[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E217]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN GRATITUDE TO BLAIR BOWMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HALEY M. STEVENS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 9, 2021

  Ms. STEVENS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional 
constituent and community leader in Michigan's 11th District, Mr. Blair 
Bowman.
  Mr. Bowman is a lifelong Michigander who graduated from Farmington 
High School in Farmington, Michigan, obtained his undergraduate degree 
from Michigan State University and law degree from University of 
Detroit School of Law.
  In 2005, after following in his father's footsteps by entering the 
real estate brokerage and development field, he built a facility in 
Novi, Michigan, which operates today as the Suburban Collection 
Showplace. This is one of a few examples in the country of a truly 
privately owned and operated convention and exposition center, with 
nearly two million people passing through annually.
  When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Mr. Bowman wasted no time in 
offering his center to be transformed into an alternative care facility 
for COVID-19 patients. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit 
District led the 250,000 square foot conversion of the Suburban 
Collection Showplace convention center into a medical facility in 15 
days, where they created a 250-bed space for patients from area 
hospitals.
  Now, the previous regional field hospital is hosting one of Oakland 
County's COVID-19 vaccination clinics, helping to defeat this virus 
once and for all.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 
outstanding contributions Mr. Bowman has made to his community, and to 
our country at large.

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