[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 193 (Thursday, December 6, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1604]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF WEGMANS FOOD MARKETS IN CENTRAL NEW 
                                  YORK

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. JOHN KATKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 6, 2018

  Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Wegmans Food 
Markets 50th anniversary operating in the Syracuse area. Wegmans is a 
staple throughout Central New York communities and has a long, 
successful history as a regional supermarket. Since its founding, 
Wegmans has grown to become an exceptional local business and spans 
across the Mid-Atlantic area.
  Wegmans Food Markets was established in 1916 in Rochester, New York. 
The supermarket was founded by brothers Walter and John Wegman and was 
originally known as the Rochester Fruit and Vegetable Company. 
Initially, the store only sold fresh produce but expanded to include 
general groceries, baked goods, meats, and dairy products over the next 
decade and a half. Wegmans rapidly expanded and became a supermarket 
innovator throughout its early years, featuring new ideas such as 
larger storefronts, windowed refrigerator displays, and frozen foods.
  By 1968, Wegmans was quickly growing throughout New York and the 
chain opened its first Syracuse area location. This was the first of 
what is now a 14 store presence in Central New York. Throughout the 
late 20th century, Wegmans continued to expand its business lines to 
include pharmacies, florists, and seafood departments. The company 
opened larger locations and hired more employees to meet the heightened 
demand for Wegmans products.
  As Wegmans became a stronger business, the company recognized its 
rising commitment to the communities in which it operated. The family-
founded business has always been family-owned, and they strive to 
support their community through their business. Wegmans has supported 
several corporate responsibility initiatives since the 1970's, 
including food bank donations, an employee scholarship program, and 
contributions to a variety of programs for children in its service 
areas.
  Today, Wegmans Food Markets continues to thrive. The company operates 
98 stores in six states, employs 48,000 people, and is consistently 
listed as an elite company by various business journals. Additionally, 
Wegmans remains highly active in charitable causes, leading initiatives 
to reduce hunger, promote healthy diets, and strengthen neighborhoods.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in 
celebrating Wegmans Food Markets 50th anniversary in Syracuse. Wegmans 
is vital to the Central New York economy, serving as one of its largest 
employers, providing food to the region, and giving back to local 
communities. The company serves as a perfect model for an ideal public-
corporate relationship and I wish them many more years of success in 
Central New York.

                          ____________________