[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 103 (Thursday, September 7, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1417]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO VERONICA BARELA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 7, 2000

  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the splendid 
efforts and notable accomplishments of an extraordinary woman in the 
1st Congressional District of Colorado. It is both fitting and proper 
that we recognize this community leader for her exceptional record of 
civic leadership and invaluable service. It is to commend this 
outstanding citizen that I rise to honor Veronica Barela.
  Veronica Barela has made a tremendous impact on our community and has 
an impressive record of civic involvement. Ms. Barela has served as the 
Director of the NEWSED Community Development Corporation, since 1978. 
She is recognized for her skills in community based economic 
development, community organizing, housing development, civic event 
management, development of successful arts and culture initiatives, and 
civic rights work. Her leadership has been the catalyst for the 
revitalization of Santa Fe Drive in Denver. Her efforts through NEWSED 
have attracted one hundred and eighty new businesses to Santa Fe Drive 
and near Westside Neighborhood and, in addition, she has developed two 
shopping plazas and one mini center for the community. These business 
development successes have generated over 3,000 jobs for the immediate 
community. Ms. Barela's efforts have been nationally recognized and 
NEWSED has developed national standing as a model Community Development 
Corporation.
  Veronica Barela has also made great contributions to the cultural 
life of our community. Through her leadership, the annual Cinco de Mayo 
celebration in Denver has grown to be the largest outdoor Cinco de Mayo 
celebration in the United States. Her broad range of activities and 
interests has been a great service to our city as well. She has served 
as the Chairperson of the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority Board 
and served as Co-Chair of the Human Service and Education Committee for 
Denver's Comprehensive Plan 2000. She was President of Hispanics of 
Colorado and co-chaired the People of Color Coalition. Ms. Barela was 
appointed to the Consumer Advisory Council for the Federal Reserve 
Board in Washington DC and served in various capacities on the National 
Community Reinvestment Coalition Board. Other board memberships include 
Servicios de La Raza, the American Civil Liberties Union, Denver's 
Urban Economic Development Corporation and the Hispanic Advisory 
Council for both Mayors Pena and Webb.
  Her commitment and service has earned her several awards in including 
the Outstanding Women's Award from Metorpolitan State College. Mayor 
Wellington Webb declared June 26, 1992, ``Veronica Barela Day'' in the 
City and County of Denver for her long standing work in civil rights, 
economic development and community organizing.
  Please join me in commending Veronica Barela. It is the strong 
leadership she exhibits on a daily basis that continually enhances our 
lives and builds a better future for all Americans. Her life serves as 
an example to which we should all aspire.

                          ____________________