By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
As originally published in Texas Border Business newsprint edition September 2018
It was last year when Eduardo Bernal Martinez met with the press. An invitation by the consular office to meet and greet the new consul from Mexico. Since then, he had already announced that he was staying only one year, and now, by November of this year, he returns to Mexico. He told Texas Border Business in Exclusivity, that it was not Adios, but Hasta La Vista!
During this time, he says that he has met many people and developed great relationships, and that is why McAllen and the Valley are in his heart.
He enjoys working with the leaders of the different municipalities, and how together they are developing a great region. Consul Eduardo has also been part of bi-national meetings, where Mexico plays a big role. He knows that Mexico is good for the Valley and the U.S. is also good for Mexico. Understanding the strengths of both nations and the value of our proximity, it’s easier to contribute as he did on many occasions. His way of doing things was to make us better in every aspect of diplomacy and friendship.
Consul Eduardo came to McAllen as a petition of the President of Mexico, Enrique Peña Nieto. Both have been friends for many years. When asked why did you accept? He said, “You cannot say no to the President.”
In this issue, find the Exclusive feature story that I know you will enjoy.
On another matter, In April of 1987, that is 31 years ago, I drove to Brownsville to meet and interview retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Herbert Williams. He was 77 at the time. I had heard that he owned a tract of land separated either from the U.S. or Mexico and became an island in the middle of the Rio Grande River.
The Colonel told me that while flying his own airplane and in route to his ranch in Tampico, Tamaulipas Mexico, he saw from above, the piece of land and became interested. Later, he made a trip to Brownsville and inquired about the land and finally bought it. This is indeed a very interesting story that we published 31 years ago, today we are rescuing history, I know that you will also enjoy and preserve it as a historical, factual, and interesting story.
Also, enjoy a tribute to Sen. John McCain titled, “Remembering the Man”, Eulogy Excerpts of Meghan McCain honoring her father, John McCain, at the funeral service in Washington, D.C.
Great News: Terracon, a nationally known and respected consulting engineering firm, has named Michael Jenkins, P.E., as national director for transportation construction engineering services.
For your notes: On August 31, 2018, Rio Financial Services, Inc., the parent company of Rio Bank, headquartered in McAllen, Texas, announced that it has completed its acquisition of privately held Elsa State Bank & Trust Company headquartered in Elsa, Texas, which has been in business for over 70 years.
The acquisition was an all-cash transaction and takes the size of Rio Bank to over half a billion dollars in total assets. With the closing of this transaction, Dr. Cayetano Barrera will remain as the Chairman of the Board of Rio Bank, and Ford Sasser will remain the President and CEO.
There is more, glance through this issue, Enjoy!
Articles mentioned:
Jenkins Named as National Director for Transportation Construction Engineering Services
Breaking News: Parent Company of Rio Bank acquires Elsa State Bank & Trust Company
