U.S. Customs and Border Protection announces new professionalism program at Ports of Entry
By: Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2015, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.
The United States Department of Homeland Security through its Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Eagle Pass Field Office announced the PRIDE Initiative program, a re-dedication to Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity and Excellence throughout the CBP officer workforce at South Texas ports of entry, including the City of Eagle Pass Ports of Entry, at a press conference held on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at the City of Eagle Pass International Center for Trade in Eagle Pass, Texas.
Joining Eagle Pass Port Director John Brandt and Director of Field Operations David Higgerson at the press conference were Eagle Pass Mayor Ramsey English Cantu and Congressman Will Hurd.
During the press conference, Eagle Pass Port Director John Brandt emphasized the importance of cooperative efforts by all stakeholders in assuring that all professional measures are taken in the quest to provide better service at our ports of entry.
Congressman Will Hurd discussed the importance of this new PRIDE program and maintaining professional customer service at the U.S. Ports of Entry while protecting the U.S. against any foreign terrorism threats. “It was a great honor to participate in the announcement for the PRIDE initiative in Eagle Pass with Mayor Ramsey Cantu, Eagle Pass Port Director John Brandt, and Director of Field Operations David Higgerson,” said Congressman Hurd.
The Customs and Border Protection PRIDE Initiative program is designed to improve customer service at all U.S. Ports of Entry as well as within the federal government.
Professionalism Service Managers, who will receive and address both positive and negative comments from the public who interact with CBP at the many ports of entry within South Texas, will be established at each Port of Entry.
Eagle Pass Port Director John Brandt announced the Eagle Pass Port of Entry Professionalism Service Manager will be CBP Agent Jaime Gonzalez.
The PRIDE program is designed to assure a more professional and respectful interaction with the thousands of people who cross on a daily basis the Eagle Pass Port of Entry, as well as all other U.S. Ports of Entry.
Eagle Pass Mayor Ramsey English Cantu thanked all the guests and public officials who attended the press conference and expressed his support for the new CBP PRIDE program because thousands of persons cross daily into the U.S. at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry and they represent a vital economic development and cultural relationship between the United States and Mexico and this new professional customer service initiative will provide a better experience to all Port of Entry users.
“This press conference was the official announcement of the professional service manager for Eagle Pass, who will be CBP Agent Gonzalez. Congressman Hurd was on hand to stress the importance of professionalism at the port of entry. We show our support on the designation of the service managers to improve port of entry images as people enter our city and country.”
said Cantu
CBP is the premiere border-based federal law enforcement agency in the U.S. and in order to better embody that ideal, the re-instilling and strengthening of a culture of professionalism throughout their ranks has initiated the Pride Initiative Program throughout South Texas Port of Entries as an ongoing commitment not only to better serve the communities in which we live and work but also for CBP to foster a greater sense of pride both for and from the community.
