[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 25, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO GERRY AND ROSIE WILSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 25, 2014

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to 
two individuals whose ongoing dedication and contributions to the 
community of Temecula, California have been exceptional. Temecula has 
been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated community leaders who 
willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent to make their 
communities a better place to live and work. Gerry and Rosie Wilson are 
two of these individuals. On February 22, 2014, Gerry and Rosie were 
honored as the ``Lifetime Achievement Award'' recipients at the 
Temecula Chamber of Commerce Installation and Awards Gala for all that 
they have done.
  Born and raised in the heart of the Midwest, Rosie and Gerry came 
from humble beginnings. This foundation instilled quality values in the 
pair that are exemplified to this day. It was almost fate that Rosie 
and Gerry met one day on a train. She was on her way home to Iowa to 
celebrate Christmas with her family after having set up a cerebral 
palsy clinic in Boise, Idaho and he sat down across from her. Not too 
shortly after, they were walking down the wedding aisle, ready to begin 
their life together. In a matter of two and a half years, the pair had 
adopted a child and given birth to three more. Their children became 
their top priorities.
  As their children grew older, however, the Wilson's aspirations grew 
bigger. At their children's suggestion, the couple began to consider 
opening a winery. Gerry had never been known as a big risk taker; in 
fact, he made his living as a financial advisor. He was careful to 
consider every aspect of this huge investment that may have required 
their entire life savings. After happening upon Temecula, California in 
1996, Gerry and Rosie became convinced that this was the right move for 
them and their dream became a reality when they purchased a small 
winery named Wilson Creek Winery that same year.
  In 1997, Gerry and Rosie's three children and their families picked 
up and moved to Temecula to begin working alongside their parents at 
the winery, which officially opened its tasting room doors in 2000. The 
family's values have contributed immensely to the success of the 
business. It is evident that each individual contributes a certain 
expertise to the day-to-day operations of the winery, creating a 
dynamic business model.
  The Wilson's hard work and dedication have grown Wilson Creek Winery 
into an incredible business over the years. They have single-handedly 
created 20 fulltime, and 30 part time jobs. Today, the winery spans 90 
acres from which they sell over 30,000 cases of wine each year. 1,000 
visitors a weekend walk through the tasting room doors to experience 
the ambiance and wine the couple has worked so hard to create. For all 
of the growth and success Gerry and Rosie have contributed to Temecula, 
the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce awarded the winery ``Gold 
Business of the Year'' for 2004.
  Not only have Rosie and Gerry contributed tremendously to the 
economic growth of the city, but they have always made sure to also 
give back to their community. Every year, the couple hosts a variety of 
charity events at Wilson Creek Winery, bringing in hundreds of 
thousands of dollars to help local organizations and individuals in 
need. In 2004, The Wilsons hosted a benefit for families affected by a 
wildfire that came within two miles of the winery, raising $40,000 in 
one night. More recently, they have hosted fundraisers for the Junior 
Diabetes Foundation, Special Olympics, Rotary International, 
Alzheimer's research, and a local animal shelter.
  The Wilson's tireless passion for service has contributed immensely 
to the betterment of the community of Temecula, California. I am proud 
to call Gerry and Rosie fellow community members, Americans and 
friends. I know that many individuals are grateful for their service 
and salute them as they receive this well-deserved Lifetime Achievement 
Award.

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