[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 156 (Saturday, November 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2238-E2239]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO PHILIP ``FLIP'' SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 7, 1997

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to pay tribute to 
Philip ``Flip'' Smith who has been nominated for the prestigious 
Fernando Award for outstanding voluntarism.
  President Kennedy once said, ``For of those to whom much is given, 
much is required.'' The Fernando Award was created to honor individuals 
who have exemplified leadership, voluntarism and dedication and it is 
recognized as the leading award for civic accomplishment in the San 
Fernando Valley. Each year, the chambers of commerce in the San 
Fernando Valley and other community organizations and leaders nominate 
candidates they feel demonstrate these characteristics. Philip Smith is 
a worthy candidate for this award.
  As a high school student, Flip worked in the General Tire store 
alongside his father and grandfather. This experience encouraged him to 
open his own business, and in 1972 he opened Flip's Tire Store. The 
values and lessons he learned as a child have served Flip well: 24 
years later he owns one of the most successful tire and automotive 
operations in the valley, and is a leader in the economic development 
of our community. His appointment as initiative leader of the Economic 
Alliance of the San Fernando Valley's Business/Police Crime Reduction 
Committee has led to the expansion of his highly successful Sepulveda 
Boulevard Business Watch Program to seven other communities in the San 
Fernando Valley. This program has become a model for the city of Los 
Angeles.
  Flip is not only an outstanding role model for our business 
community, he has initiated several programs to work with children, the 
disadvantaged and senior citizens throughout the valley. These include 
the Rotary Youth Leadership Conference, Dodger Day for disadvantaged 
children, seniors and handicapped, and the San Fernando Valleywide 
track meet for lower achieving athletes. He has also been involved in 
mentoring and education counseling assistance programs for youth and 
uneducated adults.

[[Page E2239]]

  Flip's interest and involvement in our community have led him to 
serve on several boards and committees, including the American Heart 
Association, San Fernando Valley Public Safety Advisory Commission, the 
State Small Business Commission, and many others. He also served as the 
president of the Mid-Valley Community Police Council, helping to raise 
over $100,000 annually to assist law enforcement in the San Fernando 
Valley.
  Flip has worked closely with the members of our community to raise 
the standard of living, and he has generously donated his time and 
energy to several different organizations. Mr. Speaker, distinguished 
colleagues, please join me in paying tribute to Philip Smith. He is a 
role model for the citizens of Los Angeles.

                          ____________________