[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 161 (Friday, October 3, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2235]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO HAROLD MEEK

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. KEVIN McCARTHY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 3, 2008

  Mr. McCARTHY of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Harold Meek, a community leader and entrepreneur from Bakersfield, CA, 
on his retirement after over 35 years with the Three-Way Automotive 
Group.
  Born in Oklahoma, Harold moved to Bakersfield in 1958 to work with 
his brother, Leo, in the automotive industry. After 17 years with his 
brother's dealership, Harold joined Three- Way Chevrolet, later the 
Three-Way Automotive Group, in 1973. With his business prowess and 
entrepreneurial skill, he become General Manager just 2 years later, 
was made a partner shortly thereafter, and, in 1996, was appointed 
president/dealer operator.
  Under Harold's leadership, the Three-Way Automotive Group, which 
recently celebrated its 50th anniversary by opening a second Chevrolet 
dealership at the Bakersfield Auto Mall, has been internationally 
recognized and awarded numerous industry awards for outstanding 
service. For the past 7 years, Three-Way Chevrolet has been the number 
one Retail Volume Chevrolet Dealer in California and was the number one 
Retail Chevrolet Dealer in the world in June and July of 2005. In 
addition, Harold has received the prestigious Time Magazine 2003 
Quality Dealer Award and, for the last 8 years, the General Motors' 
Jack Smith Dealer of the Year Award, all a recognition of his 
commitment to exceptional sales performance and superior customer 
service. Over his long career, he has also served on or chaired 
numerous State and regional automotive industry dealership 
associations.
  A successful entrepreneur in Bakersfield, Harold has also been active 
in the local community. Harold has served on the Greater Bakersfield 
Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Kern County 
Law Enforcement Foundation, and is a charter member of the Bakersfield 
Better Business Bureau. He also is a strong advocate for and has 
supported numerous civic and charitable organizations. Harold has 
supported and been involved in more than 250 civic and charitable 
organizations in the community, including numerous youth and sports 
programs as well as the American Cancer Society, the Bakersfield 
Women's Business Conference, the Kern County Fair, Relay for Life, Link 
to Life, the YMCA, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
  A dedicated Republican, Harold has been active in local, State, and 
national Republican politics. He has served on the steering committees 
of numerous gubernatorial and presidential campaigns in California, and 
has managed several local campaigns, including city council, county 
supervisor, and sheriff's races. Harold also served as campaign 
chairman for former California State Assembly member from 1988 to 2000.
  Harold exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and a dedication to 
community that has made this country great. I wish Harold the best in 
this new chapter of his life, and I know he looks forward to spending 
more time with his wife Kay; children Joi, Mark, and Vivienne; and 
grandchildren Clint, Cody, Jordan, and Julia.




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