[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 79 (Monday, June 3, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5671-S5672]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING KENTUCKY SMALL BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR, BOB PATTERSON

  Mr. FORD. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Bob 
Patterson of Louisville, KY, who has been selected as the Kentucky 
Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business 
Administration.
  Bob Patterson is the President, CEO, and partner of Consumers Choice 
Coffee, Inc., a coffee distributor in Louisville, KY. Under Bob 
Patterson, who has been involved with the coffee industry for 18 years, 
Consumers Choice Coffee has grown to become Kentucky's premier coffee 
company. Consumers Choice Coffee maintains an exclusive contract to 
supply more than 200 McDonald's restaurants in addition to supplying 
many upscale restaurants.
  In 1990, when Bob became president and chief executive officer, 
Consumers Choice Coffee was entering into the worst period in its 
history. With losses in both profits and sales, Bob had his hands full. 
He concentrated on expansion, developing new product lines and 
reeducating his employees to improve customer service. Consumers Choice 
began to gain new customers. The company began to supply not only 
coffee, but equipment and service agreements.
  As the company was beginning to improve, coffee prices were driven up 
do to a frost in Brazil. Bob advised his customers on this long-term 
crisis, and helped them to prepare. Again, more vendors came to rely on 
Consumers Choice Coffee because of its strong commitment to meet the 
needs of its customers.

[[Page S5672]]

  Today, Consumers Choice Coffee, Inc. is a well known name in 
Kentucky's restaurant industry. It has an ever growing clientele of 
restaurants and other vendors. The company has Bob Patterson to thank. 
Bob has displayed great determination in the face of adversity. He sets 
an example of dedication of business and commitment to his customers 
that should be followed by small business persons across my State and 
the Nation. I am happy that Bob is being recognized for all of the good 
work he has done. I congratulate him on this significant accomplishment 
and wish him many future years of success.

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