[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 125 (Thursday, September 23, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1945]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            LOPEZ FOODS, INC.--MBE MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ED PASTOR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 23, 1999

  Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. John Lopez, an 
Arizona native and Hispanic-American leader. Recently, Mr. Lopez' 
company, Lopez Foods, Inc., was named the 1999 National Minority 
Manufacturing Firm of the Year by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
  After beginning his career as an owner-operator of several McDonald's 
restaurants, seven years ago, Mr. Lopez sold them and obtained 
controlling interest of the company that now bears his name: Lopez 
Foods, Inc. As one of the select few beef and pork suppliers for 
McDonald's restaurants, this Oklahoma City company plays a vital role 
in the success of more than 25,000 McDonald's restaurants.
  As the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lopez Foods, Mr. Lopez 
has guided his company to great success. Under Mr. Lopez' leadership, 
this firm has steadily expanded their workforce diversity program. As a 
result, currently, nearly 55 percent of Lopez Foods employees are 
minorities. Because of his efforts, first as a McDonald's owner-
operator, and now as the head of Lopez Foods, Mr. Lopez was selected by 
the National Hispanic Employee's Association as its 1997 Entrepreneur 
of the Year.
  Throughout his career, Mr. Lopez has worked tirelessly to promote 
economic progress for minorities well beyond his own firm. He is a 
member of several influential boards, including: the McDonald's 
Supplier Diversity Council, the Oklahoma City Latino Community 
Development Agency, the National Advisory Board of the Hispanic 
American Commitment to Educational Resources, and the National Minority 
Supplier Development Council.
  I applaud the Commerce Department for recognizing the outstanding 
efforts of Mr. John Lopez, and for designating Lopez Foods, Inc. as its 
1999 National Minority Manufacturing Firm of the Year. In closing, I 
commend this gentleman for all of his admirable accomplishments and 
societal contributions.

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