[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 12 (Tuesday, February 4, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E149]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN HONOR OF TWO DISTINGUISHED INDIVIDUALS MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR 
            COMMUNITIES: MARTIN R. VITALE AND HARVEY WHILLE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 4, 1997

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to two 
outstanding individuals, Martin R. Vitale and Harvey Whille, in 
recognition for their contributions to fostering a sense of 
understanding within the labor and business communities. Mr. Vitale and 
Mr. Whille will be honored during the fourth annual Archbishop's Labor 
and Business Recognition Dinner at the Marriott at Glenpointe in 
Teaneck, NJ.
  The Archbishop's Annual Labor and Business Recognition Dinner began 
with the purpose of recognizing those in both the labor and management 
fields who were making a difference to promote cooperation between 
these two unique entities. Over the past 4 years, this observance has 
become a vital component in the ongoing attempt by the Catholic Church 
of Newark to encourage and to enhance the dialog between labor and 
management. Additionally, this dinner has become a vital source of 
funding for the CYO/Youth Ministries of the Archdiocese of Newark which 
operates an Outreach Program in Jersey City.
  Martin R. Vitale's road to his chairmanship of the Board of Directors 
of Twin County Grocers has been enhanced by numerous family members and 
business associates. Mr. Vitale is married to an exceptional woman 
named Barbara whose community service has benefited the residents of 
Alpine, NJ for the past 13 years. Mr. and Mrs. Vitale have four 
accomplished children: Andrea, Martin, Jr., Stephanie, and Barbara. Mr. 
Vitale's own business, Vitale Enterprises, operates 10 Foodtown 
supermarkets, some of which serve residents of my district.
  Harvey Whille, president of New Jersey's largest labor union, United 
Food and Commercial Workers [U.F.C.W.], Local 1262, is a man of 
extraordinary commitment to the union members he represents as well as 
to his community. Mr. Whille's unwavering sense of responsibility to 
the labor movement began in 1962 as a rank and file member at Foodarama 
supermarkets. Subsequently, he has served as a shop steward, union 
organizer, representative, field director, secretary-treasurer, and 
local president to members who work in New Jersey and New York 
businesses, many of which are located in my district. Mr. Whille's 
dedication to community service has seen him function as the chairman 
of numerous charitable endeavors, including fundraising for handicapped 
children. Mr. Whille has received honors from both the New Jersey 
Industrial Union Council and the Civil Rights Committee of U.F.C.W., 
region 1. Mr. Whille resides in Wall Township with his wife Donna with 
whom he has four children, Timothy, Tammy, Thomas, and Tara, and three 
grandchildren.
  It is an honor to have two such distinguished individuals working on 
behalf of the residents of my district. I ask that my colleagues join 
me in honoring Martin R. Vitale and Harvey Whille who epitomize the 
good that can be accomplished when people work together toward a common 
goal.

                          ____________________