By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
As originally published by Texas Border Business newsprint edition.
It was not difficult at all when it came to deciding who was going to be selected for our feature story for November 2014. Mr. Billy Canales is the owner of Rio Motor Company in Rio Grande City. He has been an example of a businessman to follow.
He has shown leadership since he started in the parts department of the Tipotex dealership, when he worked for the Clark Chevrolet dealership, and during the time he spent as a mechanic working on B52 bombers for the U.S. Air Force.
He is indeed an inspiration for other businesspeople to emulate when they build businesses ‘from the bottom up’ as he told Texas Border Business.
In this feature story you will learn about Billy Canales and his family, including his parents who instilled in him the core values that are the foundation of his success.
For his parents, education was important; it was the key to break the cycle of a migrant worker. Billy told us that he remembers when his mom and he took the train from Michigan to the Valley so that he could be on time to start school, while his father stayed behind working in the fields.
You will also learn about some of his biggest challenges, particularly when the General Motors Company filed for bankruptcy and the banks stopped lending nationwide for car financing.
I know that you will like the story.
On another note, the City of Edinburg, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, and the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council (LRGVDC) (Valley Metro) announced plans for a Multi-Use Transit Facility that will soon be the first of its kind in Edinburg.
The Edinburg Transit Facility will be built with a $2.7 million federal grant awarded to the LRGVDC on behalf of the EEDC for the project.
In Cameron County, Edwards Abstract and Title Co. announced that the title insurance company will host the 2nd Annual State of Real Estate Forum on Thursday, November 20, 2014. More inside…
Congratulations are in order as the Workforce Solutions Board of Directors unanimously selected Francisco ‘Frank’ Almaraz, C.P.A., C.I.A., as chief executive officer. Almaraz succeeded Yvonne ‘Bonnie’ Gonzalez who announced her departure from the organization in November 2013.
In particular, I would like for you to pay special attention to an article titled “Melba Huber’s Dance Legacy Will Be Remembered Most By One Who Will Never Dance Again”. You will get to meet Melba Huber of Melba’s Dance School and learn more about her daughter Laurin. At one time, Laurin showed great promise as a talented dancer in New York City and was getting ready for the world. Get to know more about her friend, the late Gregory Hines and how he was moved to help her.
Laurin suffered a tragic accident that left her in a wheelchair. This is a great opportunity for all of you to help. For those of you that have smart phones, at the end of the article there is a QR for you to scan. This will take you to Laurin’s website and give you a chance to donate.
On the whole, there is much more; I know that you will enjoy this issue! TBB
Written by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez the 2009 SBA Journalist of the Year Award Winner & The 2009 and 2012 Paul Harris Award Recipient.
