[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 92 (Tuesday, June 5, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S2989]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                      TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM P. GETTY

 Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 
retirement of William P. Getty as president of the Claude Worthington 
Benedum Foundation. Since 1999, Pat has served as president of the 
foundation, and during his tenure, the region has been blessed with 
significant opportunities to grow and diversify the economy.
  Established in 1944, the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation issues 
grants primarily in West Virginia and southwestern Pennsylvania. The 
region served by the foundation is a tribute to the founder Michael 
Benedum's native home of West Virginia and his strong connection to 
Pittsburgh, PA, where he built a successful oil and gas exploration 
business. The foundation administers grants that support education, 
economic development, health and human services, and community 
development.
  Pat's leadership as president has focused on regional collaboration 
to capture economic opportunity. First and foremost, the discovery of 
the Marcellus, Utica, and Rogersville shale deposits have created 
tremendous opportunity for West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio to not 
only explore these natural resources but to also capture more 
downstream value in affiliated sectors of the economy. Pat's leadership 
in fostering a regional approach and cooperation between leaders in the 
three States has been instrumental to creating initiatives like the 
``Power of 32'' site development fund and the tristate shale agreement 
that will help the region maximize the benefit of this opportunity. In 
addition, he has been an invaluable partner and ambassador for the 
Appalachian Storage and Trading Hub project, participating in meetings 
with private sector leaders and government leaders to stress the 
importance of this project to the region. By working together, we can 
truly realize the potential for thousands of new jobs and billions in 
private sector investment.
  Pat's contributions as president extends well beyond the energy 
sector. Under his leadership, the foundation has been a leader in 
focusing on the importance of STEM education, advanced manufacturing, 
and transitioning the region to a more technology based economy. Each 
of these areas is a significant growth opportunity for the region, 
while at the same time is a tribute to the region's history as a leader 
in manufacturing and developing natural resources. Pat has also been 
instrumental in working with community, State, and Federal leaders to 
maximize Federal resources and partnerships to spur economic growth.
  I wish Pat the best in his retirement and hope that he enjoys this 
special time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. I know that he 
will remain engaged as an ambassador for West Virginia and the 
region.

                          ____________________