[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 96 (Tuesday, June 6, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E757]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF RALPH PONTILLO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE KELLY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 6, 2017

  Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize one 
of my constituents from Western Pennsylvania, Mr. Ralph Pontillo. 
Following nearly 30 years of service, Ralph recently retired as 
president of the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA), a 
professional trade organization that represents more than 3,000 member 
companies in the tri-state region.
   Ralph is a veteran of the United States Air Force and a native of 
Erie County, where he graduated from Strong Vincent High School and 
Gannon University, earning a baccalaureate degree in political science. 
Ralph joined the MBA in 1987 and served as manager of member services 
until he was named president on April 1, 1990. Ralph maintained his 
role as president for the following three decades, creating a legacy 
built on advocating for the business community.
   Throughout his tenure, Ralph was instrumental in much of the MBA's 
success, including the facility relocation to its present headquarters 
and the construction of the MBA's Conference Center. These two projects 
allowed the MBA to expand and offer additional programs and services, 
enabling the MBA to become one of the largest regional employer 
associations of its kind.
   Ralph is credited with spearheading one of the MBA's most visible 
community outreach programs, the annual Roar on the Shore  charitable 
motorcycle rally. Roar on the Shore  is one of the fastest-growing 
charitable motorcycle rallies in the United States, attracting 
approximately 165,000 visitors to the Erie area annually, creating an 
economic boost of more than $25 million. Over the past ten years, the 
rally has raised more than $800,000 for local charities.
   Ralph has actively participated in a number of local, state and 
national boards, voluntarily dedicating his time and effort in order to 
support various initiatives. Ralph is a member of the American Society 
of Association Executives and for more than 20 years has maintained the 
status of a Certified Association Executive, a professional designation 
that recognizes the highest level of achievement and excellence in the 
profession. Ralph's expertise has been an absolute asset to the various 
boards and organizations with which he has been involved.
   Ralph is an admirable professional who has created a praiseworthy 
legacy built on advocacy and service. He took advantage of his role as 
President of the MBA, continuously striving for greatness in all that 
he did. Ralph has made lasting contributions and the Erie community 
will reap the benefits of his efforts long after his retirement. Ralph 
will be remembered as a catalyst for improvement and a longtime 
champion for the business community

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