[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 71 (Thursday, May 1, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E792]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO MR. FERNANDO ``CHITO'' SALINAS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 2008

  Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Fernando 
``Chito'' Salinas for his induction as a laureate in the 2008 Laredo 
Business Hall of Fame, and for his incredible dedication to the city of 
Laredo, Texas.
  Fernando Salinas is a 1942 graduate of Martin High School, and 
attended Tulane University in New Orleans after transferring from Texas 
A&M University in College Station, Texas. After attending Tulane, 
Fernando returned back to work at his family's department store, Los 
Dos Laredos, in downtown Laredo. Five years later, he worked as a 
salesman at the famed Joe Brand store, and used his knowledge of men's 
retail to launch his own new department store, Don Antonio's in 1952. 
The business flourished during the 1960s, attracting a steady clientele 
from both sides of the United States-Mexico border.
  After his retirement from the retail business in 2005, Fernando 
established a charitable trust that has donated $1.35 million for 
causes that enrich education, the arts and human services, and pledged 
nearly $95,000 in scholarships for college-bound students. The 
scholarships are given to hard-working students at Laredo Community 
College and Texas A&M International University. Fernando has admirably 
served the community of Laredo, Texas, through his philanthropic work 
at his charitable trust. He has also contributed to the youth of Laredo 
through his Junior League Achievement sponsorship of Christen Middle 
School. For his dedication and hard work in making the Laredo business 
community stronger and better, Fernando will be honored by the Junior 
Achievement League through his induction into the 2008 Business Hall of 
Fame.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the 
bravery and dedication of Mr. Fernando Salinas, and I thank you for 
this time.

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