Recognizing Robert E. `bobby' Burns

Floor Speech

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Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Robert E. `Bobby' Burns on his retirement from the Midland Chamber of Commerce after twelve years leading the organization, and more than four decades of service to the Midland community.

Bobby is officially retiring after an illustrious career as a business owner, three-term mayor, and most recently as the President and CEO of the Midland Chamber of Commerce. Under Bobby's leadership, the city of Midland and its business community soared to new heights.

As Mayor, he led the charge to connect Midland and Odessa to the rest of the country through the creation of the Midland International Airport and connected Midlanders through the construction of Loop 250. He was also instrumental in the creation of the Scharbauer Sports Complex.

While leading the Chamber, Bobby revitalized the organization and oversaw the Four-Star Accreditation of the Midland Chamber with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He was instrumental in the development of the first-class Barbara & George H.W. Bush Convention Center in the heart of downtown Midland, and he raised funds for the life-size sculpture of the President and Mrs. Bush.

I especially want to recognize Bobby for his love of Midland and this great nation. Under his watch, Bobby organized the 4th of July Star- Spangled Salute and the Midland-Odessa Fly-In to Washington D.C. The Salute is still the most widely attended annual single-day event in all of Midland, and the Fly-In brings West Texas values--especially those foundational to the oil and gas industry--to our nation's capital.

Above all else Bobby is a family man: husband to Denise `Deni,' father of two, and grandfather of three. I want to sincerely thank his family for their service and for supporting his efforts. Please join me in recognizing Bobby for his decades of selfless service to the community of Midland.

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