[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 10, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1377]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING S. TRUETT CATHY

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                           HON. PHIL GINGREY

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 10, 2014

  Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the 
life of distinguished entrepreneur and philanthropist S. Truett Cathy, 
who died early this week at the age of 93, and to honor him for the 
legacy he has left in Georgia and across the country.
   A native Georgian from Eatonville, Cathy moved with his family to 
Atlanta when he was four. There, he attended Boys High, now known as 
Grady High. In 1946, Cathy built a tiny diner in Hapeville, which would 
eventually develop into Chick-fil-A--the nation's largest quick-service 
chicken restaurant chain based on annual system-wide sales and one of 
the nation's largest family-owned companies. Cathy created the sandwich 
that became the company's signature item--the original Chick-fil-A 
Chicken Sandwich.
   Currently, Chick-fil-A has more than 1,800 locations operating in 40 
states and Washington, D.C., and currently holds an unparalleled record 
of 47 consecutive years of annual sales increases. But Truett was much 
more than just a notable businessman: he was a devout Southern Baptist 
who was active in teaching the word of the Lord to youngsters. His 
devotion to his religion and ``principles before profits'' attitude 
showed in his ``closed on Sunday'' policy--giving employees time for 
family, worship, or rest.
   In addition, Cathy took a keen interest in his local community by 
creating the WinShape Foundation in 1984, an organization aimed at 
helping young people succeed in life through scholarships and youth 
support programs. Also, through Cathy's Leadership Scholarship Program, 
Chick-fil-A has donated more than $32 million in financial assistance 
to their employees seeking higher education since 1973. Truett Cathy 
exemplified what it meant to give back to the community. In his own 
words, ``I'd like to be remembered as one who kept my priorities in the 
right order. We live in a changing world, but we need to be reminded 
that the important things have not changed. I have always encouraged my 
restaurant operators and team members to give back to the local 
community. We should be about more than just selling chicken; we should 
be a part of our customers' lives and the communities in which we 
serve.''
   Mr. Speaker, I extend my deepest condolences to Truett Cathy's 
family and loved ones during these most difficult of times. It saddens 
me to know that the world is now missing such an honorable man, but I 
am humbled to know that he is in a better place--now that he's left our 
world a better one.

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