[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13184]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        IN TRIBUTE OF REX LAIRD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 19, 2008

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Madam Speaker, I rise in tribute to Rex Laird, who 
retired this week after 28 years as Chief Executive Officer of the 
Ventura County Farm Bureau.
  As CEO, Rex was responsible for managing the Farm Bureau's staff, 
daily operations and finances. He recommended policy to the bureau 
Board of Directors, implemented board directives, and represented the 
interests of the membership at legislative and regulatory hearings. He 
also served as the bureau's liaison with the news media and community 
organizations.
  Rex did it all with a calm, consensus-building demeanor. It's safe to 
say that Rex and I didn't always agree, but we always parted with a 
handshake and looked forward to seeing each other again.
  Rex commands respect due to his knowledge and passion for Ventura 
County's agricultural industry. During his tenure, the county's 
population more than doubled. Restrictions tightened on pesticide use; 
trade with the Pacific Rim expanded; competition from foreign growers 
increased; and growers faced floods, freezes, fires, droughts, and 
agricultural pests.
  Rex not only helped steer the industry through it all, he helped it 
grow and expand. Today, agriculture remains one of Ventura County's top 
industries, grossing more than $1.5 billion annually. Agriculture is 
also diverse in Ventura County, with citrus and nut groves, row crops, 
livestock and poultry, and nursery stock, among others.
  Rex's skill as a consensus builder is epitomized by his role as a 
founding member of the Ag Futures Alliance Committee, which was formed 
to promote better understanding and dialog within the community on 
agricultural issues. The group includes representatives from the 
community, media, business, agriculture, environmental, and advocacy 
groups.
  In 2005, the California Farm Bureau Federation recognized the Ventura 
County Farm Bureau for its activities in the Ag Futures Alliance and 
its leadership role working in a collaborative effort with the 
Association of Water Agencies and other agricultural and water 
entities. Rex has been awarded numerous personal citations as well.
  Madam Speaker, Rex leaves Ventura County's agricultural industry 
strong. I know my colleagues will join me in thanking him for his many 
years of dedicated service and in wishing him a long and fruitful 
retirement with his wife, Susan; and many years of enjoyment with their 
sons, Sean and Kevin; and their five grandchildren.

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