The El Paso City Council on Tuesday morning honored local businessman Paul Foster with the Conquistador Award, an award that has been given to only two others during this administration.
Mayor John Cook, before presenting the award to Foster, gave a brief background on Western Refining, the company started by the honoree. Cook then went on to describe Foster, saying that he was filled with community pride and activism.
Speaking to Council, Foster said he was humbled by the award. Foster then stated that he was proud to be in El Paso at this point in time.
“These very exciting times;” he said; “With downtown redevelopment and the medical school, my company, Western Refinery, is very proud to be party of the community.”
Cook thanks Foster for his dedication to El Paso, telling him, “you’re not the typical type of successful businessman. You’re down to Earth.”
Rep. Susie Byrd expressed her support for Foster, saying that his efforts have been “about shedding low expectations” in the El Paso community.
Foster is in good company in receiving the award. The mayor's office confirmed that it has only presented the distinction to two other El Pasoans during Cook's tenure: long-serving El Paso politician Presi Ortega; and NASA astronaut Danny Olivas.
Outside of council chambers after the presentation, Foster said he felt privileged to receive the recognition from Council. “My commitment and my company’s commitment is to benefit the community,” he stated. “We’re obviously not looking for this (award),” he added, noting that his and his company’s efforts were about giving back to the Sun City, and not about recognition and praise.
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Rene Leon can be contacted at rene@newpspaertree.com, or at 915.351.0605.
