[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 45 (Thursday, March 31, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E593]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MR. BLAS CASTANEDA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 31, 2011

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments 
of Mr. Blas Castaneda. Mr. Castaneda is the External Affairs and 
Economic Development Officer at Laredo Community College in Laredo, 
Texas. He dedicates his career to educating the next generation of 
highly skilled workforce and fostering growth in the business community 
in Laredo and South Texas.
  Mr. Castaneda contributes to the community of South Texas by 
fostering close working relations between public and private 
partnerships and regional planning for public and higher education. He 
is continuously and proactively engaged with the local, state, and 
international businesses along the Texas-Mexico border. As Laredo 
Community College's economic development officer, he has brought major 
capital facilities for the Laredo Community College. He is the leader 
in developing and maintaining the distance learning program that is 
part of the virtual college of Texas online systems. Mr. Castaneda also 
established the Laredo District V Scholarship Bound program in 1989, 
which has awarded several hundred thousand dollars in scholarships to 
talented youth of limited income.
  His career began when he was elected council member to the Laredo 
City Council in 1988 and served for eight years, including as Mayor pro 
tempore. Governor Ann Richards appointed him to the Texas Workforce 
Investment Council in 1990 where he served for four years. By 2006, he 
was on the Board of the Future of the Region Inc. as Ex-Officio 
President and as President. This organization serves a 47-county, non-
profit economic development initiative that addresses key issues in 
South Texas. In January of 2009, Mr. Castaneda was nominated to be a 
member of the South Texas Workforce Solutions Board and he represents 
Adult and Continuing Education. He also serves on the Board for the 
Texas Migrant Council, which promotes family literacy, education, and 
consumer education in Texas, Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana, New Mexico, 
Iowa, Oklahoma, and Nevada. Mr. Castaneda continues his efforts for the 
community as a member of organizations including Big Brother/Big 
Sister, Rio South Texas Workplace Literacy Council, and the Texas 
Community College Teachers Association.
  Mr. Castaneda is a highly respected member of the South Texas 
community. He has received numerous awards such as the Liberty Bell 
Award, the ``Salute to Labor'' Star Award, and the Tejano's High 
Achievers Award. The Laredo Independent School District recently named 
him a ``Tiger Legend'' for his dedication and for serving as a role 
model to Laredo's youth.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize Mr. Blas 
Castaneda's accomplishments and service in South Texas. His tireless 
efforts for economic development and education have truly impacted the 
community.

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