[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 130 (Thursday, November 16, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11051-S11052]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CELEBRATION OF THE 80TH BIRTHDAY OF EARL HOLDING

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a dynamic 
man, my constituent, a loyal friend, loving husband and father, and a 
highly successful businessman--Mr. Earl Holding. Earl is reaching a 
wonderful milestone, his 80th birthday, and I couldn't let this 
occasion pass without honoring him for the good he has accomplished 
throughout his life.
  Earl has accomplished feats in business in Utah and throughout our 
Nation that few have ever achieved. He has made a lasting imprint on 
many industries including petroleum, ranching, and the travel and hotel 
industry. His work ethic, and inspirational leadership has literally 
transformed the business landscape of our State. His acumen and 
tenacity are legendary and are admired by many.
  Earl has not been alone in his success. In 1949, Earl married his 
business partner, Carol Orme, and together they embarked on a 
remarkable life journey. These two humble individuals worked together 
to forge something real and lasting in all aspects of their lives. A 
story is told of their early years that I believe poignantly displays 
the dedication they both have always demonstrated. Their wedding night 
at the Temple Square Hotel in Salt Lake City reached an early end when 
they left at 5:00 a.m. to take their irrigation turn at their orchard.
  In 1952, Earl and Carol accepted the responsibility of managing and 
investing in Little America, a service station and motel located in a 
remote area of western Wyoming. At the time Little America was 
unprofitable. In just 2 short years, through hard work, perseverance, 
and tenacity, the Holdings were able to turn Little America into the 
largest and highest volume service station in the United States.
  From this beginning, the Little America Hotels and hotel properties 
led by Earl have became a favorite place for thousands of travelers 
throughout the Western United States. In fact, in preparation for the 
2002 Winter Olympic Games, Earl personally undertook a mission to build 
the first five-star hotel in Utah. His dream became a reality with the 
development and building of the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City. 
This property is truly ``grand.'' It is beautiful from the top to the 
bottom and is a wonderful testament to Earl's dedication to quality and 
service.
  Earl's contribution to the travel and recreation arena doesn't end 
with his hotel properties. He also owns and manages the Snowbasin ski 
area in Utah, the home of several Olympic races during the 2002 Olympic 
Winter

[[Page S11052]]

Games; and the Sun Valley resort in Idaho, repeatedly named the No. 1 
ski resort in America.
  Earl's business holdings also include a large petroleum portfolio 
anchored by his purchase of Sinclair Oil in 1976. His innovative 
leadership in the petroleum industry has enabled Sinclair Oil to grow 
and is now one of the largest privately held, full integrated oil 
companies in America.
  His leadership and dedication have been recognized many times through 
numerous awards and honors, including an honorary doctorate degree from 
the University of Utah, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for 
Scholars of the Smithsonian Institution's Award for Corporate 
Citizenship, appointments to the U.S. Postal Commission and the Salt 
Lake Olympic Organizing Committee, and as president of the American 
Independent Refiners Association.
  Another hallmark of Earl's life has been his commitment to the 
thousands of employees he has hired throughout the years. Each 
Christmas season, Earl and Carol take the time to express personally 
their gratitude to each one of their 7,000 employees.
  A famous orator, John Wesley, once stated: ``Do all the good you can, 
by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places 
you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long 
as ever you can.''
  This describes Earl Holding. His good works accomplished through 80 
years will be acknowledged and felt for generations to come. He is a 
living example of courage, commitment, and dedication. Hard work has 
never deterred him, and integrity has always been his guiding beacon.
  Mr. President, I consider it a great honor to call Earl Holding a 
friend. He is an exceptional human being whose footprints will last for 
years. His success has not been achieved with one single magnificent 
accomplishment but through a journey of good work and exceptional 
leadership. I pay tribute to him today and hope my colleagues will join 
with me in wishing him a very happy 80th birthday!

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