RECOGNIZING 50 YEARS OF INTERAMERICAN BANK

On 2026-09-14, Representative Carlos A. Gimenez (R-FL-28) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING 50 YEARS OF INTERAMERICAN BANK" in the House.

RECOGNIZING 50 YEARS OF INTERAMERICAN BANK

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 144 (Monday, September 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 144 (Monday, September 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E899] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING 50 YEARS OF INTERAMERICAN BANK ______ HON. CARLOS A. GIMENEZ of florida in the house of representatives Monday, September 14, 2026 Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Interamerican Bank as it celebrates 50 years of service to South Florida. Founded in Miami-Dade County on September 10, 1976, by Agustin C. Velasco, Interamerican Bank represents a remarkable story of faith, family, perseverance, and the American Dream. Mr. Velasco fled the communist Castro regime in 1961 with his wife, Nieves, and their two young children, Felisa and Agustin, Jr. Like so many Cuban exiles, he arrived in Miami determined to rebuild his life in freedom. He worked in factories, started his own business, and just 15 years after arriving in the United States, founded Interamerican Bank. For five decades, Interamerican Bank has remained a family-owned community bank dedicated to serving the people and businesses of South Florida. Today, the Bank operates five branches, including its Hialeah branch, which proudly celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The legacy of Agustin C. Velasco, Sr. continues through three generations of the Velasco family. His son, Agustin Velasco, Jr., serves as President and Chief Executive Officer, while his son-in-law, Ibrahim Pacheco, has provided nearly three decades of leadership as Chairman of the Board. His granddaughters, Isis Pacheco Velasco, Christie Velasco, and Lindsie Velasco, are also helping carry this proud family tradition into the future. Interamerican Bank is more than a South Florida institution, its story embodies the promise of our great Nation: that those who flee tyranny for freedom can work hard, build something lasting, and create opportunities for generations to come. I congratulate Interamerican Bank, the Velasco family, and its entire team on 50 years of service and wishing them continued success for many years to come. ____________________