[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 102 (Wednesday, June 15, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S2963]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO PATRICK KOLE

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, along with my colleagues Senator Jim 
Risch, Representative Mike Simpson and Representative Russ Fulcher, we 
congratulate Pat Kole on his well-earned retirement from serving as 
vice president, legal and government affairs of the Idaho Potato 
Commission.
  Pat has been a steady hand at the helm of the Idaho Potato 
Commission, IPC, promoting the iconic Idaho potatoes for more than 25 
years. Serving as the IPC's vice president, legal and government 
affairs, Pat has managed Federal, State, and local government affairs 
for the IPC, directed its trademark-licensing program, directed its 
research and education program, and supervised its IT needs. His work 
has included litigating certification mark cases, registering 
certification marks in many jurisdictions, testifying before the U.S. 
Congress and advocating for public policy supporting Idaho potato 
producers' ability to grow this central agricultural product and feed 
consumers at home and around the world. To say Pat has gone the extra 
mile to support Idaho potato production is an understatement, 
considering in 2005 he ran the Marine Corps Marathon as a 
representative of the IPC and to help promote the importance of complex 
carbohydrates, such as those found in Idaho potatoes.
  Pat, who earned his undergraduate degree at the University of 
Michigan and law degree from the University of Denver, has practiced 
law for more than 40 years. His experience, calm, persistence, and 
ability to dig into the crux of the problem have been instrumental in 
facing the challenges that have undoubtedly arisen over the years. This 
includes his thoughtful advocacy for measured approaches to help with 
the eradication of the pale cyst nematode, assist producers, and regain 
markets. More recently, Pat provided critical assistance and advocacy 
for the needs of Idaho's potato producers as relief efforts were 
considered for the historic agricultural disruptions caused by the 
COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout, Pat's efforts and those of the Idaho 
potato producers he works with and supports have helped fortify the 
Idaho potato as a standout symbol of Idaho and U.S. agriculture. It is 
no surprise Pat has received recognitions for his attentive work. This 
includes Pat being named The Packer's 2022 Potato Person for All 
Seasons.
  Pat is known as someone who always does his homework and who 
carefully thinks through the details. That has made him and 
instrumental partner to us as we work on Federal policy affecting the 
potato industry. We always know that when Pat raises an issue, he does 
so with scrupulous grounding, and we know we get a straight and 
accurate response when we reach out to him for guidance. When policy 
questions arise that we know will affect the potato industry, Pat is 
the first we call.
  Thank you, Pat, for being such a trusted advocate for the Idaho 
potato industry all these years and your decades of service to the Gem 
State. Congratulations, again, on your retirement.

                          ____________________