[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 35 (Thursday, March 24, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 24, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     ONE OF THE FOX VALLEY'S FINEST

                                 ______


                             HON. TOBY ROTH

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 24, 1994

  Mr. ROTH. Mr. Speaker, the foundation of our country's economy and 
the key to our economic success in the future is entrepreneurship. Our 
Nation has been blessed with countless examples of people with the 
ability to take an idea, a small business, an invention, or other raw 
material, and help it grow through hard work and intelligence into a 
thriving business.
  I rise today to pay tribute to one such entrepreneur and a very 
special member of the Fox Valley community in Wisconsin, Mr. John T. 
Streur. Mr. Streur was recently presented with a Certificate of 
Commendation by the State of Wisconsin for a lifetime of contributions 
to his community and the publishing industry.
  Mr. Streur knows that the American dream lives on. He recently wrote 
to me with the stirring message, ``Thank God for America's free 
enterprise system--it still works.'' He wrote that with authority, 
because he is a living example of what a lifetime of hard work can 
accomplish.
  John Streur began his working life as a paperboy, and later became a 
route salesman and driver for a periodical in Appleton, WI. After 
fighting in World War II for 3\1/2\ years in the service of his 
country, he returned home, bought the Appleton News Agency and changed 
its name to Badger Periodical. Often working 7 days a week for long 
hours with members of his family working by his side, the business grew 
from just 5 to 90 employees. His company's 43 delivery trucks--compared 
to the original three--are now common sights as they traverse the 
highways of the Upper Midwest to distribute magazines, books, comics, 
and cards.

  Along the way, John has been recognized for his notable contributions 
to the business community and his fellow citizens. In 1985 he was named 
small business person of the year by the Fox Valley Chamber of 
Commerce. Badger Periodical has been recognized for exemplary 
performance in book wholesaling by the International Periodical 
Distributors Association every year since 1989. And in October 1993 he 
was picked as Wholesaler of the Year by the International Periodical 
Distributors Association.
  Mr. Streur has not limited his efforts to the publishing industry, 
however. Knowing the importance of making financial available to 
businesses so that they can grow, he has served on several bank boards, 
including the Outagamie Bank and First Interstate Bank.
  In all of these activities, he has not forgotten the importance of 
family. His family's dedication and loyalty to him is witnessed by the 
hours of work they have put in at Badger Periodical to make it 
successful, while other family members have built thriving businesses 
of their own in other areas of the publishing industry.
  His family is not the only beneficiaries of his efforts. Countless 
other employees and their families have profited from John Streur's 
labors. In addition to providing stable employment for many residents 
of the Fox Valley over the years, he has always striven to maintain an 
open door policy to hear his employees' concerns and requests.
  One common characteristic of the entrepreneur is the need to keep 
making a significant contribution whenever possible. John Streur is no 
exception. At an age when many people have retired and are resting on 
their laurels, John Streur continues to work hard and complains that 
there aren't enough hours in the day. He is still intimately involved 
in the daily running of Badger Periodical, and stays actively involved 
in the community.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have this opportunity to speak about the 
outstanding career of one of the Fox Valley's most prominent citizens. 
As a businessman, family man, and friend, John Streur has been a 
vigorous contributor to the Fox Valley community. I join his family, 
his employees, and his community in hoping he will continue 
contributing for many, many years to come.

                          ____________________