[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 123 (Monday, July 25, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S3638]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    REMEMBERING WILLIE ELDRAGE ARTIS

 Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a highly 
regarded business leader, mentor, and community leader from Flint, MI: 
Mr. Willie Eldrage Artis, founder and owner of Genesee Packaging, who 
passed away on June 2, 2022, at the age of 88. Mr. Artis made an 
immeasurable impact as a partner to the automotive industry, on the 
Flint community, and the State of Michigan over the past 40 years. It 
is a privilege and a sorrow both to recognize him here today and 
celebrate his lifework and many achievements.
  Born in 1934, Willie spent the first 18 years of his life living with 
his parents in Memphis, TN, amid the height of the South's Jim Crow 
Era. Though difficult, these years instilled in Willie an unfailing 
work ethic and the ability to stand up for himself and his rights, even 
in the most difficult of circumstances. After leaving for Chicago, 
Willie began working on the manufacturing floor of the Triangle 
Container Corrugated Company, learning the ins-and-outs of the 
packaging business from the ground up. He brought this knowledge with 
him when he moved to Flint in 1964 and began working for Flint 
Boxmakers. In just 2 years, he was promoted to manufacturing manager.
  In 1979, Willie and a fellow colleague of color took advantage of the 
recently issued minority business programs administered by General 
Motors to leverage their years of expertise and open Genesee Packaging. 
Since its formation, Genesee Packaging has been a place of opportunity 
for the community to gain employment and increased access to economic 
achievement for customers and employees alike.
  His energetic service to the Flint community and State of Michigan 
included his membership with the Michigan Minority Business Development 
Council, Genesys Health Systems, the Flint Public Library, and the 
Flint Business and Development Council. In 1989, he was appointed to 
serve on Governor James Blanchard's entrepreneurial business 
commission, was inducted into the Junior Achievement Business Hall of 
Fame in 2001, and in 2005 received special recognition from Governor 
Jennifer Granholm for his many contributions to the State of Michigan. 
Additional recognition for his work in minority business development 
and civil rights came from then President Bill Clinton, the U.S. 
Senate, the Michigan House of Representatives, the State of Michigan, 
and the city of Flint.
  In October of 2019, Willie published his memoir in a book titled 
``From Jim Crow to CEO: The Willie E. Artis Story,'' where he shared 
his lessons from life and business as one of America's most honored 
industrialists. His story embodies that of the American dream, rising 
up from poverty through determination and hard work, embracing 
entrepreneurship and becoming a sought-after partner by top 
corporations and even the White House during the Obama administration.
  I cannot understate the impact that Mr. Artis has had on the city of 
Flint and State of Michigan. A pillar of strength and leadership 
throughout the community and the embodiment of generosity to those who 
knew him personally, Willie will no doubt be missed, but his legacy 
will endure. I ask you to join me--and Willie's beloved wife Veronica, 
their children, and their grandchildren--in recognizing and celebrating 
his life and numerous accomplishments. I hope that each of us can find 
some comfort in the precious moments and memories that were shared with 
him.

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