[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 39 (Thursday, February 27, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E223]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





      HONORING CARLOS A. PENIN FOR HIS DEDICATION TO SOUTH FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 27, 2020

  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, in recognition of his long-standing 
contributions to the engineering profession and his dedication to 
bettering South Florida, I rise today to honor my good friend, Mr. 
Carlos A. Penin.
   Born in Holguin, Cuba, Carlos was forced into exile by the Castro 
dictatorship with his mother and three sisters in 1962. They arrived in 
Miami, Florida where they rebuilt their lives in pursuit of the 
American Dream. Carlos knew that with hard work and perseverance, he 
could turn this dream into a reality. In 1977, he graduated from the 
University of Florida with a B.S. in Civil Engineering and Construction 
Management. He continued with his studies and received an M.S. in 
Environmental and Urban Systems from Florida International University 
in 1982.
   After graduation, Carlos remained in South Florida and worked for 
several architectural and engineering firms. He played a key role in 
designing and managing major infrastructure projects, including the Joe 
Robbie Stadium, now known as the Hard Rock Stadium. Despite his 
success, Carlos always knew he wanted to start his own company and give 
back to the community that has given so much to him. In 1989, he took a 
chance and began C.A.P. Government, Inc. (CAP), and, in 2019, CAP 
celebrated its thirtieth anniversary. Under his leadership, CAP has 
provided unparalleled expertise for government clients who need 
assistance with building department services. Presently, they serve 
over sixty municipalities and six educational institutions across 
Florida.
   While Carlos's professional accomplishments are impressive, it would 
be remiss to honor him without touching on the love he has for his 
three daughters, Monica, Teresa, and Isabel. His daughters are truly 
his greatest treasures, and, with their support, he has become not only 
a successful businessman, but also a leader in his community. He has 
been actively involved in promoting the importance of engineering 
careers through leadership positions in several organizations. He 
currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Cuban American 
Association of Civil Engineers (CAACE), and, in fact, is the 2020 
recipient of their Plinio Villanueva Award. This award recognizes his 
commitment and dedication to advancing the civil engineering 
profession. Further, it acknowledges the difference that he has made in 
the lives of so many, and it is one that he greatly deserves.
   Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to call Mr. Carlos A. Penin a close 
friend, and to pay tribute to his impressive accomplishments. I ask my 
fellow colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable individual.

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