[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 24, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E65]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CONGRATULATING BACARDI ON ITS 150TH ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 24, 2012

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bacardi 
on its 150th anniversary. The company was founded by Don Facundo 
Bacardi Masso in Santiago de Cuba on February 4, 1862, and overcame 
multiple adversities to become the largest privately-held spirits 
company, one that today sells more than 200 brands and labels in more 
than 150 markets globally, and the third largest spirits company in the 
world. Family-owned and run for seven generations, the Company employs 
nearly 6,000 people around the world. Bacardi has a significant 
presence and history in the United States.
  As its business grew in Cuba, Bacardi capitalized on growing 
opportunities abroad and expanded outside of Cuba as Cuba's first 
multinational company. In 1916, the Company established a bottling 
facility in New York City. Bacardi rum is distributed by Bacardi 
U.S.A., Inc. based in my home district of Coral Gables, Florida. Having 
toured the offices recently, I've seen first hand the energy and 
excitement in the employees about the company.
  I congratulate the Bacardi rum brand on its 150th anniversary and 
commend the Bacardi Company for 150 years of business perseverance and 
commitment to continue sustainable business practices, fairness to 
employees and generosity to the community at large that built Bacardi 
during the past 150 years.

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