[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 162 (Monday, November 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1445]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING RICH CURTOLA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 14, 2016

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
and honor one of Vallejo's greatest champions, Rich Curtola, upon his 
retirement from the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce.
  A Vallejo native, Mr. Curtola has been a member of the Vallejo 
Chamber of Commerce since 1975 and is retiring after six years with the 
Chamber's leadership, including four as President and CEO. Rich has 
been instrumental in our community's economic recovery following the 
Great Recession of 2008 and has worked diligently to grow the Chamber's 
presence in our community. During his tenure as President and CEO, Rich 
has improved the Chamber's community relations, increased membership 
and secured a permanent home for the Chamber. He also led the Chamber 
as it took on important community projects such as hosting the annual 
4th of July parade.
  Throughout his lifetime of service to our city, Mr. Curtola has drawn 
on his unwavering optimism in Vallejo's future to make our community a 
better place to live, work, start a business and raise a family. Mr. 
Curtola's legacy is one of unrivaled devotion and knowledge of the city 
we all love, so much so that the name Curtola has become synonymous 
with Vallejo.
  Mr. Speaker, Rich Curtola has dedicated his time and expertise to 
serving our community and ensuring Vallejo's economic success. 
Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today and 
extend our best wishes for an enjoyable retirement.

                          ____________________