In Tribute to Jim and Marie McCoy

Representative Elton Gallegly

Mr. Speaker, I pay tribute to Jim and Marie McCoy, who recently celebrated forty years as owners and operators of McCoy's Automotive & Towing in Santa Paula, California, a city in my district known for its world-renowned citrus and hardworking citizens.

McCoy's Automotive offers foreign and domestic car service to its customers. Jim and Marie McCoy offer dedication and devotion to their community.

While building a thriving business, Jim McCoy also found time to be president of the Chamber of Commerce, a City Councilman, and Santa Paula's mayor. Marie McCoy has been active with the Brownies, the PTA, and several other community organizations. Together, they took on many of the community's fundraising needs, most recently the Jim Knight Annual Golf Tournament, which benefits Santa Paula Memorial Hospital.

They built a family as they built a family business. The McCoys started with a two-bay garage in 1960 and expanded to a three-bay garage, with expanded services, three years later. By 1975, the McCoys had built such a loyal following that they had to move to their present location — an eight-bay garage — where they continue to grow.

Mr. Speaker, it is fitting that on the day we return from our districts, having just celebrated Labor Day, that we honor Jim and Marie McCoy. They epitomize the small businessperson — people who strive to build America's economy while raising strong families with strong ideals. They epitomize the entrepreneur, who takes time from his hectic schedule to serve as an elected official and community leader, and who takes time from her hectic schedule to raise funds for nonprofit organizations and serve in our schools.

Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in congratulating Jim and Marie McCoy for forty years of successful ownership of McCoy Automotive & Towing, and thank them for a lifetime of devotion to their community.

[Taken from the Congressional Record, 6 September 2000, page E1402.]