[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 14 (Thursday, February 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E165]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E165]]
                IN HONOR OF BLACK LEADERSHIP AT KEYSPAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 13, 2002

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of an outstanding 
organization that has been developed at KeySpan, Black Leadership at 
KeySpan, or BLAK, as it is known and their Chairperson, Renee McClure 
and Vice-chair, Ron Thompson and the entire BLAK organization, in 
recognition of their promotion of professional training, networking and 
community commitment.
  In 2000, BLAK was created by KeySpan's Black employees with the 
support of Robert Catell--Chairman and CEO, Craig Mathews--Vice 
Chairman and COO, Colin Watson--Senior VP, Strategic Marketing and 
Elaine Weinstein, Senior VP of Human Resources, and senior management 
to establish an entity within the organization whose vision is: To be a 
resource for fostering leadership, excellence and community commitment 
among Black employees for the benefit of the corporation and its 
stakeholders.
  In September of 2001, BLAK held its first ``Executive Connection'' 
day, providing BLAK members and the senior managers of KeySpan a forum 
to come together, exchange ideas, and establish relationships. BLAK 
recognizes that in order to be an effective organization it must 
develop communications throughout the corporation as a whole. As part 
of this effort, BLAK has taken part in one of KeySpan's monthly 
breakfast meetings to inform management about BLAK and has established 
an internal website and quarterly newsletter to keep its members 
informed.
  BLAK has also established a number of committees to address the 
concerns of its members. One committee is the Community Involvement 
Committee (CIC). While a number of options were discussed reflecting 
the wide interests of its members, CIC felt that one of the most 
effective ways would be to become actively involved in two community 
high schools, and hopefully to expand their involvement with many other 
local schools in the future. BLAK's professional development 
initiatives include a resume bank, a coaching program, and a mentoring 
program. The variety of programs and services offered by BLAK 
illustrates a talented and eager membership. This membership also 
reflects the outstanding leadership of BLAK's Chair Renee McClure and 
Vice-chair Ronald Thompson. These two individuals along with the 
executive board, committees, advisors, and senior management continue 
to develop an outstanding organization that promotes growth, 
development and the community commitment that makes KeySpan such a 
tremendous asset to the community. As such, I urge my colleagues to 
join me in honoring this truly remarkable organization and its leaders.

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