Tribute to Keller Hayes

TRIBUTE TO KELLER HAYES -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 22, 2004)

Ms. DEGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the notable accomplishments of a remarkable woman in the 1st Congressional District of Colorado. It is both fitting and proper that we recognize Keller Hayes for her impressive record of business and civic leadership as well as her invaluable service to our state and community.

Keller Hayes has used her time, skill and energy to make Colorado a better place. She came to our community from a small ranch in rural Nebraska and graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln with a degree in Journalism and Women's Studies. She worked for various publishing houses, including a trade publication in Minnesota and for Monterey Life in California before joining the Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce.

For Keller, the economic empowerment of women has meaning. Whether advocating for passage of a pay-equity resolution at the statehouse or developing a Women's Business Certification program to allow women-owned companies to gain greater access to corporate and government contracts, Keller has been a champion for social and economic empowerment. She believes in the mission of the Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce and during her tenure as President, she gave its mission new life and helped build a dynamic organization. When Keller took up the job, she and a part-time person were the only staff the chamber had. Today, the organization has eight staff people, boasts 1,700 members and has become the largest women's chamber in the country. Under Keller's leadership, the Women's Chamber created a structure that promotes the economic advancement of its members and provides meaningful leadership for women in business. Keller has opened doors and garnered respect for the women's business community. She has brought other women along and helped get them a seat at the table. Keller has fought for recognition of both the immeasurable contribution of women to our economy and the full value of women's abilities. As a result of her leadership, business women have become a more powerful force in our city and our state.

For her efforts, Keller was chosen the 2001 Outstanding Woman in Business Nonprofit by the Denver Business Journal and 2002 Women in Business Advocate of the Year in Region VIII for the Small Business Administration. But it takes a special person to reach a high level of professional accomplishment and still find the time and energy to give back to the community.
Over the past six years, Keller has volunteered for the Rape/Spouse Abuse Crisis Center as an on-line counselor, volunteer trainer, speaker and public relations volunteer. Not only has Keller used her skills and talents to promote the economic empowerment of women, she has done much to advance the well-being of our people.

While I believe many of us are saddened Keller has left the Women's Chamber, I am confident that her leadership, skill and experience will be of great benefit to all of us in her new venture and we look forward to her continued involvement in our civic life.

Please join me commending Keller Hayes for her professional achievement, community service and active involvement in helping women attain professional excellence and a dynamic voice in public life. It is the strong leadership she exhibits on a daily basis that continually enhances our lives and builds a better future for all Americans.