[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 76 (Tuesday, June 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1009]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO RON STARK

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 5, 2001

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute Ron Stark, the outgoing 
President of the Rancho Cucamonga Chamber of Commerce, and a leading 
citizen of our community.
  Ron is admired in the Inland Empire community for his strong record 
of business success and public service. He is the owner of Star 
Kreative Services, a full-service Marketing and Advertising Agency, 
specializing in budgeting, planning, media purchases, and complete 
corporate identity design.
  Ron's leadership this past year is indicative of a Chamber President 
who continuously gives of his time and finances to promote a business 
friendly environment that enhances the quality of life and the economy 
of Rancho Cucamonga. He has served on the Board of Directors since 1995 
and began his term as President July 1, 2000.
  Some of the accomplishments under Ron's leadership were: Increased 
the image and visibility of the Chamber to its members and the 
community by moving into the historic Thomas Winery Plaza. Reorganized 
the community's 61-year-old Grape Harvest Festival to a true premier 
community event. Established a monthly President's Roundtable of nine 
Inland Valley Chambers, which discusses regional economic development 
and legislative issues. Encouraged the creation of a West End Community 
Calendar on the Chamber's Website, which enhances special event 
planning among the Chambers and service clubs. It offers the community 
and visitors a complete calendar of events 24 hours a day. Continued 
the Annual Spring Swing and Vintner's Dinner as pre-eminent events in 
the Inland Empire. Formed an effective Business Advocacy Group that 
tracks all legislation impacting the business community. This enhanced 
the Chamber's image as a true watchdog for the business community. He 
also wrote letters to various legislators urging either support or 
opposition to various legislation that would have an impact on the 
community. Increased ``Shop Rancho'' promotion activities encouraging 
the residents to ``Shop Rancho without leaving the home or office.'' 
Continued the popular one-on-one counseling and Small Business 
Workshops for businesses that provided various management and marketing 
tools for the 21st Century. Reached a three-year goal (set in 1999) of 
establishing a six-month operating reserve of $145,000 one year early. 
Attained a three-year goal (set in 1999) of reaching 1,000 members, for 
first time in eleven years, one year early.
  In summary, Mr. Speaker, Ron Stark has set the bar high for future 
leaders of the Chamber. We salute him for his outstanding work, and 
wish him well in his future endeavors.

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