U.S. Chamber Hails Bill Verity as Great Patriot, Businessman, and Political Activist

WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue issued the following statement on the passing of C. William Verity Jr., Chamber chairman of the board from 1980-1981, U.S. Commerce Secretary from 1987-1989, World War II veteran, and former chairman of Armco Inc.:

"Bill Verity was an enormously effective chairman of the U.S. Chamber, providing leadership in every area of the organization's activities, from a major effort to restore the ailing U.S. economy in the early 1980s to the design of our current logo. He was the major force behind the 'Let's Rebuild, America" program-a comprehensive policy agenda largely adopted by the Reagan administration that helped right an economy that had gone badly astray-for which he advocated tirelessly. As Secretary of Commerce, he was a champion of the entrepreneurs and business people who make our economy the envy of the world.

"His courtly manners, devotion to family and country, business acumen, and political activism made him a man for all seasons. We are proud of his association with the U.S. Chamber and will miss him dearly."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

www.uschamber.com

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07-02