[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 9 (Wednesday, January 11, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E17]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF JOEL FRANCK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 11, 2023

  Mr. BERGMAN.  Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to recognize Joel Franck for 
his retirement after 5 decades of work in radio broadcasting, including 
26 years as the News Director at WTCM in Traverse City, Michigan. 
Throughout his distinguished career, Joel's professional demeanor and 
contagious attitude while on air made him a staple of Northern Michigan 
and a cherished part of the Traverse City community.
  Joel started his illustrious broadcasting career in 1969, acting as a 
sports broadcaster for local high schools in his hometown. Joel soon 
moved to Portland, Oregon, where he continued his play-by-play analysis 
of local high school sports and minor league baseball. After 13 years 
in Portland, Joel moved to the Wisconsin-Michigan area where he found a 
home at WTCM Radio in 1996. Remaining with WTCM until his retirement on 
December 9, 2022, Joel became a familiar and trusted source of 
information for all in the Traverse City area.
  Joel Franck was a true professional in an everchanging and evolving 
field of work with extremely high turnover rates. His 26 years spent 
with WTCM Radio is an amazing accomplishment in the broadcasting 
industry and displays the value Joel added to the station on a daily 
basis. His infectious laugh, genuine personality, and professionalism 
while on air, made him an integral part of thousands of commuter's 
treks into work. News of Joel Franck's retirement has saddened the 
Traverse City area and all who listen to him. His familiar and trusted 
way of evaluating the news will be missed and his impact on all 
communities he broadcasted to is immeasurable.
  Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to recognize Joel Franck for his decades 
of service in Michigan's radio broadcasting industry. On behalf of 
Michigan's First District, I extend my gratitude to Joel, his family, 
and the entire WTCM Radio Team, and I wish them the best in their 
future endeavors.

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