[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 67 (Monday, May 4, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1045-E1046]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE INDUCTION OF ENCARNACION ``CARNY'' GUERRA INTO THE 2009 
               CLASS OF THE LAREDO BUSINESS HALL OF FAME

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 4, 2009

  Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the induction 
of Encarnacion ``Carny'' Guerra into the Laredo Business Hall of Fame. 
Carny Guerra has always been hard working, ambitious, a knowledgeable 
businessman, and it has shown through his work in Laredo, Texas.
  Carny Guerra's business know-how first emerged while attending a 
dance in Laredo, Texas. While waiting in line and watching a great 
number of people pay their entrance fee he got the idea that he should 
enter the ballroom business. Soon after he purchased a building and 
with the help of his five daughters Cynthia, Sylvia, Judith, Belinda, 
and Elaine the Casa Blanca Ballroom was born.
  As every new business encounters initial problems Carny had trouble 
booking bands and he decided that the best way to solve this would be 
to use local South Texas bands. As he found new bands he began to 
record their music and promote them to local radio stations. These 
local bands soon became celebrities in the area, thus selling out the 
Casa Blanca Ballroom performance after performance. Working with bands 
and radio stations on a daily basis Carny saw his next step to be the 
purchase of a radio station which furthered the popularity of both his 
ballroom and the bands.
  Now some years later Carny Guerra's business has flourished and 
become Guerra Communications, which now owns a Tejano, hip-hop, and 
country radio station. In Addition, Carny is credited with giving many 
of today's popular bands their start.
  Carny, after many years of hard work, is now enjoying his retirement 
and the company of his 5 daughters, 17 grandchildren and 1 great 
grandchild.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to have had this opportunity to recognize 
the accomplishments and honor the inductee to the Laredo Business Hall 
of Fame Encarnacion ``Carny'' Guerra.

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