[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 155 (Thursday, October 30, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2167-E2168]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF THE SILICON VALLEY MANUFACTURING GROUP'S 25TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 29, 2003

  Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues, Representative Eshoo and 
Representative Honda and I rise to honor the Silicon Valley 
Manufacturing Group on its 25th anniversary, an organization that has 
effectively advocated on behalf of the residents and businesses of 
California's Silicon Valley.

[[Page E2168]]

  The Silicon Valley Manufacturing Group was founded by David Packard, 
who during the summer of 1977, asked a number of his fellow Silicon 
Valley CEOs to join him in building an organization that would create a 
proactive voice for Silicon Valley businesses. The formation in 1978 of 
the Manufacturing Group was the result of those discussions. The 33 
charter members believed that business should work with the community 
and government to find innovative solutions to the challenges that 
faced their employees, including energy, transportation, education, and 
housing.
  Today, the Manufacturing Group represents a variety of Silicon Valley 
businesses from software and manufacturing companies, to health care 
and education organizations. The 190 member-companies of the 
Manufacturing Group represent over 200,000 employees in the Silicon 
Valley.

  During the quarter century since it was first founded, the 
Manufacturing Group has had a tremendous impact on the quality of life 
in Silicon Valley. They've brought leaders together to discuss the 
critical issues of our time and create solutions to these challenges. 
They've been at the forefront of the creation of affordable housing, 
improving and increasing transportation options, and being key players 
in addressing California's energy concerns. Today, member-companies do 
their part by conserving through increased efficiency, and working with 
regulators and energy companies to find solutions to the State's energy 
problems.
  The Manufacturing Group was a key force in the creation of the 
Housing Trust of Santa Clara County and played a major role in the 
Trust being able to raise over $20 million in its first 2 years. This 
funding, raised during a time when corporate donations began to wane, 
is an extraordinary achievement, producing housing for first-time home 
buyers and stands as a model in our country. With the Manufacturing 
Group's leadership, the Housing Trust will return the investment ten-
fold and assist families to realize their dream of homeownership.
  The Manufacturing Group's track record on public transportation 
projects in the Valley has been extraordinary. Their first major 
initiative was in 1984 when they launched the effort to win the 
approval of improvements of Highways 85, 237 and 101. The project 
funded by the Measure A half-cent sales tax proposal was completed 
ahead of schedule and under budget, and most importantly it was 
accountable to the people who passed it. The Manufacturing Group went 
on to spearhead other critical transportation measures in 1992, 1996, 
2000 and 2002, all of which were successful, even after the law 
required a two-thirds voter approval.
  With the outstanding leadership of Carl Guardino, the Manufacturing 
Group's President and CEO, annual forums are held to predict economic 
and infrastructure trends and the examination of what inhibits 
producing and keeping jobs in Silicon Valley.
  Mr. Speaker, we are exceedingly proud of the work and the 
achievements of the Silicon Valley Manufacturing Group. The 
organization has been a catalyst for important change and because of 
its leadership, the quality of life and the vitality of businesses have 
been enhanced.
  We ask our colleagues to join us in saluting the Silicon Valley 
Manufacturing Group on its 25th anniversary and the great achievements 
they have brought about, making Silicon Valley known and admired around 
the world and a source of pride to our entire nation.

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