[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 6 (Friday, January 10, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E46]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF ERNEST ARMEN BEDROSIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 10, 2014

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay to tribute to the life of 
Ernest Armen Bedrosian who passed away on January 1, 2014 at the age of 
80. Ernie had a significant role in the raisin industry, and his 
advocacy on behalf of farmers throughout California will undoubtedly be 
missed.
  Ernie grew up in Parlier, California with his two brothers; Krikor 
and Kenneth, and his sister, Clara. His parents, Murad and Elizabeth, 
were first generation immigrants who survived the Armenian Genocide. 
Growing up in an immigrant family with strong parents, Ernie quickly 
developed great values and principles.
  In 1955, Ernie graduated from Fresno State College with a Bachelor's 
Degree in agriculture. Upon graduation, he joined the United States 
Army and became a food specialist. A year into his service, Ernie 
married the love of his life, Carlotta Ketchian. They raised two 
children; Bryan and Tammy.
  In 1958, Ernie completed his time with the Army and went back to work 
on his family farm. Ernie and his brothers began a grape harvesting 
business, and in his spare time, Ernie served on various raisin boards 
and met stakeholders who farmed throughout the Valley. In 1966, he 
formed the Raisin Bargaining Association (RBA). Ernie served as the 
first president of the RBA and guided the association through its early 
years. Today, the RBA is the most successful and largest raisin 
bargaining association in the country.
  While Ernie was establishing the RBA, he and his brothers were also 
expanding their farming operation. In 1967, they decided to go into the 
raisin packing business and opened National Raisin Company (NRC). The 
Bedrosian brothers and their partner Harry Rustigian developed the 
``Champion'' brand. Ernie served as the president and was responsible 
for sales and daily operations. The NRC had a strong beginning and 
decades later, it still continues to prosper. It is the largest 
independent raisin, prune, and dried fruit operation in the world.
  It is obvious that Ernie was an extremely successful businessman, but 
he never took full responsibility for his accomplishments. He 
attributed his success to Carlotta and his sister in-laws; Katherine 
and Jane, who served as a support system to the Bedrosian brothers 
while they were forming their business. Ernie loved the raisin 
industry, but family always came first. He was a loving and devoted 
husband and a supportive father. He also enjoyed spending time with his 
grandchildren; Corney, Tyler, Armen, and Lillian.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the 
House of Representatives to pay tribute to the life of Ernest Armen 
Bedrosian. His presence will be greatly missed, but his legacy will 
surely live on in the Central Valley.

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