[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 16, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E21]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING RAY KARPE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KEVIN McCARTHY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 16, 2008

  Mr. McCARTHY of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ray 
Karpe, a resident and community leader from Bakersfield, California, 
for his outstanding and exemplary leadership while serving as the 2007 
President of the Bakersfield Association of Realtors'.
  After earning a bachelor of science degree in business administration 
from California State University, Bakersfield, Ray graduated from the 
Graduate Realtor' Institute, GRI, in 1989. He began his real 
estate career with Karpe Real Estate Center in 1986 and served as 
property manager, sales associate, loan officer, project development 
manager, and vice president before becoming the center's president. He 
received his real estate broker's license in 1998.
  Ray Karpe has been a longtime leader in local real estate matters, 
reflecting the same success, enthusiasm, care, and commitment to his 
community as two generations of Karpes before him. He has served the 
Bakersfield Association of Realtors' in all levels of 
leadership and served on over 35 committees since becoming a Director 
of the association in 2002. He became the third generation of the Karpe 
family to be honored as the Realtor' of the Year in 2005 by 
the Bakersfield Association of Realtors', before being 
appointed president of the association in 2007.
  Ray has also ably represented Bakersfield realtors and the 
Bakersfield community in the State and national association. Since 
2003, Ray has been a director of the California Association of 
Realtors', C.A.R., and has served as chair and vice-chair of 
the Taxation Committee. And this year, C.A.R. President Bill Brown 
appointed him to serve on the 2008 C.A.R. executive committee. Since 
2006, Mr. Karpe has been a director of the National Association of 
Realtors', a member of the Taxation Committee, and is a 
``National Golden R'' Member--President's Circle.
  In his free time, Ray is an active community volunteer serving as a 
director on the boards of the California State University, Bakersfield 
Foundation, Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield, and Garces Memorial High 
School. He is also a member and past director of the Rotary Club of 
Bakersfield, the Young Presidents' Organization, YPO, and a member of 
the 11 Gallon Club at the Houchin Community Blood Bank.
  A true mark of leadership is the generosity of time and talents that 
one gives on behalf of his neighbors and communities. Ray Karpe 
exemplifies this time-honored tradition. I commend Ray for his service 
and leadership as president of the Bakersfield Association of 
Realtors' and wish him and his family well as he continues 
to serve our community.

                          ____________________