[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 88 (Monday, June 14, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1093]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       McKEE FOODS/LITTLE DEBBIE--STUARTS DRAFT 20TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB GOODLATTE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 14, 2010

  Mr. GOODLATTE. Madam Speaker, it was two decades ago that the largest 
privately-held, family-owned bakery in the United States decided to 
make its newest home in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, just miles from 
the Blue Ridge Mountains. I am delighted today to help mark the 20th 
anniversary of the arrival of McKee Foods in Stuarts Draft, Virginia. 
Based in Collegedale, Tennessee the company best known in all 50 states 
and in Canada and Mexico for its ``Little Debbie'' brand snacks has 
settled into its location in the Commonwealth over the last 20 years 
and become an integral part of the business community in Augusta 
County. The bakery is considered one of the industry's most cutting-
edge facilities, and more than 1,000 folks are employed in the 
production of what I believe are among the country's best snack goods--
they are standards in the cupboards of my home and countless others. 
There's nothing like their Snack Cakes, Fudge Rounds, Swiss Cake Rolls, 
Oatmeal Creme Pies--and more than 70 other Little Debbie products made 
from the highest quality ingredients. The enjoyment that accompanies 
eating these goodies is endless.
  In addition to marking the company's 20 years in Stuarts Draft, we're 
also noting a half-century of the Little Debbie brand. It was 50 years 
ago that the company's founders--O.D. and Ruth McKee--decided to use a 
likeness of their young granddaughter Debbie to mark the brand. All 
these years later, ``Little Debbie'' is the unmistakable trademark of a 
company that has been profitable every year since. That's quite a 
tribute for a company whose commitment to ``total quality'' is a daily 
endeavor. Having met hundreds of McKee employees over the years, I can 
attest that they constantly strive for integrity and to be innovative 
in their business.
  McKee Foods is now one of the foundations of a region of my 
Congressional district that's long been known for its strong work 
ethic. The McKee family clearly recognized that attribute when it chose 
Stuarts Draft for its newest operation 20 years ago. I commend 
President and CEO Mike McKee and Vice President of Stuarts Draft 
Operations Randy Smith for making the Stuarts Draft facility a great 
place to continue the company's guiding values. It's been a true recipe 
for success since 1990 in Virginia. The Sixth District looks forward to 
much continued success for McKee Foods and ``Little Debbie'' for many 
decades to come.

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