[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 119 (Thursday, September 10, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10216-S10217]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO LEROY ``LEE'' LOCHMANN

 Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Leroy 
``Lee'' Lochmann, the recently retired President and CEO of ConAgra's 
Refrigerated Foods Companies. Over a forty-five-year career in the meat 
and poultry industry, Lee's leadership skills have made him a pioneer 
in the food business.
  In 1953, Lee joined Swift and Company directly out of high school, 
working on the line in an East St. Louis meat packing plant. From these 
early years, Lee moved through numerous management positions, finally 
ascending to key executive ranks. He ultimately became President of 
Swift and Company, the first of many--and increasingly large--meat and 
poultry companies that Lee would eventually run.
  In addition, along the way, Lee accumulated two university degrees 
and served his country in the military for three years.
  Lee's hardworking beginnings have given him a unique perspective as a 
food industry leader and have allowed him to effectively manage his 
employees, from the most junior line worker to the most senior 
corporate manager.

[[Page S10217]]

  At ConAgra, one of the world's largest food companies, Lee used his 
experience to expand its diversified Refrigerated Foods Companies. As 
president, CEO and member of the Office of the Chairman, Lee oversaw 
multibillion dollar businesses, provided a secure place of employment 
for thousands of hard-working employees and wonderful food products for 
American consumers. While consumers would not recognize the name of 
Lochmann, the products that he produced are an integral part of our 
daily diets: Armour hot dogs, Healthy Choice luncheon meats, Butterball 
turkeys, Swift Premium bacon and Eckrich sausages.
  Mr. President, many ConAgra employees are constituents of mine in 
Indiana, and we know first-hand the significant role the company plays 
in my state's economy and our country's agricultural industries.
  Lee was not only a leader at ConAgra, he was an industry trader, as 
well. A long term Director of the American Meat Institute, Lee's peers 
paid this fine gentleman a well-deserved tribute by electing him 
Chairman of the industry's National Trade Association in 1992.
  Mr. President, it is my great pleasure to pay tribute to Lee 
Lochmann, and I wish him, his wife Agnes and their family the best in 
all of their future endeavors.

                          ____________________