[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 87 (Thursday, June 10, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1065]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN HONOR OF FEDERICO'S DRIVE IN SHOE SERVICE

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                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 10, 2010

  Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Federico's 
Drive In Shoe Service, a local icon in my Central Coast Congressional 
District, on its 70th anniversary. Since 1940, Federico's has served 
the Monterey Bay area with exemplary craftsmanship, the highest quality 
materials, and quick and efficient service.
  Charles Federico began his career at the age of fourteen. The young 
apprentice was assigned to the shoe shine stand for his first two 
years, and then graduated to replacing heels. Within ten years he had 
purchased his first store, handling shoe repair in one corner and 
selling fishing gear in another.
  His business, then called Franklin Shoe Repair, expanded quickly; in 
1957 he added the extra convenience of a drive-up window to his 
Monterey store which greatly increased the volume of business, and he 
also opened a second shop on the former Fort Ord Army Base. He paid 
particular attention to shop appearance, workmanship, merchandising and 
shop management. In 1958 he won the National Leather and Shoe Finders 
Association National Silver Cup Contest, as being the best shoe repair 
store in America. Over the years he and his son, Henry, have won 27 
local and regional industry awards.
  Members of my family have patronized Federico's shop for decades, and 
many of their customers cite their outstanding product knowledge and 
customer service as reasons for their loyalty. Charles is now ninety-
three and his son, Henry, runs the shop. They have branched out into 
engraving trophies and sewing logo merchandise. Their employees carry 
on the traditions that won them the Silver Cup so many years ago.
  Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in wishing Federico's a 
very happy 70th Anniversary, and many more to come.

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