[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 115 (Monday, July 10, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E949]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING AMELIA MORAN CEJA, RECIPIENT OF THE AMERICAN DREAM AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 10, 2017

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. 
Amelia Ceja, whom I have selected to receive the American Dream Award 
for California's 5th Congressional District. This award recognizes the 
achievements of immigrants in my district who have made remarkable 
contributions to our communities in the areas of Arts and Culture, 
Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Community 
Service. Ms. Ceja is very deserving of this award and recognition.
  Ms. Ceja was born in Las Flores, Jalisco, an agricultural village in 
Mexico, and immigrated to the United States at the age of 12. She is a 
successful businessperson and an important member of our community.
  Ms. Ceja moved with her family to the Napa Valley American 
Viticulture Area in California as a child. Her parents worked for a 
local vineyard management company, her father as a mechanic and her 
mother as a farm worker. She met her husband, Pedro Ceja, while picking 
grapes with their families. In 1983, the Ceja family came together to 
purchase 15 acres and to plant their own grapes. The family later 
founded Ceja Vineyards, Inc. in 1999. Today they own 113 producing 
acres. Ms. Ceja is the first Mexican American woman to be the president 
of a California winery. Her vineyard and winery are famous for their 
quality grape harvests and production of premium Carneros wines.
  Ms. Ceja cares deeply about the family business and employees. She is 
dedicated to producing the highest quality of wine. The California 
Legislature recognized her contributions to the community on March 15, 
2005 by naming her ``Woman of the Year.'' Ms. Ceja's story is one of 
sacrifice and determination. Stories like hers make America great.
  Mr. Speaker, we recognize Ms. Amelia Moran Ceja for her achievements 
and for enriching our community. It is fitting and proper that we honor 
her here today with the American Dream Award.

                          ____________________