[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 37 (Tuesday, March 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E402]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO RALPH O. WALTON, JR., A SKI INDUSTRY LEADER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 20, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to pay 
tribute to a ski industry leader. Ralph O. Walton Jr. announced on 
March 14th that he is retiring as Chairman of the Board of Crested 
Butte Mountain Resort, Inc. where he has been the driving force behind 
shaping Crested Butte as one of Colorado's premier destination mountain 
resorts. His leadership in this important industry deserves the 
recognition and praise of this body.
  In 1970, Ralph and his brother-in-law, Howard H. (Bo) Callaway bought 
the Crested Butte Ski area. In the 30 years since, he has been the 
senior officer. ``I have had a great 30 years at Crested Butte, but now 
is the right time for Martha and me to spend a little more time 
together and let the younger generation take the ski area forward,'' 
Ralph said.
  Under his leadership, the resort invested over $100 million in 
improvements, including 13 lifts, two warming houses, and 700,000 
square feet of construction at the base area. He pioneered the first 
non stop, scheduled jet service to regional mountain airports, and 
developed both the Crested Butte Marriott Hotel and the Crested Butte 
Sheraton Hotel.
  ``Ralph Walton has been the guiding force behind the ski area at 
Crested Butte for the past 30 years and the ski area owes him a great 
debt of gratitude for helping it get to its position today. Everyone in 
Crested Butte will sorely miss his active leadership but we understand 
his desire to retire at this time,'' said Bo Callaway, the Resort's co-
owner.
  The 70 year old Georgia native graduated from Auburn University in 
1951 with a BS in Electrical Engineering and spent two years in the 
United States Army as a First Lieutenant.
  Ralph has also been associated with the National Ski Areas 
Association as a board member. He spent time as the Vice Chairman of 
the Board of Colorado Ski Country, USA and as a board member. He also 
worked for Westinghouse Electric Corporation for sixteen years.
  Ralph has also found time to be active in Rotary International, the 
Optimist Club, IEEE, the Hamilton Baptist Church, and the United 
Congressional Church of Crested Butte.
  Mr. Speaker, Colorado's ski industry is losing one of its great 
leaders. He has done so much for the ski industry, and for Crested 
Butte. I would like to take a moment to thank Ralph for all his work 
and wish him good luck in his future endeavors.

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