[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 41 (Thursday, March 7, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E224-E225]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           COMMEMORATING THE CAREER OF MR. J. BRENT OLMSTEAD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 7, 2024

  Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
distinguished career and contributions of J. Brent Olmstead, a fourth 
generation Idahoan raised on a cattle ranch with a rich background in 
public policy and advocacy.
  Brent grew up on a cattle ranch south of Twin Falls, Idaho, and 
dedicated over 35

[[Page E225]]

years of his life to public service. He began his career as a lobbyist 
for Idaho Commerce and Industry in 1994. There he focused his attention 
and expertise on issues such as agriculture, natural resources, 
immigration, and the environment.
  After 7 years at IACI, where he served as vice-president. Brent then 
created his own consulting firm named MPIdaho. As a consultant, Brent 
specialized in public policy development and strategic planning for 
private businesses in agriculture, taxation, and immigration. He also 
created the non-profit organization, Milk Producers of Idaho.
  More recently, Brent joined the University of Idaho's College of 
Agricultural and Life Sciences, as assistant dean for government and 
external relations. In this capacity, Brent worked extensively on a 
project called the Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food, and the 
Environment (CAFE). The new center will focus their research on 
critical problems that agribusiness faces.
  Brent also received IACI's 2023 Pat K. Harwood award, in recognition 
of his decades of service to the state of Idaho. A great achievement 
for a man who exemplifies what it means to be a leader.
  His commitment to Idaho is also evident through his service on 
various boards, including the advisory board for the James A. and 
Louise McLure Center for Public Policy Research, the Idaho Hispanic 
Foundation, the Idaho Small Business Advisory Council, the Children's 
Discovery Center of Idaho, and Idaho Red Cross.
  My friend, Brent Olmstead, has had many titles in his distinguished 
career, but the two most important to Brent are father and husband. 
Brent is a devoted family man and raised five children with his late 
wife, Jane Wittmeyer.
  If anyone has earned the right to have a peaceful and enjoyable 
retirement, it is Brent. Well done my friend and congratulations.

                          ____________________