[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 103 (Thursday, July 18, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1088-E1089]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO RAJ NARAYANAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 18, 2013

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an 
individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of 
Murrieta are exceptional. The City of Murrieta has been fortunate to 
have dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly and 
unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a 
better place to live and work. Raj Narayanan is one of these 
individuals. On July 20, 2013, Raj will be honored as the ``Citizen of 
the Year'' at the Murrieta Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards 
Celebration.
  Raj is the epitome of the values that the Murrieta Chamber of 
Commerce holds true, with a focus on strengthening the local economy, 
providing networking opportunities, promoting the community, 
representing business and government, and political advocacy. 
Currently, Raj serves as a Board Member of the Chamber, where he will 
soon serve on the Ambassador and Membership Committees. He is a highly 
motivated community builder and hardworking professional with proven 
organizational abilities. During his time at the Chamber, Raj has 
proven to be an effective leader.
  Raj's involvement and vision have grown during his time serving on 
the Murrieta Chamber Board. Raj has always been quick to accept a 
challenge, especially if it means betterment for the community. He is 
co-chair for both the Chamber Golf Tournament and Chamber Installation 
Dinner. While serving as co-chair for the Chamber Golf Tournament, Raj 
effectively rebranded the tournament as the ``Brew Masters Tournament'' 
and successfully raised more money than in previous years. His success 
does not stop there. As co-chair of the Installation Dinner, Raj has 
tirelessly worked to rebrand the event as the ``Awards Celebration'' 
hosted at the Pechanga Resort and Casino with the hope of growing it 
annually. Raj has always been eager to help new Chamber members and is 
an active volunteer in Chamber events, including the Murrieta Chamber 
Reverse Drawings and the Special Olympic Games Bocce Ball Tournament.
  In addition to the Murrieta Chamber of Commerce, Raj is a member of 
many other community organizations whose programs help fundraise for 
businesses and organizations in the area. These organizations include 
the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Valley Young 
Professionals. He was recently appointed to the Advisory Council of the 
Assistance League of Temecula Valley. He has helped events come to life 
through multiple planning stages, including the Boys and Girls Club 
Annual ``Field of Dreams'' Dinner, the Juvenile Diabetes Research 
Foundation Walk which raised over $90,000, and the Reality Rally. Raj 
has also been a participant in the Murrieta Veteran's Day Parade, Field 
of Honor, Boys and Girls Club ``Our Kids Rock'' fundraiser, and the 
Susan G. Komen for the Cure Walk/Run. He is also an active participant 
in the Temecula Noon Rotary Club where he serves as a member of the 
International Committee and is the Membership Co-Chair. For the Past 
three years, Raj has been committed to his title as ``Food Chair'' for 
the annual Rotary Taste of the World Fundraiser, which helped generate 
over $40,000 in 2013.
  In light of all Raj has done for Murrieta, the Murrieta Chamber of 
Commerce named Raj their Citizen of the Year. His tireless passion for 
community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of 
Murrieta and the surrounding area. He has been the heart and soul of 
many organizations and events and I am proud to call him a fellow 
community member and American. I know that many are grateful for his 
service and salute him as he receives this prestigious award.

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