[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 6] [EXTENSI] [Page 8256] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]RECOGNIZING THE CAREER OF MR. ROBERT WYDRA ______ HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO of illinois in the house of representatives Thursday, May 13, 2010 Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the distinguished career and regional contributions of Mr. Robert, Bob, Wydra, Executive Director of the Tri- City Regional Port District. Bob Wydra has been with the Tri-City Regional Port District since 1982. Under his leadership, the Port--which includes the former Melvin Price Army Depot--has been an economic engine for Southwestern Illinois and is developing into a true intermodal transportation facility. Prior to coming to the Port District, he was Director of Planning for Southwestern Illinois Planning Commission for 15 years. Bob also spent 2 years with his wife, Kay, in India and Israel in Economic Development work as American Peace Corps volunteers. Bob has a Master's of Science Degree in Community Development and Regional Planning from Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville. He also has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Education from SIU-E. Bob is very active in numerous professional organizations. He is a member of the National Association of Foreign Trade Zones, St. Louis World Trade Center, Inland Rivers, Ports and Terminals, Illinois Development Council, Southwestern Madison County Chamber of Commerce, Water Resource Congress, American Association of Port Authorities, St. Louis Regional Commerce and Growth Association, Military Affairs Committee of the Leadership Council, St. Louis World Affairs Council, Southwestern Illinois Planning Commission Executive Committee, and Traffic Club of St. Louis. Bob is a Past President of the Illinois Association of Port Districts, board member of the Southwestern Illinois Leadership Council and member of US MARAD's Maritime System of the Americas Advisory Committee, among other committee positions. In addition to his professional affiliations, Bob has also found time to help with various community activities. He has been an active fundraiser for the United Way Tree of Lights Campaign and was Chairman for the Salvation Army for 2 years. Bob Wydra has received the St. Louis Commerce and Growth Association's ``Sold on St. Louis'' Award for promoting the St. Louis area in the world economy. In 2002, he received the ``Salute from Southwestern Illinois'' Award from the Leadership Council. The Port received the ``Outstanding Development of the Year'' Award in 2002 from the Southwestern Illinois Development Authority and, also in 2002, the ``Marketing Award for Excellence'' from the National Association of Developers. Bob received the ``Art of Business Leadership'' Award from the Southwestern Madison County Chamber of Commerce in 2005. Bob has been married to Kay Lee Wydra for 45 years and they have two children: Nicole who lives in Glen Carbon, Illinois, with her husband, Kurt, and their two children, Trey and Caitlyn; and a son, Paul who lives in the Nashville, Tennessee, area. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in an expression of appreciation to Mr. Robert Wydra for his many contributions to the Southwestern Illinois and Metropolitan St. Louis regions and to wish him and his family the very best in the future. ____________________