[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 92 (Thursday, June 20, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1142]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    CHAMPION, INC., 75TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______


                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 20, 1996

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, and Members of the U.S. House of 
Representatives, it is an honor for me to bring to the attention of the 
House of Representatives and the Nation that Champion, Inc. of Iron 
Mountain, MI, is celebrating 75 years of service to the upper peninsula 
and the Nation on June 21, 1996. Medio Bacco, an immigrant road-builder 
opened the doors of Champion Gravel Co. on June 21, 1921. Through the 
hard work and dedication of Mr. Bacco, his nephew Louis Verrette, and 
Louis' son, William Verrette, Champion Gravel Co. has become Champion, 
Inc. and is known today as one of the most successful gravel, redimix, 
and construction companies in the State of Michigan.
  Medio Bacco founded Champion 75 years ago in Iron Mountain, where its 
headquarters are still located today. In 1927, Mr. Bacco's 14-year-old 
nephew, Louis Verrette came to him looking for a summer job and was 
assigned the position of assistant timekeeper for a paving job being 
completed from the Sturgeon River bridge to the Delta County line. He 
continued working for his uncle during his summer vacations until he 
graduated from Michigan Technological Institute in 1934.
  Upon graduation Louis joined Champion's Service & Supply Co., located 
where Champion's Lake Shore Engineering Co., presently stands. After 8 
years at the Service & Supply Co., Louis Verrette was called upon to 
serve his country in World War II. When the war ended, Lt. Col. Louis 
Verrette returned to his family in Iron Mountain and to Champion where 
he took over as president. Medio Bacco retired and became chairman of 
the board.
  Champion Gravel Co. saw many changes when Louis Verrette took hold of 
the reins. On December 6, 1945, Champion Gravel Co. became Champion, 
Inc. Louis began touring Champion's various gravel plants but was 
unhappy with their conditions. He vowed to make the necessary 
improvements to keep the plants producing to capacity. With this 
improvement underway, Louis Verrette was able to concentrate on 
expanding the dimensions of the company by developing projects aimed at 
keeping Champion busy during the winter months when road construction 
was not possible. As a result, Champion began providing services and 
supplies to iron and copper mines throughout Michigan and Minnesota.
  As Champion grew so did the size of its projects. Throughout the 
1950's and 1960's, Champion, Inc. was involved with construction of 
several military installations throughout Michigan, Wisconsin, and 
Minnesota. Both Kincheloe Air Force Base and K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base 
owe thanks to Champion for many of their buildings. Champion has also 
been instrumental in the construction of the International Bridge at 
Sault Ste. Marie and most universities constructed or expanded in the 
last 75 years signed their construction contracts with Champion, Inc.
  In 1950 Medio Bacco divested himself of Champion stock, making Louis 
Verrette chief stockholder. A new waive of opportunities met the 
company during the 1960's as nuclear construction developed. Cement 
used for nuclear plants had to meet higher standards than general 
cement, and Champion's concrete made the grade. The company continued 
to build and service various nuclear projects across the Nation until 
1984.

  In 1971, Louis Verrette became chairman of the board and his son, 
William Verrette, replaced him as president. Champion continued to grow 
under Bill's supervision. In 1989 and 1990, Champion acquired Herman 
Gundlach, Co. of Houghton, MI, and Charter, Inc. of Ishpeming 
respectively. These latest acquisitions have strengthened Champion both 
financially and geographically. Champion, Inc. currently has satellite 
offices throughout Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Tennessee.
  The 75th anniversary celebration being held on June 20 and 21, 1996, 
is a tribute to Champion's many employees, suppliers, customers, and 
friends. In reflecting on the last 75 years William Verrette recognizes 
the company's success is owed to ``so many good people * * * our 
managers, office staff, field personnel, customers, and friends.''
   Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend Champion, Inc. on their 75th 
anniversary for the hard work and dedication they have shown the people 
of Michigan and the Nation. I am pleased that Michigan counts the 
Verette family as one of our most outstanding families, and that I can 
count on them as personal friends.

                          ____________________