05/22/2022
Jim Barcia was a close and personal friend of Cliff Houser. Jim had the opportunity to honor Cliff before U.S. Congress several years ago and was able to better communicate Cliff’s outstanding achievements than any other individual I know of. Below are the highlights of the speech and comments recorded and filmed in Congress.
“Cliff Houser was accomplished businessman and an outstanding community leader. He worked tirelessly, not only to create jobs in our state, but he was also given to our community and served our country with the distinction. He is embodiment of the entrepreneurial spirit and a testament to the notion that through hard work and perseverance, one can fulfill their dreams. I have known Cliff for many years, and I can personally attest to his strong character, his commitment to his family, and his dedication to civic duty. Cliff began career in radio in 1965 in Flint, Michigan and later moved on to the television medium at WNEM-TV in Saginaw, Michigan. In 1968, he graduated from the John F. Kennedy Special Forces Center War College. He also attended the Aresty Institute of Executive Education, within the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. When Cliff was asked to serve his country in the mid-1960s, he did so without hesitation and began his tour in Vietnam. As Field Correspondent and as a Producer for the Armed Forces Radio Network, he was often in harm's way. For his bravery, courage and service, Cliff was awarded the Bronze Star the National Defense service medal, two Asian theater citations and the Vietnam Commendation Medal among others. Upon returning to the United States after the war, Cliff utilized his keen business sense, then co-founded Video Productions Inc. in 1974. Four years later he expanded his business by founding an advertising agency, TEL-AD Inc. Later, Cliff combined the two agencies forming an award-winning, National full-service advertising agency with Cliff Houser & Associates Advertising Corporation. The company grew to be one of the top 50 fastest-growing privately held companies in in our state. Cliff was involved in Civic activities in community leadership as the 1997 Bay County March of Dimes Chairman, the Tri-County Chairman for Easter Seals, a past member of The Advisory Board of the Bay City Board of Education, and the Teen Ranch of Michigan. Cliff also invested his time in the business community and was involved with the Michigan small business leadership panel on the board of directors of the downtown Management Authority of Bay City and was a charter member of the Flint Area Advertising Federation, among other organizations. While much of his time was devoted to his business and Civic responsibilities, Cliff is also devoted he could not have achieved these accomplishments without the love and support of his family including his wife, and his three children, who are the joy and pride of his life. Cliff also made his spiritual growth a priority and was very active in his church. His great appreciation for nature and the outdoors has also fostered an avid interest in hunting and recreational boating. The State of Michigan, and our country, has been fortunate to have Cliff Houser as a neighbor & friend.“
Jim Barcia - February 14, 2000
