HONORING ROGER COLON AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR CARIBBEAN HERITAGE MONTH

On 2026-06-29, Representative Darren Soto (D-FL-9) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING ROGER COLON AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR CARIBBEAN HERITAGE MONTH" in the House.

HONORING ROGER COLON AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR CARIBBEAN HERITAGE MONTH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E630-E631] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING ROGER COLON AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR CARIBBEAN HERITAGE MONTH ______ HON. DARREN SOTO of florida in the house of representatives Monday, June 29, 2026 Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Roger Colon as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Roger Colon serves as the program director of the Central Florida InternationaI Trade Office (CFITO), which serves multiple counties throughout Central Florida, including Orange and Osceola. In this leadership role, he is responsible for advancing international trade opportunities, supporting business competitiveness, and strengthening the region's global economic engagement. As part of his commitment to our business community, Mr. Colon works closely with businesses to help them export U.S. goods and services. Through educational programs, one-on-one consultations, and industry outreach, he assists companies in developing export strategies, identifying international opportunities, and connecting with key trade resources that facilitate global growth. In addition to supporting exporters, Mr. Colon is a valuable resource for the region's importing community. During the height of the U.S. tariff changes in 2025, Mr. Colon played a critical role in educating businesses throughout the district on the implications of new import duties and tariff regulations. He provided timely guidance to companies on how to navigate evolving trade policies, maintain compliance, and identify strategies to avoid, mitigate, or recover costs associated with increased import tariffs. His efforts helped many businesses better understand the financial and operational impacts of the changing trade environment and make informed decisions to protect their supply chains and profitability. As program director, Mr, Colon expanded the scope and impact of the trade office by incorporating a stronger emphasis on trade development. One of his most notable achievements has been bringing the LATAM Trade Expo to the Orlando region. This annual event has grown into a premier platform for bilateral trade engagement between businesses and institutions from the United States, Mexico, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Chile. Through initiatives such as LATAM Trade and other international business development programs, Mr. Colon has helped strengthen Central Florida's position as a global gateway for commerce. [[Page E631]] ____________________