[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 17282]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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          HONORING THE GENERAL MOTORS CORVETTE ASSEMBLY PLANT

 Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I have the privilege and honor of 
rising today to recognize the hard work of those at the Corvette 
assembly plant in Bowling Green, KY, on the 50th anniversary of the 
Corvette.
  America's love for the Corvette began in 1953, when the first 
American sports car took over the highways. Since then, the automotive 
industry has never been the same. Kentucky became part of this American 
icon in 1981, when an old air-conditioner manufacturing plant, located 
in western Kentucky, was converted into an automobile assembly plant. 
The Bowling Green plant holds the proud honor of being the sole 
Corvette producer. Another state-of-the-art renovation in 1996 once 
again placed the Bowling Green plant on the road to excellence in 
preparation for production of the latest Corvettes.
  Each year, milestone after milestone, and award on top of award, the 
Bowling Green plant consistently shines. For 2 years Corvettes produced 
in Kentucky have captured Motor Trend Magazine's highly respected ``Car 
of the Year'' designation. In 1992, the Bowling Green plant produced 
the one-millionth Corvette.
  However, the secret of their success lies in the hard work and 
determination of the Bowling Green team. Without skillful minds and 
driven hands, innovative ideas and quality-built cars would never come 
to fruition.
  It is not often we have the chance to honor such a milestone. Please 
join me in congratulating all those who have worked at the General 
Motors Bowling Green assembly plant. I am pleased they are continuing 
the Corvette tradition with a Kentucky touch.

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