[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 635]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO CORONA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 
                          RECIPIENT BUD GORDON

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                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 14, 2014

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an 
individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of 
Corona, California are exceptional. Corona has been fortunate to have 
dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly and unselfishly 
give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to 
live and work. Bud Gordon is one of these individuals. On January 16, 
2014, Bud will receive a prestigious honor when the Corona Chamber of 
Commerce gives him the Lifetime Achievement Award at the organization's 
annual awards and installation gala at the Eagle Glen Golf Club.
  One of Bud's greatest achievements has been bringing immense growth 
in the region. He is the visionary behind the Gordon Automotive Group 
which includes several automotive dealerships throughout Riverside 
County and greater Southern California. Bud's commitment is seen 
especially at the Gordon Automotives Group's Headquarters, Quality 
Toyota of Corona, which carries the guiding principle of delivering 
service that is caring, defect-free, and timely. He has helped add 
numerous jobs in the area which has strengthened and bettered the 
economy in a profound way.
  Bud is not only an innovative businessman, but also an active 
community member and has spent his life giving back in any way he can. 
Bud founded and formed the At Risk Children Angel Foundation in 
conjunction with members of the Corona Police Department to help supply 
local at risk children with sports equipment, registration fees, and 
even basic necessities. He has also been an active supporter of the 
Happy Hairston Youth Foundation, where he both raised and donated 
hundreds of thousands of dollars to help disadvantaged youth achieve 
their goals and pursue their dreams.
  Inspired by his daughter, Bud also created a variety of educational 
programs to motivate and inform students in the community. He recreated 
the Oval Office at his Corona headquarters, forming the Quality Toyota 
West Wing, which has served over 195,000 students who have participated 
in the 2\1/2\-hour educational learning experience offered there. Bud 
also recognized a need for a hands-on trade school training facility, 
and thus, Uncle Bud's Automotive Museum was born. The Museum offers ``A 
Journey Through Automotive History,'' where students can both see and 
feel the history of the automobile and hear from docents regarding the 
variety of careers offered in the automotive industry.
  Bud's passion and leadership are contagious and when it comes to 
commitment, he makes sure to match his words with his actions. He is a 
tireless supporter of the Settlement House, which provides food to the 
needy, the Trauma Intervention Program, the Alternatives to Domestic 
Violence Program, and various organizations supporting local schools.
  In light of all he has done for the community of Corona, the Corona 
Chamber of Commerce has given him their Lifetime Achievement Award. 
Bud's tireless passion for service has contributed immensely to the 
betterment of the community of Corona, California. He has been the 
heart and soul of many organizations and events and I am proud to call 
him a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many 
community members are grateful for his service and salute him as he 
receives this prestigious award.

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