[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 23, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E244]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JOEL RUCKER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 23, 1999

  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Joel Rucker, 
a good friend of many years and a man who cares deeply about the future 
of the Northeast San Fernando Valley. During the time I have known 
Joel, I have had many opportunities to see firsthand his extraordinary 
dedication to the causes in which he believes. I can say without 
hesitation that I have rarely met anyone as willing to make the time 
and effort on behalf of his community.
  Joel has made a special point of working tirelessly to improve the 
economy of Pacoima and surrounding areas. For example, he played an 
invaluable role in helping my office coordinate an international job 
fair in 1995. It was Joel who first brought to my attention the need to 
provide local small businesses with tips on selling their products 
overseas. At that time Joel was President of the Pacoima Chamber of 
Commerce, a post he held with distinction for several years.
  Joel has also served on the Board of Directors of San Fernando Valley 
Economic Alliance and is a member of the Minority Business Opportunity 
Commission of Los Angeles International Trade. He has become a forceful 
advocate for the economic interests of the Northeast San Fernando 
Valley.
  To be sure, Joel is involved in a variety of organizations, including 
the Northeast Valley Health Corporation, the NAACP and the Valley 
Interfaith Council. He has somehow managed to combine running a 
successful business (Rucker's Mortuary) with many extracurricular 
activities.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting Joel Rucker, a deeply 
spiritual man who has dedicated his life to community service. His 
selflessness and sense of public duty inspire us all.

                          ____________________