[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 18, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1300-E1302]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO THE ENSTROM FAMILY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 18, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand before this body of 
Congress and this nation to pay tribute to the Enstrom family of Grand 
Junction, Colorado. The Enstroms own and operate Enstrom's Candies, one 
of the premier candy manufacturers in the United States. For many 
years, the Enstroms have worked hard to produce high quality candy, 
earning a reputation as a valuable member of Colorado's business 
community. Under the leadership of Chet Enstrom, the family has strived 
to serve not only their customers but the state of Colorado as well.
  Chet Enstrom began his career at the age of 14, working in a Colorado 
Springs ice cream shop. It was there that Chet learned about making 
quality candy, a craft he would later perfect in the basement of his 
home. He gave a small amount of his now famous ``almond toffee'' to 
family and friends, who encouraged Chet to open what became Enstrom's 
Candies. The quality of the candy was evident to all of Enstrom's many 
customers, ensuring that the company has enjoyed many years of success.
  Chet worked hard to keep the business in family hands and there have 
now been three generations of Enstroms involved in its operation. In 
1965, Chet passed the company on to his son Emil and his daughter-in-
law Mary. By 1979 Enstrom's Candies was producing over 65,000 pounds of 
candy every year.
  The third generation of Enstroms operates the company today. The 
``Candy Kitchen'' in Grand Junction is run by Chet's granddaughter 
Jamee and her husband Doug. Their

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Denver retail stores are operated by Chet's grandson Rick and his wife 
Linda. Together the Enstroms still focus on the family values of hard 
work and dedication that have made the company successful for so many 
years.
  Mr. Speaker, Enstrom's Candies has provided Colorado with high 
quality confections and dedicated service for over 40 years. The 
Enstrom family has worked hard to keep the business in family hands, 
providing numerous jobs to the surrounding community. Enstrom's Candies 
is truly a Colorado icon and I congratulate them on 43 years of 
service.
    

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