Floor SpeechCeremonial2025-03-04

HONORING WILLIAM LEHMAN, JR.

EconomyHousing

Context

On 2025-03-04, Representative Frederica S. Wilson (D-FL-24) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING WILLIAM LEHMAN, JR." in the House. The speech addressed the economy and also covered housing.

Full Text

HONORING WILLIAM LEHMAN, JR.

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 41 (Tuesday, March 4, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 4, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E184] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING WILLIAM LEHMAN, JR. ______ HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON of florida in the house of representatives Tuesday, March 4, 2025 Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor William M. Lehman, Jr., a distinguished businessman, philanthropist, and dedicated community leader. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Mr. Lehman is a graduate of Miami Edison High School. He furthered his education at the University of Alabama and obtained an MBA from Harvard Business School before serving two years in the United States Army. In 1967, Mr. Lehman took over the management of his family-owned Buick dealership in North Miami, originally established by his father in 1936. Over the years, he expanded his business ventures to include a variety of automobile dealerships, selling brands such as Toyota, Hyundai, Buick, GMC, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Saab, Mazda, Opel, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, Subaru, and Suzuki, among others. His leadership also led to the establishment of several automobile finance and leasing companies, including William Lehman Leasing (since 1968), Affiliated Financial Corporation, and Local Finance, a subprime automobile lending company founded in 2001. By 2017, sales by Mr. Lehman's affiliated companies exceeded $550 million, with retail and lease contract financing reaching nearly $30 million. His contributions to the automotive industry have been a significant driver of South Florida's economic growth. Beyond his business acumen, Mr. Lehman is an avid philanthropist and art collector. He currently serves as Chair Emeritus of the Board of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in North Miami. His father, Congressman William Lehman, played a pivotal role in securing a $2.5 million HUD grant to build MOCA, while his mother, Joan Lehman, donated artworks to the museum's permanent collection and has her name on the building. Under Mr. Lehman's leadership, MOCA has expanded its board, hosted internationally recognized exhibitions, and built upon its 28- year legacy of offering free art-making programs for all ages. Mr. Lehman is also a dedicated community leader, having served as President of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. Executive Vice President of the Board of Directors of Florida International University, and President of both the South Florida Auto Dealers Association and the Michael Ann Russell Jewish Community Center. His civic contributions have left an indelible mark on South Florida and its residents. Mr. Speaker, please join me as I am honored to recognize the extraordinary contributions of William M. Lehman, Jr. His legacy of business excellence, philanthropic generosity, and community service continues to inspire us all.

View original source →

HONORING WILLIAM LEHMAN, JR. Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 41 (Tuesday, March 4, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 4, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E184] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING WILLIAM LEHMAN, JR. ______ HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON of florida in the house of representatives Tuesday, March 4, 2025 Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor William M. Lehman, Jr., a distinguished businessman, philanthropist, and dedicated community leader. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Mr. Lehman is a graduate of Miami Edison High School. He furthered his education at the University of Alabama and obtained an MBA from Harvard Business School before serving two years in the United States Army. In 1967, Mr. Lehman took over the management of his family-owned Buick dealership in North Miami, originally established by his father in 1936. Over the years, he expanded his business ventures to include a variety of automobile dealerships, selling brands such as Toyota, Hyundai, Buick, GMC, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Saab, Mazda, Opel, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, Subaru, and Suzuki, among others. His leadership also led to the establishment of several automobile finance and leasing companies, including William Lehman Leasing (since 1968), Affiliated Financial Corporation, and Local Finance, a subprime automobile lending company founded in 2001. By 2017, sales by Mr. Lehman's affiliated companies exceeded $550 million, with retail and lease contract financing reaching nearly $30 million. His contributions to the automotive industry have been a significant driver of South Florida's economic growth. Beyond his business acumen, Mr. Lehman is an avid philanthropist and art collector. He currently serves as Chair Emeritus of the Board of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in North Miami. His father, Congressman William Lehman, played a pivotal role in securing a $2.5 million HUD grant to build MOCA, while his mother, Joan Lehman, donated artworks to the museum's permanent collection and has her name on the building. Under Mr. Lehman's leadership, MOCA has expanded its board, hosted internationally recognized exhibitions, and built upon its 28- year legacy of offering free art-making programs for all ages. Mr. Lehman is also a dedicated community leader, having served as President of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. Executive Vice President of the Board of Directors of Florida International University, and President of both the South Florida Auto Dealers Association and the Michael Ann Russell Jewish Community Center. His civic contributions have left an indelible mark on South Florida and its residents. Mr. Speaker, please join me as I am honored to recognize the extraordinary contributions of William M. Lehman, Jr. His legacy of business excellence, philanthropic generosity, and community service continues to inspire us all.