[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E169]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING GEORGE NEUKOM, JR. OF ZEPHYRHILLS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 8, 2005

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Mr. George A. Neukom, Jr. of Zephyrhills, Florida.
  George A. Neukom, Jr. is a fifth generation Floridian from Pasco 
County, a lifetime resident of Zephyrhills, a 1959 graduate of Stetson 
University and a great fifth district constituent.
  I would like to recognize George for his outstanding lifetime of work 
in Pasco County, Florida. As recognition for his efforts, George will 
be honored as the recipient of the 2nd annual Lincoln Heritage Award 
held by the East Pasco Republican Club.
  This prestigious award was established by the East Pasco Republican 
Club to recognize an outstanding community member for his or her 
commitment to the principles practiced and espoused by the first 
Republican, Abraham Lincoln, and for humanitarian services to his or 
her community and to Pasco County.
  Beginning in 1921 when his grandmother opened Neukom's Drug Store in 
Zephyrhills, the Neukom family has been a positive influence in the 
community. The store included a coffee shop where the traditional game 
of ``scratch'' provided a forum for local, county, State and Federal 
candidates of all parties to discuss current topics. In later years, 
George continued this practice until the store closed.
  An accomplished businessman in Pasco County, George is also the 
president and chairman of the board of Neukom Properties, Inc., a 
citrus and cattle company. He also founded the George A. Neukom, Jr. 
Insurance Agency and serves as a consultant to both Precise Power 
Corporation in Bradenton, FL and Neukom Groves.
  An active member of the First Baptist Church in Zephyrhills, George 
was appointed to the Florida Citrus Commission by former Governor Bob 
Martinez and served from 1989 to 1992. He is a member of Zephyr Lodge 
198 F & AM, Scottish Rite--Shrine and Rotary Club. George serves on the 
hospital advisory board at East Pasco Medical Center in Zephyrhills and 
is also on the advisory board at the Zephyrhills City Library.
  George married the former Ann Brooke in 1962, and together they 
raised two children, Tamara and George III. They have been blessed with 
four loving grandchildren, Ashley and Hannah Oakley and Victoria and 
George Neukom IV.
  Mr. Speaker, George Neukom is a model Pasco County citizen and is 
truly deserving of the 2nd Annual Lincoln Heritage Award.

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