Texas Border Business
The RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the Golden Eagle Award recipients for 2021 to be the LaMantia Family of L&F Distributors. They truly represent what their moto states… Humble, Aggressive and Honest. The LaMantia Family has played a major role in the Rio Grande Valley and throughout the State by not only helping with the economic development in the areas by supplying jobs to the locals, but also by supporting Education for the students in the areas.
Purchased in 1978 by Joe LaMantia Jr., L&F Distributors began a family business with a single location in McAllen and with less than 20 employees. Being an Anheuser-Busch wholesaler, L&F focused on mega-brands such as Budweiser, Bud Light and Michelob. As the brands and distributorship grew, L&F acquired the rights to the surrounding counties including the cities of Harlingen, Alice and Laredo. With the acquisition of the Laredo distributorship, L&F became the primary beer distributor along the South Texas border with Mexico.
In 2001 L&F expanded its markets to Corpus Christi and in 2008 acquired Desert Eagle Distributing, which brought L&F to El Paso, TX. as well as Roswell, NM. With the addition of the El Paso Market, L&F became the premier beer distributor along the Texas and Mexican border.
Today, L&F Distributors owns eight distribution warehouses, which service 35 counties throughout Texas and Southern New Mexico, and employs more than 1,200 people.
The RGV Hispanic Chamber board of directors recognize the importance of the economic impact that L&F Distributors bring to Texas, but their involvement with the communities that they operate in is very admirable. Not only do they support many local non-profits and community events, but the LaMantia family are strong supporters of higher education and are focused on providing scholarships to those who wish to further their education through the Stars Scholarship Fund.
Stars Scholarship Fund, formerly South Texas Academic Rising Scholars (S.T.A.R.S.) was established in 2002 by Joe LaMantia, Jr. with the intention of providing scholarships for students from South Texas. After L&F purchased Desert Eagle in El Paso, the Board of Directors approved the expansion of Stars to include West Teas. As of 2015, with the support of the community and local businesses, stars has raised more than 25 million dollars in scholarships to more than 12,500 students from South and West Texas. “Without the foresight of Mr. LaMantia, Jr. many students who would not have had an opportunity to attend college, have graduated and become leaders in many areas and have made positive contributions to the communities”, noted John Gonzales, Jr. RGVHCC Chair.
The LaMantia’s, along with other business leaders will be honored at the annual Noche de Gala scheduled for Friday, November 19th. The ranch style event includes a delicious BBQ dinner, dance, silent & live auction and open bar. Sponsorships, reserved tables, and tickets are available. For more information on the Noche de Gala call the RGVHCC office at 928-0060.
