[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 110 (Monday, July 26, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1424]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING BRUCE KERN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 26, 2010

  Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Bruce 
Kern for a long career of public service and leadership on the occasion 
of his retirement. As Executive Director of the East Bay Economic 
Development Alliance (East Bay EDA), Mr. Kern led a local public/
private partnership responsible for the retention and attraction of 
business and the promotion of sustainable development.
  Native to California and born in the Bay Area, Bruce Kern has enjoyed 
a multi-faceted career for the State of California as an Economic 
Analyst, as well as for Alameda County as Director of Research and 
Planning for its Criminal Justice Planning Board and Director of 
Planning for the Alameda County Social Services Agency. Between 1982 
and 1986, Mr. Kern also lectured part-time on social planning and 
public policy for the School of Social Welfare at the University of 
California, Berkeley.
  As a county employee in 1990, Mr. Kern was assigned with coordinating 
a County taskforce comprising 14 of its cities and private and 
nonprofit community leaders in response to the significant impact of 
military base closures in the region. This taskforce became a committee 
of the County commissioned by the Mayors' Council of Alameda County, 
which eventually evolved into the Economic Development Advisory Board 
(EDAB) and later expanded to include Contra Costa County.
  Now with a membership of over 700, including leaders in business, 
local government, education, labor and community service, the East Bay 
Economic Development Alliance strives to maintain the East Bay as a 
world-recognized location attracting revenue, business growth and the 
creation of quality jobs. Under Mr. Kern's vision and leadership, the 
East Bay EDA has been a driving force for collaborative leadership in 
the region to strengthen local infrastructure and promote economic 
prosperity.
  Additionally, Mr. Kern has been a member of the Board of Directors of 
the Corporation for Manufacturing Excellence (Manex), the Technology 
Venture Corporation, the California Association for Local Economic 
Development (CalEd) and the Alameda County Work Force Investment Board. 
His many accolades include the 1998 Golden Bear Award from the 
California Association for Local Economic Development rewarding his 
vision, drive, enthusiasm, creativity and commitment to CALED and the 
economic development profession.
  On behalf of California's 9th Congressional District, Mr. Bruce Kern, 
we salute you. Thank you for your many contributions to our community, 
which will continue to influence local business leaders, economic 
development and working men and women for years to come. I am confident 
that the East Bay Economic Development Alliance will continue in your 
legacy of excellence and success. Once again, congratulations on your 
many achievements. We wish you and your loved ones all the best in this 
next chapter of life.

                          ____________________