[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 196 (Wednesday, December 12, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1658-E1659]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO CHUCK STALEY ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AS PRESIDENT 
                   OF THE FLAGSHIP ENTERPRISE CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 12, 2018

  Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chuck 
Staley on the occasion of his retirement as President of the Flagship 
Enterprise Center in Anderson, Indiana. Chuck has devoted his life to 
making a positive impact on his beloved community of Anderson. Focused 
on community redevelopment, Chuck built a robust business center 
focused on collaborative partnerships with Anderson University, the 
City of Anderson, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and 
many other partners. His hard work and dedication to success has 
developed advanced economic and educational opportunities while 
creating nearly 2,000 jobs. The people of Indiana's Fifth Congressional 
District are forever grateful for Chuck's commitment to economic 
development throughout the City of Anderson, Madison County, and the 
State of Indiana.
  A life-long Hoosier, Chuck attended Anderson High School in Anderson, 
Indiana, before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps during the 
Vietnam War in 1964. He served faithfully until he was honorably 
discharged in 1967. After his time in the Marine Corps, Chuck attended 
Ball State University where he received a B.S. in Geography and Geology 
in 1971. Dedicated to furthering his education, he went on to earn a 
Master's Degree in Geography from Ball State in 1973. After graduation, 
Chuck began his career as plant supervisor at Delco Remy, an American 
manufacturer, remanufacturer, and distributor. In 1980, Chuck became 
the Director of Anderson University's physical plant until becoming 
their Director of Real Estate programs in 1985 and Executive Director 
of Facilities and Real Estate in 1991. Since 2004, Chuck has served as 
the Anderson University Special Assistant to the President for 
Engagement.
  In 2003, he shifted his commitment to supporting community 
development when he became President of the Flagship Enterprise Center 
(Flagship). Flagship is a large public-private partnership. The public 
side is comprised of the City of Anderson, State of Indiana, and 
multiple federal agencies; and the private sector is represented by 
Anderson University. Flagship's mission is to encourage and nurture 
entrepreneurial spirit in communities by providing mentoring, 
networking, business services, educational opportunities, and access to 
capital. Under Chuck's leadership, Flagship now spans 300,000 square 
feet of space in five buildings and nurtures 150 companies both 
nationally and internationally.
  An exceptional leader, Chuck advanced Flagship's impact as a business 
incubator and an advanced-stage business center through his dedication 
to innovative ideas and solutions. With a focus on collaboration, and 
diversifying the economy, Flagship not only provided skilled jobs in a 
struggling community, but became a regional leader with a strong 
international reputation. During his tenure, he challenged local 
officials to help develop a

[[Page E1659]]

skilled workforce to meet Flagship's vacancy demands and keep up with a 
more diverse economy.
  Chuck's dedication to his community is evident through his service on 
the boards of Community Hospital, Energize East Central Indiana, 
Extreme Defense Systems, Anderson University Students in Free 
Enterprise, and Anderson/Madison County Chamber of Commerce. Chuck 
chaired the Committee for North Anderson Church of God and the Steering 
Committee of the World Class City Forum. Notably, he served as 
Chairperson on the Blue Ribbon Committee, responsible for negotiations 
and an exit strategy with General Motors in Anderson. He also served as 
President of the Anderson City Planning Commission and the White River 
Development Commission.
  His many awards are a testament to the exceptional work ethic of this 
incredibly talented individual. In 2006, Chuck received the Community 
Image Award from the Anderson/Madison County Chamber of Commerce as 
well as two awards from the Anderson Rotary both for his personal 
contributions and for his Flagship contributions. In 2003, Governor 
Mitch Daniels awarded him the Distinguished Hoosier Award for his work 
in the community. He also received the Chief Anderson Award by the City 
of Anderson in 2003, the Distinguished Citizen Award from Boy Scouts of 
America in 2013, and the Sagamore of the Wabash from Governor Mike 
Pence in 2013.
   Chuck has made a remarkable impression on his community through his 
lifetime commitment to service. He has truly left a legacy of success 
at the Flagship Enterprise Center that will be built upon for years to 
come. On behalf of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District, I 
congratulate my friend Chuck on his extraordinary career and extend my 
gratitude for the wonderful contributions he made to our Hoosier 
community. While I know Chuck will be missed at the Flagship Enterprise 
Center, I wish him a happy retirement, with his wife Lynn, enjoying 
more time with family and friends.

                          ____________________