[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 16 (Monday, January 29, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E84]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING KENTUCKY EAGLE, INC.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ANDY BARR

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 29, 2024

  Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Kentucky Eagle, Inc., 
which is located in Lexington, Kentucky. The company celebrated its 
75th anniversary in 2023.
  Kentucky Eagle, an alcoholic beverage wholesaler, was founded in 1948 
by O.A. Bakhaus. Mr. Bakhaus moved from Oklahoma to Kentucky during the 
Great Depression in 1937 to support his mother and sister. After 
serving his country as a Major in World War II, he continued his 
business career back home in Lexington with numerous different 
businesses, one being what is today Kentucky Eagle.
  In 1997, Mr. Bakhaus' daughter, Ann Bakhaus, became the company's 
second CEO. She ran the company as a family business and diversified 
its products. Under her leadership, the company experienced growth and 
success.
  Seventy-five years after its founding, Kentucky Eagle has grown into 
a leading beverage distributor in the state, delivering beer, soda 
(Kentucky's own Ale-8-One among others) and water to 23 counties in 
central Kentucky as well as fine Kentucky Bourbons and other wines and 
spirits to all counties statewide where alcohol sales are legal.
  Today, Kentucky Eagle employs over 250 hard-working Kentuckians and 
is very close to completing an 80,000-square-foot warehouse expansion. 
The team is led by Mr. Bakhaus' grandchildren, who proudly represent 
the company as 3rd generation owners and plan on at least 75 more years 
of business in the Commonwealth. Tate Russell serves as President and 
Michael Russell is a Vice President of Kentucky Eagle.
  Kentucky Eagle is a highly respected Kentucky business. As the 
company celebrates its 75th anniversary, I congratulate the owners and 
all the employees and wish them a bright future. I am honored to 
recognize this company before the United States Congress.

                          ____________________