[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 9958]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         RECOGNIZING DELTA FUEL

 Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, small businesses are often vital in 
driving rural economies. The success of these entities provides crucial 
job creation and economic opportunity--especially among low-income and 
minority populations. This week I am proud to recognize Delta Fuel of 
Ferriday, LA, as Small Business of the Week.
  In 1977, a small bulk fuel distributor serving ranchers and farmers 
was founded in the heart of the Louisiana and Mississippi Delta region. 
Today, Delta Fuel has grown to employ over 65 workers between their 
eight operations--7 in Louisiana and 1 in Mississippi--serving a cross-
section of the agriculture, construction, aviation, marine, government, 
manufacturing, automotive, emergency response, and trucking industries 
with a variety of fuels, lubes, tanks, trailers, oil stations, and lube 
equipment. In a State known for its robust energy and natural resource 
industries, Delta Fuel's reputation for dependability, reliability, and 
exceptional service standards has helped it become one of the fastest 
growing distributors in the southeast.
  In rural east Louisiana, Clint Vegas, president of Delta Fuel, has 
led the company to exponential growth, earning the company numerous 
recognitions as one of the most successful Hispanic-owned businesses in 
the United States. Vegas' business skills have led to crucial job 
creation for the region. Delta Fuel's success can be attributed in part 
to their being located in a Historically Underutilized Business Zone, 
or HUBZone. The Small Business Administration's HUBZone program was 
created to spur economic activity in economically disadvantaged areas--
helping small businesses in urban and rural communities gain 
preferential access to government contracting opportunities. By using 
the resources at hand, including the HUBZone program, Delta Fuel has 
been able to expand, resulting in the addition of numerous jobs and 
service centers throughout the rural east Louisiana region.
  Congratulations again to Delta Fuel for being selected as Small 
Business of the Week. Thank you for your continued commitment to 
creating quality jobs and advancing economic opportunity in East 
Louisiana.

                          ____________________