[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 107 (Friday, July 18, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1536]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING ROBERT P. ``BOBBY'' KOCH ON HIS PROMOTION TO PRESIDENT AND 
             CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE WINE INSTITUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 18, 2003

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert P. 
``Bobby'' Koch, who was elevated to president and chief executive 
officer of the Wine Institute this month. Bobby has been an employee of 
the institute since 1992, and a senior vice president since 1996. Prior 
to his employment with the Wine Institute, Bobby was an employee of 
this body, serving Representatives Coelho and Gephardt in various 
capacities, ending his service in this House as Mr. Gephardt's chief of 
staff.
  Since Bobby has been at the Wine Institute, the organization has 
become a strong advocate on Capitol Hill for the wine industry, and 
Bobby has become the leading voice for the California wine industry. 
Certainly when I or any of my colleagues need the viewpoint of the 
industry, Bobby is one of the first people we turn to for advice. There 
is no stronger recognition of the truth of this statement than the 
action of the Board of Directors of the Wine Institute in appointing 
Bobby to replace John DeLuca as president and chief executive.
  In addition to Bobby's contributions to California's wine industry, 
he has other redeeming qualities. Bobby is active representing the 
Institute on the USDA Agricultural Policy Committee for Trade, and is a 
board member of the National Commission Against Drunk Driving, the 
Council on American Politics at George Washington University, the 
Congressional Wine Foundation, and the California State Society. He has 
raised millions of dollars for worthy causes, including efforts to cure 
Crohn's disease and colitis, and the National Children's Hospital.
  In addition to his many public accomplishments, Bobby is most proud 
of his family, including his wife Doro Bush Koch and their four 
children.
  Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor for me to rise to honor the 
accomplishments of Bobby Koch, to wish him many more years of success, 
and to honor him as a friend in his most recent appointment as 
president and chief executive officer of the Wine Institute.




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