[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 5, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E658]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        IN HONOR OF BOB ROBERTS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 5, 2015

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring to the House's attention that 
Bob Roberts, the President of the renowned California Ski Industry 
Association is retiring. Perhaps we ought to alert the federal agencies 
to be on the lookout for the impending consequences. Ski lifts will 
stop running, avalanches will start falling, snow accumulation will 
dramatically decrease. My God, Mr. Speaker, how can this country even 
exist without Bob Roberts at the helm? And it's not even just the U.S. 
who will be affected, for he is known as the Peace Corps volunteer who 
put Peru on the map. Will the Andes now disappear without him? Take a 
look at his distinguished career.
  Mr. Roberts began his career in the ski industry in 1969 as operator 
of Mt. Shasta Ski Area. He held this post until 1975, after which, he 
founded the California Ski Industry Association. He has stood at the 
helm of the CSIA for 40 years, working from the ground up to create an 
organization which has effectively continued to improve and enhance the 
thriving ski industry in my home state of California. Through 
successful campaigns such as the ``Ski California USA'' and an award 
winning cooperative promotion with Virgin Atlantic Airways, Bob and the 
CSIA have been able to attract unprecedented levels of domestic and 
international visitors to California's alpine and cross-country 
resorts.
  Bob Roberts received his undergraduate BA in political science from 
Stanford University and an MBA in international business from Columbia 
University. After graduation, he was one of the very first Peace Corps 
volunteers sent to Peru. During his time in Peru he served in the Andes 
as a supervisor on the development and construction of a hotel and 
thermal baths. He then continued his work with the Peace Corps, serving 
as regional director in Bolivia and then director for the Latin 
American training center in Escondido, California. Bob's selfless work 
with the Peace Corps would equip him with a political aptitude, a 
disposition towards public service and a keen interest in the resort 
business.
  A true icon in the tourism industry, Mr. Roberts was also 
instrumental in the creation of the California Travel and Tourism 
Commission. He was elected Vice Chair of the first commission and also 
served for six years as chair of the marketing committee, directing 
California's tourism programs.
  As well as a tireless advocate for the tourism industry, Bob is also 
a devoted husband to his wife, Betty, and a father of two, Kirsten and 
Christopher, and grandfather to five.
  Mr. Speaker, I know that I speak on behalf of the entire House in 
thanking my friend from the Peace Corps for his exceptional service and 
I wish him the very best in the next chapter of his life.

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