[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 101 (Tuesday, June 20, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1292]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        IN HONOR OF RITA GERBER

                                 ______


                            HON. JANE HARMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 20, 1995
  Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in 
honoring a constituent of mine and longtime Westchester resident, Rita 
Gerber. Rita is concluding a 1-year term as president of the 
Westchester/LAX Chamber of Commerce, and is being honored by her 
colleagues at the chamber's annual dinner on June 27.
  Under Rita's leadership the Westchester Chamber experienced a 
significant increase in membership, and received its first ever ranking 
in the Los Angeles Business Journal's listing of the largest Chambers 
of Commerce in Los Angeles County. The chamber now boasts over 375 
members.
  Rita oversaw a year of firsts at the Westchester/LAX Chamber. The 
chamber held its first business recognition dinner and also launched 
the flight path, a walking tour that commemorates pioneers in aviation 
and aerospace history. The flight path dedication was attended by 
retired Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager. Another first was the chamber's 
protectors' breakfast held to honor men and women in law enforcement. 
These events would not have been possible without Rita's ability to 
turn ideas into action. Rita lent the enthusiasm and the consensus 
building skills she possesses to see these projects through.
  During Rita's tenure the chamber took a lead role in the formulation 
of the Los Angeles City general plan, the blueprint for future progress 
and growth in Los Angeles. In addition, the chamber was instrumental in 
building a coalition between business leaders and educators in 
Westchester, ensuring that the area's most valuable asset, its 
children, are given as many opportunities as possible to learn.
  Rita is truly a modern woman. Along with all her responsibilities as 
president of the Westchester/LAX Chamber, she still finds time to spend 
with her husband Greg, and daughter Christine, 12, their proudest 
accomplishment. Her friends appreciate her infectious laugh, and her 
great sense of humor. Please join me in honoring a very special person, 
Rita Gerber.


                          ____________________