[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Page 19372]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TILLAMOOK COUNTY CREAMERY ASSOCIATION

 Mr. MERKLEY. Madam President, today I wish to recognize the 
Tillamook County Creamery Association, a farmer-owned dairy cooperative 
that was founded 100 years ago. In 1909, 10 small independent cheese 
plants formed an association in Tillamook County, OR, to produce, 
distribute, and market quality cheese products that are now sold across 
the country. Today, Tillamook Cheese is cooperatively owned by 115 
dairy farming families. As a national leader in the dairy industry, the 
Tillamook County Creamery Association produces some of the highest 
quality milk for cheesemaking.
  Tillamook County Creamery Association has been honored, not only for 
their quality dairy products, but for their commitment to community and 
environmental stewardship. The farmer-owners have been recognized 
nationally for their dedication to maintaining healthy herds and 
farmland. They have worked to improve water quality, protect local 
salmon habitat, and rebuild stream habitats in Tillamook County. In 
addition to being responsible stewards for Oregon's environment, 
they've also been advocates in addressing hunger in Oregon communities. 
In partnership with the Oregon Food Bank, the Tillamook County Creamery 
Association has contributed countless meals to families in need and 
worked with school districts to help provide cheese for school lunch 
programs.
  In addition to cheese production, the Tillamook County Creamery 
Association contributes to the local economy by attracting nearly 1 
million tourists every year, making it one of the top tourist 
attractions in the State. The Tillamook County Creamery Association is 
a shining example of dedication to the State of Oregon and to the 
health of the coastal economy. The cooperative's mission is ``the 
controlled and profitable growth of consistent, high quality, great 
tasting Tillamook branded products to meet the demand of the 
marketplace while optimizing returns to members.'' The Tillamook County 
Creamery Association has achieved that vision and much more in Oregon 
for a century and will undoubtedly carry on that tradition for years to 
come.
  I encourage my fellow Oregonians, my colleagues in the Senate and the 
entire nation to recognize this anniversary and to congratulate the 
Tillamook County Creamery Association on 100 years of 
excellence.

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