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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HONORS KAREN BASS FOR HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENT
Whereas Karen Bass made history as the first African-American woman to serve as Speaker in a State legislative body in the United States;

Whereas Karen Bass was sworn in as the 67th Speaker of the California State Assembly on May 13, 2008; Whereas Karen Bass was elected in 2005 to represent California's 47th Assembly District;

Whereas Karen Bass represents Culver City, West Los Angeles, Westwood, Cheviot Hills, Ladera Heights, the Crenshaw District, Little Ethiopia, Baldwin Hills, and parts of Korea Town and South Los Angeles;

Whereas Karen Bass in her first term was appointed to Majority Whip;

Whereas Karen Bass in her second term was elevated to the post of Majority Floor Leader, making her the first woman to hold the post and the second African-American to serve in the position;

Whereas Karen Bass founded and operated Community Coalition before becoming an elected official, which is a community based social justice organization in South Los Angeles empowering people to make a difference in the community;

Whereas Karen Bass graduated from Hamilton High School, California State University at Dominquez Hills, and the University of Southern California's School Of Medicine; and

Whereas Karen Bass was raised in the Venice/Fairfax area of Los Angeles with her parents DeWitt and Wilhelmina Bass:

Now, therefore, be it Resolved,

That the House of Representatives - (1) honors Karen Bass for becoming the first African-American woman Speaker of the California State Assembly; and (2) expresses support for the California State Assembly as it welcomes Karen Bass as its 67th Speaker.

ORLANDO CVB NAMES DISNEY EXECUTIVE GEORGE AGUEL AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

The Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. (Orlando CVB) has announced that George Aguel, senior vice president for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, has been selected to serve a two-year term as the 2009-2010 chairman of the organization's Board of Directors. In this role, Aguel will work closely with the 30-member Board of Directors and the Orlando CVB management team to ensure the prosperity of the area's dynamic tourism industry for the continued economic benefit of the community.

Aguel succeeds Mark McHugh, Gatorland president and CEO, who served as Orlando CVB Chairman from 2006-2008.

"I am very excited about working with George and the other accomplished executives making up our Board of Directors to continue the organizational excellence and innovation that has made the Orlando CVB one of the top destination management organizations in the country," said Gary Sain, Orlando CVB president and CEO. "I have known George for more than 20 years and have had the distinct pleasure of working with him more closely since I took the helm of the Orlando CVB in February 2007. There could not be a finer choice to direct our Board as we navigate these rapidly changing times and chart a vibrant course for our industry's future."

"It has been very gratifying to have been involved with the Orlando CVB and the region's tourism industry over the many years that I have been in this community," said George Aguel. "I look forward to further collaboration with my Board colleagues and the talented CVB management team to provide leadership, energy and focus to further strengthen Orlando's position as one of the world's leading destinations."
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