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Floor Speech

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Mr. VASQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor an Albuquerque legend, Mr. Ernie C'deBaca, and to congratulate him on his retirement.

For 9 years, Ernie has served as president and CEO of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, one of the largest in the country. However, his service began long before then, serving as chairman of the board since 2006.

From his work with the International Trade Committee, which helped put Albuquerque's economy on the global map, to helping The Bean coffee shop open inside the chamber's own building, Ernie is the type of leader who gets things done. Most importantly, he does so with kindness, energy, and integrity.

Ernie's employees, colleagues, and mentees all say the same thing: He is the definition of a servant leader, and the ripple effect of his work has touched countless lives and small businesses for the better.

I hope Ernie's next chapter brings plenty of time spent in the loving company of his wife, Geri; and his sons and grandchildren. If he is lucky, maybe he will have a little bit more time to watch the final match of the World Cup.

I thank Ernie for his tireless service to New Mexico, and I congratulate him on a well-earned retirement.

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