On 2026-05-12, Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA-4) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING JAMES "JIM" REGUSCI" in the House.
HONORING JAMES "JIM" REGUSCI Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E436] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING JAMES ``JIM'' REGUSCI ______ HON. MIKE THOMPSON of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, May 12, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor James ``Jim'' Regusci. Mr. Regusci is being celebrated as our 2026 Napa Valley Grower of the Year for his contributions to our community. Jim Regusci grew up in the Napa Valley. He is a third-generation farmer with deep roots in the Stags Leap District. His grandfather, Gaetano Regusci, established the family ranch in 1932, laying the foundation for a multi-generational farming legacy. Married to Laura Regusci, Jim is the proud father of Alicia Regusci Hardin and James Regusci Jar., and a loving stepfather to Jake and Andre Mendes. Jim is the founder and owner of Regusci Vineyard Management (RVM), an enterprise he launched in 1986 at just 19 years of age. What began with a single truck and a relentless work ethic has grown into one of Napa Valley's most respected and premier vineyard management companies. In 1996, he and his father Angelo founded Regusci Winery, which produces ten thousand cases annually, direct to consumers. Today, RVM farms over 2,000 acres and employs a dedicated team of more than 175 full-time professionals. Throughout his career, Jim has overseen a vast spectrum of operations, including a grape vine nursery large-scale development, and advanced organic and regenerative practices. His work has supported more than 40 premier wineries in the Napa Valley, consistently delivering world-class fruit and cementing our region's global reputation for excellence. Jim is widely respected for his absolute integrity, tireless work ethic, and a deep sense of responsibility to both his people and the land. His philanthropic reach extends to a wide array of local institutions, including the Boy's and Girls Club of Calistoga and St. Helena, Queen of the Valley Hospital, St. Helena Hospital, the V Foundation, Festival Napa Valley, and Tug McGraw Foundation at the California Veterans home. Jim also frequently directs his support to local fire and police departments, area sports teams, and local schools. Jim's deep care for his community and staff was displayed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he and his wife, Laura, launched a food program to provide fresh ranch-grown produce and protein to employee families. This initiative has since become a cherished year-round tradition. Furthermore, the Regusci family donates a community pumpkin patch led by Jim's children, hosting countless civic groups every fall. Beyond his structured giving, Jim is a true protector of his community. His hands-on efforts and deployment of resources during the Atlas Peak Fire and the 2020 wildfires played a critical role in mitigating fire spread and assisting neighbors in need. He is, quite simply, the neighbor everyone wishes they had. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Regusci has done incredible work for our community. It is with great honor and deep appreciation that we recognize his invaluable contributions here today.