Archive-Name: gov/us/fed/congress/record/1999/oct/01/1999CRE2013B
[Congressional Record: October 1, 1999 (Extensions)]
[Page E2013]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:cr01oc99-57]                        

                  A TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF MR. BILL BOWEN

                                 ______

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 1, 1999

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an
exceptional manager and good friend, Mr. Bill Bowen, on the occasion of
his retirement from the General Motors Powertrain Plant, located in my
hometown of Bay City, Michigan. Bill Bowen's distinguished career spans
39 years, and I believe it is not an understatement to say that many of
our families in the Fifth Congressional District owe in part their
secure, well-paying jobs to Bill's wise stewardship of the plant.
  Those who know Bill say that his strong sense of integrity
underscores all their interactions with him. I certainly am well-
acquainted with his unflagging commitment to honesty and hard work, for
these two qualities have always been associated with his name. Bill
began his career with General Motors in 1956, shortly after graduating
from Alma College. While still working, he managed to continue his
education and received a master's degree from the University of Detroit
in 1966.
  Bill held a variety of positions at General Motors Corporation before
moving to Bay City in 1977, when he accepted a position as quality
manager, and, in 1979, he became a production manager in Brighton,
Michigan. In 1990, he was offered, and accepted, the top position of
plant manager. This was widely considered unusual, as GM usually slated
outside executives for these positions, but it shows the extent of
Bill's reputation, and the vast confidence that others had in him.
  Over the next decade, Bill and GM-Powertrain continued to shift
toward strategic product lines and maintaining a technological edge. GM
invested nearly $1 billion in equipment and tooling for the Bay City
plant, and Bill and the Powertrain community delivered. Today, they
produce about 40,000 connecting rods daily--although three years ago
they produced none. And in 1986, they did not produce camshafts, but
now, thanks to Bill's leadership and the Powertrain team, they produce
25,000 daily.
  I have great admiration for Bill, as does everyone who has worked
with him over the years. Under his leadership, GM-Powertrain has been
at the forefront of management/labor relations. The plant has one of
the few ``living agreement'' contracts in the country, which means that
the contract never expires; rather, disputes are addressed, and
resolved, as they arise. Bill's expertise is not limited to management
relations, however, I've worked closely with him on such issues as air
quality control standards and Corporate Average Fuel Economy [CAFE]
regulations. I hope to continue seeking his excellent advise and
expertise during his retirement.
  Although Bill would never hint to his extensive civic involvement and
community volunteer activities, everyone in Bay City has benefited at
one time or another from Bill's kindness. For instance, he has led the
campaign for the Bay County Women's Center, in the process raising
almost two million for the three million dollar facility, all in less
than a year. He has been very involved in the United Way of Bay County,
where he served as General Campaign Chairman in 1994 and on the Board
of Directors for six years. The list of his civic activities is too
long to speak about today, but to name a few: Bay Area Chamber of
Commerce, BaySail, Bay Health and Junior Achievement of Northeastern
Michigan, and of course, the local Little League. Despite these many
community activities, despite his commitment to his work, Bill's
greatest pride is in his family. Anyone who meets Bill, knows shortly
thereafter of his great dedication to his wife Sally, and their two
sons, Robert and David.
  Mr. Speaker, Bill is indeed a great leader, a kind person, and
devoted husband and father. I have no doubt that he will continue to
inspire others with his selfless contributions to our community. Today,
I urge you and our colleagues to join with me in congratulating Bill
Bowen on his retirement from GM-Powertrain in Bay City, Michigan.

                          ____________________