U.S. Chamber Elects New Chairman

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Chamber of Commerce board of directors today named Larry Liebenow, president, CEO, and director of Quaker Fabric Corporation, as its chairman for 2002-2003. Quaker Fabric, headquartered in Fall River, Mass., is one of the largest producers of upholstered fabrics in the world and sells its products in more than 45 countries. Quaker is widely considered to be the product leader in its industry and has demonstrated strong annual growth under his leadership.

Liebenow has served on the U.S. Chamber's board of directors since 1996, most recently as vice chairman in 2001-2002 and as chairman of the International Policy Committee. He has also worked closely with the Chamber's Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), an affiliate that works to build democracy and market economies around the globe.

During his one-year term as chairman, Liebenow will work closely with state and local chambers, American Chambers of Commerce abroad (AmChams), and with other groups to educate business leaders on issues such as trade, tax relief, and improving the image of business.

"Larry Liebenow is a distinguished member of the business community and brings an impressive blend of political savvy and broad international experience to this position," said Thomas J. Donohue, Chamber president and CEO. "He will be an integral part of educating our federation members on critical business issues."

The Chamber's priorities for the upcoming year include addressing the number of Americans without adequate health insurance, blocking frivolous class-action lawsuits against companies and industries, eliminating tariffs and barriers to international trade, pursuing immigration reform to increase security and address national workforce issues, and electing pro-business representatives to Congress.

In addition to his work with the Chamber, Liebenow sits on the advisory board of the Council of the Americas and serves as director of the American Textile Manufacturer's Institute. He is a graduate of Willamette University in Salem, Ore., and holds a master's in business administration from Cornell University.

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

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