[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5986]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                     HONORING MR. LARRY BETTINELLI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 13, 2016

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. 
Larry Bettinelli, who is being honored as the 2016 Napa Valley Grower 
of the Year at the Napa Valley Grapegrower's 41st annual dinner in 
Napa, California.
  Mr. Bettinelli, a fifth generation Napa Valley farmer, has a long 
history of successful management and leadership within the vineyard 
industry in California, as well as a proven commitment to serving his 
community. He graduated from St. Helena High School before completing 
his Agriculture degree at California Polytechnic State University, San 
Luis Obispo.
  Before founding his successful vineyard management company, 
Bettinelli Vineyards, Mr. Bettinelli served in the U.S. Marine Corps as 
a helicopter pilot, and worked as a Vineyard Manager for Beringer 
Vineyards and Jaeger Vineyards.
  Throughout his career, Mr. Bettinelli has exemplified the values of 
the Napa Valley Grapegrowers. In his own business, he prioritizes the 
preservation of vineyards and agricultural resources of the Napa 
Valley, and also serves on the Napa County Disease and Pest Control 
District Board. Drawing on his knowledge and success in the vineyard 
industry, Mr. Bettinelli represents and advocates on behalf of growers 
as Chairman of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers' Industry Issues Committee.
  Building on his own family history in the Napa Valley, Mr. Bettinelli 
looks to the region's future by sharing his expertise with the next 
generation of growers and farmers. He has served as the Founding 
Chairman of the St. Helena High School Agriculture Establishment 
Committee and as President of the St. Helena Future Farmers of America 
boosters. Mr. Bettinelli also finds the time to volunteer with the 
Yountville Veterans Home chapel and sits on Board of Directors for the 
St. Helena Choral Society.
  Mr. Speaker, Larry Bettinelli has had a remarkable career as a 
business leader and has been a lifelong community servant in our Napa 
Valley community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him 
here today.

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