[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 34 (Wednesday, March 17, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E402]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            PAYING TRIBUTE TO SOUTHWESTERN BEVERAGE COMPANY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 17, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise before this body of 
Congress and this nation to pay tribute to the Southwestern Beverage 
Company's impressive tradition of business excellence and philanthropy 
in Durango, Colorado. Recently, the Durango Chamber of Commerce 
recognized the company with the Spirit of Durango award for its history 
of service to the community. It is with great pride that I congratulate 
Southwestern Beverage for its well-deserved award, and thank them for 
their significant contributions to their community.
  The Southwestern Beverage legacy began when Arthur Welsh founded the 
company in 1963. From the beginning, the Welsh family was committed not 
only to distributing beverages across Southwest Colorado, but also to 
contributing profits to scholarship and recreation events in the 
Durango community. The company has sponsored numerous local events, 
including the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic and the Durango Grand Prix. 
The Welsh family has always believed that as their business grew, so 
should their civic responsibility to the community.
  Mr. Speaker, the drive the Southwestern Beverage Company and Welsh 
family have shown in their business and charitable activities have made 
them true civic leaders in their community. For over forty years, they 
have left an indelible mark of excellence on the Durango community and 
the State of Colorado. It is my privilege to pay tribute to the company 
before this body of Congress and this nation today and congratulate 
them on receiving the Spirit of Durango award.