Bill Flores

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alice Rodriguez of Waco, Texas, who recently retired from the Waco City Council.

Alice was first elected to the Waco City Council in 1991. At the time of her election, she was the first Hispanic woman on the city council. She served for 10 years before taking a break from 2001 to 2005. In 2005, she ran again and served for another 14 years. Her combined years of service make her the longest serving councilmember in Waco's history.

Alice was first encouraged to run for office to make a change in her community. Inspired by her father, and recalling the difficulties faced by the Hispanic community, she wanted to advocate for equality for minorities and Wacoans facing hardship.

During her career on the city council, Alice was a passionate voice for her constituents. While she supported forward looking policies to conserve neighborhoods and bring more opportunities for low-income families, Alice also wanted to preserve the past.

Alice was instrumental in the foundation of the Waco Hispanic Museum that opened in 2016. Alice wanted current and future generations to remember the strides made by the Hispanic community in Waco and appreciate their struggle for equality.

In addition to serving on the Waco City Council, Alice has served on the boards of several organization including National League

of Cities' University Communities Council, the Texas Municipal League Association of Hispanic Municipal Officials, and the Heart of Texas Council of Governments Executive Committee. She has also been a member of the League of United Latin American Citizens and will continue to serve as local Council 273's Executive Director.

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Alice Rodriguez for her many years of influential service to our Central Texas community. I wish her the best in her future endeavors.

I have requested that a United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize the community service and accomplishments of Alice Rodriguez.

As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our country, for our veterans, for our military men and women who protect us, and for our first responders who keep us safe at home.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Laveda Brown of Waco, Texas, who is retiring as the president of the Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce.

Laveda comes from a strong business background and knows the value of hard work. Prior to joining the chamber, Laveda worked as a Procurement Specialist/Business Consultant at McLennan Community College Small Business Center and the Caruth Small Business Development Center at Abilene Christian University.

Her successful history of business development made her a compelling choice to lead the Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce. Laveda's many years of experience in minority business certification, purchasing, economic development, and government contracting has helped her provide many small businesses with the tools to succeed.

When Laveda assumed leadership of the Chamber in 2007, its membership hovered around 30 members and numbers were dwindling quickly. Thanks to her efforts, membership is now above 250 members and their financial support has expanded dramatically.

Some of her biggest contributions, however, go beyond numbers. Under Laveda's direction, the chamber opened Esther's Closet, an initiative to assist unemployed women by providing interview and workplace clothing at no cost. Additionally, Esther's Closet assists with resume writing, interview skills, job performance, and financial management. Since its grand opening in 2016, Esther's Closet has helped more than 400 individuals and provided more than 5,000 outfits.

In addition to her chamber duties, Laveda has been a member of many organizations including the Waco Education Alliance, the Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative, the City of Waco Policy Academy, and the Junior League Advisory Committee. She also served on the boards of the City of Waco Public Improvement and Development, the Texas Partnership for Out of School Time, and the YMCA of Central Texas. She was also the Vice President of the Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce.

She is a person of great courage, faith, insight and wisdom who has a very unselfish and loving spirit. She has dedicated her life to sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience to enlightening and motivating those around her to do their best. Laveda has a way of getting others to see the big picture and to overcome their differences in order to work together for the common good of all. Her greatest gift is her passion for encouraging and empowering others.

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Laveda Brown for her many years of impactful service to our Central Texas community. I wish her the best in her future endeavors and look forward to seeing the Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce's continued success.

I have requested that a United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize the community service and accomplishments of Laveda Brown.

I urge all Americans to continue praying for our country, for our veterans, for our military men and women who protect us, and for our first responders who keep us safe at home.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the First Baptist Bryan's Business Men's Bible Class during the 100th anniversary of their organization.

During World War I, Dr. Jonathan Held, the pastor of First Baptist Church, was encouraged by Brazos Valley women to address the challenges facing the community. On February 9, 1919, Dr. Held assembled a group of 15 men at the Queen Theatre in Downtown Bryan to share the message of Jesus Christ.

At that time, the precedent for their meetings was set. Beginning with two hymns, the program is followed by prayer, a lesson, benediction, attendance, and open discussion. Teaching responsibilities are shared by four individuals and the Explore the Bible series is the basis for all the lessons.

In 1927, the group moved to the First Baptist Bryan's church facilities. As the group approached its 50th anniversary, the weekly Bible lessons began to be broadcast on the radio each Sunday. These broadcasts have increased the reach of the lessons as folks who are unable to attend can participate by listening.

Since that time, the Business Men's Bible Class has grown to over 300 members of varying religious denominations committed to upholding the group's mission. Meeting every Sunday, the group gathers to facilitate more Bible study and share the story of Jesus Christ to all people and deepen the faith of all those who know Him.

Madam Speaker, the Business Men's Bible Class has had a deep impact in the Brazos Valley since their organization in 1919. Their service to our community and commitment to spreading God's message cannot be overstated.

I have requested that a United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to honor the work and legacy of the First Baptist Bryan Business Men's Bible Class.

May God bless its membership and the United States of America.

As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our country, for our veterans, for our military men and women who protect us, and for our first responders who keep us safe at home.