[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 146 (Monday, October 29, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1935]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 TRIBUTE TO RUSSELL J. ``RUSTY'' HAMMER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 29, 2001

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Russell J. 
``Rusty'' Hammer as he ends his tenure as president and CEO of the 
Sacramento Metro Chamber. As his friends and family gather to celebrate 
Rusty's impressive tenure, I ask all of my colleagues to join with me 
in saluting this truly remarkable citizen of Sacramento.
  Rusty came to the Sacramento Metro Chamber in 1994 and after 7 years 
has transformed the chamber into an economically viable and influential 
organization. Today the Sacramento Metro Chamber is the largest and 
most diverse chamber in northern California, boasting a membership over 
3,000. In addition, the Sacramento Metro Chamber is now represented in 
all six counties in the Sacramento region, a truly admirable feat.
  To my colleagues here in the House of Representatives, perhaps one of 
the most visible accomplishments of the Sacramento Metro Chamber is the 
annual Cap-to-Cap trip. Through this important program, over 200 
business leaders from the Sacramento region come to Washington, DC, 
each spring to meet with leaders of the Federal Government to raise 
awareness of the region's most important issues. Since 1994, under the 
direction of Rusty and his colleagues in the chamber, the level of 
participation in Cap-to-Cap has nearly doubled. I feel that this is a 
true testament to Rusty's dedication and enthusiasm for the Sacramento 
region.
  In addition to the Cap-to-Cap trip, Rusty has also been the driving 
force behind numerous projects and events at the Sacramento Metro 
Chamber that have continued to propel the chamber to new heights. One 
in particular that deserves special recognition is ``Perspectives'', an 
annual speakers series hosted in Sacramento involving influential 
national and international leaders. Through Rusty's tireless efforts, 
this program has become one of the most important forums for 
discussions about the future and direction of the Sacramento region.
  While I was I was saddened as both a friend and a colleague to learn 
of Rusty's departure to become president of the Los Angeles Metro 
Chamber, I fully believe that Sacramento's loss is Los Angeles's gain. 
Rusty's commitment to serving his community is a genuine inspiration 
and example to his fellow citizens and will be a wonderful addition to 
the Los Angeles region.
  Mr. Speaker, as Mr. Rusty Hammer's friends and family gather to 
reflect on his time with the Sacramento Metro Chamber, I am privileged 
to pay tribute to one of Sacramento's most honorable citizens. His 
successes are unparalleled, and it is a great honor for me to have the 
opportunity to recognize his many contributions to Sacramento. I ask 
all my colleagues to join with me in wishing my friend Rusty continued 
success in all his future endeavors.

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