[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 96 (Thursday, July 1, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1475]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING DWAIN HAMMONS UPON HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ROY BLUNT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 1, 1999

  Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dwain Hammons who retires 
this week from Hammons Products Company in Stockton, Missouri, as the 
chief executive officer. Hammons Products Company known at one time as 
``Missouri Dandy,'' has for the past 53 years bought, shelled, and sold 
Eastern Black Walnuts. In just a little over half a century, Hammons 
Products Company has become the world's foremost supplier of the 
Eastern Black Walnut. This becomes even more significant when you 
realize they created a market that at the time was virtually non-
existent in the sale of Eastern Black Walnuts.
  Hammons Products Company began as a dream of Dwain's father, Ralph, 
in 1946, when he was a local grocery store owner in Stockton. Ralph's 
dream eventually became a reality that Dwain has never lost sight of as 
he has continued building their business year after year. Dwain has led 
his family and the business through the changing of the times in the 
past 50 years. Although Dwain deserves much of the credit for the 
success of the business, he rarely accepts it. Instead he gives the 
credit to his father, Ralph, who urged him to always be willing to 
advance and modernize the company. He also credits the employees, who 
he will tell you have been a steadfast example of the company's mission 
statement, ``To lead and grow the Black Walnut nut industry, and to 
excel in providing quality nut products and superior service with 
strong business integrity enhancing the economic well being and quality 
of life for owners, employees, customers, suppliers, and our 
communities.'' An example he is quick to give is how they helped to 
invent the companies first walnut shucking machine.
  For everyone who knows Dwain and has worked with him, they will 
quickly tell you he is an example of the mission statement and deserves 
recognition as he has worked consistently year after year to ensure the 
Black Walnut will be here for years to come. It is in that effort he 
has established the Tree Research and Management division to study the 
Black Walnut tree. Dwain is also a conscious conservationist and has 
allowed nothing to be wasted when it comes to the walnut itself. After 
the walnut is shucked, it is then ground into six different sizes where 
it can be used as a cleansing and polishing agent for jet engines, 
electronic circuit boards, and jewelry. It is also used in oil well 
drilling, water filtration systems, soaps, cosmetic and dental 
cleansers.
  Dwain is more than just a successful businessman. He is a servant to 
his community, State, and Nation in many different roles. In the 
community of Stockton, he served on the Board of Alderman for six years 
and as town mayor for four. He is a life member of the Stockton Lions 
Club and has served as their president. He is also a member at the 
United Methodist Church in Stockton where he has been a member of the 
choir for over 40 years and served as its director for over 20. He has 
been active in the Boy Scouts at the local, district, and council 
levels. In the State of Missouri, he has served on the Governor's Task 
Force on Rural Economic Development, a member for six years on the 
Missouri State Chamber of Commerce, Executive Board and on the Advisory 
Board of the University of Missouri School of Forestry, Fisheries and 
Wildlife. These are just to name a few. At the national level he was 
awarded the Meritorious Service Award from the National Walnut Council 
and is also a lifetime member. The National Association of Marketing 
Officials awarded him the National Marketing Award. In 1992 he was 
awarded by President George Bush and this body the Teddy Roosevelt 
Conservationist Award. And, while it is most important to recognize his 
achievement in those areas, I would be remiss not to note how he has 
always been devoted to his family first. I think it shows as his son 
Brian is ready to take the reins of the business and lead it into the 
twenty-first century.
  Although Dwain will be missed on a daily basis at Hammons Products 
Company, we all know he will not be far away because his love for the 
Eastern Black Walnut will keep him close by. So remember, the next time 
you enjoy the rich, distinctive flavor of the Eastern Black Walnut that 
you did not have to crack yourself, to be sure to thank Dwain and know 
he will be thanking you. Thank you, Dwain, for your commitment to your 
family, the business, and being so willing to give of your time and 
talents to your community, State, and Nation. Your involvement and 
self-sacrifice is an example we can all follow and live our lives by.

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