[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 82 (Thursday, May 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1078]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO MIKE ALLEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2007

  Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Mike Allen, the 
former President and CEO of the McAllen Economic Development 
Corporation (MEDC) for his exemplary leadership in fostering the 
economic growth of the City of McAllen in South Texas.
  Mr. Allen was responsible for the management of the McAllen Foreign 
Trade Zone, one of the largest inland ports in the United States 
responsible for over one billion dollars worth in commerce annually. He 
is currently on the Board of Regents for South Texas College and 
chairman of the Texas Border Infrastructure Coalition (TBIC), which was 
formed to develop and advocate for solutions to economic development 
needs along the Texas-Mexico border.
  Mr. Allen is an active member of the community. He is a member of 
numerous organizations such as the American Economic Development 
Council, Texas Border Infrastructure Coalition, Mexican Chamber of 
Commerce, American Chamber of Commerce, Reynosa Maquila Association, 
Texas Good Roads and Transportation Association, McAllen Citizens 
League, and Rio Grande Valley Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he has 
served as a member of the Texas Governor's Task Force on Management and 
Labor Relations for five years. Recently, he attended Presidential and 
Vice-Presidential briefings on the North American Free Trade Agreement 
and was actively involved in the Empowerment Zone designation process 
for the Rio Grande Valley. His vast knowledge of the economic 
development issues along the U.S.-Mexico border region has led to the 
continuous economic growth of my district. Mr. Allen has spent his life 
working to help better the lives of those in his community, and I 
commend him for his commitment to the economic development of South 
Texas and to improving our economic relations with Mexico.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the 
dedication and commitment of Mike Allen to furthering economic 
development of the City of McAllen and to the South Texas border 
community In general.

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