[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 65 (Thursday, April 30, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1040]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING RAYMOND SERCU OF NAPA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 30, 2009

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Mr. Raymond Sercu, a great leader in the community of Napa Valley. Mr. 
Sercu is being honored by Napa Valley Product Services Industry for his 
many contributions to developmentally disabled adults in the Napa 
Valley.
  Mr. Sercu was born in Buffalo, New York and served in the United 
States Air Force for two years before coming to California for post-
graduate work at UC Berkeley and San Jose State. He worked as Area 
Manager for National Cash Register from 1954 to 1965 before beginning 
his distinguished tenure with Vallerga's Markets of Napa in 1965.
  Mr. Sercu's time as President of one of Napa's premier small 
businesses is only the beginning of his extensive community 
involvement. Ray has served as Chairman of Queen of the Valley 
Hospital's Board of Trustees, the Northern California Grocers 
Association, Retail Marketing Services and the Napa County 4-H 
Sponsorship Committee. He has also served as President of the Napa 
Valley Economic Development Corporation, and in the Napa Valley Chamber 
of Commerce among many others. He is a Rotarian and lifetime PTA member 
who was appointed to the Napa City Council from 1999 to 2001. Of 
particular note on this occasion is Ray's service to developmentally 
disabled adults as Chairman of the Product Services Industry Board of 
Directors and President of North Bay Developmental Disabilities 
Services.
  Throughout his career, Mr. Sercu has earned the continued admiration 
of all who have worked with him. His colleagues and friends describe 
Ray as one of the kindest, most generous people they have ever met, 
someone who would give the shirt off his back to make the community a 
better place.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, it is my distinct pleasure to recognize 
Ray Sercu for his many years of service. He has been a model citizen 
and leader in the Napa Valley and his presence has enriched the lives 
of everyone in our community. I join his wife Jenny and six children in 
thanking Ray for a distinguished lifetime of service and wishing him 
continued success and fulfillment.

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