[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 56 (Thursday, March 30, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E416-E417]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE DOWNRIVER COMMUNITY CONFERENCE ON THE DATE OF ITS 
                            40TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 30, 2017

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Downriver 
Community Conference on the date of its 40th Anniversary. The DCC has 
provided workforce training and job resources to Downriver for decades 
and has been instrumental in improving the quality of life for the 
area's residents.
  Founded in 1977, the Downriver Community Conference is an 
organization dedicated to promoting enhanced economic growth and well-
being through its workforce training, economic development and 
additional community services available to southern Wayne County and 
its residents. The DCC has been key to helping increase the quality of 
life while working to preserve jobs and attract a skilled workforce 
through its efforts. In 2003, the DCC successfully supported a proposed 
takeover of

[[Page E417]]

Great Lakes Steel operations in Ecorse and River Rouge, a move that 
saved hundreds of jobs in the community. The DCC also coordinates 
emergency services across member communities, and has supported cleanup 
efforts at the Detroit International Wildlife Refuge. These 
multifaceted operations undertaken by the DCC have been critical to 
attracting a talented workforce to the area while making southern Wayne 
County a desirable place to live.
  The DCC has proven to be an effective advocate on behalf of 
Downriver, and its work has produced tangible results that make a real 
difference in the lives of individuals in participating communities. 
Through its affiliation with Michigan Works!, the organization has been 
critical to helping provide individuals with the skills they need to 
succeed in trades and other in-demand fields. Additionally, the 
organization's coordinated approach makes it eligible for federal and 
state grants that would normally be unavailable to individual 
communities. The DCC's ability to leverage the unique strengths of the 
Downriver community has made it a model in effective and sustainable 
workforce and community development efforts.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Downriver 
Community Conference and date of its 40th Anniversary Dinner. The 
organization has played an integral role in the growth and development 
of southern Wayne County and the surrounding areas.

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