[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 120 (Wednesday, September 29, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1732]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN RECOGNITION OF DAVID W. FLEMING

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2004

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to David W. 
Fleming for his dedicated contributions to improving the economy, 
education, and health care for the residents of the San Fernando 
Valley. David Fleming, an attorney who has specialized in corporate law 
for over forty years, provides leadership which is instrumental to many 
organizations committed to improving the economic development of the 
San Fernando Valley.
  Vital centers of economic activity benefit from David Fleming's hard 
work. He is the Chairman of the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando 
Valley, an influential business and industry collective formed after 
the Northridge earthquake, which brings investors to the San Fernando 
Valley in order to grow and sustain the economic base and improve the 
quality of life for all Valley residents. He is also a director of the 
Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, an organization of 1,350 
businesses, which helps small businesses grow and works for the 
prosperity for the Los Angeles region. Most recently, David Fleming 
completed a two year term as chairman of the Los Angeles Economic 
Development Corporation, the largest economic development organization 
in America.
  David Fleming has worked to improve the region's infrastructure and 
to promote commercial development having served as the appointed Vice-
chairman of the California Transportation Commission for three years, 
during which time he chaired the Public Transit Committee. Even the 
entertainment industry benefits from his expertise. He serves on the 
Board of the Technology Council of the Motion Picture and Television 
Industry.
  David Fleming is an advocate for the future of San Fernando Valley 
children and the health of all Valley residents. He is a founding 
member and trustee of the Children's Planning Council of Los Angeles 
County, a unique collaboration of public and private sector leaders 
working hard to improve the integration, coordination, and 
accessibility of health and human services for children. He also serves 
as Chairman of the Board of Valley Presbyterian Hospital, the largest 
acute care hospital in the central San Fernando Valley. The 290-bed 
facility offers leading-edge technology and medical expertise in 
maternal and child health, cardiac care, orthopedics, and critical care 
services. Many Valley children benefit from free immunizations, health 
screenings, and seniors are able to receive free flu shots each fall at 
the hospital.
  Local government also has benefited from David Fleming's knowledge 
and volunteerism. In 1997, he helped implement the city's charter 
reform movement. Two years later, the reform was overwhelmingly 
approved by voters, making it the first major city charter reform 
movement in 75 years. He also served on the City of Los Angeles Ethics 
Commission for two years from 2001 to 2002.
  David Fleming's strong work ethic has been acknowledged by many, 
including President George W. Bush. In 2003, President Bush appointed 
him to the prestigious James Madison Foundation in Washington D.C., 
where he serves as one of only two private citizens appointed to the 
foundation.
  Throughout his career, David Fleming dedicated over 60,000 hours in 
leadership roles for various non-profit organizations. Many 
organizations have recognized and honored David Fleming for his wide 
range of civic contributions including the American Jewish Committee, 
the Valley Bar Association, the Anti-Defamation League, the University 
of California at Los Angeles, the Interfaith Council, the California 
Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Jewish National Fund, as well as the 
City and County of Los Angeles, the California State Legislature and 
three California Governors. He was also the 1991 recipient of the 
Fernando Award, an exclusive honor awarded to individuals who have 
exemplified leadership, volunteerism and dedication.
  David Fleming is a philanthropist who gives not only his time, but 
along with his wife Jean, has contributed millions of dollars to many 
Southern California charities including key donations to Valley 
Presbyterian Hospital and the University of California at Los Angeles 
Law Library.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing David W. Fleming, an 
altruistic man who has devoted much of his life to improving the well-
being of the citizens of the San Fernando Valley.

                          ____________________