[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 16, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1805]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              MR. BRUCE LEETZ AND NORTH COAST DISTRIBUTING

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 16, 2008

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with pleasure that I stand before 
you today to recognize one of Northwest Indiana's exemplary companies. 
For nearly seventy years, North Coast Distributing has been a leader in 
the Northwest Indiana business sector, and while the company has seen 
much success, it is what they have done to give back to the community 
that makes them so vital to Northwest Indiana. For the third straight 
year, North Coast, in conjunction with Ivy Tech Community College of 
Northwest Indiana, will be providing the community with their ``Fall 
Innovators Cafe'' in an effort to share their expertise in operating a 
successful organization with regional and community leaders. This 
special event will take place on Thursday, September 25, 2008.
  A local, family-owned beer wholesaler since 1939, North Coast 
Distributing, formerly Valpo Beverages, Incorporated, has become one of 
the premier distributors in the Midwest. The success they have seen, 
under the leadership of President and Chief Executive Officer Bruce 
Leetz, is in large part due to the core values of North Coast: Passion 
for business, Respect for each other and surroundings, Integrity to 
demonstrate the highest ethical and moral standards, Commitment to 
achieve goals, and in Excelling in everything they do. This commitment 
to excellence has led to many accolades at the local, state, and 
national levels for North Coast, who in 2007 became the first 
distributor to win both the Miller and Coors top distributor awards. 
While the many awards they have received are outstanding enough, North 
Coast's commitment to corporate responsibility and to their community 
are the most impressive.
  Led by Bruce Leetz, North Coast Distributing has always been 
committed to promoting responsible consumption and in giving back to 
the community, as is evidenced by their participation in the upcoming 
innovative session. A graduate of Valparaiso High School and Ball State 
University, Bruce has been employed with North Coast for over 45 years. 
In 1970, Bruce took over as President of the company, and his 
accomplishments, as well as the success of North Coast, have been 
astonishing. A true expert and legend in the industry, Bruce has served 
in many capacities, including: membership on the National Beer 
Wholesalers Association's Executive Board, as President of the Indiana 
Beverage Alliance for ten years, and as Chairman of both the Miller and 
Coors Distributor Councils. Like his company, Bruce has always been an 
active participant in his community as well, having served on the 
boards of the Northwest Indiana Forum, the Valparaiso Chamber of 
Commerce, and the Northwest Indiana Entrepreneurship Academy. He is 
also a past president of the Porter County United Way and the 
Valparaiso Rotary Club, and he is a Ruling Elder at the First 
Presbyterian Church in Valparaiso.
  For his service to his community and his commitment his industry, 
both economically and socially, Bruce has received many accolades 
throughout the years. To name a few of these, in 2004, Bruce was 
recognized as a Miller Legend, a lifetime achievement award that is the 
Miller Brewing Company's highest honor. Also, in 2005, then Governor 
Frank O'Bannon presented him with the Sagamore of the Wabash award, one 
of the highest honors awarded by the Governor of the State of Indiana.
  Madam Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other 
distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Bruce Leetz and 
North Coast Distributing on their success throughout the years and 
honoring them on their commitment to the people of Northwest Indiana. 
Bruce and the entire team at North Coast Distributing are to be 
commended for their dedication to improving Northwest Indiana.

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