[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 151 (Friday, October 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2075]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E2075]]
                   CONGRATULATING GEORGE A. CASTRO II

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ALBIO SIRES

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 4, 2007

  Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of George A. Castro 
II, a community leader and businessman, who is being recognized at the 
Hispanic Law Enforcement Association of Union County 2007 Annual Gala. 
His rags to riches story is an inspiration to anyone who believes in 
the American dream; his dedication to the betterment of his community 
is an example of how one citizen can empower hundreds of others in the 
State of New Jersey, while enriching Union County's artistic and 
cultural heritage.
  Mr. Castro came to the United States from Colombia in 1985--as he 
says--with a quarter in his back pocket. After acquiring his real 
estate license, Mr. Castro worked at an ERA office, producing $27 
million in sales in 2 years. His successes led him to create his own 
real estate venture: Countywide Realty. Later, he decided to join a 
national agency, opening Century 21 Atlantic Realtors, Inc., which has 
become one of the top sellers in the country.
  Aware that with success comes responsibility, George A. Castro II 
became very active in his community, volunteering in social activities. 
Mr. Castro became president of the Hispanic American Association for 
Political Awareness, which promotes Latino political empowerment, 
leading numerous voter registration efforts. Later, he created its 
Hispanic American Political Action Committee, becoming one of the most 
influential Hispanics in New Jersey politics.
  George A. Castro II has been appointed to numerous commissions such 
as the board of governors and board of trustees of Union County 
College, the Sports and Expositions Authority, and the Consolidated 
Police and Firemen's Pension Fund, becoming vice chair of its State 
Investment Council. Currently, Mr. Castro serves as commissioner of the 
Elizabeth Zoning Board of Adjustment and as a member of the board of 
trustees of PROCEED.
  In 1994, George purchased the historic Ritz Theater and Performing 
Arts Center, a veritable landmark of Elizabeth, New Jersey. The old 
Drake Opera House, as it was originally named when it was built in 
1865, hosted luminaries such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean 
Martin, Desi Arnaz, Bruce Springsteen, and Julio Iglesias. Mr. Castro 
has taken it upon himself to refurbish the 2,772-seat venue, making it 
possible for New Jersey residents to preserve an integral part of their 
cultural heritage for many years to come.
  Please join me in congratulating George A. Castro II, as well as his 
lovely wife Leonor and his children George and Gabrielle for their 
contributions to Union County and for setting an example of the success 
that can be achieved in our great country.

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