[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Pages 2053-2054]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO JIM WHITE

 Mr. THUNE. Madam President, today I honor Mr. Jim White, who 
is being recognized by the Wellspring Treatment Center in Rapid City, 
SD, for his many years of service to the local community, his 
outstanding generosity, and his dedication to encouraging local small 
businesses. It is people like Jim who make up the backbone of South 
Dakota's communities.
  Jim White is the owner and founder of Sound Pro, a small business 
that he has operated for the past 32 years. He began the business as a 
young man and through hard work and dedication, grew the business into 
an establishment that is both customer and employee friendly. He has 
been a shining example of a hard-working and reliable businessman.
  In addition to his dedication to the local business community, Mr. 
White has a special concern for the local young people. After reading a 
newspaper article about a local girl in need of a kidney transplant, he 
didn't hesitate to get tested as a potential donor. Upon hearing that 
he was a perfect match, Mr. White generously and selflessly gave his 
kidney to the young girl in order to save her life.
  Mr. White is not only a generous local businessman, he also actively 
gives his time as a volunteer for many community organizations. He 
currently serves as a board member and also participates as a Big 
Brother mentor himself. Jim is a positive influence and great role 
model for these boys as well as the rest of his community.
  Outside of Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Mr. White also willingly 
donates his time to mentor those in the community struggling with 
substance abuse and addiction. Despite his extremely busy schedule, he 
puts a high priority on encouraging and supporting people in the 
community from all walks of life. This support is also shown by his 
service as a member of the board of directors of the Wellspring 
Treatment Center, a local nonprofit agency that provides treatment and 
services to young people struggling with behavioral, emotional and 
chemical dependency problems.
  In addition to all of his other commitments, Mr. White is the 
chairman of the Military Affairs Committee for the Rapid City Chamber 
of Commerce. He is extremely dedicated to this position and has even 
been given the title of ``Honorary Commander'' for the Ellsworth AFB 
Wing Commander.
  This honorable recognition is clearly well-deserved. It is dedicated 
folks like Jim who make up the backbone of South Dakota's communities 
and it gives me great pleasure to commemorate Jim White on this special 
occasion and to wish him continued success in the years to 
come.

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