[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 69 (Friday, May 9, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E914-E915]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING BURCH OIL COMPANY: 75 YEARS OF SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 9, 2003

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Burch Oil Company, 
an excellent example of successful American entrepreneurship that has 
evolved to become a pillar of a local community. I am proud to 
recognize my good friends at Burch Oil Company who have been serving 
the citizens of Southern Maryland since 1928 and are celebrating their 
seventy-fifth anniversary this month. Whether it has been supplying the 
services of vital oil resources or helping to serve the community, the 
Burch Oil Company has built a solid reputation within the Southern 
Maryland community.
  Founded in May of 1928, by cousins S. Bernard Burch, Thaddeus Burch, 
and Thaddeus' son Joe Burch, the company quickly began to service the 
community's gasoline, motor oil, and, most important to the area at the 
time, kerosene needs. With the onset of the Great Depression many 
businesses failed, but Burch Oil was able to steadily grow.
  From the beginning of the company, the Burch family took an active 
role in the community. S. Bernard Burch served as the chairman for the 
Democratic State Central Committee and helped to establish the 
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Volunteer Fire Department. Even during the worst of times, such as the 
Great Storm of 1933, the company delivered kerosene by skiff to hard 
hit St. George Island.
  After S. Bernard Burch's death in May of 1944, a new era began with 
his son, F. Elliott Burch, Sr., who took over the reigns of the 
operation and guided the company through a period of steady growth for 
several decades until turning over the day-to-day duties to his two 
sons so he could devote more time to local politics. Serving as St. 
Mary's County Commissioner President from 1962 to 1970, F. Elliott, Sr. 
helped to steer St. Mary's County through a period of important 
community investments, during a time when local government was 
expanding to provide more services.
  Outstanding service and high quality products have been the hallmarks 
of the Burch Oil Company since its founding by S. Bernard Burch in 
1928; and on its 75th Anniversary, four generations of the Burch 
family, with a fifth soon to come of age, help to guide the hardworking 
and dedicated employees that have helped to make this company 
successful. In addition to their business success, they have been an 
integral component in helping to build St. Mary's County through their 
selfless commitment and belief in also performing public service to 
give back to the community in which they live. Today Burch Oil Company 
is led by F. Elliott (Sonny) Burch, Jr. and his brother Donald (Buddy) 
Burch, who have set their own high standard for community involvement, 
supported by 300 plus employees who carry on that proud tradition.
  On behalf of the citizens of St. Mary's, Charles, and Calvert 
Counties, it is a great privilege to honor the Burch Oil Company for 
reaching the milestone of 75 years in serving the community of Southern 
Maryland. I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting a great example of 
American enterprise at its best. This company has been successful by 
its community, but continues to plough back its dividends every day 
through its public service. Congratulations to members of the Burch 
family and their employees and we wish you another 75 years of quality 
and reliable service to our community.

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