[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 118 (Friday, July 25, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1237]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE DISTINGUISHED CAREER OF STEPHEN BERO AND HIS OUTSTANDING 
                 IMPACT IN THE WARREN-NEWPORT COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. BRADLEY S. SCHNEIDER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 25, 2014

  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to honor Stephen 
Bero, an exceptional public servant who, for more than 20 years, worked 
in library administration and for the last nearly 10 served years as 
the Executive Director of the Warren-Newport Public Library District 
(WNPLD) in Gurnee, IL.
   When Steve formally retires at the end of July, he will complete 
what has been a truly remarkable career in service to his community. 
During his tenure as Executive Director, Steve presided over the WNPLD 
during a period of remarkable growth and financial stability. Steve 
successfully shepherded an $8.7 million expansion and renovation 
project, securing a AA+ bond rating from Standard & Poor's as well as 
favorable financing options that made the project possible.
   In addition to his many noteworthy financial accomplishments, Steve 
fostered an incredibly positive environment at the library that earned 
the recognition and appreciation of his colleagues and the surrounding 
community. Steve's colleagues noted his successful leadership during 
the construction, along with his decision to reinstate the Youth 
Services department.
   Under Steve's stewardship, WNPLD has become one of the most popular 
public libraries in all of Lake County.
   In a fitting conclusion to Steve's tenure at WNLPD, the Illinois 
Library Association named him the 2014 Librarian of the Year. The 
entire Warren-Newport community is lucky to have enjoyed Steve Bero's 
service.

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