[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 9 (Thursday, January 13, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E33-E34]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING MAYOR JIM ARDIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DARIN LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 13, 2022

  Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Jim Ardis for 
his leadership and

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dedication to the City of Peoria. Ardis retired in 2021 as the longest 
serving Mayor in the history of the City, serving for 16 years. Prior 
to his 4 terms as Mayor, he also served on the City Council for 6 
years. We thank Mayor Ardis for his tireless advocacy and dedication to 
move the City forward through times of prosperity and adversity. His 
unwavering commitment to the community is a testament to his 
perseverance and love for Peoria.
  During his tenure, Peoria earned the unique distinction of being 
named an All-America City. Mayor Ardis led the effort to create a one-
of-a-kind program called Peoria Promise, which gives all students in 
the City the opportunity to attend community college with tuition 
reimbursement. Mayor Ardis's leadership also helped to develop Peoria's 
warehouse district which has brought economic development to the area 
and transformed downtown. That effort has continued recently with OSF 
Health Care's new headquarters also coming to Downtown Peoria. His 
influence on the City of Peoria over the years is endless.
  In addition, Jim is a caring person that has always generously given 
his time and resources to many charities and philanthropic efforts that 
help people. One shining example is his dedication to the St. Jude 
Memphis to Peoria Run that raises money for children with cancer. Jim 
has dedicated his professional and personal life to the Peoria 
community and continues to do so now after his time as Mayor with his 
role at the OSF Foundation. I appreciate our friendship and his 
commitment to public service. I wish Jim great success in all his 
future endeavors.

                          ____________________