[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 150 (Tuesday, October 20, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   IN TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM MORRIS, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 20, 1998

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to my friend Bill 
Morris, Jr., who was recently awarded the prestigious and rare 50 Years 
of Service plaque from Chevrolet Corp. He is the second of three 
generations to operate Chevrolet dealerships in Simi Valley-Moorpark, 
Fillmore and Santa Paula. He also has the distinction of being the 
second generation holder of a 50-year plaque; his father, Bill Sr., 
also earned one. His son Jeff is continuing the family business.
  If service to motorists of all shapes, sizes and automotive tastes 
was all Bill Morris had accomplished in the past 50 years, it would be 
quite a feat. But service is a byword with Bill: service to his 
business, to his family, and to his community. It is an attitude that 
helped his business to thrive. Many of his customers are second-
generation buyers who bring with them bits of memorabilia or family 
pictures when they arrive to buy their car.
  Bill's father moved his family to Ventura County from the San 
Fernando Valley in 1929 to open a dealership in Fillmore. Soon 
thereafter, Bill Sr. opened a second dealership in Moorpark, which 
eventually moved to Simi Valley. A third location, in Santa Paula, was 
opened in 1939. The father passed to his son his business savvy and his 
belief that dedication to your family and community are the 
responsibilities of a successful man.
  Bill Jr. learned that lesson well. He and wife Jean have seven 
children and 14 grandchildren. Son Jeff is the newest operator of Wm. 
L. Morris Chevrolet. Bill has been a tireless supporter of our 
community's youth as continuous sponsor of community Little League 
teams and, most significantly, through Bill's tremendous involvement 
with the YMCA. His dedication to the business community earned him the 
distinguished Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce Businessman of the Year 
award in 1988.
  Bill raised his sons through the YMCA Indian Guide program. In 1984, 
he initiated the drive to start a YMCA in Simi Valley and served as the 
campaign chairman. In 1987, he served as Chairman of the Board for the 
Southeast Ventura County YMCA, which includes Simi Valley. As the years 
passed, the Simi Valley YMCA expanded from its initial leased classroom 
at a local church. The philanthropy now serves 400 children before and 
after school at 11 school sites, and 500 children and families in the 
YMCA's Indian program. Countless others participate in teen, Y-camper 
and grief support programs. When the board decided it needed a central 
facility, Bill once again stepped to the plate, taking on the chair of 
``The Time Is Now'' capital campaign. Its aim is to build a $2 million, 
state-of-the-art, 23,000-square-foot facility with aquatics and fitness 
centers, a child-watch area, a multipurpose room, meeting rooms, 
offices and a park. With Bill at the helm, I have no doubt the dream 
will come true.
  Bill was also instrumental in building equestrian trails in Simi 
Valley and throughout Ventura County. He is honorary Past President of 
the Ventura Taxpayers Association, a 50-year member of Rotary 
International and a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Foundation.
  His success as an entrepreneur and his willingness to share have 
helped to generate a successful community.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in recognizing Bill 
Morris, Jr. for his many years of service to his community through his 
business and philanthropic prowess.

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