[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 44 (Thursday, March 29, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E495]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF ERNEST PEPPLES AND HIS SERVICE TO THE U.S. TOBACCO 
                                INDUSTRY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SAXBY CHAMBLISS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2001

  Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to 
recognize an individual, Ernest Pepples, for his significant efforts on 
behalf of a valuable yet ever more challenged industry. Ernie has had a 
distinguished and honorable career within the global and U.S. tobacco 
industry and deserves the recognition of Congress at the time of his 
retirement.
  Mr. Ernest Pepples joined Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation in 
1972 and was appointed vice president and general counsel and became a 
member of the company's board of directors in 1975. He was named senior 
vice president in 1980. At the time of his retirement, he was 
responsible for the company's legislative representation and government 
affairs efforts including its relations with Congress.
  Prior to joining Brown & Williamson, he was partner in the 
Louisville, Kentucky, law firm of Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs. A native of 
Louisville, Mr. Pepples is a graduate of Yale University and the 
University of Virginia Law School. He also is a member of the American, 
Kentucky, and Louisville Bar Associations.
  Throughout his career, Ernie has served in leadership positions for a 
variety of boards and councils including the board of directors of the 
Tobacco Merchants Association of Princeton, New Jersey, and the 
Kentucky Tobacco Research Board of Lexington, Kentucky.
  Now, in recognition of his retirement from Brown & Williamson and the 
tobacco industry after 30 years of service, I believe he should be duly 
recognized by this body for his integrity and personal efforts to find 
common ground on many difficult issues. Indeed, Ernie developed a 
reputation as a leading expert on regulatory and business issues 
involving not only tobacco manufacturers but also tobacco growers, 
suppliers, consumers, wholesalers and retailers. My district in Georgia 
has been a direct beneficiary of Ernie's talent.
  It is with this background that I say thank you Ernie for his 
dedication and service over the years and congratulate him on an 
outstanding career. He has worked hard for his home state of Kentucky, 
Georgia and the entire tobacco community within our country. Those of 
us who have been privileged to work with Ernie will miss his hard work, 
honesty, and dedication. We will also miss his great smile.
  Congratulations Ernie on an outstanding career and best wishes to you 
and your family upon retirement.

                          ____________________