[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 114 (Wednesday, September 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1578]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JEAN RUNYON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 5, 2001

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to Jean Runyon, the 
founder of Runyon Saltzman and Einhorn, Inc., one of the region's 
largest full-service advertising, public relations, public affairs and 
social marketing firms. Jean is the recipient of The Salvation Army's 
``Partners In Community Service'' Award. As her friends and family 
gather to celebrate Jean's wonderful achievement, I ask all of my 
colleagues to join me in saluting one of Sacramento's most talented 
citizen leaders.
  Jean first arrived in Sacramento in 1955 from her hometown of 
Berkeley, California where she enjoyed a hobby career as a stage 
actress. She devoted her time and energy to the Music Circus, planning 
theater parties. During her first year as the group's public relations 
chief, Jean helped Music Circus realize its first annual profit. As 
news spread of her outstanding talent for publicizing events, business 
owners approached her for advice on their own public relations 
projects.
  In 1956, she founded Runyon and Associates. Focusing on a variety of 
advertising and public relations campaigns. Jean quickly and rightfully 
earned a reputation for delivering results. Within a few years, Jean 
became the first woman to be named ``PR Man of the Year'' by the 
Sacramento Public Relations Roundtable.
  Today, Runyon Saltzman & Einhorn is one of Sacramento's top 
advertising agencies and is widely recognized for its creative work. In 
the early 90s, the agency branched into social marketing campaigns 
having put their efforts to work on behalf of a variety of 
environmental and public health issues. These campaigns communicated 
the importance of preserving clean air, avoiding tobacco, preventing 
teen pregnancy, stopping elder abuse and obtaining health insurance for 
children. The investment in this field paid off with proven results, as 
evidenced by national, regional and local industry recognition.
  A number of nonprofit and community organizations have continued to 
recognize Jean for her tireless support and humanitarianism over the 
years. She has served on almost every major board in Sacramento, in 
addition to being the first female member of the Sutter Hospital Board 
of Trustees and the prestigious Downtown Rotary. Recently, she was 
honored with the naming of the Jean Runyon Little Theatre, celebrating 
that love for the performing arts, which later launched her career as a 
Sacramento public relations executive.
  She has never forgotten the importance of donating time to her 
community. She has worked with dozens of charities and community 
nonprofit organizations, from such cultural institutions as the Crocker 
Art Museum, to groups like Make-A-Wish Foundation that help children, 
to organizations like The Salvation Army that help everyone. Jean's 
commitment to serving her community is truly an inspiration and example 
to her fellow citizens.
  Mr. Speaker, as Ms. Jean Runyon's friends and family gather for the 
award ceremony, I am honored to pay tribute to one of Sacramento's most 
honorable citizens. Her successes are unparalleled, and it is a great 
honor for me to have the opportunity to pay tribute to her 
contributions. I ask all my colleagues to join with me in wishing my 
dear, dear friend Jean continued success in all her future endeavors.

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