[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 16]
[Senate]
[Page 22986]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 22986]]

NOMINATIONS OF WILLIAM BAXTER TO BE A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 
                   OF THE TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the nomination 
of William Baxter for both TVA positions be confirmed en bloc, the 
motions to reconsider be laid on the table en bloc, the President of 
the United States be immediately notified of the Senate's action, and 
the Senate return to legislative session.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The nominations were considered and confirmed en bloc as follows:


                       TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY

       William Baxter, of Tennessee, to be a Member of the Board 
     of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority for the term 
     expiring May 18, 2011.
       William Baxter, of Tennessee, to be a Member of the Board 
     of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority for the 
     remainder of the term expiring May 18, 2002.

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the 
confirmation of Bill Baxter to be a member of the Tennessee Valley 
Authority's Board of Directors.
  The Tennessee Valley Authority has played and will continue to play a 
critical role in the future of Tennessee and the entire TVA region. TVA 
is the Nation's largest public power producer serving over 8.3 million 
customers through its 158 distributors with revenues of $7 billion 
annually. In addition, TVA manages the fifth largest river system in 
the country.
  Over the last 7 years as a Senator from Tennessee, I have come to 
realize that TVA is more than a power public company, more than steward 
of a river system, it is an integral part of the valley's economy and 
community.
  An organization of this size with such an important role must have 
the very best leadership and management team in place. The board must 
be able to lead the organization into a future which presents many 
challenges including inevitable restructuring of the electric industry, 
addressing air quality issues, and managing TVA's debt.
  I am pleased that President Bush has nominated an individual who has 
the experience and the skills to help lead TVA into this dynamic 
future. In addition, I have known Bill for most of the last decade and 
can personally attest to his intelligence, integrity, and ability. 
Simply stated, Bill Baxter is the right man for the job.
  A TVA Director must fill three needs for the agency that Bill Baxter 
fits exceptionally well: business acumen, a commitment to public 
service, and leadership skills that will benefit the entire Valley. I 
will elaborate briefly on each of these. Bill is a business man, and a 
good one, who for over 20 years has shown he knows how to manage a 
company and meet a bottom line. He is chairman of Holston Gases, Inc., 
a distributor of propane, industrial, medical, and laboratory gases. 
Holston Gases, Inc., has eight distribution facilities throughout 
middle and east Tennessee.
  Bill is a public servant who knows the importance of economic 
development. He served as Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of 
Economic and Community Development for several years, returning to his 
family business early this year. During his tenure in State government, 
Tennessee achieved 3 consecutive years of record private capital 
investment and job creation, shattering all previous records and 
winning national acclaim.
  Bill is also a community leader who knows that a successful community 
must have citizens who are willing to give of themselves. That is why 
Bill has served as United Way chairman, board chairman for the 
Knoxville Zoo, and in a variety of other civic and philanthropic roles. 
He is also extremely loyal to his college alma mater, Duke University, 
where you will find him in the stands during basketball season.
  Bill's energy knows no bounds; his ability to assess a situation and 
make good business decisions is second to none; and as a life-long 
Tennessean, he deeply cares about the Tennessee Valley. For Bill 
Baxter, the opportunity to serve on the TVA Board is a life-time dream 
come true.
  Bill's background in business, government and as a community leader 
will be a great addition to the TVA Board, and I know he is looking 
forward to joining Chairman Glenn McCullough and Director Skila Harris 
as quickly as possible. Mr. Baxter comes before the Senate with my full 
confidence and highest recommendation.

                          ____________________