Armenian National Committee – Central California
P. O. Box 626, Fresno, California 93709-0626
Tel: 559-486-1918

PRESS RELEASE

April 14, 2008

Contact: Alik Hovsepian
(559) 355-5596

ANC Central California Honors Mayor Autry as 2008 "Man of the Year"

Fresno, CA – The Armenian National Committee of Central California
honored Fresno Mayor Alan Autry as the 2008 Man of the Year at a
banquet on Sunday, March 30, 2008. Nearly 200 guests and community
leaders attended the luncheon to show their support for the Mayor.

"We wanted to thank the Mayor for his steadfast support of Armenian
Genocide recognition," said ANC Central California representative,
Hilda Santikian. "He has vowed to build a monument in memory of the
1.5 million Armenians who lost their lives at the hands of the Ottoman
Empire, and for that we are truly grateful," she said.

Mayor Autry has been an immense supporter of the flag raising ceremony
which has been taking place at Fresno City Hall on April 24 for the
past 3 years. This year will mark the fourth year in which the
Armenian flag will be raised next to the American flag at City Hall.

"Recognition such as genocide needs to take place, it must take
place," stated Autry. "Not only for the Armenian people but also for
the people of Turkey so that the healing process could begin," he
added.

Among those in attendance were Darren Rose, District Director to
Congressman George Radanovich, Fresno City Councilman Blong Xiong,
Fresno City Councilman Tom Boyajian, Fresno City Councilwoman Cynthia
Sterling, Haig Kartounian, District Appropriations and Grants
Coordinator for Congressman Adam Schiff and Armenian National
Committee Western Region Community Relations Director, Haig Hovsepian.

The mayor received numerous proclamations from other leaders including
Governor Schwarzenegger, Congressman Jim Costa, California State
Assemblyman Mike Villines, and Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate.

The ANC of Central California advocates for the social, economic,
cultural, and political rights of the area’s Armenian American
community and promotes increased Armenian American civic participation
at the grassroots and public policy levels.