[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8539]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO FORREST L. WOOD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARION BERRY

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 5, 2004

  Mr. BERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an Arkansan who loves 
this country as much as any person I've ever met. Forrest L. Wood is an 
entrepreneur who has proved Americans can get as far in life as their 
talents will take them.
  It was his own fortitude that made Ranger Boat Company what it is 
today. The company was founded in 1968 and almost as quickly was 
destroyed by fire in 1971. With no insurance and armed only with 60 
salvaged boat orders, the Wood family nailed a telephone to a scorched 
tree, cleaned off the blackened site and began rebuilding. Within 40 
days the company was back in operation building boats.
  Mr. Wood's simple business philosophy continues to drive the Ranger 
Boat Company today, ``You must build a good product--price it fairly--
let folks know you have it, and treat your customers right.''
  In addition to his many business achievements, all leading to 
revolutionizing the Bass Fishing Boat industry, Mr. Wood is an 
aggressive conservationist. His efforts to save the environment for 
sportsmen are as legendary as the equipment he provides them to enjoy 
those lands. As a result, in 1998, he was named to the Arkansas Game 
and Fish Commission.
  Mr. Wood, his wife, Nina Kirkland, and their four daughters work 
together, simultaneously running a cattle ranch, construction company, 
and fishing guide operation. Unlike so many other business success 
stories, Mr. Wood's drive is based on a true desire to further his 
community and this country. On behalf of the Congress, I extend 
gratitude for all the Wood family does to make the world a better 
place.

                          ____________________