[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 154 (Friday, November 18, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2400]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    CONGRATULATING MR. VERNON CONRAD

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 17, 2005

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Vernon 
Conrad of Reedley, California as the honored recipient of the Greater 
Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce ``Agriculturist of the Year'' award.
  The Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce awards an individual who 
exemplifies leadership and integrity in the Central Valley's 
agricultural business community every year at their awards luncheon. 
This year the organization could not have chosen an individual who is 
more deserving of this prestigious honor.
  Mr. Conrad is a fourth generation Californian and his family has deep 
roots in east Valley agriculture; dating back to the late 1800s. He is 
a lifelong resident of Fresno County as a Reedley community member 
where he grows grapes and tree fruits. It is from this background that 
Vernon emerged as a respected agriculturist in the community. His 
leadership with the Fresno County Farm Bureau and Fresno County Board 
of Supervisors sets the bar high for those who follow in his foot 
steps.
  Mr. Conrad served two terms as Fresno County Farm Bureau President 
and during his time with the Farm Bureau Mr. Conrad worked tirelessly 
to promote the Valley's agriculture agenda on a national level. He 
traveled to Washington, DC twice to testify before Congress on some of 
the Farm Bureau's major issues, such as concerns over water and 
acreage.
  His concerted efforts on policy and advocacy eventually led Mr. 
Conrad down another path of activism as a Fresno County Supervisor. As 
a three term board member, Vernon, tackled various county dilemmas with 
renewed energy each time a new problem emerged. He focused on improving 
the efficiency of Fresno County operations, dealt with funding 
challenges and land use and zoning issues.
  As if overcoming obstacles faced by the county and the farming 
community wasn't enough, Vernon also found time to serve on various 
committees and associations to work actively with agriculture groups. 
He was a board member of the Alta Irrigation District, Kings River 
Conservation District, Regional Water Quality Control Board and the 
Kings River Water Association. Through his work with these 
organizations, Mr. Conrad earned a seat representing California on the 
American Farm Bureau Federation's Natural Resources and Water 
Committee, on which he served as chair for five years.
  Vernon Conrad's extensive efforts as an advocate of agriculture and 
the community have earned him the respect and admiration of his 
colleagues. It is with great pleasure that I stand today and 
congratulate Mr. Conrad for all of his achievements, and thank him for 
his commitment to our Valley.

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