[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 103 (Thursday, July 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1513]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        TRIBUTE TO KELLER HAYES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 22, 2004

  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the notable 
accomplishments of a remarkable woman in the 1st Congressional District 
of Colorado. It is both fitting and proper that we recognize Keller 
Hayes for her impressive record of business and civic leadership as 
well as her invaluable service to our state and community.
  Keller Hayes has used her time, skill and energy to make Colorado a 
better place. She came to our community from a small ranch in rural 
Nebraska and graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln with 
a degree in Journalism and Women's Studies. She worked for various 
publishing houses, including a trade publication in Minnesota and for 
Monterey Life in California before joining the Colorado Women's Chamber 
of Commerce.
  For Keller, the economic empowerment of women has meaning. Whether 
advocating for passage of a pay-equity resolution at the statehouse or 
developing a Women's Business Certification program to allow women-
owned companies to gain greater access to corporate and government 
contracts, Keller has been a champion for social and economic 
empowerment. She believes in the mission of the Colorado Women's 
Chamber of Commerce and during her tenure as President, she gave its 
mission new life and helped build a dynamic organization. When Keller 
took up the job, she and a part-time person were the only staff the 
chamber had. Today, the organization has eight staff people, boasts 
1,700 members and has become the largest women's chamber in the 
country. Under Keller's leadership, the Women's Chamber created a 
structure that promotes the economic advancement of its members and 
provides meaningful leadership for women in business. Keller has opened 
doors and garnered respect for the women's business community. She has 
brought other women along and helped get them a seat at the table. 
Keller has fought for recognition of both the immeasurable contribution 
of women to our economy and the full value of women's abilities. As a 
result of her leadership, business women have become a more powerful 
force in our city and our state.
  For her efforts, Keller was chosen the 2001 Outstanding Woman in 
Business Nonprofit by the Denver Business Journal and 2002 Women in 
Business Advocate of the Year in Region VIII for the Small Business 
Administration. But it takes a special person to reach a high level of 
professional accomplishment and still find the time and energy to give 
back to the community. Over the past six years, Keller has volunteered 
for the Rape/Spouse Abuse Crisis Center as an on-line counselor, 
volunteer trainer, speaker and public relations volunteer. Not only has 
Keller used her skills and talents to promote the economic empowerment 
of women, she has done much to advance the well-being of our people.
  While I believe many of us are saddened Keller has left the Women's 
Chamber, I am confident that her leadership, skill and experience will 
be of great benefit to all of us in her new venture and we look forward 
to her continued involvement in our civic life.
  Please join me commending Keller Hayes for her professional 
achievement, community service and active involvement in helping women 
attain professional excellence and a dynamic voice in public life. It 
is the strong leadership she exhibits on a daily basis that continually 
enhances our lives and builds a better future for all Americans.

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