The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING BASS PRO SHOPS FOUNDER AND CEO JOHNNY L. MORRIS
______
HON. BILLY LONG
of missouri
in the house of representatives
Friday, October 14, 2022
Mr. LONG. Madam Speaker, as a member of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus and Representative of the state of Missouri, I rise today to recognize an individual that has made significant contributions to our nation's fish and wildlife conservation efforts, as well as America's longstanding outdoor traditions. My district includes Springfield, Missouri, the headquarters of Bass Pro Shops, and I am honored today to recognize the lifelong accomplishments of the Bass Pro Founder and CEO, John L. Morris.
Across the country, Johnny Morris is often referred to as a modern-
day Theodore Roosevelt for his leadership, personal commitment and dedication to conservation efforts, a comparison that is anything but embellished.
As an unrivaled conservationist, Johnny Morris has long recognized the need for citizens to take a strong position in the careful management and use of our natural resources for future generations to enjoy. Using his entrepreneurial success as a platform for that cause, he has contributed heavily both in time and resources to many significant conservation causes and initiatives.
Through his leadership with Bass Pro Shops, and now with Cabela's, Johnny has been a long-standing partner of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus through his work with the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) and his advocacy for the great outdoors. Johnny also served as a co-chair of the Blue-Ribbon Panel on Sustaining America's Diverse Fish and Wildlife Resources to advance solutions for funding a 21st century model of conservation to develop the landmark Recovering America's Wildlife Act.
Johnny's legacy begins with that of a true American success story. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Bass Pro Shops' Founding. What started as a tiny bait shop in the back of his father's Brown Derby gas station in Springfield, has grown into the world's largest outdoor merchandiser with more than 200 stores and 200 million visits annually. Today, Johnny and his companies continue to impact communities and the future of conservation with a mission to inspire everyone to enjoy, love and conserve the great outdoors. Key initiatives such as
`Conserving Wildlife and Habitat,' `Connecting Kids and Families to Nature,' `Protecting Sportsmen's Rights Through Access and Advocacy Efforts,' and `Honoring Military and Veterans,' are just some of the ways Johnny is helping to protect and advance our great outdoor traditions.
A true conservation champion, Johnny has received two of the most prestigious awards in the world of conservation, honored with the Audubon Medal in 2019 and the Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Award in 1990, presented by President George H.W. Bush. Today, he is one of the country's leaders working to ensure natural habitats, wildlife and the outdoors remain healthy and abundant for future generations to protect and enjoy, having established a significant personal legacy that spans national initiatives and extensive partnerships supporting conservation organizations.
Arguably more inspiring than his dedication to conservation is Johnny's dedication to recruiting America's next generation of sportsmen and women. Johnny is often quoted saying ``Take a kid fishing. You'll be happy you did.'' This simple but powerful quote eloquently conveys Johnny's passion for our sporting heritage.
In recognition of Mr. Morris' service to conservation and sportsmen and women--both on the ground and in the policy arena--the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation has elected Mr. Morris to the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation Honorary Board of Directors as an Honorary Life Director, marking the first individual to receive this impressive award. This board designation was created by CSF to recognize an individual who has made significant contributions to conservation and hunting and fishing, and who strongly supports the mission of CSF which is to work with congress, governors, and state legislatures to protect and advance hunting, angling, recreational shooting, and trapping.
Madam Speaker, I want to thank Mr. Morris for his many contributions to America's outdoor heritage and congratulate him for the well-
deserved CSF Honorary Life Director designation.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 163(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 163(2)
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