[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 9926-9927]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



       TRIBUTE TO MELVYN J. KATES, SPECIAL AMBASSADOR OF GOODWILL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 5, 2001

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, the International Visitors Council of 
Metropolitan Detroit is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to 
present the unique culture of Metro Detroit to

[[Page 9927]]

distinguished visitors from around the world through its social, 
economic, and educational diversity. This year, as the International 
Visitors Council held its Gala Celebration on May 18, 2001, they 
honored Melvyn J. Kates as Special Ambassador of Goodwill, for his 
outstanding dedication and support of the IVC mission.
  Longtime IVC advocate and distinguished lawyer, Melvyn Kates has 
demonstrated remarkable commitment and support throughout the years to 
both the American and International communities. With an interest in 
social and civic activism, Kates has served his community well through 
positions as a Precinct Delegate of the 13th Democratic District, an 
Alternate State Central Committee Member, and with professional 
affiliation with the American Bar Association, the Michigan Bar 
Association, the Wolverine Bar Association and the Polish Bar 
Association. His hard work and leadership efforts have earned him 
several awards, among them the Office of Wayne County Executive 
Distinguished Service Award and the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit's 
Community Service Award, as well as proclamations and tributes from the 
Detroit City Council, the City of Detroit Office of the Mayor, the 
State of Michigan House of Representatives, and the State of Michigan 
Senate.
  As a Citizen Ambassador faithfully committed to the mission of the 
International Visitors Council, Kates has dedicated his time and 
talents to hosting meetings, fundraisers and receptions for Detroiters 
and honorable guests from around the world. Opening his home and his 
heart to international visitors from Europe, Asia and Africa, he has 
taken it upon himself to ensure that visitors leave Detroit with a 
positive impression of the city and its citizens.
  I applaud the International Visitors Council of Metropolitan Detroit 
and Special Ambassador Melvyn Kates for their leadership and 
commitment. I know that Melvyn is honored by this recognition and I 
urge my colleagues to join me in saluting him for his exemplary years 
of service.

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