[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 68 (Friday, May 26, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E965]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            ON THE OCCASION OF MR. JIM PADILLA'S RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 2006

  Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
congratulate Mr. Jim Padilla on the occasion of his retirement. Mr. 
Padilla dedicated 40 years of his life to the progress of Ford Motor 
Company and prepared it for the challenges of the 21st century. I 
wholeheartedly commend Mr. Padilla for his hard work and dedication to 
such a deeply cherished American legacy as Ford Motor Company.
  Mr. Padilla first joined the Ford family as a quality control 
engineer. Through years of hard work that spanned three continents, Mr. 
Padilla consistently proved himself a capable leader. Over those 40 
years his steady climb through the company rungs ultimately led him to 
the top as president and chief executive officer.
  Mr. Padilla's career is worthy of yet another distinction: He became 
Ford Motor Company's first Hispanic president and CEO. By taking the 
helm of one of America's top 10 corporations, Mr. Padilla shattered 
stereotypes and showed that all Americans have the potential of 
realizing tremendous success. It is fitting that Ford's Hispanic 
Network Group has created a scholarship program in his name, the 
``Padilla Scholars,'' to benefit deserving college-bound students. Mr. 
Padilla has proven that in our country, a person who works hard and 
accepts no limits can reach any goal. His life is an inspiration to 
young Hispanics and all young Americans as they commence the steady 
climb toward their dreams.
  I know that Ford Motor Company will deeply miss Mr. Padilla's 
leadership. I also know that his numerous contributions over the last 
four decades have helped to transform that company into the modem 
powerhouse that it is today. Mr. Padilla has earned himself a permanent 
place in the rich history and great American heritage that Ford Motor 
Company represents. Like the company he so effectively led, Mr. Padilla 
is a true American success story.

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