[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 189 (Tuesday, November 26, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1510]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING THE PARNAGIAN FAMILY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 26, 2019

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Parnagian 
family as they are honored at the 2019 Fresno State Ag One Foundation 
Community Salute for their contributions to the Central Valley and 
California agriculture. The Parnagians are champions in our Valley and 
have played an integral role in transforming California agriculture for 
the 21st century.
  The legacy of the Parnagian family began in 1943, when Gladys 
Girazian, a lieutenant in the United States Navy Nursing Corps, met a 
young Marine, Sam Parnagian, at the San Diego Naval Hospital. Sam, a 
World War II veteran, had just returned from Pearl Harbor. Just two 
weeks later, the couple knew they were meant for each other and were 
married on December 2, 1943. The couple were blessed with four sons, 
Dennis, Kenneth, Randy, and Philip.
  In 1950, Sam established Fowler Packing Company in Fowler, 
California. With Sam at the helm, the help of his four sons, younger 
brother Pete and nephew Jim, Fowler Packing quickly found success. 
Today, the family fruit farms and state-of-the-art packing facilities 
have grown into one of the largest packers and shippers of tree fruit, 
citrus and table grapes in the industry. Sam was involved in the day-
to-day operations of the business until his passing in 1980. 
Thereafter, Sam's four sons held executive roles in the company and 
managed day-to-day operations. After 40 years of success, the Parnagian 
brothers passed along leadership responsibilities to Justin and Leland 
Parnagian in 2017, making the way for the third-generation.
  The family places an emphasis on social responsibility and creating a 
welcoming work environment. They have an on-site cafeteria, with free 
meals provided daily to their employees. Additionally, they have added 
a health clinic at their headquarters and offer free healthcare and 
medications for employees and their families. They have also 
established the Fowler Packing Scholars Program to help bring the dream 
of a college education for their employees' children closer to reality. 
The Parnagians stay hue to their commitment to excellence as they put 
the best interests of customers, growers and employees first.
  The Parnagian family holds core values of family, honor and strong 
work ethic. They have always been generous with the community. In 2015, 
the Parnagian family made a $1.5 million-dollar gift to Valley 
Children's Healthcare, establishing the Sam and Gladys Parnagian Child 
Life Endowment. Additionally, Fowler Packing has been a longtime 
supporter of the Community Food Banks.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
Parnagian family for their contributions and exemplified leadership in 
the Central Valley. I wish the Parnagian family continued health, 
happiness and prosperity.

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