Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
In a heartfelt ceremony filled with community spirit, McAllen honored Alonzo Cantu as the inaugural recipient of the McAllen SHINES Community Champion Award, celebrating his commitment to enhancing the city’s beauty, fostering civic pride, and leading by example. The recognition is part of the McAllen SHINES initiative. This city-wide movement promotes cleanliness, respect, and collaboration among residents, businesses, and city departments, making McAllen a shining example of community excellence.
McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos praised Alonzo Cantu’s enduring impact on the city’s landscape, saying, “Alonzo’s work exemplifies what McAllen SHINES is all about. His leadership and dedication to enhancing McAllen’s business spaces inspire all of us. He has played a vital role in making McAllen a better place, and we are deeply grateful for his contributions.” Villalobos pointed to Cantu’s Nolana Tower, an 11-story landmark with pristine landscaping and design, as a reflection of his commitment to excellence.
Mayor Villalobos acknowledged that McAllen SHINES itself drew inspiration from Tampico’s transformation. “If Tampico can shine, McAllen can too. But this isn’t just about replicating an idea; it’s about changing our culture, from our commercial areas to our schools and neighborhoods. Alonzo Cantu was already leading this charge before the initiative began,” he remarked.
City Manager Isaac “Ike” Tawil echoed the sentiment, noting, “Alonzo’s vision has created opportunities and improved the quality of life for McAllen residents. His dedication to beautification and community building is unmatched, and we are honored to recognize him as an integral part of McAllen SHINES.”
Launched by McAllen Public Works, McAllen SHINES is more than a beautification campaign—a cultural movement fostering civic pride and responsibility. The initiative includes programs like:
- Refresh 50/50: Matching funds for businesses to renovate storefronts and enhance curb appeal.
- Imagine Tomorrow: A partnership between code enforcement and local organizations to revitalize older neighborhoods and incentivize home improvement.
- Project Clean Neighborhoods: A cost-free program providing roll-off units for safe disposal of old refuse.
- Keep McAllen Beautiful: Transforming functional city features, like irrigation standpipes, into public art pieces painted by local artists.
These programs aim to improve McAllen’s appearance while fostering a sense of shared responsibility. Tawil highlighted the success of these efforts, stating, “You can see the results everywhere—from clean streets and green parks to beautifully painted murals. McAllen SHINES has transformed the way we view our city.”
The award celebrates individuals whose efforts align with the SHINES initiative’s mission. Cantu’s contributions go beyond beautification. As a leader in banking, healthcare, housing, and entertainment, he has consistently invested in the growth and well-being of McAllen. Cantu’s companies, including Lone Star National Bank, DHR Health, and Cantu Construction, have provided essential services while fostering opportunities for the city’s residents.
Public Works Director Elvira Alonzo emphasized Cantu’s holistic approach to community improvement: “Alonzo has shown the McAllen SHINES spirit by designing warm, open, and welcoming spaces. His projects have redefined how people interact with public spaces, creating a lasting positive impact on McAllen.”
Cantu’s acceptance speech was characteristically humble. “I’m not a great speaker,” he began, “but I want to thank the City of McAllen, the mayor, and the commissioners. Besides my time at the University of Houston, McAllen has always been my home, and it’s an honor to be recognized in this way. McAllen is number one, but we must keep pushing forward to stay there.”
Elvira credited the initiative’s success to the dedication of city staff and residents. Public Works Director Alonzo acknowledged the hard work of her department, saying, “From picking up trash to organizing events like this, the teamwork in McAllen is what makes our city shine. It’s a privilege to work alongside such dedicated individuals.”
Marketing Coordinator Sarah Cepeda further highlighted Cantu’s mentorship and community engagement. “Through his efforts, Alonzo has shown us the true impact one person can have. He doesn’t do it alone, and we also recognize the teams at Lone Star National Bank, DHR Health, and his other ventures who support his vision.”
The ceremony culminated in a countdown to the lighting of a holiday tree, symbolizing both the festive season and McAllen’s bright future. As the crowd joined in the countdown, the illuminated tree stood as a testament to the power of community pride and collaboration.
Looking ahead, the city remains committed to honoring individuals like Alonzo Cantu, who exemplify the McAllen SHINES ethos. “This award is just the beginning,” said Cepeda. “We look forward to celebrating future champions who inspire us to take pride in who we are and where we live.”
Alonzo Cantu’s recognition as the first McAllen SHINES Community Champion marks a milestone in the city’s journey toward cultural transformation. His work is an inspiration of what’s possible when vision, dedication, and civic pride come together. McAllen SHINES is not just about beautification—it’s about building a community where everyone feels invested, respected, and inspired to make a difference.
