[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 148 (Wednesday, October 31, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1965]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING FOWLER PACKING COMPANY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 31, 2001

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Fowler Packing 
for setting a standard of excellence in fruit picking, packing and 
shipping. Fowler Packing's strict attention to detail and a willingness 
to try new innovations has resulted in the production of top quality 
Tree-Ripe fruit since 1966.
  Sam Parnagian established Fowler Packing Company in the early 1950's. 
In 1966, Sam recognized an opportunity in the Tree-Ripe fruit industry 
and focused his company's attention to peaches, plums and nectarines.
  Mr. Parnagian went on to influence major advances in western fruit 
packing. In the early 1970's he built and operated the first commercial 
hydro-cooler used in stone fruit packing. He was also a big promoter of 
plastic fruit trays, or ``Panapack,'' as they are commonly called 
today.
  In addition to marketing their own fruit, grown on an estimated 2500 
acres, Fowler Packing also packs and markets fruit for more than 50 
Central Valley growers. The ``SamSon'' label was created by Sam 
Parnagian and named after his four sons: Dennis, Phillip, Randy and 
Ken.
  Today, Sam's sons continue Fowler Packing's tradition of quality and 
innovation. Fowler Packing recently switched from wooden to plastic 
bins in order to reduce the potential for fruit damage. Progressive 
ideas like these have made Fowler Packing a leader in the Tree-Ripe 
fruit industry.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Fowler Packing for their commitment 
to producing quality fruit in the California Central Valley. I urge my 
colleagues to join me in wishing the Parnagian family and Fowler 
Packing many more years of continued success.

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