Antonio Chavez Honored for 30 Years of Service to the Community
ANTONIO CHAVEZ HONORED FOR 30 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 22, 2004)
SPEECH OFHON. ZOE LOFGREN OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2004
Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the achievements of Antonio Chavez and would like to recognize his extraordinary and tireless service to our community.
His first job with the County was in the Public Guardian's Office in 1974. Later, he was hired by Tom Guerin to work in Personnel's Affirmative Action Unit, and then worked in the Recruitment and Examining Unit as an Analyst.
Antonio moved on in 1978 when he heard his true calling-job placement at Social Services. During his 15 years with JTPA, he focused on job development. In 1993 a new adventure began with the Gain Program, which later became CalWORKs. Later, at 1888 Senter Road Employment Connection, he earned the title, "Mr. Job Placement."
Throughout much of the time when he worked with GAIN/CalWORKs, he also held another position in the community for which he selflessly devoted long hours for many years: President of the Personnel Management Association of Aztlan (PMMA, now known as CHISPPA). This non-profit organization was truly a benefit to the Latino community, providing many professional development workshops for job seekers and scholarships for college students.
That organization also developed a mentorship/internship program that helped many college students and graduates gain valuable experience and employment. Under Antonio's leadership, PMMA also played a major role in the planning and implementation of many of Jobs America's Diversity Job Fairs.
Antonio Chavez has devoted his life to enrich and advance his community, and his contribution deserves to be honored to serve as an inspiration a new generation of San Jose residents.
I want to thank Antonio Chavez for his many years of service to our community and wish him nothing but the best in this next phase of his life.