[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 109 (Tuesday, September 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1760-E1761]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING THE COMMUNITY OF ALMA, KANSAS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY MORAN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 6, 2005

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
community of Alma, Kansas for the successful revitalization of the Alma 
Creamery.
  Beginning in 1946, this town of 762 people was identified by the 
presence of the Alma Creamery, famous for producing delicious Alma 
Cheese. Bernie Hansen, a pioneer in the development of value-added 
foods, furthered this tradition when he purchased the company in 1986. 
Bernie developed the company and sold it more than a decade later. 
Unfortunately, the creamery then closed in 2000. This was a setback to 
the community of Alma. And for more than 3 years, the production plant 
lay dormant. However, during this time, Alvin Kahle and Jim Ferguson, 
two longtime employees, did something great. On their own initiative, 
they regularly cleaned up and maintained the plant with the hope that 
one day it would reopen.
  Their hopes were fulfilled in October of 2003 when former owner 
Bernie Hansen purchased the plant at an auction. Bernie quickly rehired 
Alvin and Jim. He also asked Linda Craghead, who serves part-time as 
Wabaunsee County economic development director, to serve as general 
manager of the company. In addition, more than one million dollars was 
invested in equipment, facilities and personnel.
  On April 28, 2004, the hopes of Bernie, Linda, Alvin, Jim and the 
entire community were realized. On that day, the first batch of hand-
made Alma Cheese was produced in a completely remodeled plant. Since 
the plant reopened, this delicious product has been attracting more and 
more customers. The company's workforce has expanded from 5 to 15 
employees in order to keep up with increasing demand.
  According to Bernie Hansen, the company's growth is the result of an 
inspired team effortt ``The renewed success of Alma Creamery can be 
attributed to a hard working staff, a supportive community and a 
trusted brand name widely-recognized across the state of Kansas,'' 
Hansen said.
  For rural communities to survive and prosper into the future, 
citizens must be willing to create their own opportunities for success.

[[Page E1761]]

The revitalization of Alma Creamery is an example of how hard work, 
innovation, professional management and community support can create 
just such an opportunity.
  Citizens throughout Kansas are working together to enhance the 
quality of life in their communities. Alma Creamery is a success story 
that demonstrates how teamwork and creative thinking can make a 
positive difference in rural America.

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