Washington, DC – The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) today announced that Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY) is the recipient of the association’s 2008 World Trade Award. Rep. Meeks officially received the Award last night at the NFTC’s 94th Annual World Trade Dinner and Award Ceremony held at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.
“During his decade-long tenure on Capitol Hill, Congressman Meeks has been a champion of trade and diplomacy, and has led efforts to forge a bipartisan U.S. trade agenda that provides economic opportunity not only to America’s workers and businesses but also brings hope and prosperity to the citizens of our trading partners,” said NFTC President Bill Reinsch. “Congressman Meeks has on many occasions taken an independent stance in support of such objectives because of his convictions, and we are pleased to have this opportunity to honor his public service.”
The NFTC’s World Trade Award recognizes individuals who are respected for proven lifetime leadership in building consensus and promoting the benefits of open trade and investment. This year marks the first time in the past six years that the World Trade Award honoree is a policymaker and not a member of the U.S. business community. The Award was established in 1937 by the Dollar Family of San Francisco in memory of
Captain Robert Dollar, pioneer in American shipping and world trade and a charter member of the National Foreign Trade Council. In 1938, Cordell Hull, then-Secretary of State, was the recipient of the first Award.
“I am honored to have been the recipient of the 2008 National Foreign Trade Council World Trade Award,” stated Congressman Gregory W. Meeks. “Trade is a critical issue to the constituents of the 6th Congressional District, New York and the Nation. John F. Kennedy airport located in my district has not only brought new work opportunities and economic growth locally, but has become a successful hub for international trade as well. Trade is a necessary tool as we continue to work together to reduce global poverty and find solutions that will enable those who are less fortunate to rise to the top and those on the top continue to prosper.”
Now serving in his sixth full-term, Meeks was elected to the House on February 3, 1998. Representing New York’s Sixth Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, Meeks’ district covers all towns of Southeast Queens, Far Rockaway and Howard Beach. He is a member of the House Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Meeks is a Member of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), New Democrats Caucus and the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC). He serves as the Co-chair of the Malaysia Caucus, Services Caucus, Dialogue Caucus and the Middle East Economic Partnership Caucus.
