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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1106-E1107]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN RECOGNITION OF BEVERLY ELIAS MILLER
______
HON. JACKIE SPEIER
of california
in the house of representatives
Monday, September 9, 2019
Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, on the occasion of her well-deserved
retirement, I rise to honor Beverly Elias Miller, an exceptional woman,
an exemplary community leader and an extraordinary human being. In her
29 years on the coast of San Mateo county, Bev touched the lives of
just about every coastsider and her contributions are ingrained in the
fabric of this wonderful community. I feel very fortunate to count her
as a close friend. We first met in 1992 at a Soroptimists award event
that she, of course, choreographed.
Originally from Marinette, Wisconsin, Bev launched her career in the
banking industry in Spokane, Washington in 1967. Starting out as a
trainee in the key punch department she learned almost all aspects of
banking over the following 32 years. She came to the coast in 1991 and
served as the branch manager of First National Bank before being
promoted to vice president and regional manager. When the Bank of
America shut down its earliest branch, located in the tiny rural town
of Pescadero, Bev and local farmers and businesses came together to
open a branch of her bank so that loans and banking services remained
available. In an era before the term ``unbanked'' was popularized, Bev
ensured that farm workers could cash their paychecks
[[Page E1107]]
to pay the rent. Today, the successor to First National maintains that
branch and the relationship with the community, so wise was Bev's
investment of time and energy in the economic development of this
little town.
Grass never grew under her feet and, to prove the point, in 2000 she
accepted the position as chief financial officer at San Francisco
Brannan Street Wholesale Florist Incorporated. This is a very large
wholesale operation in San Francisco, and a perfect work environment
given Bev's love for flowers, particularly roses. Bev is an avid
gardener and the roses in her garden look like award winners. It was
also a natural transition from working with the coastside's farmers,
many of whom sold their product at this facility. However, Bev never
severed her relationship with coastside businesses and charities.
Whether it's Farm Day, the Pumpkin Festival, Dream Machine, the
Harbor Lights Boat Lighting Contest or any other signature event on the
coast, Bev was present and most likely running the show. Several of
these events served as fundraisers for charities, and Bev was always
serving food, pouring drinks, or raising money. She also used the bully
pulpit of the Chamber of Commerce to promote tourism so that her
customers and our residents could thrive during good times and survive
as recessions came and went.
Throughout her time on the coast, and although she worked full time,
she found time to volunteer long hours. She served on the board of
directors of the San Mateo Event Center. For 12 years, she served on
the board of directors of the Half Moon Bay Chamber of Commerce. Since
1992 she has been the chair for Mel Mello Farm Day, a delightful annual
luncheon that has brought together farmers, small business owners and
community leaders for 50 years. It is one of my favorite events of the
year and I always cherish spending that day with Bev. She is the main
engine behind this elaborate luncheon, complete with local recipes for
artichokes and Brussels sprouts. So ubiquitous is Bev's presence that
the Chamber created an award to be given to a community leader. It's
named the Bev Miller Community Service Award. A true civic volunteer,
she also served on the board of her homeowner's association and keeps
her home as immaculate as her garden. She is known for constantly
redecorating her house. Bev simply can't sit still and is always in
motion.
One of the most difficult but important jobs in any community is
serving on the board sofa nonprofit for disabled seniors. Bev served on
the board of the Coastside Adult Day Health Center, a remarkable
institution that has provided loving care for the elderly for decades.
She was a judge for the Harbor Lights Boat Lighting Contest, served on
the Dream Machine Committee, and always was the first volunteer to
arrive at the Pumpkin Festival and the last to leave. Hundreds of
thousands visit the festival each year. If you run a non-profit
organization, you clearly want Bev on your board.
Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me to
celebrate the joy of life (goie de vivre) of Bev Miller. She's leaving
the coastside and will be dearly missed. She is returning to Spokane
unleashing an immediate rise in energy and optimism once she enters its
community hall or local government center. She will stay engaged in any
town that she calls home. Service to others is in her DNA and I wish
her all the best in the next chapter in her life. I, along with
countless coastsiders, will deeply miss her.
____________________