[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 146 (Thursday, September 12, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1138-E1139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING JIM BYRUM FOR HIS SERVICE AS PRESIDENT OF THE MICHIGAN 
                       AGRI-BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 12, 2019

  Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it's my honor to recognize Jim Byrum for 
his service as President the Michigan Agri-Business Association. 
Through his exceptional leadership and steadfast devotion to 
educational excellence, Jim has become an indispensable part of the 
state of Michigan.
  Jim grew up on his family's farm near Onondaga and was raised in the 
same house where his grandfather was born in 1889. Throughout his 
career he stayed close to his agricultural roots, serving as Executive 
Director of the Michigan Bean Commission and the State Executive 
Director of Michigan's Farm Service Agency before eventually becoming 
the President of the Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA)--a 
nonprofit organization of approximately 500 members from every part of 
the agricultural sector in Michigan.

[[Page E1139]]

  In its 24 years under Jim's leadership, MABA has consistently and 
exceptionally represented the interests of the agricultural industry in 
Michigan, offering important resources to businesses while working 
proactively to keep the industry ahead in the global marketplace. For 
instance, MABA's ``2025'' project has encouraged industry leaders to 
think about long-term needs and how Michigan agriculture will grow in 
the coming years. Jim has excelled as a leader and communicator, and 
his expertise has made him well-respected by those across the political 
spectrum.
  Agriculture is the second-largest sector of Michigan's economy, 
contributing more than $71 billion to the economy annually and 
supporting one out of every four jobs in the state. With today's ever-
evolving world, the work of industry leaders like Jim has been critical 
in making Michigan the agricultural hub it is. His impact on the state 
of Michigan cannot be overstated.
  Madam Speaker, it's my honor to congratulate Jim Byrum for his 
decades of service as President of the Michigan Agri-Business 
Association. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First 
District is home to such a dedicated leader. On behalf of my 
constituents, I wish Jim all the best in his future endeavors.

                          ____________________