Candidate for
Member of Congress; California; Congressional District 50

ALAN UKE - BUSINESS AND CIVIC COMMUNITY LEADER

Thirty-four years ago, Alan Uke started a company out of his University of California - San Diego dorm room. As a business owner, he quickly learned the importance of balancing budgets, creating jobs, managing people, and cutting waste. Most importantly, he learned how to solve tough problems and overcome adversity. Over time, Alan's innovative business skills have become one of his greatest assets. He was able to use those skills to help bring the U.S.S. Midway to San Diego, turning it into a financially solvent tourist attraction that pumps $20 million a year into our economy. As your Congressman, Alan will put those skills to work for you to tackle the issues facing our country.

BUSINESS LEADER

Alan Uke's dorm room dream grew into a successful scuba diving equipment company. Underwater Kinetics continues to provide excellent products and customer service. It employs over 100 people in San Diego County, exports products to over 60 countries, and infuses millions of dollars into the local economy annually. In recognition of his outstanding business skills, Alan Uke was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Entrepreneur of the Year Institute and the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.

WORKING FOR A STRONGER AMERICA

As a member of the World Presidents' Association, Alan served on numerous top-level delegations in Washington and represented the voice of American business to our nation's leadership. He met with President Bush, Vice-President Cheney, the Congressional leadership and cabinet secretaries in an effort to strengthen the U.S. economy and reduce reliance on foreign countries for vital resources. Alan also served on the Board of Directors of the San Diego Taxpayers Association. During his time on the Board and as President of the Association's foundation, Alan committed himself to eliminating waste in local governments and lowering taxes. His commitment to protecting our tax dollars stays with him today.

HELPING PEOPLE THROUGH NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

Alan volunteers thousands of hours as a Boy Scout leader in an effort to help our young people learn important life values. He served two rewarding terms on the board of the Area Agency on Aging and went on to serve as President of our county's largest senior care non-profit organization. Alan's efforts to provide medical care, food, home repair and personal financial assistance to needy seniors earned him the prestigious Dr. Lutz Award for lifetime service to the senior community.

THE U.S.S. MIDWAY: A SYMBOL OF FREEDOM

For 11 years, Alan Uke led a group of San Diegans in creating a naval museum attracting tourists to San Diego, strengthening the local economy, and serving as a tribute to the men and women who have so bravely defended our nation. Thanks to his sustained and determined efforts, the retired U.S.S. Midway air craft carrier opened in 2004 with more than 400,000 visitors in its first year. It is estimated that the Midway's presence in the downtown bayfront will have a $20 million regional economic impact each year.