[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 26 (Thursday, March 9, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E279]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 A TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF CONNIE M. DEFORD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 9, 2000

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a wonderful lady, Ms. 
Connie Deford, of Bay City, Michigan, on the occasion of her retirement 
from her post as City Clerk of Bay City. Connie has been our trusted 
clerk since 1986, and I can assure you, Mr. Speaker, that both in 
character and spirit, Connie is an inspiration to those around her and 
will be sorely missed by her co-workers.
  Connie was born in my home town of Bay City and has a long history of 
contributing to our community, both as an elected official and as a 
civic leader. In fact, Connie's service to Bay City is touted as a 
model for all aspiring elected officials. Everyone who has worked with 
Connie knows that her retirement will leave very big shoes to fill. 
However, her accomplishments as City Clerk will endure as a blueprint 
for all to follow.
  Connie is very active in our city's civic affairs and has been 
awarded numerous awards for her extraordinary service. Mr. Speaker, 
time restraints dictate that I mention just a few of the many honors 
she has received. Perhaps one of her most prestigious awards is the 
Quill Award, given by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, 
the largest international clerk organization, to recognize the most 
qualified and dedicated clerk in the world. Other awards she has 
received include being elected Michigan Municipal Clerk of the Year, 
nominated for the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Athena Award for 
Professional Women, awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship Rotarian of the 
Year, and awarded the Great Lakes College Honorary Doctor of Letters, 
as well as the Municipal League Special Award of merit.
  Her contributions to our community are equally impressive. Connie has 
been an active member of her church, Holy Trinity, where she is on the 
Administration Commission and serves as a member of the Adult Choir. 
She is involved with such admirable institutions as the March of Dimes, 
the Salvation Army, the Great Lakes College Foundation, and the 
Michigan Municipal League Foundation.
  With Connie's unflagging energy and civic-minded commitment, I am 
sure that retirement will not mean slowing down. Rather, it will mean a 
new direction and a new focus that will produce results which impact 
positively on many, many people in our community. I am also sure that 
Connie will enjoy the company of her daughter Brigette and son Keane, 
as well as her two grandchildren Austin and Angela.
  Mr. Speaker, I invite you and our colleagues to join with me in 
congratulating Bay City City Clerk Connie Deford on the occasion of her 
retirement, and thanking her for her selfless service to our community. 
We in Bay City, Michigan, have been truly fortunate to be the recipient 
of her commitment and vision. Connie has not only been a motivator and 
creator of civic pride, she precisely embodies our civic pride. I wish 
her continued success in all her future endeavors.

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