[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 114 (Thursday, July 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1117]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CELEBRATING THE GENERAL MILLS 150TH ANNIVERSARY

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                           HON. KEITH ELLISON

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 2016

  Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate and honor 
General Mills for their 150th year of hard work, leadership and 
community service in the food and service sector. General Mills, then 
named the Minneapolis Milling Company, first began when Cadwallader 
Washburn opened his first flour mill in Minneapolis. John Crosby joined 
eleven years later and together they reorganized business practices 
that farmers deemed unfair. They soon won the Gold Medal at the 
international Miller's Exhibition, which inspired them to name their 
flour ``Gold Medal''. The company has since expanded to a highly 
successful multi-national food corporation that has also tried its hand 
in the restaurant, toy, and fashion industries.
   In 1928, the name changed to General Mills. The same year the 
company had 5,800 employees with annual sales of $123 million mostly 
due to their strongest products of Softasilk cake flour and Wheaties 
cereal. By 1928, General Mills was the largest flour milling company in 
the world. General Mills' diversification and technology allowed them 
to produce military equipment and dehydrated food for World War II 
mobilization efforts. By the 1990's, General Mills went international, 
competing in European and Mexican markets.
   General Mills shares its wealth of food expertise through 
philanthropic work to increase food security, advance sustainable 
agriculture and protect our natural resources. In 2015, its foundation 
donated 20 million meals. General Mills strives to ensure the world's 
watersheds are restored and protected, and to increase the world's 
pollinator populations. General Mills has partnered with many non-
profit organizations in pursuing these goals.
   From Betty Crocker to the Pillsbury Dough Boy, General Mills is 
responsible for some of our most iconic food brands. Whether it is a 
box of Cheerios, a can of Crescent Rolls, or a bag of Gold Medal Flour, 
nearly every American household can claim to have a General Mills 
product. Without a doubt, General Mills will continue to innovate and 
develop offerings that meet our nation's palate preferences and 
nutritional needs. I am proud to represent the congressional district 
where General Mills was started and remains today. I congratulate 
General Mills and its hardworking employees for their accomplishments 
and lasting legacy.

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