Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – The Laredo City Council recognized various accomplished employees on Tuesday, June 21, for their recent achievements. The Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau has been recognized nationally for its tourism marketing campaign. Additionally, three members of CVB were presented by their Director, Aileen Ramos. During this meeting as well, a couple of outstanding employees were named City’s Employees of the Quarter for the second quarter of 2022. Tuesday’s recipients were the following:
Convention & Visitors Bureau
City Council Joel Vazquez, CVB Assistant Director, and Selina Villarreal, CVB Marketing Manager for earning their Certified Tourism Executive (CTE) designation from the Travel and Tourism College offered by the Texas Travel Alliance. Travel & Tourism College (TTC) provides participants with an intensive professional education full of marketing, leadership, and management courses taught by college professors and seasoned travel and tourism professionals from around the country. Mr. Vazquez has been with the City of Laredo for 19 years under the same department, learning as a United South High School intern to promote the city, and growing into this career. Ms. Villarreal has been with the City for 14 years, starting as an Administrative Assistant. She enjoys promoting her hometown and to be able to bring in visitors, knowing that they have a great experience while in our city.
A recognition was presented to Ana Reyna Arzate, CVB Marketing Coordinator for being selected as one of nine of the 2022 Emerging Tourism Stars by the eTourism Summit from 140 candidates. A result of her contributions to the team and commitment to our organization, community, and the tourism industry. As part of this recognition, Ms. Arzate participated as a speaker in a panel during the 2022 eTourism Summit in Florida. During this event, she participated along with people from Puerto Rico, Long Island, North Carolina, and other panelists. She has been a City of Laredo employee for 6 years.
Visit Laredo was honored during the eTourism Summit as a winner of the 5th Annual Excellence “eTSY” Awards, receiving recognition in the category of “Innovation in Influencer Marketing” for its campaign “Welcome Back to Laredo” deployed in November 2021, when the border restrictions were lifted for incoming travelers.
Employees of the Quarter
A special recognition was awarded to Rolando San Miguel, Jr., a Plant Operator II with the Utilities Department. Mr. San Miguel was introduced by his director, Mr. Arturo Garcia, Jr.; an employee since August of 2009, he helps oversees the water plant’s operations at El Pico. Mr. San Miguel’s dedication and character meet the demands and challenges being faced with great fortitude. He is seen by his peers as a man dedicated to his family, his job, and his staff, being a great example for all to follow.
Lastly, the City of Laredo presented the second Employee of the Quarter Award to Mr. Edgar Orozco, Zoning Enforcement Supervisor. Introduced by Mr. John Hickle, Director of the Building Development Services Department, Mr. Orozco is an employee who represents exactly the profile of a City employee. Being employed with the City for more than 9 years, he is dedicated to his staff and has excellent interaction with all the citizens he comes in contact with while handling a diverse range of events that occur on a daily basis.
