[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24166]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO ROGER MILLIKEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 27, 2005

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a 
true American patriot who has maintained a reputation as a protector of 
American manufacturing--Mr. Roger Milliken. Roger recently celebrated 
his 90th birthday and, not to the surprise of many, continues to 
faithfully sit at the helm of Milliken & Company, one of the largest 
and most successful textile and chemical manufacturing companies in the 
world.
  On the special occasion of his 90th birthday, I feel it prudent to 
ensure that my colleagues in the House are made aware of Roger's 
immeasurable commitment to the protection and development of our 
domestic manufacturing base. Roger has long deflected the enticements 
of outsourcing and importation, believing the divestment of American 
industry in foreign markets is not conducive to economic growth and 
detrimental to our nation's productivity and ingenuity.
  Roger's personal success can be credited to his entrepreneurial 
spirit and his strong work ethic, both professionally and academically. 
He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University in 1937 and 
was named President of Deering Milliken in less than ten years. Under 
Roger's leadership, Deering Milliken officially became known as 
Milliken & Company and gained its status as a nationally recognized 
textile manufacturer. He served as President of Milliken & Company 
until 1988, when he was named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the 
title which he continues to hold today.
  Roger maintains an inclusive relationship with his employees and each 
Milliken associate is encouraged to share their thoughts on how quality 
and excellence can be achieved. As a matter of fact, much of Milliken & 
Company's success can be attributed to its network of faithful 
employees who tirelessly strive for nothing less than perfection.
  Mr. Speaker, President Ronald Reagan once said, ``My goal is to keep 
America the premier job-creating nation on Earth and we must unleash 
the full power of entrepreneurship. We can make our land that of the 
future, offering unlimited opportunity to all Americans who dare to 
live for their dreams.'' We are fortunate to have individuals like 
Roger Milliken, who never relent in their quest to foster and protect 
American industry, and believe the industrial climate envisioned by 
President Reagan is achievable.
  Roger is recognized as someone who takes pride in the craftsmanship 
of the American workforce and fights for the preservation of those 
jobs. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal in 1995, Roger said, 
``I'm going to keep on doing what I'm doing. I'm going to die in the 
saddle, fighting for American manufacturing supremacy.'' While this 
statement is certainly indicative of Roger's tenacity and 
entrepreneurial ambition, it more importantly demonstrates the elements 
of selflessness and confidence that need to be revived within our 
industrial community. Roger's desire for American manufacturing 
supremacy is not unrealistic and one in which I believe we can achieve.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Roger 
Milliken's contribution and commitment to American industry and 
manufacturing. In celebration of his 90th birthday, I wish him many 
more years of good health and happiness.

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