[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 196 (Thursday, November 20, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H4822]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         RECOGNIZING JIM DECKER

  (Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania was recognized to address the House for 
5 minutes.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Jim Decker as he retires from the Warren County Chamber of Business and 
Industry.
  Jim's professional life is deeply intertwined with the economic 
vitality of Warren County, Pennsylvania. Since 1989, he has served in 
some capacity with the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry.
  Since 1997, he has led the WCCBI as president and CEO. He also serves 
as executive director of the Warren County Development Association.
  Jim is a native son of Warren County and a 1975 graduate of Warren 
Area High School. He proudly raised his family in Warren. He and his 
wife, Kathryn, have three adult children and many grandchildren.
  Jim's dedication to Warren County is second to none. His community 
involvement is extensive, and he is a board member of numerous regional 
and State organizations, including but not limited to the Northwest 
Commission, the Northwest PA Job Connect, and the Leadership Warren 
County Steering Committee.
  Jim has been a driving force behind major economic and recreational 
initiatives in the county, including the facilitation of the Warren 
County Industrial Complex, which is a business incubator that supports 
a dozen small to large midsized manufacturing tenants and is the 
financial anchor of the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry.
  Jim also oversaw the development of the 300 2nd Avenue Bank Building 
project, a key venture that now houses the Northern Pennsylvania 
Regional College and is a multimillion-dollar economic development 
rehabilitation project in the heart of downtown Warren.
  A strong advocate for expanded outdoor opportunities, Jim has worked 
to make Warren County a prime destination. He was instrumental in 
expanding the Trails at Jakes Rocks mountain bike system, which 
features 35.2 miles of premier hiking and biking trails in the 
Allegheny National Forest. This is a significant regional asset that 
has an economic impact of more than $10 million annually.
  Through Jim's efforts, Warren County has hosted major events, 
including the United States Canoe Association's national championships, 
Cabela's 3D Archery and Walleye championships, and the International 
Bowhunters Organization tournament.
  This year, the Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals gave 
Jim the Keystone Award. Established in 1963, it is the highest honor 
for the PACP awards. It recognizes outstanding service in and 
contributions to the profession of Chamber management in Pennsylvania. 
It is not awarded annually but only when an individual has demonstrated 
outstanding achievements.
  Mr. Speaker, Jim's longstanding dedication and leadership have shaped 
Warren County for the better. He is the kind of leader who brings his 
vision to life through hard work but makes it look easy.
  Warren County has become a dynamic community and recreational hub 
thanks to Jim's leadership. Jim is a steadfast pillar of the 
northwestern Pennsylvania region, and his legacy will be felt for 
generations.
  While it is bittersweet to see Jim retire, I know that we will still 
see him around Warren, probably on his mountain bike, enjoying the 
outdoors. I wish him the best as he starts this new chapter of life.

                          ____________________