[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 127 (Wednesday, August 2, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            TED LEIPPRANDT: LEADER, ENTREPRENEUR, ROLE MODEL

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                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 1, 1995
  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, one of the special privileges of being a 
representative of the people is meeting so many outstanding 
individuals. For several years, I have had the good fortune to know Ted 
Leipprandt of Pigeon, MI. He is a man who has been a leader in his 
community and in agribusiness. He has been an entrepreneur who has 
always worked to maximize the benefit that the free market would offer 
to him. He also has been a role model with his community service, his 
religious devotion, and his ability to maintain a clear perspective in 
an often demanding and conflicting world.
  Ted Leipprandt formally retired from his 36-year career with the 
Cooperative Elevator Co. of Pigeon, MI, on May 31st. This weekend, he 
is being honored for his accomplishments by his friends and colleagues 
in the Michigan Bean Shippers Association and the Michigan Bean 
Commission. I am honored to join in this tribute to a man who has made 
such an impact on the agricultural economy of the most productive 
portion of Michigan's agricultural bounty--the Thumb.
  Virtually a lifelong resident of Pigeon, Ted earned his degree from 
Michigan State University in animal husbandry before serving in the 
Army and returning to Michigan to work as a member of the Cooperative 
Extension Service. He began his affiliation with the Cooperative 
Elevator Co. of Pigeon, where over the years he worked in several 
capacities, including general manager. He planned and implemented 
several expansion and construction projects to make his facility into a 
state of the art leader in the grain business. He also undertook action 
to expand the elevator's capability to store and process multiple 
varieties of dry beans to respond to the demands of international 
market opportunities. He also was involved in several mergers and 
company formulations which again concentrated on both domestic and 
international marketing opportunities.
  Throughout all of his career, Ted has had the active support of his 
wife, Peg, who is also a major contributor to her community. They 
emphasized the importance of work and Christian values to their four 
children, and continue to help guide their eight grandchildren. They 
also learned the value of community service as they saw Ted actively 
work as a member of the Salem United Methodist Church, a trustee and 
later president of the Michigan 4-H Foundation, and a board member of 
the Blue Water Youth for Christ. He has been very involved with the 
Rotary Club.
  His other business affiliations include his membership in the 
Michigan Bean Shippers Association, the Michigan Grain and Agri Dealers 
Association, and his current service as a board member/director of 
Detroit Edison and the East Central Farm Credit System.
  Ted's devotion and constant effort to live according to his code of 
values has made him a true role model. I can think of no one who can 
better exemplify what it means to be an upstanding citizen, a concerned 
individual, and a successful businessman.
  Mr. Speaker, even though we are recognizing Ted Leipprandt's 
retirement, all of us who know him understand that he is only moving on 
to new opportunities and challenges in the same value-laden way that he 
has conducted his entire life. I urge you and all of our colleagues to 
join me in wishing Ted, Peg, and their entire family the very best as 
we look forward to continuing our relationship with a man we are proud 
to know.


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