[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 18825-18826]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE FAMILY BUSINESS, AOC HOLDING COMPANY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 22, 2009

  Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to celebrate the hard work 
and accomplishments of the Arguindegui family, of AOC Holding Company. 
The family has truly worked towards and achieved the American dream.
  This American success story begins with Peter R. Arguindegui Sr., who 
founded Arguindegui Oil Company in August of 1942. His sons put 
education and service to our nation first, before later joining the 
family business. So, after serving in the military and graduating from 
Texas A&M, Peter Jr. and Carlos Arguindegui joined their father in the 
late 1950s. With the additional help, the company was transformed into 
a corporation which then focused on wholesale commercial fuels.
  Within 20 years grandsons Carlos Jr. and Alfonso Arguindegui joined 
the family business after graduating from college, bringing with them 
new ideas.
  AOC Holding Company, as it is now called, has expanded into 
convenience store marketing by converting a dozen existing stations

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into convenience stores under the ConocoPhillips and Valero brands. It 
also runs four bulk warehouse operations in South Texas.
  This company is on track to become the leader in retail and wholesale 
fuels in the South Texas area.
  An admirable quality of the Arguindegui family is they do not reserve 
success for themselves. They have engaged in philanthropy by staying 
involved with local charities such as the United Way, the Boys & Girls 
Club, and other organizations that are too numerous to mention. They 
have also provided scholarships to area students.
  Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize a true American success 
story. I am pleased to have such a valued family in my district.

                          ____________________