[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 51 (Tuesday, April 13, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E529]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING AWREY BAKERIES

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 13, 2010

  Mr. McCOTTER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge 
Awrey Bakeries, upon its 100th anniversary. Awrey Bakeries stands in my 
hometown of Livonia, Michigan, as a true model of the American Dream 
and the persevering spirit of those bent on attaining that dream. From 
its humble beginnings as a one woman shop Awrey's has grown to a more 
than 200,000 square foot facility employing 400 people, grossing $90 
million in sales.
  As Canadian farming foundered in the early 1900s, Fletcher Awrey 
chose to immigrate to Detroit, Michigan, in hopes of finding work in 
the burgeoning auto industry. To supplement the family income 
Fletcher's wife, Elizabeth, baked breads and pastries in her wood-fired 
stove and sold them to her neighbors. As demand for the baked goods 
grew, her sons sold them door to door.
  The Awrey family opened a retail outlet in 1914 and installed 
mechanized baking equipment in 1929. In 1930 the company operated 32 
stores. Expansion was not slowed by the Great Depression but the sugar 
shortage due to rationing during World War II put growth on hold. 
However, by 1950 Awrey's expanded to 120 locations and operated a home 
delivery service. The company introduced a line of frozen baked goods 
aimed at the food service market in 1968 and continued to experience 
growth for several decades after moving its present location in Livonia 
in the 1970s. In 2002, Awrey's was one of the first companies in the 
United States to receive the prestigious Bakers Seal Award from the 
American Institute of Baking.
  After 95 years of family ownership, Awrey's Bakeries was purchased by 
Hilco Equity and Monomoy Capital Partners who have taken great pride in 
continuing the tradition of high quality baked goods that have placed 
the Awrey's name among Detroit's homegrown favorites.
  Madam Speaker, for 100 years Awrey Bakeries has stood as a tribute to 
the hard work of Fletcher and Elizabeth Awrey and their family. As the 
company celebrates this enormous milestone, it personifies a legacy of 
excellence, ingenuity, and the irrepressible spirit of the American 
entrepreneur. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
Awrey Bakeries and recognizing their years of loyal service to our 
community and country.

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