[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 18, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E38]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO GEORGE ``G.W.'' GRIFFIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 18, 2012

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the late George ``G.W.'' Griffin, a successful businessman in the food 
industry and admired leader in his community of London, Kentucky.
  George began his career in 1950, at Laurel Grocery, a local 
wholesaler based in London, KY, where he served as President for 34 
years up until his retirement in 1997. Using honesty and wisdom as the 
secret to his business success, George taught his co-workers to be 
forthright in following through with their commitments and careful in 
not committing to something they could not accomplish.
  George's other grocery industry activities included chairing the Food 
Marketing Education Council, as well as sitting on the boards of the 
National-American Wholesale Grocers Association, and the Kentucky 
Grocers Association, of which he was elected president in 1979. A 
passionate and highly regarded businessman, Griffin was named the 
``Grocer of the Year'' in 1986 and in 2005 he was honored as the first 
inductee into the Kentucky Grocers Hall of Fame.
  Outside of his professional commitments, George served proudly in the 
United States Navy during World War II, and was very active in civic 
events and in service to his community. An avid golfer and thoroughbred 
horse owner/racing enthusiast, George traveled throughout the world to 
pursue his passions. As a graduate from University of Kentucky and a 
member of the board of trustees for 16 years, George was a diehard 
Kentucky fan, and never missed a home football game until he became too 
ill to attend.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in memory of George 
``G.W.'' Griffin for his dedication and service to the leaders and 
families of Eastern Kentucky. His enthusiasm and zeal will be greatly 
missed.

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