New York, N.Y., 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 to 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 of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). He was very active in the work of ICC, the world business organization, chairing its international trade commission, and serving on its executive board and 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.
Contact:
Jonathan Huneke, VP Communications, USCIB
+1 212-703-5043 (office), +1 917-420-0039 (mobile) or jhuneke@uscib.org
