[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E630-E631]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING ROGER COLON AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR 
                        CARIBBEAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 29, 2026

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Roger Colon as a Distinguished 
Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Roger Colon 
serves as the program director of the Central Florida InternationaI 
Trade Office (CFITO), which serves multiple counties throughout Central 
Florida, including Orange and Osceola. In this leadership role, he is 
responsible for advancing international trade opportunities, supporting 
business competitiveness, and strengthening the region's global 
economic engagement.
  As part of his commitment to our business community, Mr. Colon works 
closely with businesses to help them export U.S. goods and services. 
Through educational programs, one-on-one consultations, and industry 
outreach, he assists companies in developing export strategies, 
identifying international opportunities, and connecting with key trade 
resources that facilitate global growth.
  In addition to supporting exporters, Mr. Colon is a valuable resource 
for the region's importing community. During the height of the U.S. 
tariff changes in 2025, Mr. Colon played a critical role in educating 
businesses throughout the district on the implications of new import 
duties and tariff regulations. He provided timely guidance to companies 
on how to navigate evolving trade policies, maintain compliance, and 
identify strategies to avoid, mitigate, or recover costs associated 
with increased import tariffs. His efforts helped many businesses 
better understand the financial and operational impacts of the changing 
trade environment and make informed decisions to protect their supply 
chains and profitability.
  As program director, Mr, Colon expanded the scope and impact of the 
trade office by incorporating a stronger emphasis on trade development. 
One of his most notable achievements has been bringing the LATAM Trade 
Expo to the Orlando region. This annual event has grown into a premier 
platform for bilateral trade engagement between businesses and 
institutions from the United States, Mexico, Colombia, the Dominican 
Republic, and Chile. Through initiatives such as LATAM Trade and other 
international business development programs, Mr. Colon has helped 
strengthen Central Florida's position as a global gateway for commerce.

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