[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15529]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF SALLY HAWKINS

 Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Sally Hawkins, owner and president of WILM NewsRadio in Delaware. On 
her 80th birthday she remains a vibrant and purposeful woman, a 
dedicated entrepreneur and a celebrated public servant.
  Sally started and maintains what is now the only remaining privately-
owned and operated all-news radio station in the country. In an era 
when single-station AM radio operations have all but disappeared, she 
built a respected news station from the ground up--earning my respect, 
and the respect of her peers along the way.
  As chair of the National Governor's Association and now as the DLC's 
chair for Best Practices, I've spent some time touring the country and 
highlighting the nation's very best programs, businesses and 
innovators. WILM certainly ranks among the best. The inroads made by 
Sally and the family, her family, at WILM are unparalleled.
  WILM News radio strives to reinforce the foundation of community 
radio. The station's programming transcends race, creed, income and 
political boundaries. Its commitment to community outreach and support 
of the arts and non-profits has helped keep organizations vital during 
the crucial development stages.
  In a business environment in which the pressure to cut costs for the 
sake of profit is common, Sally has never wavered in her commitment to 
balanced coverage and public service. WILM is heavily committed to 
providing a neutral forum in which all political aspirants may enjoy 
equal time to debate issues in front of the public. Sally seeks to 
enlighten listeners, making them better citizens and more informed 
voters.
  How many of us can say that we are proud of the life that we've lived 
and the service that we've provided to the community?
  In a career that spans decades, Sally has led the National 
Association of Broadcasters Board, as well as the boards of the Better 
Business Bureau, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. 
Small Business Administration. She has served on the executive 
committee of the Grand Opera House, the external affairs committee of 
Christiana Care, and on the boards of Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Goldey-
Beacom College, the Delaware Council of Economic Education, the Girl 
Scout Advisory Council and the Delaware Community Foundation. Last 
year, she was named The Ledger's 2001 Entrepreneurial Woman of the 
Year. This remarkable woman, at the helm of one of our state's most 
important news outlets since 1972, has done much to pave the path for 
women who want both successful careers and families and for First State 
organizations who dare to dream big.
  Fueled by dedication and determination, Sally Hawkins took control of 
WILM thirty years ago. Today she still runs the day-to-day operations 
of the station, writes copy, mentors and travels internationally.
  Today, I commend Sally Hawkins for her talent and perseverance, and 
join all of those whom she has touched, in celebrating her life. Happy 
birthday, Sally.

                          ____________________