[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 156 (Friday, October 31, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF BAUSCH AND LOMB

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 30, 2003

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 150th 
anniversary of Bausch & Lomb--a community institution, an outstanding 
corporation, and a global innovator.
  In 1853, a German immigrant named John Jacob Bausch started a modest 
business selling optical goods. He got off to an uneven start, and 
borrowed $60 in capital from a close friend, Henry Lomb. Bausch 
promised to make Lomb a full partner if the business prospered. Indeed, 
the business grew beyond its founders' wildest dreams. Today, Bausch & 
Lomb is the premiere name, recognized around the world, for excellence 
in eye health products.
  Headquartered in my district of Rochester, New York, Bausch & Lomb 
employs over 11,000 people and generates annual revenues of almost $2 
billion. B&L, as it is affectionately known, is also deeply committed 
to our community and its future. More than 5,000 schools nationwide 
participate in the Bausch & Lomb Science Award, which is bestowed on 
selected high school sophomores for excellence in science. Along with a 
medal, winners are eligible for a Bausch & Lomb scholarship for study 
at the University of Rochester, and associated paid summer internships 
in B&L labs. The B&L science awards and scholarships promote science 
scholarship and foster the next generation of scientists and 
researchers.
  At its facilities in Rochester, B&L has created some of the most 
innovative optical equipment and goods in the world. During World War 
I, B&L produced the special sunglasses for military men. B&L 
researchers invented the first optical-quality glass. And in 1971, 
Bausch & Lomb introduced the first soft contact lenses, a product that 
has improved the quality of life for millions of people around the 
globe. Today, tens of millions depend upon high quality B&L products to 
improve and maintain one of their most precious assets: their vision.
  Mr. Speaker, I am deeply proud of the fine work done by my 
constituents at Bausch & Lomb every day. One's sight is a precious 
thing, and it speaks volumes that more people entrust their vision to 
Bausch & Lomb than to any other company in the world. I salute Bausch & 
Lomb--company CEO Ronald Zarrella, his leadership team, and every one 
of his outstanding employees--on their 150th anniversary. We all look 
forward with great anticipation to seeing what the coming years bring 
to and from Bausch & Lomb.

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