[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 126 (Thursday, October 7, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1820]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             RECOGNIZING THE SONOMA INDEX-TRIBUNE NEWSPAPER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 6, 2004

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
and honor the Sonoma Index-Tribune Newspaper, which has been selected 
as the Business of the Year by the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce.
  Over its 125 year history, this family-owned newspaper has won 
hundreds of national, state and local awards: including First Place for 
Best Local News Coverage by the National Newspaper Association in 2004, 
the Environmental Business Award from the Sonoma Ecology Center in 
2003-2004, the Howard Grothe Award for Progressive Contributions to 
Newspaper Advertising from the California Newspaper Advertising 
Executives Association in 2002, the James Madison Freedom of 
Information Award for Investigative Journalism from the California 
Newspaper Advertising Executives Association in 2001, the Lincoln 
Steffens Investigative Reporting award from Sonoma State University and 
the Sonoma County Press Club in 2001, the Justice F. Craemer Newspaper 
Executive of the Year Award to Bill Lynch from the California Press 
Association in 2001, the Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation Award in 
2001 and the Community Partnership Award from the Sonoma Valley 
Education Foundation in 1999.
  The Index-Tribune was selected to receive this award not only because 
of its journalistic excellence but also because the paper and the Lynch 
Family contribute to the community in many other ways.
  The newspaper has been an exemplary employer and has been a training 
ground for many fine journalists throughout its history.
  Over the years the paper has contributed hundreds of thousands of 
dollars of free advertising space to non-profit organizations serving 
the Sonoma Valley. CEO and President Bill Lynch and his brother, CFO 
and Publisher Jim Lynch have personally contributed countless hours to 
a variety of community organizations, including the Hanna Boys Center, 
the Valley of the Moon Boys and Girls Club, Sonoma Valley Hospital, 
Field of Dreams, Maxwell Park and the Chamber of Commerce.
  Mr. Speaker, through its industry excellence, its community 
involvement and its employment practices, the Sonoma Index-Tribune has 
earned a position of prestige in the Sonoma Valley. It is appropriate 
for us today to honor Bill and Jim Lynch, the paper and its many 
employees both past and present.

                          ____________________