November 15, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1481 Protecting and securing public lands and Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Their School for Music. When Eddie was only five space for outdoor recreation is crucial for the goal was to have 30 Members by the first or- years old, he started entering and winning tal- future success of the American economy and ganizational meeting in March 1996. ent competitions with Charlie. At an early age, the environment. By the time that meeting was called to he began to play the piano and at 13, he Outdoor recreational activities contribute sig- order, the Chamber had grown to include joined his uncle’s orchestra, playing timbales. nificantly to the physical, mental, and spiritual more than 80 businesses. Eddie felt inspired to practice and perform health and wellness of individuals. Today the Chamber serves a roster of over publicly when he began watching his brother, Federal lands contribute significantly to the 300 Members, a number that increases almost Charlie, who was nine years older, play with preservation of nature-based outdoor rec- daily. These members are lesbian, gay, bisex- talented musicians. He also started hearing reational opportunities. ual, and transgender (LGBT) business owners, the music Charlie played at home, where he Federal recreation resources generate vast as well as gay-supportive businesses. To- was exposed to and influenced by the music amounts of economic enterprise from tourist gether they employ over 2,000 people in the of jazz greats such as Thelonius Monk, Bud activity, recreation visitors, and the increased Chicago area, with gross revenues that ex- Powell, Bill Evans and McCoy Tyner. property value and business attraction gained ceed $200 million. Its mission is to promote Eddie’s professional career as a pianist from natural amenities. economic opportunities for the LGBT commu- began when he joined various bands in the The preservation and growth of the Outdoor nity in the state of Illinois by being an advo- early 1950s including Eddie Forrester, Johnny Recreation Industry depends on the informed cate and resource for all member businesses Segui’s, and the popular Tito Rodriguez Or- decision of lawmakers, and the Outdoor REC that encourage equality. chestra. In 1961, Eddie formed his own band, Act of 2016 will be pivotal in providing this The LGBT Chamber is very proud of the La Perfecta, which featured an unconventional vital information. progress it has made as an organization over front line of trombones rather than the trum- For these reasons I support H.R. 4665 the the past 20 years, and this past year in par- pets, customary in Latin orchestras. This inno- ‘‘Outdoor Recreation’s Economic Contribution ticular. Its partnership with SCORE, launched vative sound that mixed American jazz into Act of 2016.’’ in February 2016, is the first of its kind in the Afro-Caribbean rhythms, surprised critics and f nation, which gives their members access to fans alike. Even though Eddie disbanded La the collective wisdom and guidance of many Perfecta in 1968 to pursue different musical IN HONOR OF MARTIN ELLIS business leaders. SCORE is the premier endeavors, he would return to the band’s source of free, confidential business education music in the 2000s. HON. DONALD NORCROSS and mentoring. Its ongoing collaboration with In the 1970s, Eddie perfected his arranging OF NEW JERSEY the Small Business Administration helps bring skills and released several impressive record- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the resources of the SBA to the Chambers ings that reflected his inventive musical tech- members. These partnerships, along with their nique. His unconventional style would once Tuesday, November 15, 2016 vital and popular networking opportunities, again surprise critics and fans with the 1970 Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today LGBT Business Enterprise Certification, and release entitled ‘‘Harlem River Drive.’’ This re- to honor United States Navy Veteran Martin other educational programs, serve to strength- cording was the first to merge what was cat- Ellis for his achievements, contributions, and en its member businesses. egorized as ‘‘Black’’ and ‘‘Latin’’ music into a service in the United States Navy onboard the Along with the 20th Anniversary Gala, the free-form sound that encompassed elements USS Green. LGBT Chamber has major initiatives in of salsa, funk, soul and jazz. In 1975, Eddie Martin Ellis resides in Cherry Hill, New Jer- progress that are designed to help LGBT busi- won the first-ever Grammy for Best Latin Re- sey where he remains committed to his com- nesses flourish. In this anniversary year, the cording for ‘‘The Sun of Latin Music.’’ munity. His selfless and brave actions in biggest initiative is to create the LGBT Busi- As a result of Eddie’s penchant for pro- World War II are reason enough to honor him, ness Foundation of Illinois, a foundation that ducing music in the funk Latin style, Little yet Mr. Ellis has demonstrated a lifetime of focuses on advocacy, promotion and edu- Louie Vega invited him to record on Nuyorican love for his nation. He is very passionate cation for small business owners and their em- Soul (1997), a release that became very pop- about The United States and his patriotic duty ployees to grow and prosper. ular in the house and underground music to this country. He takes his past service in Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me scenes. In 2000, the successful musician an- the Navy very seriously, along with being a in celebrating the 20th anniversary of the nounced that he was leaving the world of serious Phillies fan. LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois. I am music. But before his retirement, he released Those who decide to serve in our nation’s honored to have such an exceptional organi- ‘‘Masterpiece’’ (2000) with Tito Puente. The Armed Forces are amongst the most heroic in zation in my district. album won two Grammys and Palmieri earned our nation and serve as an example as lead- f the ‘‘Outstanding Producer of the Year’’ award ers, in not only securing our safety but putting from the National Foundation of Popular Cul- their life on the line for our freedom. IN CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL ture. Eddie was awarded the Chubb Fellow- Mister Speaker, Martin Ellis, is a great HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH AND ship by Yale University in 2002 for developing American whose dedication to serving our IN RECOGNITION OF LATIN JAZZ communities through music. That award is country in the United States Navy is an inspi- MUSICIAN AND COMPOSER EDDIE usually reserved for international heads of ration to his community. I join with his family, PALMIERI state. friends, and all of New Jersey in honoring the In 2005, Eddie also reached another land- selfless service of this extraordinary man. HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL mark achievement when he became the first f OF NEW YORK Latino host of a radio show on National Public IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Radio. The radio show ‘‘Caliente’’ which ex- CONGRATULATIONS ON 20TH ANNI- plores the intimate connections between VERSARY OF LGBT CHAMBER OF Tuesday, November 15, 2016 American and Latin jazz was broadcasted by COMMERCE OF ILLINOIS Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in more than 160 radio stations nation-wide. honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month to Throughout Eddie’s outstanding musical ca- HON. MIKE QUIGLEY join the community of El Barrio, The Village of reer, he has been lauded with many acco- OF ILLINOIS Harlem, the City and State of New York, and lades including numerous Grammy Awards, a IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the Nation in commemorating an outstanding Eubie Blake Award in 1991, and a Harlem Latin Jazz musician and composer, Mr. Eddie Renaissance Award in 2005. He has also Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Palmieri. Eddie has spent his entire life ar- been inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame, Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ranging exquisite salsa and Latin jazz music the Chicago Walk of Fame and the Oklahoma recognize the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of while preserving the historic Afro-Caribbean Jazz Hall of Fame. Eddie has been recog- Illinois on their 20th Anniversary. contributions to the music world. nized as an American icon by the In 1995, Tracy Baim of Lambda Publications Eddie was born December 15, 1936 in New Smithsonian’s National Museum of American and Kevin Boyer of Communications Manage- York, NY to Puerto Rican immigrants. It was History in Washington, D.C., where two re- ment, Inc. saw a need for a local chamber of in his childhood home where he was first ex- cordings of his performances are archived. commerce dedicated to gay and lesbian posed to Latin music. His grandmother was a Eddie Palmieri won yet another Grammy in owned businesses. Joined by three other busi- singer, his uncles were guitarists and his 2006 for his album ‘‘Listen Here!’’ and in 2007, ness owners, they launched the Chicago Area brother, Charlie Palmieri, attended the Julliard he received his most recent Grammy award

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