[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 156 (Sunday, September 28, 2008)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2145] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] A TRIBUTE TO CRAIG HANNEMAN ______ HON. GREG WALDEN of oregon in the house of representatives Sunday, September 28, 2008 Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Madam Speaker, I rise today to draw the attention of our colleagues in Congress to a special leader in Oregon who for many years has been a tremendous public servant, citizen, and champion of the forest products industry, Mr. Craig Hanneman. Craig is currently the President of the Oregon Forest Industries Council (OFIC) and has announced his plans to retire early in 2009. Before this Congress adjourns for the year, I wanted to share some thoughts about what a special individual Craig is and the positive impact he has made on so many Oregonians. Craig Hanneman was born and raised in Salem, the capital city of Oregon. He graduated from South Salem High School in 1967 and Oregon State University in 1972. Craig was a phenomenal All-American defensive end on OSU's football team, where he played under legendary coach Dee Andros, was team captain, and later inducted into OSU's Hall of Fame. This success led to Craig realizing every player's dream of being drafted into and then achieving success in the National Football League where he played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots. After years of devout training and extreme physical and mental endurance on the gridiron, Craig Hanneman didn't exactly coast into the next chapter of his professional life when his football career concluded. Craig owned and managed a 200 acre farm and forest operation in Polk County, Oregon for seven years after his NFL career, where he honed his expertise in the agricultural and natural resource arena. Craig was elected County Commissioner of Polk County in 1985, and his determination and inclusive ways were instrumental in eliminating an inherited county budget deficit and establishing a $1 million reserve fund without levying new taxes. Many Oregonians took notice of Craig's talents and effectiveness during his tenure as Commissioner, and this led in 1989 to Craig becoming the first Administrator of the new Oregon Sweet Cherry Commission. Agriculture and Natural Resources are the backbone of Oregon's vast rural areas, and during this time Craig became widely known and highly respected for his leadership skills and integrity. In 1990, Craig accepted the position of Government Affairs Manager at Willamette Industries, a historic, global forest products company founded in Dallas, Oregon in 1906. I was a member of the Oregon legislature and first began to work on issues with Craig then, and I am very fortunate that a great friendship followed. Throughout 12 years at Willamette Industries, 2 years at the Weyerhaeuser Company (which bought Willamette Industries in 2002), and 5 years at OFIC, Craig has achieved a tremendous list of accomplishments and established a sterling reputation throughout Oregon and his industry nationally as a highly effective and inspiring leader of great integrity. Craig is the forest products industry's chief policy leader and political moral compass in Oregon, and his leadership has guided many very important and complex policy decisions. He always champions science over politics, and has a keen sense of when to hold firm. Craig's successes and personal attributes are simply too numerous to list so I thought sharing a few reflections I solicited from some of Craig's industry colleagues would best reveal the outstanding individual he is. Paulette Pyle of Oregonians for Food & Shelter says ``Craig Hanneman is the glue that holds the natural resource industry in Oregon together. He approaches every challenge with extensive and sincere thought, and is upright and honorable in every respect. He is the ultimate gentleman professional.'' Rick Sohn of Lone Rock Timber Management Company says ``Craig is a peacemaker and is inclusive of other interests in forestry. He knows who his friends and allies are and brings us all together, and has created so many alliances that serve us well. He also knows his professional adversaries and does not cross the line with them.'' Allan Foutch of Miami Corporation Tree Farm says ``Craig has always been a man of his word, and whatever he does, he makes sure it is the right thing to do.'' Dave Ivanoff of Hampton Affiliates says ``Craig's business know-how, keen intellect, uncanny political instincts and incredible effectiveness in dealing with elected officials from both sIdes of the political spectrum have greatly contributed to OFIC's reputation as being one of the most effective trade associations in the nation.'' Madam Speaker, as you can see, Craig Hanneman is a special leader. I would be remiss, however, if I didn't note that Craig is also a great family man. Craig and his wife, Kathy, an educator, have been married for 34 years. Together they have raised three outstanding and successful children. Molly is a public servant here in our nation's capital, Paul is an Army Staff Sergeant serving his second tour in Iraq, and Annie is a junior at Oregon State University. They are as proud of their husband and father as he is of them. My colleagues, please join me in thanking Craig Hanneman for all he has done for his community, state and nation. When Craig retires from full-time leadership in the forest products industry, he will be sorely missed. But I can say with confidence he will continue for many years to dedicate himself to his community and state as he always has, and I look forward to as many years of continued great friendship with him. ____________________