[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 163 (Friday, October 14, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1047]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING BASS PRO SHOPS FOUNDER AND CEO JOHNNY L. MORRIS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILLY LONG

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 14, 2022

  Mr. LONG. Madam Speaker, as a member of the Congressional Sportsmen's 
Caucus and Representative of the state of Missouri, I rise today to 
recognize an individual that has made significant contributions to our 
nation's fish and wildlife conservation efforts, as well as America's 
longstanding outdoor traditions. My district includes Springfield, 
Missouri, the headquarters of Bass Pro Shops, and I am honored today to 
recognize the lifelong accomplishments of the Bass Pro Founder and CEO, 
John L. Morris.
  Across the country, Johnny Morris is often referred to as a modern-
day Theodore Roosevelt for his leadership, personal commitment and 
dedication to conservation efforts, a comparison that is anything but 
embellished.
  As an unrivaled conservationist, Johnny Morris has long recognized 
the need for citizens to take a strong position in the careful 
management and use of our natural resources for future generations to 
enjoy. Using his entrepreneurial success as a platform for that cause, 
he has contributed heavily both in time and resources to many 
significant conservation causes and initiatives.
  Through his leadership with Bass Pro Shops, and now with Cabela's, 
Johnny has been a long-standing partner of the Congressional 
Sportsmen's Caucus through his work with the Congressional Sportsmen's 
Foundation (CSF) and his advocacy for the great outdoors. Johnny also 
served as a co-chair of the Blue-Ribbon Panel on Sustaining America's 
Diverse Fish and Wildlife Resources to advance solutions for funding a 
21st century model of conservation to develop the landmark Recovering 
America's Wildlife Act.
  Johnny's legacy begins with that of a true American success story. 
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Bass Pro Shops' Founding. What 
started as a tiny bait shop in the back of his father's Brown Derby gas 
station in Springfield, has grown into the world's largest outdoor 
merchandiser with more than 200 stores and 200 million visits annually. 
Today, Johnny and his companies continue to impact communities and the 
future of conservation with a mission to inspire everyone to enjoy, 
love and conserve the great outdoors. Key initiatives such as 
`Conserving Wildlife and Habitat,' `Connecting Kids and Families to 
Nature,' `Protecting Sportsmen's Rights Through Access and Advocacy 
Efforts,' and `Honoring Military and Veterans,' are just some of the 
ways Johnny is helping to protect and advance our great outdoor 
traditions.
  A true conservation champion, Johnny has received two of the most 
prestigious awards in the world of conservation, honored with the 
Audubon Medal in 2019 and the Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Award in 
1990, presented by President George H.W. Bush. Today, he is one of the 
country's leaders working to ensure natural habitats, wildlife and the 
outdoors remain healthy and abundant for future generations to protect 
and enjoy, having established a significant personal legacy that spans 
national initiatives and extensive partnerships supporting conservation 
organizations.
  Arguably more inspiring than his dedication to conservation is 
Johnny's dedication to recruiting America's next generation of 
sportsmen and women. Johnny is often quoted saying ``Take a kid 
fishing. You'll be happy you did.'' This simple but powerful quote 
eloquently conveys Johnny's passion for our sporting heritage.
  In recognition of Mr. Morris' service to conservation and sportsmen 
and women--both on the ground and in the policy arena--the 
Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation has elected Mr. Morris to the 
Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation Honorary Board of Directors as an 
Honorary Life Director, marking the first individual to receive this 
impressive award. This board designation was created by CSF to 
recognize an individual who has made significant contributions to 
conservation and hunting and fishing, and who strongly supports the 
mission of CSF which is to work with congress, governors, and state 
legislatures to protect and advance hunting, angling, recreational 
shooting, and trapping.
  Madam Speaker, I want to thank Mr. Morris for his many contributions 
to America's outdoor heritage and congratulate him for the well-
deserved CSF Honorary Life Director designation.

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