Martin Hoke: “I rise, Mr. Speaker, tonight to recognize one of northeast Ohio's leading citizens, Mr. Walter ``Chick'' Holtkamp. Chick…”

“I rise, Mr. Speaker, tonight to recognize one of northeast Ohio's leading citizens, Mr. Walter ``Chick'' Holtkamp. Chick is the retiring CEO of the Holtkamp Organ Co., our Nation's leading manufacturer of pipe organs. It is my purpose tonight to pay tribute to the all-inspiring contributions that he has made to his craft. On October 28, 1996, in Cleveland, OH, a gala in Chick Holtkamp's honor aptly dubbed chickfest is bringing together the world's foremost organists, composers, and artisans of the trade to recognize Chick Holtkamp and his remarkable career. A fixture in the northeast Ohio community for over 40 years, Chick has continuously crafted organs which have earned him the reputation of premier craftsman in his trade. Chick Holtkamp has strived and succeeded in producing organs which sustain the original musicality of classical organs. Turned off by synthesized and modern sounds, Chick gains his inspiration from the musical eras of days past. His approach to organ building is from the perspective of the musician and the organist so as to produce the most pleasing and melodic tones. A master organ builder, Chick has built more than 400 organs in his lifetime. Chick takes his place in a distinguished Holtkamp family tradition begun 141 years ago, which, remarkable in itself, makes the Holtkamp Organ Co., Cleveland, OH's oldest company.”