[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 135 (Thursday, October 2, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1930]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CONGRATULATIONS TO JIM PARDINI

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. GEORGE P. RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 2, 1997

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jim Pardini 
for being selected 1997 Fresno County Harvest of Hope Humanitarian of 
the Year by the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Mr. Pardini exemplifies 
genuine dedication and service to the community of Fresno, CA.
  Jim Pardini is a second generation restauranteur who has worked and 
managed his family business since 1968. After considerable success in 
the seventies, Pardini established a catering division in 1981. Padini 
Catering soon became one of the largest off-premise catering firms in 
California. To diversify his services, Pardini opened Pardini's Grill, 
Lounge and Banquet Room in 1994. This move positioned the Pardini 
franchise as the premier food service company in California's San 
Joaquin Valley, capable of accommodating everything from business 
lunches to weddings.
  Currently, Jim Pardini is president and CEO of Pardini's Inc., parent 
company of all Pardini food service operations. He is also the owner of 
several Tony Roma restaurants throughout California.
  Pardini's accomplishments are not limited to business ventures as he 
is sincerely committed to the well-being of Fresno, CA. Specifically, 
Jim Pardini is on the board of directors for Fresno's City and County 
Convention and Visitors Bureau. This organization advertises the 
benefits of the city to conferences and tourists. Similarly, Pardini is 
a board of director for the Saint Agnes Medical Center Foundation. This 
foundation secures funding for one of the Nation's top 100 hospitals. 
Finally, he is the former president of the California Restaurant 
Association, the former president of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce and 
is a supporter of Fresno's Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I congratulate Jim Pardini, 
the 1997 Fresno County Harvest of Hope Humanitarian Award recipient. I 
ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Jim Pardini every success on 
his future endeavors.

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