[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 2]
[House]
[Page 2736]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   CONGRATULATIONS WALLA WALLA VALLEY

  (Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take time to 
recognize the beautiful Walla Walla Valley and the 30th anniversary of 
their Federal designation as an American Viticultural Area.
  Over the past 30 years, the Walla Walla Valley has earned national 
and international recognition for being one of the best wine regions in 
the world. Just ask Gary and Nancy Figgins, who opened Leonetti Cellar 
in 1984 when there were just four wineries in the valley. Today, within 
1,800 acres of green, rolling hills, you will find 130 different 
wineries.
  This growth has allowed businesses to expand and the wine tourism to 
become one of the top industries in our State. Our community has 
rallied around the business owners, and now wine-related jobs account 
for nearly 15 percent of the total jobs in the area. All of this leads 
to a $500 million economic impact, but it is not just the numbers, as 
it is about a community that makes us all proud in Washington State to 
call it our home.
  I am honored to represent the Walla Walla Valley, and congratulations 
on 30 exceptional years. Best wishes for many, many more to come.

                          ____________________