[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 19 (Wednesday, February 15, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E163-E164]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING KJELL BERGH ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 60TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 15, 2006

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Mr. Kjell 
Bergh on the occasion of his 60th birthday. Mr. Bergh is a respected 
Minnesota business leader and a true citizen of the world, working 
extensively with civic and business organizations and governments 
around the globe. Mr. Bergh will be celebrating his birthday with his 
family and friends in Minnesota on February 18.
  Born in Kristiansund, Norway, Mr. Bergh was educated at the 
University of Oslo and Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, 
earning his B.A. in International Relations there in 1970. In 2004, Mr. 
Bergh received his masters degree from the Fletcher School of Law and 
Diplomacy at Tufts University.
  Mr. Bergh is well known as the owner of several major automotive 
dealerships in Minnesota. In addition, he owns travel agencies 
specializing in tours and adventure travel in Scandinavia and Africa. 
Along with his business connections, he has fostered an impressive 
commitment to our community here in Minnesota, earning numerous awards 
for his work and serving on many boards of prominent businesses, 
academic institutions and non-profit organizations. His international 
links

[[Page E164]]

have inspired a similarly strong commitment to communities around the 
world, particularly in Africa.
  In 2000, Bergh was named Honorary Consul to the United Republic of 
Tanzania by President Benjamin Mkapa, lending his expertise on trade, 
education and tourism. He is highly respected for his dedicated service 
to environmental and community issues such as anti-poaching and 
building hospitals and schools. He has been a valued resource to me and 
my office on the many issues facing Africa.
  Among Bergh's many distinctions and awards for his service, perhaps 
he has the best reason to be proud of the royal decorations from his 
native Norway. He was bestowed Knight First Class, Royal Order of Merit 
by King Harald V and the prestigious St. Olav medal by the late King 
Olav V. In addition, he received the Royal order of the Polar Star from 
the Sweden's King Carl Gustaf.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Mr. Kjell Bergh on his 60th 
birthday. Amid his busy life and his many accomplishments and awards, I 
know that he is looking forward to spending this special day with the 
most important people in his life--his family and friends.

                          ____________________