[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 6, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E686-E687]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING PHIL LARSON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 6, 2014

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Phil Larson as he 
is honored with

[[Page E687]]

the Ag One Community Salute. Phil is truly a ``champion for 
agriculture'' as he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his 
community and devoted his time, energy, and service to California's 
agriculture industry.
  Phil is a longtime resident of the San Joaquin Valley. Upon 
graduating from Kerman High School in 1951, Phil attended California 
State University, Fresno and Pasadena College. He joined the United 
States Marine Corps, and proudly served his country in the Korean War 
from 1953-1956 and the Reserve until 1961. Phil earned the rank of 
Sergeant E-4.
  In 1962, Phil began a long and distinguished career as a pest control 
adviser (PCA) for Wilbur-Ellis Company, an international marketer and 
distributor of agricultural products. He won multiple awards from the 
industry, including being named to the Ag Chemical Professionals Hall 
of Fame. In addition, Phil was a founding member of the Fresno County 
Chapter of California Association of Pest Control Advisors (CAPCA), 
where he was honored as PCA of the Year in 1990.
  In 2002, Phil was elected to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors 
to represent District One, and was re-elected in 2006 and 2010. As 
County Supervisor, Phil serves on various Boards and Commissions, 
including: the Biological Diversity Task Force, Historic Parks 
Committee, Mid Valley Water Authority, and San Joaquin Water Coalition. 
Phil is an authority on agriculture and water supply issues. He was 
instrumental in developing the west side of Fresno County after the 
installation of the California Aqueduct.
  In addition to his service as County Supervisor, Phil has been a 
leader in the community in many other capacities. He has served on 
several boards including: Kerman Unified School Board, Kerman Covenant 
Church, and the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce. Phil has also 
served as president of the Fresno County Farm Bureau and as a State 
Director for the California Farm Bureau.
  The Central Valley has benefitted in so many ways from the efforts 
made by Phil. His support for Ag One and Fresno State will reach new 
heights through the Ag One--John P. ``Phil'' Larson Endowment, which 
will support deserving students and programs in the Department of Plant 
and Science in the Jordan College at California State University, 
Fresno.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues to 
join me in recognizing Phil Larson for his commitment to ensuring that 
the San Joaquin Valley continues to prosper and thrive as one of the 
nation's leaders in agriculture.

                          ____________________