our state's 
most rural areas. French also understands the importance of learning 
the skills needed to succeed in today's economy. In conjunction with 
the Midwest Skills Development Center Advisory Board and NICE Community 
Schools, he has provided the guidance to equip the next generation of 
great leaders with the skills they need to succeed. French's commitment 
to his profession, community, and neighbors has been essential to his 
success, and I am confident that he will continue to inspire others in 
the community to take an active role in improving the quality of life 
in the Upper Peninsula.
  Mr. Speaker, French's accomplishments in service to the Upper 
Peninsula cannot be understated, and his family and community can take 
pride in knowing that Northern Michigan is a better place thanks to his 
work. On behalf of Michigan's First Congressional District, I 
congratulate Mr. Brett French and wish him well as he continues to make 
a difference in the lives of others.

                          ____________________