[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 93 (Friday, June 29, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1265]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                JOHN KOHR: ALWAYS A ``CO-OPERATIVE'' MAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 28, 2001

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my good 
friend, John Kohr, upon the occasion of his retirement as Chief 
Executive Officer of Co-Operative Elevator Company in Pigeon, Michigan. 
I have worked closely with John for the past 20 years and have always 
held him in the highest esteem. He is the kind of individual who others 
seek out for guidance because he strives for excellence in all that he 
does and he never hesitates to take on more than his share in any 
circumstance.
  During more than a decade at the helm and throughout his entire 39 
years with the company, John's enthusiastic leadership, strong work 
ethic and decentralized management style have helped to mold the 
company and individuals within it into shining examples for others in 
the industry to look up to as models for growth and development. He has 
been the driving force in establishing a record of profitability that 
is unmatched in the industry statewide.
  Just as importantly, John worked to create an environment that 
trained others so that they could move up in the organization. One has 
to look no farther than his replacement, Burt Keefer, to see how John's 
style allowed others to succeed. John has a well-deserved reputation as 
someone who gives unselfishly and extensively to the industry in which 
he has made a living for his family. In fact, John earlier this year 
was honored with the Agri-Business Award for Outstanding Member for his 
many contributions and dedication to the Agri-Business Association. 
John's drive for excellence has also extended beyond his profession. He 
has been very active in many community organizations, volunteering his 
time and talents for the betterment of his fellow citizens.
  Behind every successful businessman, there is always the love and 
warm support of family. John's wife, Dianne, and their four children, 
Kathy, Carrie, Susan, and John, have shared in his dreams and worked 
hard to help him achieve them. A devote Christian, John has been a role 
model for his children and a loving husband to his wife.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating John Kohr on his significant and diverse accomplishments 
and in wishing him a rewarding retirement. His talent, dedication and 
enthusiasm will be sorely missed by his former coworkers, but I am 
confident that he will bring these attributes to all the challenges 
that lie ahead.

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