[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 122 (Thursday, August 6, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S8989]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    COMMENDING KITTERY TRADING POST

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, with summer in full swing, I wish 
today to recognize a small family-run Maine business that has been 
outfitting customers with all of their outdoor needs for over 70 years. 
The Kittery Trading Post, located in Maine's southernmost town of 
Kittery, offers outdoor enthusiasts a shopping experience that is 
nearly as enjoyable as their outdoor activities.
  The Kittery Trading Post holds a special place in the hearts of 
Mainers and tourists alike as it is one of the first visible landmarks 
upon entrance into our State from New Hampshire. The Trading Post was 
established by Philip Adams in 1938 and began small as a one-room, 360 
square-foot retail location cohabitating with a gas station. Mr. Adams 
initially started his business by swapping gas for pelts, supplies for 
cars, and beef for ammunition. While the Trading Post has grown and 
much has changed over the years, it remains a family-owned and operated 
business to this day.
  In 1961 Phillip Adams sold the trading post to his 21-year-old son, 
Kevin. Under Kevin's leadership, the Kittery Trading Post was voted 
Independent Specialty Retailer of the Year in 1979 by the United State 
Sporting Goods Industry. Kevin operated the company until his 
retirement in 1986, when the reins were passed on to Gary, Phillip, 
Kevin F., and Kim Adams. During this period, the Trading Post was 
presented with the Governor's Award for Business Excellence in 1995, a 
celebrated honor given to businesses that make generous contributions 
in the areas of community, employment, and service.
  Phillip and Gary retired in 1999 and 2001 respectively, leaving the 
family business under the able leadership of Kevin F. and Kim. In 2001, 
the Trading Post earned yet another prestigious and coveted award, when 
the Maine Merchants Association named the Kittery Trading Post the 
Retailer of the Year.
  Since its inception, the Kittery Trading Post has grown 
exponentially, resulting in its current size of 90,000 square feet of 
retail space. Spread out across three spacious levels, each area 
containing products appealing to a variety of customers, including 
quality and affordable provisions for hunting and archery, camping and 
travel, food and lodging, and fishing and marine activity, among 
others. The camping, rock climbing, water and winter sports divisions 
reside on the upper floor. Below that is the largest shooting sports 
department in New England, including over 3,000 used firearms in stock. 
And on the lower level is Kittery Trading Post's expansive fishing 
section.
  In addition to the retail space, the Trading Post has two off-site 
warehouses, providing the firm with an additional 94,000 square feet of 
space to help increase the distribution of its products and keep up 
with the demands of online customers via the company's user-friendly 
website. The Kittery Trading Post offers free shipping on orders over 
$50, and also assures each customer that if they are not completely 
satisfied with their purchase they may return it for a full refund or 
replacement.
  As a vibrant and active member of the local community, the Kittery 
Trading Post hosts a variety of seminars and events throughout the 
year. These events include weekly community bicycle rides, fly fishing 
lessons for children, and classes for gun owners on firearm reloading 
safety.
  Over the course of its lengthy history, the Kittery Trading Post has 
expanded into a singular name in Southern Maine's outdoor sports 
outfitting arena. A true Maine gem, the Trading Post is an impressive 
destination for the amateur and the experienced outdoorsman alike. I 
commend everyone at the Kittery Trading Post for their exceptional work 
in providing quality and friendly service to tens of thousands of 
visitors each year, and wish them continued success for future 
decades.

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