[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2893]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE BELLEVUE DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION

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                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 11, 2014

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Bellevue 
Downtown Association on the occasion of its 40th anniversary. This non-
profit organization is made up of passionate community members and has 
played a key role in creating the flourishing downtown that the 
citizens and businesses of Bellevue, Washington enjoy today.
  Over the last 40 years, Bellevue has been transformed into a thriving 
business center that is home to roughly 1,300 businesses and 45,000 
workers. I am confident that this rapid economic development would not 
have been possible without the work of the Bellevue Downtown 
Association, as their efforts have made this area an inviting location 
for both businesses and residents.
  In particular, much of Bellevue's growth as a rising entertainment 
and cultural scene in the area is largely bolstered by the 
Association's impressive lineup of annual events. From a jazz festival 
and summer concert series, to the Eastside's largest Fourth of July 
celebration, the Bellevue Downtown Association's efforts have made 
downtown Bellevue more than just a great location to do business, but 
an appealing, culturally diverse place to live as well.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great admiration that I recognize the work of 
the Bellevue Downtown Association. Without its voice and hard work, 
downtown Bellevue would not be the economic and cultural center that it 
has become today.

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