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“TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM (BILL) LYONS, JR.” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E2426-E2427 on Nov. 23, 2003.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM (BILL) LYONS, JR.
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HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA
of california
in the house of representatives
Friday, November 21, 2003
Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Secretary William (Bill) Edward James Lyons, the V for his service to our Nation and to his community. Bill was born in Modesto, California to William, the IV, and Mary Lyons on July 4, 1950. He attended school at Modesto High School in Modesto, California. Bill then attended college at California State University, Chico where he received his bachelor's degree and secondary teaching credential.
Throughout his career Bill has become a well-respected leader in the field of agriculture and is consistently sought out for his expertise. Appointed by Governor Gray Davis and confirmed by the California State Senate, Bill Lyons, Jr. served as the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, from January 1999 to November 2003. As a rancher and businessman, Bill brought nearly three decades of leadership and business expertise to the department. As Secretary, Bill was responsible for a Department of 2,300 employees, and a budget of
$250 million. Secretary Lyons' key responsibilities included policy development and implementation of programs that support California's
$27 billion agricultural industry. He was responsible and successful in implementing the marketing campaign of the ``Buy California'' program in the state. While Secretary, Bill served as president of the Western Association of State Departments of Agriculture, chair of the Specialty Crop Task Force for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, and chairman of the Agricultural Worktable for the U.S.-Mexico Border Governors' Conference.
In California's great Central Valley, the Lyons family has been engaged in production agriculture for more than 75 years. Secretary Lyons managed the 6,000-acre ranch located in the Modesto area from 1976 to 1999. The ranch produces a number of crop and livestock commodities.
Bill currently serves as a member of the California Water Commission and on the Board of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. From 1993 to 1999, Bill served as chairman of the USDA's Farm Service Agency state committee. Bill was also appointed by the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors to serve from 1996 to 1998 as founding director of the East Stanislaus and Toulmne County USDA Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service Committee, and the Stanisulaus/
San Joaquin Counties' Cattlemen's Association.
Bill is a widely respected member of his community and has greatly contributed to his state and nation. The USDA has honored Secretary Lyons on three occasions: in 1998 with a certificate of appreciation; in 1997 with an award for excellence; and in 1996 with a national environmental award. In 1995, the California Farm Bureau Federation recognized him with a service award. The United States Jaycees named him the Outstanding Young Man of American in 1984 and both the City of Modesto and Stanislaus County has awarded him with various service commendations. In addition, California State University at Chico awarded Bill in 2000 with a Distinguished Alumni Award.
Secretary Lyon's illustrious career also includes various elected office positions in Stanislaus County such as: Member of the Central Catholic High School Board of Directors, Chairman, Doctors Medical Center, and Director, Modesto Irrigation District. Bill also worked as a Religion teacher at Saint Stanislaus elementary school, in Modesto California.
Throughout his lifetime, Secretary Lyons has demonstrated a deep commitment to community service. Throughout the years, he has worked with countless community organizations such as the Salvation Army, United Way, American Cancer Society, the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, and Camp Sylvester, a local youth camp. Additionally, he has coached sports teams for nearly two decades.
It is my pleasure to join the Stanislaus community in recognizing Secretary Bill Lyons, Jr. for his commitment to his community, state and nation. I have personally known the Lyons family for over two decades. Bill Lyons, Jr. and the entire Lyons family have a passion for California agriculture and for the values of hard work and community service in the San Joaquin Valley. Bill is a trusted and dear friend. I look forward to our continued friendship and to his wise counsel, and know that Bill's future path will continue to benefit California agriculture and all of us in the San Joaquin Valley. It is a pleasure to represent Bill and the entire Lyons family in the 18th Congressional District of California.
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