[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 9, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E164]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO ANNE SPEAKE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 9, 1999

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Anne 
Speake for her service as president of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce. 
Anne Speake's leadership and community involvement has had a profound 
impact on the advancement and quality of life on commerce in the 
Central San Joaquin Valley.
  Anne Speake is the owner and operator of the International English 
Institute. Anne started this business over 15 years ago, and is a 
successful business woman not only in the Valley but globally through 
the International English Institute. Most recently, she was selected to 
receive the Central California Women in Business Award by the U.S. 
Small Business Administration.
  Anne Speake is a role model for all women owning businesses. Mrs. 
Speake is deeply committed to our community and actively serves on 
several state and local organizations. She currently serves on the 
Executive Committee of the Fresno Business Council, as Vice Chair of 
the Fresno Revitalization Corporation, and as a member in the Economic 
Development Corporation.
  As Fresno Chamber of Commerce President, Anne Speake is viewed as a 
consensus builder and a leader. During her term as Chamber President, 
she sought to improve service to its 2,300 members and increase the 
internal efficiency within the Chamber. Under her leadership the Fresno 
Chamber of Commerce has played a central role in the revitalization of 
downtown Fresno and initiated several community and cultural 
improvement projects. In addition, she was an advocate of greater 
community involvement through Leadership Fresno, which graduated 31 
students, and the Employment Competency Committee certified 500 
students who worked with business people throughout the year.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I pay tribute to Anne Speake 
for her service as President of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. 
Speake is a faithful public servant, who has shown care for small 
business and dedication to her community. I ask my colleagues to join 
me in wishing Anne Speake many more years of success.

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