[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 66 (Thursday, May 10, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E766]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO PETE REIXACH

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON PAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 10, 2012

  Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize A.J. ``Pete'' 
Reixach, Jr. as he retires from his longtime position as the executive 
port director for Port Freeport, Texas. Port Freeport is one of the 
largest ports in my district, and it has been a pleasure to work 
alongside Mr. Reixach on a number of maritime issues. Pete is very well 
known in South Texas and the port community not only for his strong 
commitment to Port Freeport, but also for his efforts to expand 
international trade throughout the Gulf. He also is very well known for 
his tremendous contributions to the Brazoria County business community.
  I'm happy to announce that Pete will not be retiring from the port 
business altogether, however. On the contrary, congratulations are in 
order for his recent promotion to chairman of the American Association 
of Port Authorities board. With his years of experience, talent, and 
expertise on a wide variety of issues I am certain Pete will enjoy a 
very successful tenure as chairman of the AAPA board. I'm also happy to 
see the Gulf coast represented at the highest level of the AAPA.
  Pete has been an integral part of Gulf Coast port operations since 
his career began in 1970. He started as the assistant manager of the 
Greece-based Hellenic Lines Ltd. in New Orleans. He later arrived in 
Houston to become the general manager for Netherlands-based F.A. Voight 
Inc., before becoming the Texas Gulf Coast port assistant manager in 
1985 and then general manager in 1986. In 1988 he finally made his way 
down to Port Freeport where he has been the executive port director now 
for over 20 years.
  Port Freeport is ranked 16th among U.S. ports in international cargo 
transport. The landscape extends over 7,500 acres creating promise for 
future infrastructure and development. Port Freeport serves my district 
through technological advancement and is one of the leading job 
creators on the Texas Gulf Coast. Pete understands the importance of 
economy-enhanced sustainability efforts especially during these 
tumultuous times.
  Not only has Pete been a treasured asset in Port Freeport, but he has 
also taken an active role on the national level as chairman of the Gulf 
Ports Association of the Americas and was vice chairman of AAPA 
Legislative Policy Council. Locally, he has also been involved with the 
Texas Ports Association and served on the Brazosport Area Chamber of 
Commerce.
  The AAPA board has certainly gained a knowledgeable leader to 
spearhead their international trade efforts. In September, Pete will 
assume a one year chairmanship during the AAPA's 99th annual convention 
in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to commemorate 
this great accomplishment and to wish Pete Reixach all the best as he 
moves into the next part of his career.

                          ____________________