[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 117 (Thursday, July 24, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1229-E1230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING MICHAEL LYNCH

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DENHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 24, 2014

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor a fellow 
community member and small business leader, Michael Lynch. Mr. Lynch's 
exemplary contributions to Turlock and surrounding communities in my 
district have earned him recognition by the Turlock Chamber of 
Commerce. Not only has the Turlock Chamber of Commerce recognized Mr. 
Lynch, Cal Chamber, California's statewide chamber of Commerce, has 
awarded him the Small Business Advocate of the Year Award. This award 
was created in 1996 by CalChamber to recognize small business owners 
who have dedicated themselves to small business advocacy not only at a 
local and state level, but also at a national level.
  In 1973, immediately after graduating from Santa Clara University, 
Mr. Lynch, began his long career of public service by becoming the 
Administrative Assistant to Sacramento County Supervisor Pat Melarkey. 
Mr. Lynch worked for Mr. Melarkey for five years before accepting a 
position at a law firm as a consultant.
  After a short time in the private sector, Mr. Lynch accepted the 
Principal Consultant position at the California Assembly Office of 
Majority services in 1980. After his service at the California Assembly 
office, in 1984, he accepted a position as Chief of Staff for 
California Assemblyman Gary Condit, where he served for 13 years 
improving the lives of California citizens.
  In 2004, Mr. Lynch became the Chief Operating Officer of Great Valley 
Center. Founded in 1997, the Great Valley Center is an organization 
whose mission it is to engage the public to take an active role and 
participate in local government. As the COO of Great Valley Center, 
Michael Lynch advised and oversaw the organization's efforts in the 
California Central Valley to promote their mission. One of Mr. Lynch's 
greatest accomplishments while in office at the Great Valley Center was 
the merging of the organization with the University of California, 
Merced. After the successful integration of the university, Mr. Lynch 
returned to the private sector to found his own consulting firm. 
Although he runs his own firm, he still finds the time to advance the 
mission of the Great Valley Center by advocating for small businesses 
and bringing critical issues to the forefront of public discussions.
  In order to effectively promote small business issues, Michael Lynch 
volunteered as Chairman of the Turlock Chamber of Commerce Government 
Relations Committee. As chair of the committee, Michael invites experts 
to discuss issues with local small business owners in order to keep his 
community informed. In addition, Mr. Lynch informs the general public 
and the national small business community about issues affecting 
Americans by being published in newspapers and business journals.
  With his success as Chairman of the Government Relations Committee, 
the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors took notice of his expertise 
and appointed Mr. Lynch to serve on the County Water Advisory 
Committee. As part of the committee, he has been a strong advocate for 
small businesses who are dependent on the water supply. One of the 
highlights of his service on the advisory committee was the scheduling 
of regional water issues forums focused on the challenges that face 
Stanislaus County. Along with scheduling speakers for the forum, Mr. 
Lynch led conference calls and other outreach activities in order to 
secure the support and participation of key organizations.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating with the Turlock Chamber 
of Commerce in honoring Michael Lynch; not only for being awarded the 
CalChamber Small Business Advocate of the Year Award, but also for 
continuing to volunteer his services to empower citizens and businesses 
in the Central Valley. California and the members of my district 
appreciate the 30 years of service Mr. Lynch has put into our great 
state and community and look forward to his continued support in the 
future. Thank you Michael Lynch.

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