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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E663]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING LAVEDA BROWN
______
HON. BILL FLORES
of texas
in the house of representatives
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Mr. FLORES. 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.
____________________
