[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 6319-6320]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE FLORIDA CUSTOMS BROKERS AND FORWARDERS ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 28, 2014

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the Florida 
Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association (FCBF) on its successful 55th 
Annual Gala.
  FCBF was founded in 1960 by several Miami brokers and forwarders. 
Since then, it has thrived as a positive forum for the interchange of 
ideas; a promoter greater industry knowledge and ideals; and a powerful 
advocate on behalf of brokers and forwarders.
  From these humble beginnings, FCBF has grown into one of the most 
influential and active members of the Florida freight forwarding and 
customs brokerage community. FCBF's active and experienced volunteer 
professionals have been at the forefront of matters that directly 
affect their industry, encouraging the development of common sense 
international trade policies that can help our nation thrive and 
protect our fragile economic recovery. Its professionals are equally 
committed to fostering positive working relationships amongst the trade 
community and federal agencies, creating a healthier environment for

[[Page 6320]]

economic development and job creation in our state and our nation. 
Small business owners like customs brokers and forwarders are vital to 
our South Florida economy and it will be through their success that we 
will be able to realize true private sector jobs growth.
  FCBF's annual gala celebrated over half a century of accomplishment 
and included the induction of John Ballestero of PortMiami, Lilly 
Cabrera of Lilly & Associates, Nelly Yunta of Customized Brokerage, 
Raymond Jones of Florida East Coast Railway, and Jorge Rodriguez into 
its hall of fame. FCBF was also proud to recognize the contributions of 
both Florida East Coast Railway and Florida Governor Rick Scott.
  Congratulations again to the Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders 
Association on its recent gala and I wish all of its members continued 
success in the years to come.

                          ____________________