[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 18268]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING ARTHUR BROWN OF HECLA MINING

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Arthur 
Brown, who has been a long-time resident of Idaho and a great 
contributor to our State and its economy.
  Art Brown came to Idaho from South Africa 36 years ago to begin a new 
career in the mountains of Idaho's Silver Valley. Art, his wife Tiia, 
and their children began a journey that would support not only them but 
a company and our community.
  As an engineer down in the mines, Art pursued the American Dream. 
After years of hard work and commitment, he rose to become the chairman 
and chief executive officer of Hecla Mining Company, which was the top 
performer on the New York Stock Exchange in 1979 and again in 2002.
  Throughout his journey, Art never lost sight of his family and 
community. He served his local community as the mayor of Pinehurst. He 
led youth golf and ski programs. Art even gained a reputation as a head 
cheerleader of sorts, running the sidelines at his daughter's 
basketball games. Most notable is the culture of community service he 
fostered at Hecla, first by his example and then by encouragement to 
his employees to do the same thing. Giving back to the community became 
a way of life for a Hecla employee under Art's direction.
  Hecla Mining has been a part of the fabric of Idaho for over 112 
years. And so have people like Art Brown, who contribute to their 
community, their State, and so much more. This year Art will be 
retiring from his service at the helm of Hecla. However, he will not be 
retiring away from Idaho. True to form, Art will remain rooted in his 
community and family of Idaho.
  I am proud of Art Brown, for the example he has set for business in 
the State of Idaho, for his contributions to his community, and for his 
family who has supported him in his endeavors over the years. On behalf 
of myself and so many others in the great State of Idaho, I wish him 
the best in his future endeavors and thank him for his service to 
Idaho.

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