[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 26, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S96]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM SUMAS

 Mr. TORRICELLI. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
William Sumas, a New Jersey resident and distinguished member of the 
business community, who will be inducted as Chairman of the New Jersey 
Food Council on January 27, 2000.
  Bill is a native of New Jersey, having grown up in South Orange. 
After attending Columbia High School, he continued his education at 
Fairleigh Dickinson University.
  Bill Sumas currently serves as a Vice President of the International 
Association of Corporate Real Estate Executives New Jersey Chapter, and 
as an Executive Vice President of Village Supermarkets, the 49th 
largest corporation in the State of New Jersey. Village Supermarkets 
was founded in 1937 by Bill's father and uncle, Perry and Nicholas 
Sumas. Since then, the company has grown to become one of New Jersey's 
most important food retailers.
  The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) was formed to promote, foster, 
aid, advance and protect the mutual interests of the food retailers and 
their suppliers. The council represents the multi-billion dollar food 
industry, including over 1,200 retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, 
and service companies involved in every aspect of the industry. The 
NJFC is recognized nationally for its effective leadership and 
achievements in all aspects of public affairs, and has always 
maintained a reputation of excellence and integrity.
  It is my firm belief that William Sumas will continue this fine 
tradition, and serve with distinction as an advocate on behalf of the 
NJFC's members. He will clearly promote the short and long term goals 
of the food industry in a timely and prescient manner, and will enhance 
the image and standing in the community of the entire industry.
  Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to join me today in congratulating 
William Sumas on his induction as Chairman of the New Jersey Food 
Council. Under his leadership I am confident that the industry will 
continue to grow, and I look forward to its successful future.

                          ____________________