[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 261]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO ROBERT E. ``BOB'' BOWEN

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 7, 2003

  Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, The Polymer Alliance Zone (Polymer) was 
developed in 1996 as a private/public partnership designed to promote 
the polymer industry in West Virginia. Polymer has been cited as one of 
West Virginia's most successful initiatives and has been emulated in 
the chemical and wood industries throughout the world.
  One man, Robert E. ``Bob'' Bowen has served with great distinction as 
the Chairman of the Board of Directors since Polymer's inception. 
During that time, his leadership has brought the organization to a 
level of success that far exceeded all expectations, creating thousands 
of jobs and millions of dollars in new investments.
  Mr. Bowen has leveraged resources from education, labor, management 
and government to bring worldwide recognition to Polymer and focus 
attention on the many opportunities available for companies and workers 
in West Virginia.
  Mr. Bowen has dedicated countless hours toward facilitating and 
managing the many successes of the Polymer Alliance Zone, and has 
served as mentor to other alliances now forming among West Virginia 
industries.
  After six years of successful leadership, Mr. Bowen is retiring as 
the Chairman of the Board of Directors. His vision and skill have 
secured the jobs of thousands of West Virginia families and growth for 
the future of many communities.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express the appreciation of the citizens 
of West Virginia to Robert E. ``Bob'' Bowen for the invaluable 
contribution he has made to our beloved state.

                          ____________________