[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13698]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO E. JAMES BARRETT, CCE PRESIDENT & CEO MICHIGAN CHAMBER OF 
                                COMMERCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TIMOTHY WALBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 24, 2008

  Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor E. James (Jim) 
Barrett who is retiring after 32 years as President and Chief Executive 
Officer of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Barrett holds the 
distinction of being the longest-serving President and CEO of any state 
chamber nationwide. It is with great admiration and pride that I 
congratulate Mr. Barrett on behalf of all of those who have benefited 
from his proven ability to cultivate economic growth in the state of 
Michigan.
  In 1971, a young Jim Barrett joined the Michigan Chamber of Commerce 
staff after receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Financial 
Administration from Michigan State University. Five short years later, 
at age 32, he was selected to be President and CEO of the Michigan 
Chamber, making him one of the youngest individuals ever to head a 
state chamber. Under Jim Barrett's leadership, membership in the 
Michigan Chamber of Commerce increased from 3,900 member firms to over 
7,100 statewide.
  The Michigan Chamber of Commerce, established in 1959, is comprised 
of over 7,000 business employers, local chambers of commerce, and trade 
and professional associations. The chamber advocates for pro-business 
policies to secure economic growth and promote job creation in 
Michigan. As head of Michigan's Chamber, Mr. Barrett has worked 
tirelessly to lower the cost of doing business and make Michigan a more 
attractive place for commerce. Through highly effective communication, 
Mr. Barrett has been able to mobilize businesses from each of the 
state's 83 counties, creating a force to promote pro-growth policies 
statewide.
  Jim Barrett, a valued community leader, has received many 
appointments and has served on countless boards of directors. As 
Treasurer of Taxpayers United for Tax Limitation, he implemented 
successful petition drives in 1976 and 1978 to place a constitutional 
amendment to limit taxes on a statewide ballot, which passed in 1978. 
The Governor appointed Mr. Barrett to serve on the Civil Service Task 
Force in 1979 and the Michigan Economic Development Authority from 1984 
to 1985. Among many others, he currently serves as Chairman of the 
Ingham Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees, Treasurer of the 
Michigan Chamber Political Action Committee, and is a member of the 
Steering Committee for the Michigan Prayer Breakfast.
  Jim Barrett, known as a man of integrity, candor and goodwill, has 
been the deserving recipient of many awards throughout his long, 
respected career. He was inducted into the Michigan Society of 
Association Executives Hall of Fame in 2002. A year later, the Michigan 
Political History Society selected Mr. Barrett as the top Association 
Leader in Michigan over the last 50 years. Under his solid leadership, 
the Michigan Chamber was rated the number one lobbyist organization in 
Michigan.
  Madam Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing E. 
James Barrett for his esteemed service to the State of Michigan as 
long-time President and CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. May 
others know of my high regard for his outstanding leadership and career 
of excellence, as well as my best wishes for Mr. Barrett in the future.

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