Steve Van Andel Elected Vice Chairman of U.S. Chamber

WASHINGTON, DC—The United States Chamber of Commerce board of directors has elected Steve Van Andel, chairman of Amway Corp., as Vice Chairman for 2000-2001. Amway, headquartered in Ada, Mich., is one of the world's largest direct-selling companies, with a global network of nearly three million independent business owners operating in over 80 countries and territories.

"As a person who has spent his career helping people succeed in business, I look forward to helping the Chamber advocate pro-business issues and policies," Van Andel said.

As Vice Chairman of the board, Van Andel will work closely with Chairman Kelly Stanley, president and CEO of Ontario Corp., Muncie, Ind., and Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue, traveling the country and talking with state and local business groups to advance a pro-business agenda.

The Chamber's 2000 policy objectives include opening new markets and promoting free trade; providing market-based health care and retirement security; enacting environmental and regulatory reform; helping business find and train the workers of the future; and electing a pro-business Congress.

"Steve has the right combination of business expertise and political acumen to energize the Chamber's federation activities and help us advocate sound economic policies across America," said Donohue.

Van Andel has served as a member of the Chamber's board of directors for four years. He also serves on the boards of the Center for International Private Enterprise, a Chamber affiliate; Operation Enterprise – American Medical Association; and Michigan-based organizations including the Borgess Metro Health Alliance; Metropolitan Hospital; Michigan National Bank Corp.; and Grand Rapids John Ball Zoo Society. He holds a bachelor's degree from Hillsdale College in Mich. and a master's in business administration from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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