[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 119 (Monday, July 16, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1016-E1017]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING NAT DiBUDUO AND CELEBRATING 18 YEARS AS PRESIDENT AND CEO FOR 
                          ALLIED GRAPE GROWERS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 16, 2018

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend and colleague 
Nat DiBuduo as he retires from his position as president and CEO of 
Allied Grape Growers after 18 years of service to California wine grape 
growers. Under his exemplary leadership, Allied and its members have 
demonstrated perseverance in the face of economic hardship, achieved 
prosperity through innovative thinking, and shown integrity by holding 
their partners to the highest possible standards. It is both fitting 
and appropriate that we honor Nat today as he closes the chapter on a 
remarkable tenure with Allied Grape Growers.
  After graduating from San Joaquin Memorial high school in 1968, Nat 
attended California State University, Fresno and obtained a degree in 
Plant Science and Business in 1973. Over the years, Nat has amassed 
experience within the industry by working in his family's winery, 
independent consultancy, and agricultural property management. Nat's 
passion for agriculture led him to the wine grape industry. In 2000, he 
was named president and CEO of Allied Grape Growers, a 500-member 
marketing association made up of wine grape growers across the country.

[[Page E1017]]

  Through coordinated efforts with his board, Nat directed strategic 
planning and development to proactively respond to market challenges. 
With continual resilience against an unstable grape market in the early 
2000s, Allied was able to prevail with significant financial leverage. 
By monitoring market changes and establishing strong communication 
among their growers and wineries, Nat successfully expanded membership 
and clientele and maximized the quality of harvests.
  Given Nat's outstanding dedication to the wine grape market and San 
Joaquin Valley's agriculture, it is difficult to determine how Allied 
Grape Growers would have fared amid economic tumult without his 
guidance. Nat and his team's care and concern established Allied as a 
visionary organization within California's wine and agricultural 
industry.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognition of my 
friend Nat DiBuduo's in honor of his remarkable career in California's 
agricultural industry. He is someone who has been an inspiration, not 
only through his professional achievements, but also through the 
relentless and spirited attitude he adopts against adversity. Nat will 
leave a robust foundation for Allied to continue to build on. I wish 
Nat and his wife Marilyn the very best as they enter this new phase of 
their life. I ask that you join me in wishing Nat and his family 
continued happiness and prosperity.

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