[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 177 (Wednesday, December 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2862]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING JOHN C. HARRIS WITH THE DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN AWARD

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                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 2, 2009

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to John 
C. Harris for receiving the Distinguished Citizen Award, in recognition 
of his strong dedication to the Boy Scouts of America in the San 
Joaquin Valley. Mr. Harris has hosted the Westside Luncheon at Harris 
Ranch for nearly twenty years. This casual and friendly fund raising 
lunch supports the Scouting programs in western Fresno and Kings 
Counties. The Luncheon has become a model for other Scout Councils to 
emulate. In fact, the Monterey Bay Area Council borrowed the Harris 
model and began a similar event in King City years ago. John's concern 
for the youth of our area and his love of Scouting have kept his 
efforts concentrated in the Sequoia Council, and in the growth of the 
Scouting in the San Joaquin Valley.
  John has been involved in the Agriculture and Thoroughbred business 
all of his life, as he and his family have worked to create one of the 
nation's largest Agribusinesses. A diversified family farming 
operation, this successful business consists of the Harris Ranch Beef 
Company, Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant, Harris Feeding Company, Harris 
Fresh, and the Harris Farms Horse Division. Much has contributed to 
California's bountiful agriculture industry and economic well-being, 
but one significant underlying factor in California's agricultural 
success has been the presence of families such as the Harris family.
  We are fortunate to have generous and giving individuals like John 
Harris, who help to make our Valley a better place. John's commitment 
to excellence and hard work reflect much of the same values the Boy 
Scouts embody in their scout oath: to do your best, help other people 
at all times, and to serve your country. John Harris certainly lives up 
to these values as is evident in his business success and devotion to 
serving others in our community.
  For all these reasons, it is without a doubt an honor to recognize 
John Harris today for his leadership in our Valley, as he continues to 
touch the lives of many people and leave his mark of good will in our 
community. We are especially thankful today for his service to the Boy 
Scouts of America in the Central Valley.

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