Texas Border Business
Edwards Abstract and Title Co. has consistently been the innovator in the title insurance industry in the South Texas region. One prime example is the introduction of the State of Real Estate Forum in 2004. At that time during the first two years, the Real Estate Forum’s formula was to invite business and industry leaders and to present tools and resources that would allow them to pursue a plan of action. As the program evolved, Dr. Ted C. Jones was introduced to Edwards Abstract and Title Co. in 2006 by national title insurance underwriter, Stewart Title Guaranty Company, and the rest is history.
Dr. Ted Jones, Ph.D. is the chief economist and senior vice president for Stewart Title based in Houston. He drives Stewart’s ongoing financial analysis and applied real estate research. His expertise is well established among stockholders, associates and customers.
An accomplished speaker, he typically gives more than 150 presentations on real estate and the economy each year. During his career, Dr. Jones has completed numerous mass-appraisal assignments, including more than $3 billion of income-producing property owned by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, retails properties, hotels, motels, offices, commercial land, multi-family housing, residences and special-use properties.
Edwards Abstract and Title Co.’s principles and core values have been grounded on making a positive impact in the lives of others, whether in the lives of its own employees, the community, customers and the real estate industry in general. “We are a company that takes pride in serving others, doing things right and most importantly, making the tools and resources that we have available to educate, inform, and assist those who choose to do business with Edwards,” said Byron Jay Lewis, President and Chief Executive Officer for Edwards.
“We also take pride in that that Dr. Ted C. Jones has served as the keynote speaker of the State of Real Estate Forum for the past fourteen years.” Lewis added. Dr. Jones will provide insight and statistics on the national, state and local economic outlook, job markets and specific local real estate market analysis and various other indicators that affect the Valley’s economy.
The State of Real Estate Forum will be held on Friday, March 6, 2020 at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance located at 118 Paseo Del Prado. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast included and the program will start promptly at 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Many of the region’s real estate industry professionals, civic and business leaders attend the Forum annually. There is no cost to attend the Forum, however reservations are required to accommodate almost 300 guests who attend the Forum annually.
Edwards is also pleased to welcome Pedro R. Alvarez, P.E. and Pharr District Engineer with the Texas Department of Transportation, as guest speaker. He represents a vast area including several counties outside the Rio Grande Valley. During his decade of service at the Pharr area office, he served as the design, construction and assistant area engineer. Recently, the Texas Transportation Commission, the five member governing board of the Texas Department of Transportation unanimously approved a statewide 10 year Unified Transportation Program (UTP).
The Pharr TxDOT District will be allocated $2.1 billion for transportation infrastructure over the next decade starting in 2020. Hidalgo County specifically will receive $194 million for US 281 to upgrade interstate standards and Anzalduas International Port of Entry project will receive $11.4 million. Alvarez will highlight these projects and others during his presentation.
Edwards Abstract and Title Co. has a legacy of long-standing service and commitment to the region since 1880. The company is recognized as the second most established title insurance company in the state of Texas. The 140th anniversary will be celebrated in grand style on May 21, 2020 at the corporate office in Edinburg. Edwards operates seven full service offices in Hidalgo and Cameron Counties in the cities of Brownsville, Edinburg, Harlingen, McAllen, South Padre Island and Weslaco. Edwards is in a unique position to provide customers with the services and support of six national title insurance underwriters. For more information regarding the State of Real Estate Forum, contact Elva Jackson Garza, Vice President & Marketing Manager at elva.garza@edwardsabstract.com or 383-4951 or follow Edwards Abstract and Title Co. on social media.
