[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 121 (Tuesday, September 11, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1473]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING JOHN TOS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 11, 2012

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. John Tos of Kings 
County, California, as he is recognized by the Lemoore Chamber of 
Commerce as the 2012 Agriculturalist of the Year. A third generation 
farmer, John has been farming since 1961. John has consistently 
maintained a deep commitment to his family, faith, and community--which 
serves as a clear testament to his superior moral character. He is well 
deserving of this honor.
  A passionate and proud son of the agriculturally rich San Joaquin 
Valley, John has earned the respect and admiration of his friends and 
neighbors. Tos Farms was started in 1912, north of Hanford in an area 
called Queen Wilhelmina Colony by Joe Tos, John's grandfather. John's 
father and his Uncle Larry were the second generation to take over the 
family farming operation. Since then, John and his son Jeff, along with 
Bill's son, Mark, have become partners in the farming operation--making 
Tos Farms, Inc. a four generation, one-hundred year old farming 
operation. Clearly, the Tos Family is a living example of the American 
Dream--an illustration of success that shows overcoming adversity and 
achieving success is possible through hard work and perseverance.
  Today, Tos Farms employs an average of 250 to 300 people, many of 
whom have been with the company for as long as 30 to 40 years.
  John is not only being honored by the Lemoore Chamber of Commerce for 
his exemplary work ethic, he is also being recognized for his 
meaningful contributions to our community. He and his wife of 50 years, 
Victoria Tos, have been members of the Christian Reformed Church, where 
John has served on the Church Council and as Deacon. In addition, John 
has dedicated his time to the Hanford Christian and Central Valley 
Christian School Boards. He was also a member of the California Tree 
Fruit Agreement (CTFA) for 30 years. Currently, John serves on the 
Marana and Sierra Village Retirement Homes Board of Directors. John 
also acts as Director of the California Grape and Tree Fruit League, 
the Kingsburg Federal Land Bank Association, and the Burris Park 
Foundation. John's steadfast devotion to his community is evident from 
his loyalty and extensive contributions to our Valley.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. John Tos 
for his numerous contributions to California agriculture, the San 
Joaquin Valley, and our Nation. His selfless nature and strong work 
ethic, truly exemplifies the best of what our Nation has to offer.

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