[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 24, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9905-S9906]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO ENTREPRENEUR WALLY AMOS

 Mr. CLELAND. Mr. President, I come to the floor today to pay 
tribute to my good friend Wally Amos. ``Famous Amos'' known to many 
Americans as the founder of Famous Amos Cookies and the father of the 
gourmet chocolate chip cookie industry, is an example to all of us. He 
is an example because of his dedication to our country as a veteran of 
the U.S. Air Force, and for what he has accomplished as an entrepreneur 
and businessman. He is a citizen of this country who has reaped great 
success but has not neglected his responsibilities to the community. 
And even more than that, Mr. President, Wally Amos brings a powerful 
and inspirational message to people in all walks of life.
  I have said over and over that I believe that small businesses and 
entrepreneurship are the foundation of the economic engine of this 
country. Wally Amos has for some time now written a monthly column 
subtitled ``Grow Your

[[Page S9906]]

Business,'' and I would like to take just a few moments to highlight 
several principals that he has offered as a result of good and bad 
experiences he has lived though: First, effort doesn't always equal 
results. You grow a business by assessing your personal strengths and 
contributing them to the efforts of the team. Second, some of the 
greatest personal growth comes as a result of some of the most 
challenging experiences. What you give attention to grows. Rather than 
give attention to what you don't have, focus on what you do have. 
Third, fear creates anger, resentment, anxiety, frustration, and worry, 
none of which will help you succeed in business. Fourth, be passionate 
about your business. Demonstrate that you care for your employees and 
business associates. People are your most important asset. Fifth, your 
employees have a vested interest in your success. Sixth, dogmatic 
behavior and stubbornness have created long-term success. The quickest 
way to failure is to believe that your way is the only way.
  Mr. President, in every job Wally Amos has had, he always started at 
the bottom and worked his way to the top. I hope that others will look 
to the example of citizenship and entrepreneurship of Wally Amos and be 
inspired as I am. 

                          ____________________