[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 4, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E541]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF FRED SEARS, II

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 4, 2009

  Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise 
today to pay tribute to Fred Sears, II. In a state with many ``firsts'' 
in its history, I am proud of the fact that Fred Sears will be the 
first recipient of the ``Goldey-Beacom College Ethics in Business 
Award.''
  As a native of Delaware, Fred's career in the banking industry 
spanned 38 years and culminated with his serving as President of 
Commerce Bank. Since 2003, Fred has served as President and CEO of the 
Delaware Community Foundation where he oversees the management of 900 
funds with more than $230 million in assets and the distribution of $15 
million in grants annually. These charitable funds benefit all of us in 
Delaware.
  However, Fred's leadership at the Delaware Community Foundation is 
only a small glimpse of the impact he has had on our community. He has 
served on at least 56 boards, clubs or organizations over the past five 
decades. His leadership, guidance, counsel and support are sought by 
government entities, non-profits, sports programs, community groups, 
educational institutions, and businesses. His willingness to help 
others has no limit and we are all forever appreciative of what he has 
done to make our state a better place for everyone.
  Leaders like Fred Sears come along once every couple of generations. 
His integrity and ethics are unsurpassed and he is a great example for 
others to follow. This is not the first time Fred has been honored or 
recognized for his good deeds. In 1977 the Wilmington Junior Chamber of 
Commerce presented him with the Young Man of the Year Award. Since then 
Fred has been recognized by the Boy Scouts of America, the Wilmington 
Rotary Club, the United Negro College Fund, the NCCJ, and the 
Opportunity Center, Inc. Each time, these community organizations 
recognized Fred for his leadership and willingness to assist others.
  I have known Fred for many, many years and I am most proud of being 
able to call him my friend. Individuals like Fred Sears bring about 
positive change, and when a small state like Delaware finds someone 
like him it allows us to show a nation how people working together can 
make the world a better place. I congratulate Fred on receiving the 
first ever ``Goldey-Beacom College Ethics in Business Award'' and thank 
him for his extraordinary service to Delaware.

                          ____________________