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[Pages S5264-S5265]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
REMEMBERING BEN HILL GRIFFIN, III
Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I pay tribute to the memory of Ben
Hill Griffin, III, a lifelong resident of Polk County who left a
lasting impact on Florida and the citrus industry.
Ben Hill Griffin, III, was born on March 3, 1942, in Frostproof, FL,
to Ben Hill Griffin, Jr., and his wife, Frances. The only son of five
children, Ben Hill worked his father's cattle ranches and citrus fields
at a young age, learning early that success requires hard work and long
hours.
While attending Frostproof High School, Ben Hill played several
sports and attended Boys' State, where he was fittingly elected
commissioner of agriculture. After graduation, he attended the
University of Florida before returning home to Frostproof.
Ben Hill spent a year at the Lake Alfred Experiment Station, gaining
experience with various aspects of the citrus industry before joining
his father's business. He spent a year and a half working in the
fertilizer division, 3 years in the harvesting division, and 2 years in
the processing and sales divisions. After paying his dues, his father
welcomed him into Ben Hill Griffin, Inc., naming him president and
chief operating officer. He would later serve as its chairman of the
board and chief executive officer.
Throughout his career, Ben Hill was recognized as a thoughtful leader
and savvy businessman within the Florida agricultural and citrus
industries and statewide business communities. He was elected to
numerous corporate boards, served in leadership positions and they
became better companies under his leadership.
During his time as chairman of the Florida Citrus Commission, Ben
Hill flew to New York to defend the State from negative media coverage.
He succeeded in his efforts to have processed products branded with the
Florida symbol and was inducted into the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame in
2009, the Florida Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2010, and the Frostproof
High School Hall of Fame in 2010. Even in the face of the challenges
before the industry, he continued to invest in Florida citrus and
believed in Florida agriculture and her producers.
Ben Hill was also a benefactor of higher education, including the
University of Florida and Florida Gulf Coast University, of which he
donated the land for the university's construction. He served as a
board member for both
[[Page S5265]]
university's foundations. He was steadfast in ensuring scholarships
were available at numerous Florida institutions to help students
attending college to use the opportunity to fulfill their dreams.
My wife Jeanette and I express our heartfelt condolences to his
children and grandchildren on the loss of an important leader and great
Floridian. May God bless his family during this time of sorrow.
____________________