[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 204 (Tuesday, December 19, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2416]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  DEDICATED, PROFESSIONAL, AND CARING

                                 ______


                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 19, 1995

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, the greatest need that all of us have 
throughout our lives is for food. And contrary to some accepted myths, 
it doesn't just magically appear on the grocery store shelves 
overnight. Food gets from farm to table through the professional and 
skillful efforts of many people who have spent their careers in 
agribusiness. Ronald W. Stebbins is one of these committed 
professionals who after having been involved in agribusiness for the 
past 40 years is about to retire.
  Born and raised on a dairy and potato farm in Kalkaska County, MI, 
and having attended Michigan State University, over his career Ron 
Stebbins has worked for private industry, for cooperatives, and for the 
U.S. Department of Agriculture. He has worked throughout Michigan, and 
has developed a very impressive international marketing capability. He 
is well respected as a leader in agribusiness, and has served as an 
officer of several different professional agricultural associations, 
including the Michigan Bean Shippers Association, the Michigan Grain 
and Agri-Dealers Association, St. Paul Bank for Cooperatives, the Bank 
of Alma, and Valley Marketing, Inc.
  In his capacity as president, secretary, and treasurer of the 
Michigan Agri-Business Association, Ron has helped to increase the 
professionalism and capability of Michigan's men and women in 
agribusiness. Educational events, informative meetings, legislative 
activities, insurance and other services have all been provided by this 
association, and Ron Stebbins has helped develop and improve many of 
these efforts.
  Ron is very well known to many farmers in Michigan agriculture. 
Certainly his work as a grain trader has brought him in contact with 
many farmers, as did his work as supervisor for USDA's grain storage 
program many farm bills ago. His work over the years specifically with 
dry beans has made him a world leader in one of the most vital 
commodities for the economic well-being of our area's agriculture. His 
work with advisory committees has helped him to maintain a close eye on 
the moods and needs of our producers. Many farmers and traders alike 
know that when they speak with Rob Stebbins, they are getting an 
informed and dependable assessment on important agribusiness 
conditions.
  This gentleman has also maintained significant involvement with his 
community over the years, including his service as a member of several 
area groups in Ithaca and Gratiot County, as well as having served as a 
councilman for the city of Ithaca and a director of the Gratiot County 
Hospital Board. Together with his wife of 38 years, Mary Kay, his three 
children and five grandchildren, Ron continues to offer the kind of 
role model that all of our children should see. Commitment to family, 
dedication to professionalism, concern about his community, all of 
these factors of which Ron can be proud, and examples for the rest of 
us.
  Mr. Speaker, in recognition of 40 years of devoted expertise and 
consistent professionalism, I urge you and all of our colleagues to 
join me in wishing Ron and his family the very best on his retirement.

                          ____________________