[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 96 (Friday, July 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1495]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO A.J. PETE REIXACH

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON PAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 2005

  Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate A.J. Pete Reixach as 
the celebration of his having spent 20 years at Port Freeport rapidly 
approaches.
  As American Association of Port Authorities President Kurt J. Nagle 
said recently, ``Pete deserves congratulations not only for reaching 
the remarkable milestone of 20 years at the Port, but also for the 
dramatic growth Port Freeport has achieved during his tenure. In an 
industry where the average tenure for a port director is less than 7 
years, Pete's 20 years at Port Freeport are a tribute to his 
effectiveness in directing the Port and to the Port's substantial 
economic impacts to the region. He is both well-respected and 
recognized as an industry leader by his colleagues.''
  To learn more about Reixach's time at the Port one only needs to talk 
with representatives of the Port's many customers such as American Rice 
Inc., Dole Fresh Fruit Company, Chiquita Brands Inc. and Turbana Corp, 
the last two of which began their relationship with the Port during 
Reixach's tenure.
  Mr. Speaker, Port Freeport now ranks 12th among all U.S. ports in 
international cargo. The Port has added new berths and continues to 
grow. A cool storage facility has been built and is set for expansion. 
The harbor channel was deepened to 45 feet with efforts now moving 
forward in this Congress toward approval of a 60-foot depth, a project 
I have been pleased to support. Public dock activity at the Port has 
burgeoned; so, too, has that at berths of such firms as Teppco/Seaway, 
ConocoPhillips and The Dow Chemical Co. This has all happened during 
Reixach's time as Executive Director of the Port.
  While enrolled at the University of New Orleans Mr. Reixach began 
working as a clerk in the New Orleans office of Greek-owned Hellenic 
Lines Ltd. By the time Hellenic ceased operations in 1983, Reixach had 
worked his way up to a vice presidency in the line's Houston office. 
Immediately prior to coming to Port Freeport, he was general manager in 
the Houston office of Dutch shipping company F.A. Voight Inc.
  Reixach initially was hired to serve as assistant general manager at 
Freeport. Two years later, Reixach was promoted to the new position of 
executive director, the job he still holds.
  Mr. Speaker, Pete Reixach, 62, lives in Lake Jackson with his wife, 
Susie. I wish the two of them much happiness and continued success as 
Pete approaches 20 years with Port Freeport.

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