[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 30 (Thursday, March 17, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 17, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
    HONORING CAMACOL FOR ITS EFFORTS TO ENCOURAGE HISPANIC COMMERCE

                                 ______


                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 17, 1994

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding business organization in the city of Elizabeth, dedicated 
to the commercial advancement of the Hispanic community. This Saturday 
CAMACOL, otherwise known as the Camara de Comercio Latina de Elizabeth, 
celebrates 25 years of service to the Hispanic business community.
  In 1969, when CAMACOL was first established there were only a handful 
of Hispanic businesses in the city of Elizabeth and Union County in 
general. There was clearly a need for a commercial organization to help 
the Hispanic business community organize, prosper and expand. CAMACOL 
fit this role superbly.
  The organization's goals are very clearly put forth in its bylaws 
which state that the organization seeks to promote ``friendly and 
amicable'' relations between its members and government and the rest of 
the business community regardless of race or ethnicity.
  Since its establishment, CAMACOL has been a bulwark of the business 
community. Partly as a result of its efforts, the Hispanic community, 
both business and residential, have prospered in Elizabeth. During my 
frequent visits to the city, I have been impressed with the variety of 
Hispanic businesses, from eateries, whose ethnic specialties add a 
special and diverse quality to the city, to small retail stores and 
service outlets.
  On countless occasions, CAMACOL has come to the rescue of a member in 
trouble. All CAMACOL members donate to a general fund which seeks to 
assist fellow members in the event that they lose their business by 
fire. The fund can also be used to assist the family of a member who 
has recently died.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to CAMACOL for 25 
years of dedication to the Hispanic business community. Por un Comercio 
Hispano Cada Vez Mayor.

                          ____________________