[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 5, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E132]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN RECOGNITION OF SACRAMENTO AREA BUSINESS LEADERS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2020

  Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the many 
outstanding business leaders in California's Capital Region being 
honored at the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce's 125th 
annual dinner and business awards ceremony. Those being honored are 
dedicated to the success of the region and have worked tirelessly to 
advance its economic vitality. I ask all my colleagues to join me in 
honoring these fine Sacramentans, and in thanking the Sacramento 
Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce for its tireless efforts to promote 
business in northern California.
  Kevin Nagle, a businessman, key investor and CEO of the Sacramento 
Republic FC and minority owner of the Sacramento Kings, is being 
honored as the 2019 Sacramentan of the Year. Mr. Nagel has demonstrated 
his commitment to this city year after year, helping to ensure the 
Kings stayed in Sacramento and taking the Sacramento Republic FC from a 
startup team to a Major League Soccer organization. Mr. Nagle is a 
tremendous advocate and has brought a much-needed energy and vigor to 
our region.
  James Beckwith, President & CEO of Five Star Bank since 2003 and 
Board of Director of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, is the 
2019 Businessman of the Year. Mr. Beckwith serves his clients with an 
entrepreneurial and empathetic spirit and believes in helping our 
region grow. Throughout his tenure with Five Star Bank, Mr. Beckwith 
has invested deeply in our community though not only Five Star Bank, 
but his involvement in the Sacramento Angels. His work has helped not 
only Five Star Bank grow but has facilitated success for numerous local 
startup ventures.
  Patricia `Trish' Rodriguez, Senior Vice President and Area Manager of 
Kaiser Permanente since 2010 is the 2019 Businesswoman of the Year. A 
longtime RN, Ms. Rodriguez is responsible for the provision of health 
care to more than 247,000 Kaiser Permanente members in the South 
Sacramento County area. Ms. Rodriguez works to improve not only 
community health, but economic health in our region and in addition to 
her Board role with the Sacramento Metro Chamber, is a Board Member for 
the American Heart Association.
  The Salvation Army is being inducted into the Centennial Business 
Hall of Fame. Started in 1865, the Salvation Army aims to reach our 
most vulnerable community members through a variety of compassionate 
services. From youth programs, to adult rehabilitation centers, the 
Salvation Army provides services to community members at every stage of 
their lives. They have locations in virtually every section of the 
world, helping in over 100 hundred countries.
  Honey has been named the 2019 Small Business of the Year. Founded in 
2008, the female-led design and marketing studio has expertise in food, 
beverage, and agriculture industries. Honey is committed to creating 
the best and most aesthetic designs for their clients and are 
passionate about their craft. They have been developing designs for 
over ten years for industries such as winemakers, restaurants, events, 
and cannabis.
  Debra Oto-Kent, Founder and Executive Director of the Health 
Education Council, is receiving the 2019 Al Geiger Memorial Award. She 
founded the Council over twenty-eight years ago in order to reduce 
health disparities between communities. The Council builds partnerships 
with existing institutions in order to share resources and knowledge 
across the greater health community.
  Bill Mueller, CEO of Valley Vision, is receiving the 2019 Peter 
McCuen Award for Civic Entrepreneurs. For thirteen years, Mr. Mueller 
has taken on complex challenges and has pushed community inspired and 
researched based solutions through his role of CEO. He has had a big 
role in improving the Sacramento area's diverse communities.
  Verna Sulpizio Hull, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Visit 
Sacramento, is the 2019 Metro EDGE Young Professional of the Year. 
Verna has been working to integrate local partnerships and businesses 
into Sacramento's tourism economy allowing for higher revenues and a 
larger growth in Sacramento's economy.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize these individuals and 
businesses for their contributions to the Sacramento region that I 
love. I ask all my colleagues to join me in commending them for their 
unwavering commitment to the Sacramento region.

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