[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 146 (Thursday, September 12, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1142-E1143]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING NORMAN R. VELIQUETTE FOR HIS INDUCTION INTO THE MICHIGAN 
                          FARMERS HALL OF FAME

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 12, 2019

  Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it's my honor to recognize Norman R. 
Veliquette for his induction into the Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame. 
Through his unparalleled leadership and devotion to excellence, Norm 
has become an indispensable part of Northern Michigan.
  The Michigan Farmer's Hall of Fame was created to promote excellence 
in farming and recognize those in Michigan who have made an 
extraordinary impact on the industry and their communities. None are 
more deserving of this honor than Norm. Over his nearly 50 years of 
farming, Norm has served as an active member of the Michigan Farm 
Bureau, Charter President of the Lowell Area Jaycees, and a founder of 
CherryKe, Inc., Great Lakes Packing Company, Cherry Bay Orchards, and 
CherrCo, Inc.--to name only some of his endeavors. In his long and 
successful career, Norm has tackled the challenges of an ever-evolving 
industry head-on and proven himself to be a leader in Michigan's cherry 
sector.
  In addition to his work for Michigan's agricultural industry, Norm 
has a long history of

[[Page E1143]]

serving his community through the Elk Rapids School Board, Sacred Heart 
Church, Rotary Club, Northwestern Michigan College, and as the founder 
and long-time chairman of the Meadow Brook Foundation in Antrim County. 
He has also participated in multiple Agricultural People-to-People 
missions in Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, and has performed comedic 
monologues for the Elk Rapids Rotary Show for the past 35 years. 
Additionally, Norm has dedicated himself to public health through 
fundraising for the Rotary Foundation and the World Health 
Organization's Global Polio Eradication Initiative. He has also 
participated in multiple missions for India's polio National 
Immunization Day, and has published five books recounting his 
experiences.
  Agriculture is the second-largest sector of Michigan's economy, and 
the cherry industry serves a vital role for the people and communities 
of Northern Michigan. With today's ever-evolving world, the work of 
industry and community leaders like Norm has been critical in shaping 
Michigan's agricultural industry to the success story it is today. His 
impact on the people of Michigan cannot be overstated.
  Madam Speaker, it's my honor to congratulate Norman Veliquette for 
his decades of service and his induction into the Michigan Farmers Hall 
of Fame. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First 
District is home to such a dedicated leader. On behalf of my 
constituents, I wish Norm all the best in his future endeavors.

                          ____________________