[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 164 (Friday, November 30, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2183]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING J&L VINEYARDS AS AG BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 30, 2001

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize J&L Vineyards 
as Baker, Peterson & Franklin, Certified Public Accountants' Ag 
Business of the Year. J&L Vineyards is honored for its contributions to 
the ag industry and the Central San Joaquin Valley.
  J&L Vineyards was selected by a committee of representatives of the 
AgFresno Advisory Board, National Ag Marketing Association, and the 
BP&F Ag Department. The family business is owned and operated by Don 
Laub and his daughter Debbie Jacobsen. Don's wife, Clara; son, David, 
daughter Diane Tavares; and Debbie's husband, Ray are also involved 
with the company. What began in the late 1930's as a 20-acre raisin 
farm has expanded to ten varieties of table, raisin, and wine grapes on 
1,050 acres. J&L Vineyards has also grown beyond the Laub family to 
include ten full-time employees.
  It is J&L Vineyards' efficiency and innovation that has earned it 
this recognition. These commitments can be seen by the business' 
integrated pest management, trellis design for table grapes, and higher 
yield with fewer inputs. Beyond agriculture and business, J&L Vineyards 
has exemplified a commitment to the community in which it has thrived. 
Family members have served on many boards including the Allied Grape 
Growers, California Foundation for Ag in the Classroom, California 
Women in Agriculture, and Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge J&L Vineyards as the recipient of 
the 2001 Ag Business of the Year. I urge my colleagues to join me in 
honoring this company and wishing it many more years of continued 
success.

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