U.S. Senator David Vitter (R-La.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship (SBC), today announced Alvarez Construction of Baton Rouge, La as Small Business of the Week, and will be submitting it into the official Congressional Record.

“Jairo Alvarez-Botero came to this country with only a hundred dollars to his name, and he was able to build something a successful small business that has lasted for decades,” said Vitter. “Jairo’s story is a prime example of someone fully realizing the ‘American dream,’ and his Alvarez Construction embodies the hard work and determination that makes success stories like this possible. I’m honored to recognize the Alvarez family and Alvarez Construction of Baton Rouge as Small Business of the Week for its unwavering community support and success in pursuit of the American dream.”

At the age of twenty-five, Jairo Alvarez-Botero emigrated from Colombia with one hundred dollars and a dream for a better life in America. Over the next few decades, Alvarez-Botero pursued a career in construction with the goal of one day owning his own successful construction company. In 1991, Alvarez-Botero and his son Carlos founded Alvarez Construction, focusing on single-family residential communities.

Having taught himself the English language and putting himself through college, Alvarez-Botero was appreciative of the opportunities the United States had afforded him. After achieving his own success, he decided to repay the community by participating in various community programs such as the St. Jude Dream Home Campaign and “Wheels to Succeed,” a foundation that provides adapted three-wheeled cycles for children with physical disabilities.

Today Alvarez-Botero's widow Anita and their children Carlos, Ana, and Sebastian continue to operate Alvarez Construction in the greater Baton Rouge metropolitan area.

As the Senate Small Business Committee Chairman, Vitter continues the tradition of honoring America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs.

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