Contact Information: Contact: Jonathan Huneke VP Communications, USCIB +1 212-703-5043 (office) +1 917-420-0039 (mobile)
NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - April 7, 2008) - Representatives of the United States Council
for International Business (USCIB) expressed sadness at news of the death
of William D. Eberle, the former U.S. trade representative who served as
president of the pro-trade group after retiring from government service and
remained actively engaged in the organization since then.
Mr. Eberle passed away on April 3 at his home in Concord, Massachusetts at
age 84.
"Bill Eberle was an outstanding statesman in every sense of the word," said
USCIB President Peter M. Robinson. "He was steadfast in his commitment to
open markets and free trade, and his personal dedication to organizations
like ours that he chose work with was nothing short of remarkable. He will
be sorely missed."
Mr. Eberle was born in Boise, Idaho. He graduated from Boise High School,
Stanford University and Harvard Law School. During World War II, he served
as an officer in the U.S. Navy. After the war, he returned to Boise to
practice law, and he was later elected to two terms in the Idaho House of
Representatives, serving as speaker of the House during his second term.
In the early 1960s, Mr. Eberle co-founded the pulp and paper company Boise
Cascade. He went on to serve as CEO of the manufacturing firm American
Standard. President Nixon appointed him as special trade representative
for the United States in 1971, a position that carries the title of
ambassador. He was the first Idahoan to hold that rank.
Leaving government in 1975, Mr. Eberle initially served as executive
director of the American Automobile Dealers Association. From 1977 to
1978, he served as president of USCIB, then known as the United States
Council for the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). He was very
active in the work of ICC, the world business organization, serving on its
executive board as well as its finance committee. For many years, Mr.
Eberle chaired USCIB's policy coordinating committee. At his death he was
a vice chairman and trustee of the organization.
Mr. Eberle is survived by his wife, the former Jean Quick, as well as four
children and six grandchildren. A memorial service is planned for April 19
in Boise. Donations may be made to the Idaho Community Foundation.
Founded in 1945, USCIB promotes an open system of global commerce in which
business can flourish and contribute to economic growth, human welfare and
protection of the environment. Its membership encompasses over 300 leading
U.S. companies, professional services firms and associations whose combined
annual revenues exceed $3.5 trillion. As American affiliate of several
leading global business groups, USCIB provides business views to policy
makers and regulatory authorities worldwide and works to facilitate
international trade.
