[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 38 (Friday, March 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E557-E558]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO BENJAMIN REZNIK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 20, 1997

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to rise in tribute to 
Benjamin Reznik. Today Mr. Reznik is being recognized by the San 
Fernando Valley Interfaith Council for his outstanding work and 
enhancement of human relations within the San Fernanado Valley.
  Ben's parents were natives of Poland forced to leave their homeland 
under Nazi occupation. They were fortunate to escape to Israel, where 
Ben was born. As a 9-year-old boy his family overcame great obstacles 
and immigrated to America in search of a better life. As a young man 
Ben excelled in the public school system, and completed his 
undergraduate studies at UCLA. The culmination of his formal education 
came with his graduation from USC School of Law. Throughout his 
academic career Ben had to hold down jobs and take out loans to make 
ends meet. He has since served as a role model to those having to 
struggle through similar circumstances.
  In 1976, upon graduation, Ben obtained a small loan from a local bank 
and opened his

[[Page E558]]

own law office. Six years later his wife, Janice, joined him in the 
firm and they established their professional partnership of Reznik & 
Reznik. The firm has grown steadily since and today is one of the 
city's most respected law firms.
  When not working in the firm, Ben gives freely of his time and 
resources to those less fortunate than himself. It is well known 
throughout the community that Ben constantly lends a hand to others 
facing adversity. His altruistic nature manifests itself in the very 
personal responsibility he feels to our community.
  His service ranges from his current position as president of the 
Valley Job Recovery Corp., a nonprofit economic development corporation 
assisting our community in job creation and retention, to his past 
chairmanship of the Economic Alliance, a nonprofit group developing an 
economic strategic plan for the San Fernando Valley. His expertise and 
hard work were noted by Mayor Richard Riordan, when he appointed Ben to 
serve on the development reform committee which recommended ways of 
streamlining the development process. Ben was also asked by the mayor 
to oversee implementation of a Federal grant aimed at producing an 
economic development strategy for the changing economy of Los Angeles. 
Beyond work and various philanthropic pursuits, Ben and Janice are 
dedicated parents to their three wonderful children.
  Ben is held in the highest esteem within our community, and is 
frequently looked to for his sage advice. Ben Reznik's life is truly a 
remarkable story, he is living proof that dedication and hard work are 
still the formula for success.

                          ____________________