[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 14184-14185]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING RICH CURTOLA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 14, 2016

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
and honor one of Vallejo's greatest champions, Rich Curtola, upon his 
retirement from the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce.
  A Vallejo native, Mr. Curtola has been a member of the Vallejo 
Chamber of Commerce since 1975 and is retiring after six years with the 
Chamber's leadership, including four as President and CEO. Rich has 
been instrumental in our community's economic recovery following the 
Great Recession of 2008 and has worked diligently to grow the Chamber's 
presence in our community. During his tenure

[[Page 14185]]

as President and CEO, Rich has improved the Chamber's community 
relations, increased membership and secured a permanent home for the 
Chamber. He also led the Chamber as it took on important community 
projects such as hosting the annual 4th of July parade.
  Throughout his lifetime of service to our city, Mr. Curtola has drawn 
on his unwavering optimism in Vallejo's future to make our community a 
better place to live, work, start a business and raise a family. Mr. 
Curtola's legacy is one of unrivaled devotion and knowledge of the city 
we all love, so much so that the name Curtola has become synonymous 
with Vallejo.
  Mr. Speaker, Rich Curtola has dedicated his time and expertise to 
serving our community and ensuring Vallejo's economic success. 
Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today and 
extend our best wishes for an enjoyable retirement.

                          ____________________