Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Only in McAllen, a story of community spirit and collaborative achievement unfolded, bringing together individuals and organizations in a common goal of spreading joy. At the heart of this story was Joe Vera, Assistant City Manager of McAllen, who proposed a unique partnership to Lone Star National Bank (LSNB) for sponsoring the South Pole Illuminated Festival.
David Deanda, the bank’s president, and Alonzo Cantu, its board chairman, embraced the idea but sought certain modifications. This led to prolonged negotiations, more intricate than typical sponsorships. Ultimately, LSNB perseverance paid off, achieving a significant outcome: allowing all children aged 12 and under free entry during Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays to the festival when accompanied by their parents.
This triumph was celebrated at a press conference, where community leaders gathered to share the exciting development. McAllen City Commissioner Victor “Seby” Haddad highlighted the alignment of Lone Star National Bank’s community-focused philosophy with the city’s objectives, emphasizing the partnership’s potential to enhance the quality of life for residents, particularly children.
Commissioner Pepe Cabeza de Vaca then took the stage, expressing his excitement for the decade-long tradition of the McAllen Holiday Parade and the South Pole Illuminated Festival. He underscored the events as symbols of regional unity and diversity, inviting all to enjoy the attractions.
The MC introduced Joe Vera, the visionary behind the McAllen Holiday Parade and South Pole Illuminated Festival. Vera reflected on the events’ growth, from an expected 50,000 attendees to over 250,000 annually for the parade and an additional 140,000 for the festival. He praised his team’s dedication and the joyful memories they helped create.
Vera then focused on the partnership with Lone Star National Bank, lauding the commitment of David Deanda and Alonzo Cantu to the community and their insistence on inclusivity. The negotiations, though intense, were fruitful, ensuring that the festival was accessible to all families, regardless of economic background as Lone Star National Bank required.
David Deanda, President of Lone Star National Bank, spoke next, emphasizing the bank’s dedication to serving the less fortunate and giving back to the community. He shared the bank’s vision for the partnership, ensuring free festival entry for children on select days, and expressed gratitude for the collaboration with the city of McAllen.
The MC concluded the conference, celebrating the early Christmas gift to South Texas families, thanks to the partnership between Lone Star National Bank and the city of McAllen. This story, shows the power of collaboration and community spirit, highlighted the importance of coming together to create lasting memories and joy for all.
