[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 126 (Tuesday, September 25, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1729]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1729]]
                        A TRIBUTE TO JOHN NEECE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 25, 2001

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, today I join with my colleagues, 
Representatives Stark, Eshoo, Farr, and Lofgren in honoring the 
retirement of a dedicated public servant, John Neece. John's retirement 
as Chief Executive Officer of the Santa Clara and San Benito Counties 
Building and Construction Trades Council ends 21 years of exemplary 
service to his community.
  A native of San Jose, California, John Neece attended Lowell 
Elementary and Roosevelt Junior High, and graduated from San Jose High 
in 1962. After becoming a member of the Ironworker's Apprenticeship 
Program, John went on to join the Santa Clara and San Benito Building 
and Construction Trades Council in 1979. John became the youngest Chief 
Executive Officer of any council in the State, as well as the youngest 
delegate from the State of California to the International Iron 
Workers.
  Through John Neece's visionary leadership, the Building and 
Construction Trades Council became the important organization that it 
is today: a source of strong advocacy for workers and labor. A former 
ironworker himself, John utilized his insight, energy and vision to 
become the Trades business agent. As an organizer and a leader, John 
has been successful in creating growth in the union movement and 
cooperation with other local unions and developers. His efforts made 
the Trades Council a crucial force within the Bay Area.
  However, John Neece's service has not been limited to the building 
and construction industry. John has participated in various community 
programs in Santa Clara County and volunteered his time on numerous 
boards throughout Silicon Valley. John is an Executive Board Member and 
Second Vice President of the South Bay AFL-CIO Labor Council, and 
serves on the Board of several agencies such as the Valley Medical 
Center Foundation and the Joint Venture Silicon Valley Board and 
Visioning Council. John has also served in the past on the Boards of 
the Red Cross Capital Campaign Committee and the Red Cross Disaster 
Relief Program.
  Mr. Speaker, John Neece leaves behind a life-long legacy of 
excellence and professionalism. It has been a great pleasure for my 
fellow Members and I to work with him, and it is an honor to be able to 
pay tribute to him here. John Neece has been a great friend to us all, 
and we wish him well.

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