[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 155 (Friday, November 7, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S12042]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING STONE AND THOMAS AS AN OUTSTANDING BUSINESS

 Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I rise today in order to 
recognize Stone & Thomas, an outstanding business, for its continuous 
service to its customers and to the State of West Virginia. Stone & 
Thomas has been known for its commitment to customer service since 
1847. That is 16 years longer than West Virginia has been a State.
  This year, Stone & Thomas celebrated 150 years in business, and its 
longevity is a testament to the quality of service and merchandise 
which they are committed to.
  Mr. President, since its founding in 1847 by Jacob Thomas and Elijah 
Stone, this remarkable business has been owned and operated by five 
generations of the same family. Currently, Stone & Thomas is run by 
W.S. Jones, the president, chief executive officer and the great-great-
grandson of Elijah Stone. Mr. Jones, like the four generations before 
him, has continued the creed of outstanding service which Mr. Stone and 
Mr. Thomas pledged themselves to. Furthermore, Mr. Jones, like those 
before him, has continued to improve and expand upon an already 
exceptional business.
  All told, Stone & Thomas has employed, and continues to employ, 
thousands of citizens of West Virginia. They are presently responsible 
for over 1,500 jobs in my State, as well as several hundred jobs in 
Ohio, Kentucky, and Virginia. And just this week, Mr. President, they 
celebrated the opening of another customer-friendly store in 
Charleston, WV, which is expected to bring work to 70 more West 
Virginians.
  Mr. President, Stone & Thomas has accomplished so much during its 150 
years in business. Because of its diligent efforts to satisfy the 
customer it has grown to become West Virginia's largest independent 
retailer, as well as one of the top 100 in the Nation.
  Because of their outstanding commitment to customer service; because 
of their longstanding record as a fair, honest, and friendly business; 
and because of their superior contributions to the economies of West 
Virginia and three other States, I pay special tribute to Stone & 
Thomas.

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