[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 75 (Wednesday, June 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1157]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JULIE PUENTES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 8, 2005

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Julie 
Puentes for her dedicated service to the people of Orange County, 
California. Ms. Puentes has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and 
has made our community a better place to live.
  Julie Puentes is the Executive Vice President of Public Affairs for 
the Orange County Business Council, a countywide organization comprised 
primarily of Orange County's largest employers and small businesses 
dedicated to Orange County's economic vitality. She serves as a member 
of the organization's executive management team and manages the 
Business Council's Advocacy program. She coordinates the Business 
Council Investor lobbying efforts which are intended to foster a 
positive business climate and preserve Orange County's quality of life. 
During her time at the OCBC, Julie has done an exemplary job of 
building relationships, particularly with Orange County's federal, 
state and local representatives. She also works closely with other 
chambers of commerce and regional economic development organizations.
  Before she joined the Orange County Business Council professional 
staff Ms. Puentes was the owner of JFConsulting, a public affairs 
consulting firm. Her firm focused on engaging the business community in 
the development of public policy and more business-friendly 
environmental regulation. From 1978-1991, Ms. Puentes served as Chief 
of Staff to Senator Marian Bergeson, culminating a 20-year career in 
public service for five state legislators.
  Ms. Puentes served in the Wilson Administration as a member of the 
State Job Training Coordinating Council (now the state Workforce 
Investment Board) and the Governor's School-to-Career Advisory Council. 
She serves on the Board of Directors of the Orange County Public 
Affairs Association and Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse, and is a member 
of the California Chamber of Commerce Advocacy Council.
  We rely upon citizens like Julie Puentes to sustain the spirit of our 
communities. I have relied on her advice in addressing various water 
and transportation challenges facing our community and state. Julie 
Puentes has earned my many thanks and I wish her great success in all 
her future endeavors.

                          ____________________