[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 49 (Friday, March 18, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E282-E283]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING MR. MOE AMMAR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIMMY PANETTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 18, 2022

  Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement 
of Mr. Moe Ammar from Pacific Grove's Chamber of Commerce after 29 
years of dedicated service to Monterey County and the central coast of 
California. Mr. Ammar's legacy of leadership and financial stewardship 
will continue to guide Pacific Grove's strong and vibrant Chamber of 
Commerce and business community.
  Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Mr. Ammar quickly rose through the ranks of 
the hospitality industry after graduating from the University of 
Nevada, Las Vegas in 1979. After developing hotels around the world, 
his work brought him to Pacific Grove in 1986 and Mr. Ammar quickly 
embraced our community and became the champion of Pacific Grove's 
businesses at the local and state level. He passionately fought against 
increased taxes, parking charges, and zoning laws that limit business 
growth.
  Under his leadership and presidency, the Chamber passed four ballot 
measures in support of local business priorities. In 2001, the Downtown 
Business Improvement District was formed by the Chamber which benefits 
230 businesses. In 2007, the Chamber helped form the Hospitality 
Improvement District that represents and benefits 23 lodging 
establishments, and in 2013, it established the Tourist Information 
Center.

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  Furthermore, events like ``Good Old Days'' grew from two city blocks 
to nine, and the Pacific Grove Car Auction was introduced at the 
Pacific Grove Golf Links. The organization also adopted the Holman 
Highway, volunteering to pick up trash and keep the roadway clean for 
the past 11 years.
  Mr. Moe Ammar's dedication to the community did not stop with the 
Chamber of Commerce. He served on the Economic Development Committee 
for 27 years, taught the next generation of business leaders at 
Monterey Peninsula College for 17 years, and volunteered for picnics, 
parades, and the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. His enthusiasm for 
service was commemorated when he was awarded the Key to the City of 
Pacific Grove in 2000, becoming only the third person in the last four 
decade to be awarded this honor.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to 
join me in recognizing Mr. Ammar's decades of service. I extend my 
personal appreciation to Mr. Moe Ammar and his dedication to the 
Central Coast.

                          ____________________