NCBFAA Honoring Rep. Brady For His Support on CAFTA

Washington, DC: During its Political Action Committee’s evening reception on Monday, September 19, the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America, Inc. (NCBFAA) in conjunction with its affiliate, the Houston Customshouse Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association (HCBFFA), will recognize Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX) for his tremendous contributions to the recent passage of the Dominican Republic - Central American Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) bill.
       "Our associations are jointly honoring Mr. Brady for his outstanding leadership in international trade," said Jon Kent, Kent and O’Connor, NCBFAA’s Legislative Representative in Washington and their lead advocate during the recent campaign to pass the DR- CAFTA bill. Kent witnessed first-hand the pivotal role played by Rep. Brady in winning that razor-slim victory. "In the face of an onslaught of protectionism and bitterly partisan attacks, Kevin Brady deserves a place among the ‘profiles in courage.’ CAFTA is critical to the security of our region and economic prosperity. This is much-deserved recognition." 
       Shane Garcia, the chairperson of the NCBFAA’s Political Action Committee, and elected NCBFAA Board of Director Representative for Area 5 from the Houston area, in remarks prepared for introduction of Mr. Brady to the group, said that the last time the National Association honored a Texan, it was in 1993 to then-Congressman Bill Archer, (R-TX) for his work on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
       "It is only fitting that Mr. Brady, who followed Mr. Archer to the Ways and Means Committee, should receive the recognition of these American small businesses. NCBFAA chooses someone each year who is not only a champion of small business, but a champion of small international businesses." Garcia said that from Mr. Brady's days as an executive of a Houston area Chamber of Commerce, small businesses have come to depend on the north Houston representative to have an open ear for what it takes to run a small business in these difficult and competitive times.
       Headquartered in Washington, DC, the NCBFAA represents nearly 800 member companies with 100,000 employees in international trade - the nation's leading freight forwarders, customs brokers, ocean transportation intermediaries (OTIs), NVOCCs and air cargo agents, serving more than 250,000 importers and exporters. Established in 1897 in New York, NCBFAA is the effective national voice of the industry. Through its various committees, counsel and representatives, the Association maintains a close watch over legislative and regulatory issues that affect its members. It keeps them informed of these and other related issues through its weekly Monday Morning eBriefing, NCBFAA Quarterly Bulletin, and various meetings and conferences throughout the year.
        The Houston Customshouse Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association (HCBFFA) has been instrumental in providing leadership to international trade service companies since 1982. The HCBFFA membership represents more than 75,000 importers and exporters who do business through Houston, the third largest seaport and one of the largest international gateways in the United States. The Association membership takes pride in friendly service, high professional standards and the "can do" business environment characterized by Houstonians. HCBFFA is the only Houston trade association representing primarily broker/forwarder issues.