[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 2 (Thursday, January 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E36]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   40TH ANNIVERSARY OF PADRON CIGARS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 6, 2005

  Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, 2004 marked the 40th 
anniversary of the founding of Padron Cigars and I rise to honor and 
congratulate them on this wonderful achievement.
  Padron Cigars was founded on September 8, 1964 by the Padron 
brothers--Jose Orlando and Rodolfo. Throughout the last 40 years, the 
Padron family has worked to grow their business and continue providing 
new products to their loyal customers throughout the world.
  Of course, the success of Padron Cigars did not come without 
significant challenges over the years. In fact, their factory in 
Nicaragua was destroyed as a result of civil war.
  Through endless commitment and leadership, Padron Cigars was able to 
survive and grow, despite the serious challenges they faced.
  Today, Padron Cigars continues their commitment to quality through 
their consistent approach to the lengthy process of manufacturing 
cigars. In fact, they claim: ``Our primary mission is the exceptional 
quality of our product, not the quantity produced.''
  Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Padron Cigars is clearly an industry 
leader that has epitomized the success of small family businesses 
throughout America. The success story of Padron Cigars is nothing short 
of the American Dream and I ask my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating the Padron family on this anniversary.

                          ____________________