[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 140 (Thursday, August 6, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5264-S5265]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   REMEMBERING BEN HILL GRIFFIN, III

 Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I pay tribute to the memory of Ben 
Hill Griffin, III, a lifelong resident of Polk County who left a 
lasting impact on Florida and the citrus industry.
  Ben Hill Griffin, III, was born on March 3, 1942, in Frostproof, FL, 
to Ben Hill Griffin, Jr., and his wife, Frances. The only son of five 
children, Ben Hill worked his father's cattle ranches and citrus fields 
at a young age, learning early that success requires hard work and long 
hours.
  While attending Frostproof High School, Ben Hill played several 
sports and attended Boys' State, where he was fittingly elected 
commissioner of agriculture. After graduation, he attended the 
University of Florida before returning home to Frostproof.
  Ben Hill spent a year at the Lake Alfred Experiment Station, gaining 
experience with various aspects of the citrus industry before joining 
his father's business. He spent a year and a half working in the 
fertilizer division, 3 years in the harvesting division, and 2 years in 
the processing and sales divisions. After paying his dues, his father 
welcomed him into Ben Hill Griffin, Inc., naming him president and 
chief operating officer. He would later serve as its chairman of the 
board and chief executive officer.
  Throughout his career, Ben Hill was recognized as a thoughtful leader 
and savvy businessman within the Florida agricultural and citrus 
industries and statewide business communities. He was elected to 
numerous corporate boards, served in leadership positions and they 
became better companies under his leadership.
  During his time as chairman of the Florida Citrus Commission, Ben 
Hill flew to New York to defend the State from negative media coverage. 
He succeeded in his efforts to have processed products branded with the 
Florida symbol and was inducted into the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame in 
2009, the Florida Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2010, and the Frostproof 
High School Hall of Fame in 2010. Even in the face of the challenges 
before the industry, he continued to invest in Florida citrus and 
believed in Florida agriculture and her producers.
  Ben Hill was also a benefactor of higher education, including the 
University of Florida and Florida Gulf Coast University, of which he 
donated the land for the university's construction. He served as a 
board member for both

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university's foundations. He was steadfast in ensuring scholarships 
were available at numerous Florida institutions to help students 
attending college to use the opportunity to fulfill their dreams.
  My wife Jeanette and I express our heartfelt condolences to his 
children and grandchildren on the loss of an important leader and great 
Floridian. May God bless his family during this time of sorrow.

                          ____________________