[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 127 (Friday, July 29, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E812]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING RICK JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIMMY PANETTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 29, 2022

  Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement 
of Mr. Rick Johnson from his position as Executive Director of the Old 
Monterey Business Association and Administrator of the Lighthouse 
District. After more than twenty years of dedicated service, Mr. 
Johnson is the longest serving leader of any business association, not 
just on the Central Coast, but in the state of California.
  The Old Monterey Business Association strives to promote Old 
Monterey's economic vitality and preserve its community spirit, as well 
as enhance its one-of-a-kind downtown. The Lighthouse District is home 
to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and over 100 intriguing specialty shops, 
restaurants, and nightlife establishments.
  Born in Minnesota, Mr. Johnson was stationed at the Defense Language 
Institute at the Presidio of Monterey in 1968 at the age of 19. After 
retiring from the U.S. Army, Mr. Johnson began his civilian career in 
Monterey, earning $1.35 an hour at the Regency Theatre on Alvarado 
Street. After briefly leaving the Central Coast to pursue higher 
education, he returned to Monterey and continued to foster strong 
relationships in the community.
  Mr. Johnson's expertise and knowledge of the Central Coast, paired 
with his sense of humor, served him well during his time with the Old 
Monterey Business Association and the Lighthouse District. In his 
capacity, he frequently provided the Business Association with in-depth 
knowledge of government infrastructure and local businesses, guided 
decision making, and oversaw the day-to-day relations between hundreds 
of local businesses and city government. Mr. Johnson is no stranger to 
disaster, and led the business community through flooding, a 2007 fire 
on Alvarado Street, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Time and time again, Mr. 
Johnson's leadership served as a catalyst for positive engagement and 
economic recovery and improvement.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to 
join me in recognizing Mr. Rick Johnson for his decades of service. His 
leadership and dedication to public service have shaped Monterey and 
greatly influenced the role of the Business Association in the 
community. I extend my personal appreciation to Mr. Rick Johnson and 
his dedication to our local economy and business community.

                          ____________________