Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-06-04

HONORING BENJAMIN TWIGGS FOR 60 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN MICHIGAN'S CHERRY INDUSTRY

Agriculture

Context

On 2026-06-04, Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI-1) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING BENJAMIN TWIGGS FOR 60 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN MICHIGAN'S CHERRY INDUSTRY" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING BENJAMIN TWIGGS FOR 60 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN MICHIGAN'S CHERRY INDUSTRY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 95 (Thursday, June 4, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 95 (Thursday, June 4, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E530] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING BENJAMIN TWIGGS FOR 60 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN MICHIGAN'S CHERRY INDUSTRY ______ HON. JACK BERGMAN of michigan in the house of representatives Thursday, June 4, 2026 Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and recognize Benjamin Twiggs, ``The Original Cherry Store,'' as they celebrate 60 years of offering the finest cherry products in the country. Since 1966, Benjamin Twiggs has crafted cherry goods from 100 percent homegrown Michigan fruit, providing beloved treats for locals and visitors alike. As part of the larger cherry industry, their multigenerational enterprise has helped make Traverse City, the cherry capital of the world. Benjamin Twiggs is owned by Leisa Eckerle Hankins, a fifth-generation Leelanau County cherry farmer and one of the most respected leaders in the Michigan cherry industry. The Eckerle family farm, operated by Leisa's parents, Jim and Shirley, spans more than 300 acres in Suttons Bay and includes six additional farms across Leelanau County, encompassing more than 20,000 cherry, peach, and apple trees. Leisa's parents, husband, and children work the farm year-round, and her son, Zach, plans to eventually take over the family business. The Eckerle family represents the best of Northern Michigan--hard work, strong family roots, and a deep commitment to their community. To advocate for herself and her fellow farmers, Leisa founded the Michigan Cherry Growers Alliance in 2024, helping give cherry farmers a stronger voice at the legislative level. This past April, she was appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan Cherry Committee, a state-level body established to create greater marketing opportunities for Michigan's cherry growers. Her work as owner of Benjamin Twiggs and as an industry leader has helped strengthen and revitalize Michigan's cherry industry. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Benjamin Twiggs, ``The Original Cherry Store,'' for 60 years of dedicated service to Traverse City and the cherry industry of Northern Michigan. On behalf of Michigan's 1st Congressional District, I want to thank Leisa and the Eckerle family for their hard work, dedication, and stewardship of a proud Northern Michigan tradition, and wish them continued success in the years ahead. ____________________

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HONORING BENJAMIN TWIGGS FOR 60 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN MICHIGAN'S CHERRY INDUSTRY Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 95 (Thursday, June 4, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 95 (Thursday, June 4, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E530] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING BENJAMIN TWIGGS FOR 60 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN MICHIGAN'S CHERRY INDUSTRY ______ HON. JACK BERGMAN of michigan in the house of representatives Thursday, June 4, 2026 Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and recognize Benjamin Twiggs, ``The Original Cherry Store,'' as they celebrate 60 years of offering the finest cherry products in the country. Since 1966, Benjamin Twiggs has crafted cherry goods from 100 percent homegrown Michigan fruit, providing beloved treats for locals and visitors alike. As part of the larger cherry industry, their multigenerational enterprise has helped make Traverse City, the cherry capital of the world. Benjamin Twiggs is owned by Leisa Eckerle Hankins, a fifth-generation Leelanau County cherry farmer and one of the most respected leaders in the Michigan cherry industry. The Eckerle family farm, operated by Leisa's parents, Jim and Shirley, spans more than 300 acres in Suttons Bay and includes six additional farms across Leelanau County, encompassing more than 20,000 cherry, peach, and apple trees. Leisa's parents, husband, and children work the farm year-round, and her son, Zach, plans to eventually take over the family business. The Eckerle family represents the best of Northern Michigan--hard work, strong family roots, and a deep commitment to their community. To advocate for herself and her fellow farmers, Leisa founded the Michigan Cherry Growers Alliance in 2024, helping give cherry farmers a stronger voice at the legislative level. This past April, she was appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan Cherry Committee, a state-level body established to create greater marketing opportunities for Michigan's cherry growers. Her work as owner of Benjamin Twiggs and as an industry leader has helped strengthen and revitalize Michigan's cherry industry. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Benjamin Twiggs, ``The Original Cherry Store,'' for 60 years of dedicated service to Traverse City and the cherry industry of Northern Michigan. On behalf of Michigan's 1st Congressional District, I want to thank Leisa and the Eckerle family for their hard work, dedication, and stewardship of a proud Northern Michigan tradition, and wish them continued success in the years ahead. ____________________