[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 99 (Wednesday, July 6, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1239]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING CLARE ROSE, INC. ON ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 6, 2011

  Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, family-run businesses are the 
cornerstone of Long Island's economy. I rise today to honor one such 
business, Clare Rose, Inc., as it celebrates its 75th anniversary this 
year.
  The success of Clare Rose, Inc. is a testament to the perseverance of 
the American entrepreneurial spirit. Clare F. Rose founded Clare Rose, 
Inc. on November 30, 1936 in the quiet hamlet of Patchogue, New York, 
as a soft drink distribution business and then shifted to beer 
distribution in 1948.
  The company distributed just one brand, Piels, and eventually added 
Anheuser-Busch and Heineken brands to its menu of brewed selections. 
Today, Clare Rose proudly distributes AB InBev, Heineken, Blue Point 
Craft Beers, and Great South Bay, along with other quality non-
alcoholic products. It has grown to be the largest beverage wholesaler 
on Long Island and the second largest in New York State.
  Its initial market territory encompassed only Eastern Suffolk County, 
later expanding business operations to all of Suffolk in the 1960s and 
Nassau County in the 1990s. Today, Clare Rose sells more than 11 
million cases of beer annually to all of Long Island.
  Rose started with just two employees, growing over time to a family 
of over 300 employees. The Rose family has led the company through 
seven decades of serving Long Island. Clare's sons Mark and Ric assumed 
management responsibilities in the 1960s and today, Sean, a third-
generation Rose, serves as CEO and Chairman. It is a family business in 
the truest sense--welcoming fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, and 
many other family combinations.
  Mr. Speaker, businesses are not just measured in profits or 
clientele, but by the role they play in their community. Clare Rose 
continues to support local educational and medical institutions, as 
well as local land and wildlife conservation initiatives across Long 
Island. The company has also participated in efforts to educate the 
public regarding responsible alcohol consumption, with a special focus 
on high school students and the dangers of underage drinking and drunk 
driving.
  Mr. Speaker, local businesses with long histories are treasures for 
any community. On behalf of New York's first congressional district, I 
congratulate Clare Rose, Inc. and its employees on its 75th anniversary 
and wish them decades of success to come.

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