[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 45 (Monday, March 16, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E674]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING MIKE HAUSER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 16, 2009

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mike Hauser of 
Santa Rosa, California, who passed away on March 3, 2009, at the age of 
62. Mike had led the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce for almost nine 
years, including regular calls from his sick bed during the last months 
of his life.
  Mike took the reins of Chamber in 2000, and, under his leadership, 
the organization expanded its programs, enhancing the business climate 
while benefiting the community. He realized that the two goals 
complemented each other and brought people together to focus on them. 
Mike used his low-key style and friendly manner as well as his keen 
understanding and broad experience to develop initiatives that drew 
various stakeholders into the process. He was adept at developing 
relationships that fostered his success.
  Mike's efforts included a focus on educating the Spanish-speaking 
community to be the current and future workforce, including a summer 
algebra academy for middle school students, securing airline service at 
the county airport, advocating for the SMART train, and creating 
programs to develop entrepreneurial businesses and generate high-wage 
jobs.
  Because of his skills and efforts, the Chamber recently learned that 
it had been awarded a rare five-star rating by the National Chamber of 
Commerce, becoming the only organization in California to achieve that 
honor. Also, Mike was set to become Chair of the American Chamber of 
Commerce Executives in August.
  Originally from Iowa, Mike graduated from Iowa State University and 
then worked in a number of Chambers of Commerce in Minnesota, North 
Dakota, and Nebraska. He settled for 13 years in Fort Collins, 
Colorado, where his reputation attracted national attention. When the 
Santa Rosa Chamber was ready for a new president, Mike was an ideal 
choice.
  He leaves a Chamber that is thriving, with increased membership and a 
variety of successful programs.
  Mike is survived by his wife Kelly, daughters Heidi and Dana, and 
granddaughter Avery as well as his mother Beryl and three siblings.
  Madam Speaker, the Santa Rosa Chamber and the broader community will 
miss Mike Hauser's leadership and his passion for addressing 
significant local issues. We thank him for the legacy he will leave in 
strong ongoing programs, especially the newly re-named Mike Hauser 
Algebra Academy.

                          ____________________