[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15858]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



              TRIBUTE TO TOM SCHWIEGER UPON HIS RETIREMENT

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to 
honor the outstanding leadership of Tom Schwieger, President and CEO of 
the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. Tom's seventeen years of 
service have been marked by integrity, vision and dedication, earning 
him the respect and admiration of the people of New Hampshire.
  During his tenure at the Manchester Chamber, Tom has initiated and 
overseen some of the most important revitalization projects of the last 
fifty years. He was the driving force behind the development of the 
Manchester Airport and the newly approved Civic Center. In 1998, as a 
testament to the success of Tom's efforts, Manchester was named the 
best small city in America in which to live.
  When I speak with Tom, I am always left with the impression that he 
truly loves what he does. His energy and enthusiasm is contagious and 
Tom has assembled a very prestigious Board of Directors. As BJ Eckhardt 
of Business New Hampshire Magazine remarked, ``people are honored to 
serve on the board; no one says `no' to Tom.''
  In addition to his many professional achievements, Tom has served as 
a mentor and an inspiration to many members of the Chamber staff. Many 
current New Hampshire community leaders credit Tom with giving them 
their start and helping to shape their careers.
  Walter Lippman once said, ``The final test of a leader is that he 
leaves behind him in other men, the conviction and the will to carry 
on.'' In his seventeen years at the Chamber, Tom has given the 
organization direction, drive, and a sense of mission. He has served 
with spirit and devotion, and his legacy will serve as an example to 
his successors for years to come.
  Tom, it has been an honor and a pleasure to serve you in the United 
States Senate. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. 
May you always continue to inspire those around you.

                          ____________________