[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 78 (Friday, May 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E911]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO MR. JOSEPH W. LUTER III

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. RANDY FORBES

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 21, 2010

  Mr. FORBES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Joe 
Luter, on the occasion of his life-long dedication and contributions to 
Smithfield and Isle of Wight County, Virginia.
  Mr. Luter's commitment to the community he has called home for more 
than 70 years cannot be overstated. As a family man, business owner, 
community leader and philanthropist, his impact on the lives of 
thousands of people has been measurable and meaningful.
  Mr. Luter graduated from Smithfield High School and went on to attend 
Wake Forest University, where he graduated from in 1962. Upon his 
graduation from college, he returned home to work in the family 
business, Smithfield Packing Company, and served as its president until 
1970. After moving to Bayse, Virginia and developing Bryce Mountain 
Resort, Mr. Luter returned to Smithfield in 1975 as Chairman of the 
Board and CEO of Smithfield Foods, Inc., where he held that position 
until 2006.
  Under his leadership, Smithfield Foods, Inc. has become a $12.5 
billion company that employs over 52,000 people world-wide. Mr. Luter's 
love for people and his community led to his creation of the 
Smithfield-Luter Foundation in 2002. In 8 short years, it has granted 
74 scholarships worth over $800,000. In addition, it donated $5 million 
in 2005 to Christopher Newport University, an institution located just 
a few miles away from the town of Smithfield. In 2006, the Foundation 
announced a $5 million gift for cancer research and treatment to the 
University of Virginia Health System in honor of longtime Smithfield 
employee Palmer Weber.
  Tomorrow, the citizens of Smithfield and Isle of Wight County will 
honor Mr. Luter at the Grand Opening Dedication of Windsor Castle Park, 
a 210 acre riverside park located in the heart of downtown Smithfield. 
Mr. Luter's generous contribution made possible the purchase of 162 
acres of farmland and development of the park, which he subsequently 
donated to the Town of Smithfield. Another 46 acres was gifted to the 
town by Mr. and Mrs. Lewis McMurran. The park includes a woodland trail 
system, picnic and play areas, a dog park, kayak and canoe launch, 
scenic overlook and the Windsor Castle Historic Site.
  Madam Speaker, please join me and the citizens of Smithfield and Isle 
of Wight in offering our sincere gratitude to Mr. Luter for his 
exemplary service and commitment to his community.

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