[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 61 (Tuesday, April 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E749]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF ERNEST GALLO

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 16, 2007

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I am proud that the House of Representatives 
is considering H. Con. Res. 88, a resolution honoring the life of 
Ernest Gallo. I am an original cosponsor of this resolution and a long-
time admirer of Ernest Gallo, who sadly passed away on March 6.
  Ernest Gallo was a pioneer in the field of winemaking and a generous 
philanthropist. He was also a friend to me and my late husband, 
Congressman Robert Matsui. His story is remarkable and exemplifies the 
American dream. Born to Italian immigrants, Ernest and his brother 
Julio, took just $5,900 in savings and a winemaking pamphlet from the 
Modesto Public Library, and from this modest start built the world's 
second-largest winery. He foresaw the potential for the California wine 
industry and relied upon smart ideas and hard work to build an 
incredibly successful business that today serves as an industry model. 
Today, the Gallo Winery is an important driver of northern California's 
regional economy, providing good jobs for 4,600 families.
  But Ernest's lifetime contribution to California and the Nation went 
beyond his business achievements. As he became more successful, Ernest 
gave back to the community where he grew up. Ernest Gallo's personal 
generosity is demonstrated by such endeavors as the Gallo Center for 
the Arts in Modesto and the Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center at 
the University of California, San Francisco. These important 
institutions stand as a reminder of Ernest Gallo's life and his spirit.
  I hope all of my colleagues will join me in supporting this 
resolution and honoring the life and memory of Ernest Gallo.

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