Recognizing Jim Decker

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jim Decker as he retires from the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry.

Jim's professional life is deeply intertwined with the economic vitality of Warren County, Pennsylvania. Since 1989, he has served in some capacity with the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry.

Since 1997, he has led the WCCBI as president and CEO. He also serves as executive director of the Warren County Development Association.

Jim is a native son of Warren County and a 1975 graduate of Warren Area High School. He proudly raised his family in Warren. He and his wife, Kathryn, have three adult children and many grandchildren.

Jim's dedication to Warren County is second to none. His community involvement is extensive, and he is a board member of numerous regional and State organizations, including but not limited to the Northwest Commission, the Northwest PA Job Connect, and the Leadership Warren County Steering Committee.

Jim has been a driving force behind major economic and recreational initiatives in the county, including the facilitation of the Warren County Industrial Complex, which is a business incubator that supports a dozen small to large midsized manufacturing tenants and is the financial anchor of the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry.

Jim also oversaw the development of the 300 2nd Avenue Bank Building project, a key venture that now houses the Northern Pennsylvania Regional College and is a multimillion-dollar economic development rehabilitation project in the heart of downtown Warren.

A strong advocate for expanded outdoor opportunities, Jim has worked to make Warren County a prime destination. He was instrumental in expanding the Trails at Jakes Rocks mountain bike system, which features 35.2 miles of premier hiking and biking trails in the Allegheny National Forest. This is a significant regional asset that has an economic impact of more than $10 million annually.

Through Jim's efforts, Warren County has hosted major events, including the United States Canoe Association's national championships, Cabela's 3D Archery and Walleye championships, and the International Bowhunters Organization tournament.

This year, the Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals gave Jim the Keystone Award. Established in 1963, it is the highest honor for the PACP awards. It recognizes outstanding service in and contributions to the profession of Chamber management in Pennsylvania. It is not awarded annually but only when an individual has demonstrated outstanding achievements.

Mr. Speaker, Jim's longstanding dedication and leadership have shaped Warren County for the better. He is the kind of leader who brings his vision to life through hard work but makes it look easy.

Warren County has become a dynamic community and recreational hub thanks to Jim's leadership. Jim is a steadfast pillar of the northwestern Pennsylvania region, and his legacy will be felt for generations.

While it is bittersweet to see Jim retire, I know that we will still see him around Warren, probably on his mountain bike, enjoying the outdoors. I wish him the best as he starts this new chapter of life.

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