HR0848 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0848 LRB103 41040 ECR 74207 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Tom Walters on the occasion of his retirement from Caterpillar; and

WHEREAS, Prior to joining Caterpillar, Tom Walters led a 13-year career in government affairs with the State of Illinois, including time spent as a legislative liaison with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency; and

WHEREAS, Tom Walters joined Caterpillar as manager of Illinois State Government Affairs in 1998, focusing on tax, incentives, employment law, transportation, and environmental public policy; and

WHEREAS, Tom Walters later became manager of U.S. State Government Affairs, expanding his focus to defend against legislative efforts that negatively impacted long-standing dealer agreements and warranty practices, right to repair, and captive finance concerns; and

WHEREAS, Tom Walters was named director of U.S. State and Americas in 2015, leading an expanded U.S. state government affairs team and international teams for covering government affairs, public affairs, social responsibility, and visitors centers in the United States, Brazil, and Mexico; and

WHEREAS, Tom Walters has served as a leader at Caterpillar, representing one of the world's largest corporations on the boards of directors for the Illinois Manufacturers' Association and the Illinois Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, Tom Walters is recognized for his integrity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Caterpillar, earning the respect of elected officials, Caterpillar colleagues and leadership, and key stakeholder groups through his dedication to the company's values and enthusiastic commitment to his team and the company; and

WHEREAS, Outside of work, Tom Walters has a deep passion for his church, the St. Louis Cardinals, and his community, and he often volunteers for charitable causes; and

WHEREAS, Tom Walters and his wife, Meg, are the parents of two children, Matt and Ryan; and

WHEREAS, Tom Walters is retiring from Caterpillar after 26 years of admirable service, and he will be truly missed by his colleagues; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Tom Walters on his retirement from Caterpillar, and we wish him the best in all of his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Tom Walters as a symbol of our esteem and respect.