[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 8198]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   100TH ANNIVERSARY OF SINCLAIR OIL

 Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, today, on behalf of myself and 
Senator Mike Crapo, I wish to recognize and celebrate the 100th 
anniversary of Sinclair Oil Corporation. A family-owned company, 
Sinclair Oil is one of the oldest continuously operated brands in the 
oil business.
  On May 1, 1916, Harry F. Sinclair founded the Sinclair Oil and 
Refining Corporation. Three years later, the company had grown to four 
times its original size. In the 1920s, Sinclair introduced America to 
the ``first modern service station,'' providing people and families 
with a place to get an oil change, fix minor vehicle repairs, and 
public restrooms that motorists could use. By creating a modern service 
station, Sinclair paved the way for the American road trip.
  The Great Depression was a time of growth for Sinclair Oil as they 
bought companies that were going under. If not for Sinclair, these 
companies would have completely disappeared, taking away countless jobs 
and revenue for local communities. In 1930, Dino the Dinosaur became 
the company's mascot and logo. To this day, Dino remains a visible 
fixture in Idaho and all across the Rocky Mountain region. During World 
War II, Sinclair supported the Allies with high-octane fuel, tankers, 
and more.
  After Harry F. Sinclair retired as president in January 1949, the 
company had several different owners including Atlantic Richfield 
Company and PASCO, Inc., until 1976, when Robert Earl Holding acquired 
Sinclair Oil. Known for his steadiness and warmth, Earl Holding made 
Sinclair feel like a mom-and-pop business. Further testament to Earl 
Holding and his legacy, Dale Ensign, former executive president of 
Sinclair, once said ``the employees learned over a period of time that 
he would do what he said he would do.''
  Earl Holding was actively involved in the management and leadership 
of Sinclair Oil until 2009. Currently, the Holding family continues to 
own and run the business under the leadership of Mr. Ross Matthews, CEO 
and chairman of the board of Sinclair Oil Corporation.
  Today Sinclair Oil Corporation includes more than 1,300 Sinclair-
branded stations in 24 States, mostly west of the Mississippi River, 
and is the largest refinery operation in the Rocky Mountain region. In 
addition to being a fully integrated oil company, Sinclair also has 
hospitality and ranching ventures, including the Grand America Hotel in 
Salt Lake City, the Little America hotels and travel centers, the 
Westgate Hotel in San Diego, and Sun Valley Resort in my home State, 
Idaho.
  So today we recognize Sinclair Oil Corporation for achieving this 
historic 100-year milestone and applaud their entire community for the 
contributions they have made to Idaho and across our country throughout 
the years.

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