[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 9, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S5865]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CONGRATULATING ALBERT YARNELL

 Mr. PRYOR. Mr. President, in 1932 Ray Yarnell bought a 
bankrupt dairy in Searcy, AR, and created the Yarnell Ice Cream 
Company. At the time, there were 43 ice cream companies in business in 
Arkansas.
  Ray's son Albert began working for the company at the age of 12, 
riding his bicycle to deliver bills. During World War II, Albert 
Yarnell left to serve his country as a member of the Army Signal Corps. 
After his service, he studied dairy production at the University of 
Missouri and returned to work at the Yarnell Ice Cream Company in 1948. 
With the passing of his father in 1974, Albert Yarnell became the 
president of the company. In 1978, he personally created the Nation's 
first all-natural ice milk, and after becoming chairman of the company 
in 1985, he led the team that invented the Nation's first non-fat, no-
sugar-added ice cream in 1990. He is affectionately known in his 
hometown of Searcy and at the company as ``Mr. Albert.''
  A very successful family business, the Yarnell Ice Cream Company now 
stands as the only remaining ice cream producer in Arkansas. Albert's 
son Rogers is the current president of the company and Albert's 
granddaughter Christina is the treasurer. Albert and his wife Doris 
both contribute to and are deeply respected in the community they have 
called home for so many years. Mr. Yarnell also serves on several 
boards, including Main Street Searcy, the Baptist Health Corporation, 
the Searcy Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Arkansas State Chamber 
of Commerce.
  Earlier this year, Albert Yarnell was inducted into the Arkansas 
Business Hall of Fame. He joins other distinguished members such as Sam 
Walton, Jackson Stephens, Don Tyson, and J.B. Hunt.
  Mr. President, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating 
both Albert Yarnell, the patriarch of the Ice Cream Industry, and the 
Yarnell Ice Cream Company on the company's 75th anniversary.

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