Wednesday, March 30, 2005
FROM LOCAL REPORTS

The National Association of Manufacturers and Sappi Fine Paper in Muskegon joined to recognize U.S. Rep. Peter Hoekstra, R-Holland, for his support of industrial issues in Washington.

Hoekstra was presented the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence for his votes and support in Congress on "pro-manufacturing" positions. Recently, the congressman had an 82 percent voting record in support of manufacturing issues as determined by NAM.

"Congressman Hoekstra's voting record shows a true understanding of manufacturing's key role in the strength of our economy and a willingness to cast the critical votes that will boost competitiveness, job creation and prosperity for working Americans," said Gavin Travers, managing director of the Sappi paper mill in Muskegon.

NAM and Sappi had a luncheon Tuesday for community leaders in the mill's training center to recognize Hoekstra.

A former executive with Herman Miller Inc. in Zeeland, Hoekstra said there are plenty of key issues facing Congress that will affect the future of manufacturing in West Michigan and across the country. Those issues deal with regulations, taxes, the cost of health care and protecting the environment, he said.

"Manufacturing is under assault in the United States and sometimes it is from what we do in Washington," Hoekstra said in accepting the award. "But many times it is from what we are not always aware of around the world. It is a global economy."

Hoekstra also was honored Tuesday by Every Woman's Place and Webster House Youth Services.

Every Woman's Place is a private, nonprofit organization that provides counseling and emergency assistance to victims of domestic violence and their families. Webster House Youth Services, a division of Every Woman's Place, provides transitional living services to homeless and runaway youth.

Hoekstra has been a leading advocate of programs that serve the needs of victims of family violence and at-risk youth, according to a prepared statement from Every Woman's Place.

© 2005 Muskegon Chronicle. Used with permission