[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 8, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E591]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMEMORATING THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF GRANITE CONSTRUCTION 
                                COMPANY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 8, 2022

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Granite 
Construction Company on its centennial anniversary and honor the 
lasting contributions of founder, Walter J. Wilkinson. Granite 
Construction Company is a leader in the construction industry, paving 
the way for innovation and progress. The company's Founder Walter J. 
Wilkinson was a man of integrity, perseverance, and dedication. He not 
only lived by these principles, but also instilled them in the culture 
and work of the Granite Construction Company; these quality ethics and 
values remain today.
  After earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in engineering, Mr. 
Wilkinson began his career as an engineer for the Lakeport Ice Company. 
In 1901, at the age of 20, he joined the Granite Rock Company and would 
eventually lead the construction division as superintendent. When 
Granite Construction Company was formed as a wholly owned subsidiary of 
Granite Rock in 1922, Mr. Wilkinson was chosen as Vice President and 
Arthur R. Wilson as President.
  In 1936, the Wilson family sold their shares of Granite Construction 
to Mr. Wilkinson, who then became President. In those early years of 
the Great Depression, Mr. Wilkinson and his wife, Carrie B. Earle, 
struggled to keep the company afloat, making personal sacrifices, 
including mortgaging all that they owned to help sustain the business. 
This perseverance and personal commitment left a lasting imprint on the 
company.
  With the advent of World War II, the business turned around and the 
company began to reach unprecedented levels of growth. Projects such as 
the $400,000 contract to build Camp Ord, now known as Fort Ord, in 1940 
allowed Granite Construction to not only produce a profit, but also 
become a leader in the construction industry. In 1942, Mr. Wilkinson 
retired from active service with the company, and Bert Scott took over 
as President. Mr. Wilkinson sold his shares to his two sons, Walter 
Junior and Jack.
  A scrupulous but fair businessman, Mr. Wilkinson adhered diligently 
to the code of conduct he established for the company, prioritizing 
integrity, hard work, and determination in his professional and 
personal life. His colleagues called him a ``visionary'' as he 
successfully steered Granite Construction Company through rocky times 
to recovery.
  Outside of his professional work, Mr. Wilkinson was devoted to 
serving his community. He kept a daily diary, written in impeccable 
penmanship, chronicling his life and the founding of Granite 
Construction. He was a skilled orator, storyteller, and speech writer. 
Active in civic organizations, Mr. Wilkinson was a charter member of 
the Watsonville Exchange Club and President of the Chamber of Commerce 
as well as the Rotary Club. Moreover, as President and Founding Member 
of the Association of General Contractors of Northern California, Mr. 
Wilkinson was instrumental in establishing the Association's first 
bylaws.
  Walter J. Wilkinson conducted himself in a manner deserving of 
respect. With loyalty, dedication, and perseverance, he laid the 
foundation for a company able to weather the toughest of storms. The 
success of Granite Construction as the beacon of progress in today's 
construction industry is a tribute to him. Congratulations to Granite 
Construction Company on their centennial celebration.

                          ____________________