[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 5, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S665]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JEFF HILBORN

 Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Jeff 
Hilborn, who is retiring after a long and distinguished career in radio 
broadcasting.
  For more than 30 years, anyone who has tuned in to a radio station in 
the Brainerd Lakes area has benefited from Jeff's behind-the-scenes 
work, even if they have never heard his voice.
  Jeff is proud of his North Dakota roots, but after he moved to 
Brainerd, Minnesota became his home. He started out at KLIZ-FM-The 
Power Loon, and for years, he has managed Hubbard Broadcasting's entire 
six radio station group that also includes WJJY-FM, KBLB-FM, KULO-FM, 
KVBR-AM, and KLIZ-AM.
  Jeff is known for his integrity, for being candid and kind. Under his 
leadership, WJJY-FM won five National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) 
Crystal Radio Awards for community service, earning the station the NAB 
Crystal Heritage Award next month. Jeff is an enthusiastic supporter of 
Hubbard's annual Radiothon to End Child Abuse, raising over a million 
dollars for Morrison, Cass, Aitkin, and Crow Wing Counties.
  Jeff's contributions to the community go beyond the radio. He served 
on the board of directors for the Brainerd Sports Boosters and the 
Sunrise Sertoma Club. He was a committee member for the Brainerd Lakes 
Area Chamber of Commerce Destination Downtown initiative and served on 
the boards of directors for the Minnesota Broadcasters Association and 
Randall State Bank, and as a council member for First Lutheran Church.
  So today, I celebrate Jeff Hilborn's long career and contributions to 
Brainerd Lakes.
  Jeff, we have been lucky to have you enlivening the airwaves in 
Minnesota for so many years. Our State and country are better because 
of you. I wish you all the best.

                          ____________________