Mel Martinez, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development,
recently dropped by the Orlando Regional Chamber’s Executive Board meeting.
The unexpected visit was a pleasant surprise for those in attendance.
The purpose of his visit was nothing more than to get reacquainted with old
friends, share information about HUD and check on the “pulse” of the Central
Florida region.
Mel Martinez is the nation's 12th Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
He was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate and took his oath of
office on January 24, 2001.
In nominating Martinez, President George W. Bush said: "Since leaving his Cuban
homeland as a boy, Mel Martinez has been the embodiment of the American dream
and has had great success in helping the people of his community obtain affordable
housing and urban services."
Secretary Martinez shared touching stories with the Board Members about his
recent trip “home” to Cuba. He also discussed plans HUD has for increasing minority
home ownership – a big focus of his.
Even though Secretary Martinez has been in Washington for almost two years,
he still remains true to his Central Florida roots. Visits such as this are
proof of his dedication to our community and its leaders.