[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 108 (Wednesday, September 6, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1649]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF MR. PETER YELORDA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 6, 2006

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today in recognition of the 
achievements of Mr. Peter Yelorda, a person who has spent nearly 35 
years as a leader in the corporate and public sector, and a resident of 
the Fifth District of Missouri, which I am honored to represent. This 
week, Mr. Yelorda is to be inducted into the Missouri Walk of Fame 
during a reception as part of the Congressional Black Caucus 
Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference, an event held to honor the 
achievements of African-Americans who have made significant 
contributions to Missouri.
  Peter holds a Bachelor of Science in Science from Eastern Michigan 
University, and a Masters in Education from the University of Michigan 
specializing in Public Policy, Community and National Planning and 
Development. He is the Executive Vice President and Chief Executive 
Officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City and has served in that 
capacity for nine years. In his role as a senior executive at his 
company, Peter is one of the highest ranking African-American 
executives in the Greater Kansas City Area. Prior to joining Blue Cross 
Blue Shield, he was Assistant City Manager of the City of Kansas City, 
Missouri while I was Mayor.
  Civically, Peter serves on nine boards in the Greater Kansas City 
Area, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored 
People, the University of Missouri-Kansas City Board of Trustees, Urban 
League, and others. He serves as the Chairperson for the Full 
Employment Council, Chairman of the TIF Commission and Co-Chair of the 
Downtown Economic Stimulus Authority. In addition, he serves as the 
Chair of the Jazz District Redevelopment Corporation, the not-for-
profit entity organized to revitalize the Historic 18th and Vine Jazz 
District. Under Peter's leadership, senior housing, a restaurant, and 
young adult housing were born. Mr. Yelorda is respected by business and 
community activists alike. Through these activities, Peter spends a 
considerable amount of time in service to the community each month. In 
all of his activities, he demonstrates his dedication and commitment to 
the greater good of others. Regardless of his leadership role, he 
always conducts himself with dedication, poise, and thoughtfulness, 
being mindful of all concerns.
  For those reasons and more, it is indeed an honor and privilege to 
recognize Mr. Peter Yelorda at the Missouri Walk of Fame reception, 
hosted by myself and fellow Missourian, U.S. Representative Wm. Lacy 
Clay of St. Louis.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in expressing our appreciation to Peter 
and his endless commitment to serving the residents of the State of 
Missouri. He is a true role model not just to the African-American 
community in Missouri, but to the entire community at large. May his 
success serve as a stepping stone for many other African-Americans 
eager to be just as successful in their endeavors. While it is but a 
small acknowledgement for all of the work he has done, it is a 
heartfelt gesture, taking strength from the myriad lives he has touched 
in our hometown.

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