Recognizing the Retirement of Joel Franck

Floor Speech

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Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to recognize Joel Franck for his retirement after 5 decades of work in radio broadcasting, including 26 years as the News Director at WTCM in Traverse City, Michigan. Throughout his distinguished career, Joel's professional demeanor and contagious attitude while on air made him a staple of Northern Michigan and a cherished part of the Traverse City community.

Joel started his illustrious broadcasting career in 1969, acting as a sports broadcaster for local high schools in his hometown. Joel soon moved to Portland, Oregon, where he continued his play-by-play analysis of local high school sports and minor league baseball. After 13 years in Portland, Joel moved to the Wisconsin-Michigan area where he found a home at WTCM Radio in 1996. Remaining with WTCM until his retirement on December 9, 2022, Joel became a familiar and trusted source of information for all in the Traverse City area.

Joel Franck was a true professional in an everchanging and evolving field of work with extremely high turnover rates. His 26 years spent with WTCM Radio is an amazing accomplishment in the broadcasting industry and displays the value Joel added to the station on a daily basis. His infectious laugh, genuine personality, and professionalism while on air, made him an integral part of thousands of commuter's treks into work. News of Joel Franck's retirement has saddened the Traverse City area and all who listen to him. His familiar and trusted way of evaluating the news will be missed and his impact on all communities he broadcasted to is immeasurable.

Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to recognize Joel Franck for his decades of service in Michigan's radio broadcasting industry. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I extend my gratitude to Joel, his family, and the entire WTCM Radio Team, and I wish them the best in their future endeavors.

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