[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 25, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1095]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ON THE RETIREMENT OF GENE A. LUNDQUIST

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. WILLIAM M. THOMAS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 25, 2005

  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent and 
friend, Mr. Gene A. Lundquist, of Bakersfield, California, upon his 
recent retirement from Calcot, Ltd., where he had an accomplished 36-
year career. Although I will miss working with Gene on issues of 
importance to Kern County and California, I wish Gene and his family 
well as he enters this next stage of his life.
  Gene was born in Bakersfield, California, graduated from Arvin High 
School, and earned his Bachelor of Science from Colorado State 
University. He then served two years in the Army, where he was awarded 
the Decorated Army Commendation Medal.
  Gene joined Calcot in 1969, and spent the next 36 years working hard 
to further the interests of cotton growers in California and Arizona, 
who grew to admire him for his dependability and effectiveness. During 
his career, he directed the grower relations program, was active in 
Management Committee and Board of Directors activities, and most 
recently served as the Vice President of the Legislative and Public 
Affairs Department. Through his strong relationships with growers, 
manufacturers, and legislators he was able to expand markets for raw 
cotton to textile producers.
  During his distinguished career, Gene used his talent and time to 
serve Kern County and local farmers on a broad range of agricultural 
and water issues through his active involvement with various agencies, 
committees, and boards. In fact, Gene became an integral component of 
the local agriculture and water communities and is known simply as 
someone who can get the job done.
  Gene's involvement in these organizations was broad but deep. For 
instance, Gene served as Chairman of the Water Association of Kern 
County, Chairman of the Board of the Agricultural Council of 
California, Director of the California Farm Water Coalition, President 
of the Kern County Water Agency (he remains on its Board of Directors), 
Member of the Cotton Board, and as Delegate to the National Cotton 
Council of America. He also was appointed to the California Governor's 
Agricultural Summit, and participated in the California Agricultural 
Leadership Program, where he traveled to Africa to learn more about the 
governments and economies of Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and South 
Africa.
  As he enters retirement, Gene leaves behind a legacy of dedicated 
service, expertise, and accomplishment. Accordingly, I thank Gene for 
all of his contributions and wish him well.

                          ____________________