HR1196 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1196 LRB097 22518 GRL 71282 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, John Boos & Co., based in Effingham, is one of the oldest manufacturers of premium quality kitchen equipment and butcher blocks in the United States, and has been in business continuously since 1887; and

WHEREAS, Conrad Boos Sr. founded the business in 1887 and named it for his son, John; for many years, he worked out of the blacksmith shop, which was located at what is now 406 West Jefferson Street in Effingham; and

WHEREAS, As a single product (die block) manufacturer, a single minded focus was formed during the early years of John Boos & Co.: to make the best die blocks in the world; and

WHEREAS, During World War II, John Boos & Co. proved its ingenuity and adaptability to manufacture food service work tables and tabletops for the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps mess halls and kitchens; the company emerged from the war era with a new manufacturing philosophy, a new service culture, and expanded product lines; and

WHEREAS, Beginning in the mid-1960s, John Boos & Co. further expanded the growth of its stainless steel fabrication; ever-changing to accommodate the market requirements, the company's manufacturing expanded to include an entire range of stainless products; and

WHEREAS, The John Boos & Co. is a leader in environmental initiatives and is firmly committed to managing environmental matters as an integral part of its business practice; the company uses renewable North American hardwood products and maintains a high standard in the treatment of the environment during the manufacturing process; and

WHEREAS, Although the trend in American manufacturing over the past 2 decades has been to outsource jobs overseas, John Boos & Co. has remained committed to quality, American-made products and has maintained production in the United States; and

WHEREAS, John Boos & Co. continues to be the only company in the United States that has both stainless steel fabrication and wood manufacturing facilities in one location; and

WHEREAS, 2012 marks the 125th anniversary of the founding of the John Boos & Co., earning them a reputation for creating the finest products in the industry; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the owners and employees of John Boos & Co. on the occasion of the company's 125th anniversary of providing quality products and employing Illinois workers; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to John Boos & Co., as a symbol of our respect and esteem.