[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 480]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MS. DAWN KINNEY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 27, 2004

  Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a model citizen from 
the 18th Congressional District, Ms. Dawn Kinney. She is being honored 
by the Merced County Chamber of Commerce for her service as their 
president for the past year. I know Dawn has worked hard on their 
behalf, and for the betterment of local businesses in Merced County. It 
is my pleasure to help the County Chamber recognize a wonderful woman, 
and a very good friend.
  Dawn was born in Albany, Georgia and was raised throughout the United 
States while her father served in the United States Air Force. While 
living in Bossier City, Louisiana, she graduated from Bossier High 
School, and then went on to attend Louisiana State University in 
Shreveport. Soon after, Dawn moved to Merced, California in March of 
1975 to attend Merced College.
  In May of 1978, Dawn was hired by Mr. Bob Ayers to work for 
Transamerica Title. Dawn had previously been employed as a legal 
secretary in Louisiana and California before joining Mr. Ayers and his 
staff. She worked hard with Mr. Ayers, and was asked to remain a part 
of the team after the company was purchased and renamed Transcounty 
Title. Currently, she is the Vice President and County Manager of 
Transcounty Title Company.
  Since 1987, Dawn has been a member of the California Escrow 
Association, and was designated as a Certified Senior Escrow Officer by 
the Association in June of 1989. She became more involved with the 
Association and served as State Director of the California Escrow 
Association from 1995 to 1997. For her determined work ethic, she was 
awarded the Olga Mitchell Rookie Director of the Year Award in 1995.
  Always one to take on a new challenge, Dawn participated and 
graduated from the Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce Leadership Merced 
Program in June of 1999. This is a vital, voluntary program open to 
business leaders in Merced County. She has been involved with the 
County Chamber for many years, as a member on the Board of Directors, 
and holding a number of vital posts such as Secretary, Vice President, 
and finally as their President. Dawn's son, Christopher, is a junior at 
Merced High School and is a Varsity swimmer.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues help me honor Dawn today for 
her hard work as President of the Merced County Chamber of Commerce, 
and commitment to ensure Merced County has a bright and prosperous 
tomorrow. I am honored to call her my friend, and to recognize her for 
all of her accomplishments.

                          ____________________