[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 115 (Thursday, July 28, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF JAKE FISHER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JO ANN EMERSON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 28, 2011

  Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Jake Fisher of 
Portageville, Missouri for his years of service to the University of 
Missouri Delta Center. The people of my congressional district, the 
state of Missouri, and Missouri's flagship University are forever 
grateful for Jake's contributions and commitment to making the Delta 
Center what it is today, a world-renowned research facility we can all 
be extremely proud of.
  The Delta Center has grown to be the jewel of the University of 
Missouri land grant system under Jake's leadership. This is a testament 
to Jake and the dedicated staff and faculty he works with on a daily 
basis. Every time I visit the Delta Center, I am encouraged by the work 
I see and what it means for the future of agriculture and our state.
  Jake's leadership has been critical in providing the faculty and 
staff with the vision and necessary resources to discover new 
solutions, address needs for our state and help the welfare of our 
citizens through scientific advancement in agriculture. His forward 
thinking has been instrumental in the Delta Center making great 
advancements which will lead the future and keep our agricultural 
producers on the frontline in meeting the challenge of feeding a 
growing world population.
  Not only is the Delta Center a world renowned research facility, it 
also remains an integral part of the community in Southeast Missouri. 
Jake has worked to forge a strong partnership between local 
communities, area producers, the entire Southeast Missouri region and 
the Delta Center. These partnerships make the Delta Center a special 
place for the people of Southeast Missouri and have contributed to its 
successes over the years.
  Everybody back in Missouri knows Jake outside of his role at the 
Delta Center as a selfless member of the community. Whenever there has 
been a disaster or other challenge facing the community, Jake always 
lends a helping hand to neighbors in need. When a historic ice storm 
struck our area in 2009, cutting off power and heating to our residents 
during the coldest part of the year, Jake was one of the first to step 
up and help the community by opening up part of the Delta Center as a 
warming center where many of the utility crews were fed as they worked 
to restore power.
  As Jake steps back from his leadership role at the Delta Center, I am 
certain the center will be in good hands. However, it will be a 
difficult transition for many, including me, as he has personified 
leadership for the Delta Center over the years. It is hard to think of 
the Delta Center without Jake Fisher.
  More than anything, I appreciate having Jake's friendship; and I look 
forward to keeping it for years to come.
  Congratulations, Jake, on a job well done and best wishes for you and 
Shelly as you enter a new and exciting part of your lives.

                          ____________________