Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-04-30

RECOGNIZING LA GRAN PLAZA AND ITS SMALL BUSINESSES DURING NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

Context

On 2026-04-30, Representative Marc A. Veasey (D-TX-33) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING LA GRAN PLAZA AND ITS SMALL BUSINESSES DURING NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK" in the House.

Full Text

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 76 (Thursday, April 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 76 (Thursday, April 30, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E393] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING LA GRAN PLAZA AND ITS SMALL BUSINESSES DURING NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK ______ HON. MARC A. VEASEY of texas in the house of representatives Thursday, April 30, 2026 Mr. VEASEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth and the tremendous contributions of its small businesses in Fort Worth, Texas, as we celebrate National Small Business Week. La Gran Plaza stands as a vibrant economic and cultural hub for North Texas, home to a diverse array of family-owned businesses that embody the entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and cultural pride of our community. Among them, El Minero Restaurant, managed by Jorge Ortiz, reflects the power of multigenerational entrepreneurship. With the support of his family, the business has expanded its operations, including a remodeled kitchen and additional establishments within the Plaza--La Oruga and Marisqueria La Perla--demonstrating a strong commitment to quality and community. In addition, Texical Artesanias, owned by Maria and her husband, preserves and promotes cultural heritage through handcrafted goods sourced from regions such as Michoacan, Jalisco, and Guanajuato, continuing traditions that span generations. Furthermore, business owner Teresa Gutierrez exemplifies entrepreneurial vision through her four storefronts--Ilusiones Liz, Alex Bridal, Keygen, and Little Angels Boutique--which serve women and families across life's milestones while also fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs through her daughters' involvement. Similarly, Jobes Sanchez, founder of Jobes Hats, represents innovation and brand growth. From modest beginnings, his custom cowboy hat business has expanded beyond state lines and into Mexico, with recent ventures further diversifying his business. These businesses are the backbone of our economy. They preserve cultural traditions and strengthen the fabric of our communities. As we recognize National Small Business Week, I am proud to honor La Gran Plaza and the hardworking individuals who make it a cornerstone of Fort Worth's economic vitality. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating these outstanding small businesses and their invaluable contributions. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING LA GRAN PLAZA AND ITS SMALL BUSINESSES DURING NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 76 (Thursday, April 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 76 (Thursday, April 30, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E393] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING LA GRAN PLAZA AND ITS SMALL BUSINESSES DURING NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK ______ HON. MARC A. VEASEY of texas in the house of representatives Thursday, April 30, 2026 Mr. VEASEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth and the tremendous contributions of its small businesses in Fort Worth, Texas, as we celebrate National Small Business Week. La Gran Plaza stands as a vibrant economic and cultural hub for North Texas, home to a diverse array of family-owned businesses that embody the entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and cultural pride of our community. Among them, El Minero Restaurant, managed by Jorge Ortiz, reflects the power of multigenerational entrepreneurship. With the support of his family, the business has expanded its operations, including a remodeled kitchen and additional establishments within the Plaza--La Oruga and Marisqueria La Perla--demonstrating a strong commitment to quality and community. In addition, Texical Artesanias, owned by Maria and her husband, preserves and promotes cultural heritage through handcrafted goods sourced from regions such as Michoacan, Jalisco, and Guanajuato, continuing traditions that span generations. Furthermore, business owner Teresa Gutierrez exemplifies entrepreneurial vision through her four storefronts--Ilusiones Liz, Alex Bridal, Keygen, and Little Angels Boutique--which serve women and families across life's milestones while also fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs through her daughters' involvement. Similarly, Jobes Sanchez, founder of Jobes Hats, represents innovation and brand growth. From modest beginnings, his custom cowboy hat business has expanded beyond state lines and into Mexico, with recent ventures further diversifying his business. These businesses are the backbone of our economy. They preserve cultural traditions and strengthen the fabric of our communities. As we recognize National Small Business Week, I am proud to honor La Gran Plaza and the hardworking individuals who make it a cornerstone of Fort Worth's economic vitality. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating these outstanding small businesses and their invaluable contributions. ____________________