[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 22 (Thursday, March 3, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 3, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     TRIBUTE TO THE CENTURY COUNCIL

                                 ______


                          HON. SUSAN MOLINARI

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 3, 1994

  Ms. MOLINARI. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to take this opportunity to 
recognize the accomplishments of the Century Council in reducing 
alcohol abuse across the United States, and specifically for their 
commendable efforts in the formation of Project Long Island: A Century 
Council Coalition.
  Since its creation in 1991, this nonProfit organization has focused 
its attention on drunken driving and underage drinking. These are 
serious problems that do not confine themselves to certain geographic 
areas or demographic groups--they plague every community. Fortunately, 
the Century Council has been very successful in obtaining the support 
of the licensed beverage industry. Originally founded by 17 members, 
the Council now receives support from over 450 brewers, vintners, 
distillers, and wholesalers.
  The Council's work includes such activities as support for tougher 
laws on drunken driving, national point-of-sale messages for use by 
retailers, and a statewide model Hispanic program. In addition, 
grassroots laboratories called Century Cities have been established to 
test community coalition strategies and determine the effectiveness of 
model programs. The Century Cities program has proven successful at 
numerous sites throughout the United States.
  One important reason for the success of the Century Council is their 
3 year commitment to each city. This commitment, combined with the 
gradual decrease in the annual level of Council funding, ensures 
stability while allowing the community to take a more active role in 
maintaining the program long term.
  Mr. Speaker, alcohol abuse is the cause of so many tragedies in our 
society, but with the continued support of organizations like the 
Century Council, the number of tragedies can be reduced. It is an honor 
for me to commend the Century Council on its outstanding contribution 
to the United States, and most recently to the Long Island community. 
Furthermore, I hope my colleagues will pass legislation to expand the 
program to include other communities throughout New York State and the 
country.

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