[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3018]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING AMERICAN AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION FOR 100 YEARS OF SERVICE AND 
          FOR TAKING AN ACTIVE ROLE IN THE SAFETY OF AMERICANS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 12, 2002

  Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate AAA on 100 years of 
serving Americans. On March 8 in my home state of Idaho, the Oregon-
Idaho AAA office will hold a grand opening for its brand new building 
in Boise.
  When AAA started 100 years ago, America was starting to emerge as a 
technological trendsetter. Alexander Graham Bell was developing the 
telephone. Thomas Edison was experimenting with electricity and the 
light bulb. The Wright Brothers were jumping off hilltops to attempt 
flight. Henry Ford was beginning his own company to replace horse and 
cart with steel and wheels. This was the environment in which AAA 
began--an inventor's paradise--where good ideas became life-altering 
institutions.
  In 1902, American motorists needed better roads, so nine regional 
auto clubs in Chicago took on the task. Since then, AAA has expanded 
its mission from helping kids and parents know the life-saving value of 
car seats, to developing signature roadside service, to the famous 
TripTik maps to travel discounts. AAA also continues to fight for 
better roads for safer Americans.
  AAA in Idaho has a long history as well, starting in 1920. In fact, 
the new 14,000 square foot building is named after Richard ``Dick'' 
Navarro, AAA Idaho's President from 1981 to 1993.
  Congratulations AAA on 100 years of serving Idaho and for taking an 
active role in the safety of Americans. Your outstanding work is 
appreciated and shows by your 48 million loyal members.

                          ____________________