[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 54 (Thursday, April 26, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E656-E657]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING SUSAN MUSGRAVE AND THE LOS ALAMOS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 26, 2001

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, when a deadly fire devastated 
Los Alamos, New Mexico, and surrounding communities in May, 2000, Susan 
Musgrave, the executive director of the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce 
stepped up to the challenge of helping the community recover and 
rebuild. There are

[[Page E657]]

hundreds of unsung heroes from the Cerro Grande fire, and Ms. Musgrave 
is one of them.
  The intense Cerro Grande fire forced local residents to evacuate and 
essentially closed down Los Alamos for eight days. When residents were 
allowed to return on May 15, they found the fire had left more than 420 
people homeless and destroyed a number of local businesses. To help the 
town get back on its feet, the Chamber took the lead in coordinating 
relief and rebuilding efforts.
  I can attest that Ms. Musgrave and others met with me and my staff 
during this time to see what they could do and to continue to provide 
us with assistance. Within five days after the fire, in conjunction 
with local banking institutions, the Chamber had established a loan 
fund for Los Alamos businesses. These businesses could apply for a six-
month loan up to $25,000 with a 7.5 percent interest rate. The Chamber 
paid the interest expense on the loans for six months.
  Through this effort, more than $640,000 in loans were made available 
to 37 companies in Los Alamos. Businesses were able to take care of 
short-term financial needs and stabilize the effects of lost revenue 
after being closed for almost eight days. A Web site for construction 
contractors interested in helping Los Alamos rebuild was on line within 
a week of the disaster.
  Thanks to generous donations from member businesses and individuals, 
the Chamber was able to extend help to others with an immediate need 
for funds, including renters and homeowners without insurance. By May 
20, gifts in the amount of $1,000 were distributed to 97 families who 
had lost their homes. As the fund grew, the Chamber was able to make a 
second distribution in the amount of $500 to the same individuals. The 
Chamber's total contribution topped $142,000. In addition, 12 college 
students who lost their homes were each given $1,000 towards their 
recovery needs.
  The Chamber also helped spread the word that Los Alamos was once 
again ``open for business'' through an innovative advertising campaign. 
The Chamber underwrote 80 percent of the costs for member businesses 
who took out advertisements to let the community know
  The Chamber's good deeds did not go unnoticed. Ms. Musgrave was named 
New Mexico's Chamber Executive of the Year 2000 by the New Mexico 
Business Journal and the Association of Commerce and Industry. The 
award recognized her exceptional and exemplary services to the Chamber 
and the community.
  Thanks to the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce's strong leadership and 
coordination, Los Alamos recovered quickly. And, the Chamber has earned 
respect and gratitude from its member businesses and the local 
community.
  Additionally, since then the recovery began, Ms. Musgrave has 
continually been a leader in seeking to correct the technical setbacks 
that have faced victims of the Cerro Grande fire. She has kept me 
informed of the concerns of local businesses and the community in 
general. Her actions led to my introducing legislation in the House of 
Representatives, H.R. 1095, intended to make claims of the fire tax-
free.
  The Chamber has also contacted me on issues that are not fire-
related. I am proud to serve as a member of the Small Business 
Committee and, as a result, work on matters vital to the Chamber. For 
example, we have worked together on daycare issues facing employees of 
the Los Alamos National Laboratory and other equally important items.
  Mr. Speaker, Susan Musgrave is not only a wonderful asset for the 
Chamber of Commerce, but she is a true champion for the state of New 
Mexico. I am proud to know her, and I thank her for her continued 
service.

                          ____________________