Bonnie Hernandez. Image from Facebook @bonnie.hernandez.501
Texas Border Business
Introduction:
When Bonnie Hernandez read the article posted by Texas Border Business about Annette Franz, her reaction was to honor Annette by writing and describing her feelings. Annette impacted Bonnie’s life during turbulent times. At a time when you no longer find a way out. At a time when you feel that everyone has turned their backs, including God. We must not forget that God manifests himself through man. This time, Annette’s turn was to serve and help someone who seemed like a ship adrift.
Read below:
I turned my back on God, but God never left my side.
Years ago, my sons and I met beautiful, inspiring, empowering, extraordinary Annette Diaz Franz, and our world changed.
I was going through a tough time.
I had just gotten divorced and survived domestic, violent abuse, and I lost my job of 18 years.
I had just lost my car and was sinking fast.
Then I met Annette.
My parents had to lend me one of their vehicles, and she called me and wanted me to help promote some beautiful Mochilla bags that, in turn, helped mothers and their children survive in another beautiful country.
The day I met her, I was blown away by her beautiful heart
When she spoke, it did something to me.
It made me remember that I could start over, which was not my situation. It gave me hope that I could rebuild.
Before we left, she whispered something to my sons, and then they came up to me and said this is for you from us. It was one of those beautiful Mochilla bags. Those bags are so unique and handmade by women and their daughters. They come from a country considered very poor yet rich in love.
Annette would go out of her way to visit them and help them and educate them. She was helping rebuild their lives.
I didn’t want to take the bag because I didn’t feel worthy, and with tears in my eyes, she hugged me and said God loves you so much and your very best days are coming.
After meeting her, God begins to work in my life.
I was so embarrassed about living and being abused that I turned my back on God, but God never left my side.
Why do I tell you the story?
Because you must know Annette was a part of me not giving up.
She has accomplished so many things, and there was a point when the Mcallen chamber wanted this better-than-amazing woman to resign, but God Almighty had other plans.
God’s plans are always better than our plans.
In that moment of her life when things seemed to have been going wrong, she and her husband used the most powerful weapon God has given us, prayer.
They fell to their knees, and they prayed.
That’s when God turned it all around.
I hope one day you get to meet Annette. Your life will be changed for the better because you will realize that God’s plans are always better than ours and that your life has a purpose.
That’s who Annette is. She breathes life into those around her and everything she touches.
I would love for you to take the time to read this article.
She’s truly a beautiful soul.
She always makes sure that everyone is honored.
Well, today, I want to honor her.
I want to tell the world that God has blessed us with an extraordinary woman like Annette, who is a gift to our world.
My sons and I love you, Annette, and you hold a very special place in our hearts.
I will never forget how you loved my children and me on a day when I was so broken.
Love,
Bonnie Hernandez
“I would rather stand with God & be judged by the world, than stand with the world & be judged by God!”
Cody Cannon, who joins Vantage Bank with more than 20 years of commercial banking experience in the Houston area, has been named Market President for the Houston office. Courtesy Image for illustration purposes
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SAN ANTONIO, Texas – San Antonio-based Vantage Bank today announced its expansion into the Houston market with a temporary location to open by the end of this year at 5151 San Felipe. Two permanent locations will open within the next two years.
“We have had our eye on Houston for some time,” said Vantage Bank’s President and CEO Jeff Sinnott. “Houston is a dynamic, growing market. We are excited to bring our business-focused, community banking products and services to one of the largest markets in Texas. We have built a stellar team of seasoned, Houston-based bankers with deep industry experience and strong reputations in the community. In time, our strategy is for Houston to become our largest Texas market.”
Cody Cannon, who joins Vantage Bank with more than 20 years of commercial banking experience in the Houston area, has been named Market President for the Houston office. Cannon has more than 22 years of banking experience in corporate, middle market, commercial and business banking, working with both publicly traded and privately held companies. During his career as a commercial lender, he has focused on helping manage the financial needs of both small and mid-sized companies. His expertise includes complex debt financing, trade financing, cash management, treasury services, and other traditional commercial banking products and services.
“We are thrilled to welcome Cody to our team. We look forward to his leadership as we work to grow awareness about Vantage Bank and expand our relationships with businesses in the Houston area,” added Sinnott.
Sinnott says Vantage Bank will continue to grow in the Houston market and will build on its reputation of attracting talent that fits with Vantage Bank’s “people first” culture.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo South station dismantle a stash house in Laredo, Texas. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
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LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo South station dismantle a stash house in Laredo, Texas.
On Nov. 4, Border Patrol agents working together with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Webb County Constables from Precinct 2 and Webb County Attorney’s Office convened at a residence in the southern part of the city. They apprehended a total of five individuals that were found inside the home.
All were illegally present in the U.S. All subjects were taken into Border Patrol custody and processed accordingly.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol while remaining anonymous by calling 1-800-343-1994.
Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station (RGC) agents encountered two large groups near La Grulla and disrupted a marijuana smuggling event with the assistance of Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers. USCBO Image
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EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station (RGC) agents encountered two large groups near La Grulla and disrupted a marijuana smuggling event with the assistance of Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers.
USCBP Image
On November 6 and 7, Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station (RGC) agents encountered two large groups totaling 283 migrants at the same location in Starr County. The groups were comprised of 44 family members, 58 unaccompanied children, and 181 single adults. The migrants were from Jamaica, and various Central and South American countries.
USCBP Image
On November 5, a RGC camera operator observed an All-Terrain-Vehicle (ATV) with three subjects and bundles moving north from the Rio Grande near Escobares. Agents and troopers responded and interdicted the ATV. The ATV driver injured his arm after colliding with a DPS vehicle. He was arrested and escorted to a hospital for evaluation and treatment. One of the passengers, also a Mexican national, was arrested. The third subject eluded apprehension. The marijuana weighed 182 pounds and is valued at more than $145,000. The marijuana and migrants were turned over to DPS to face state charges.
All subjects were processed accordingly.
“Identifying & classifying who and what enters our country among these large groups of migrants and others will always be a primary task,” stated RGV Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez. “Working with our law enforcement partners to combat criminal activity on the border allows us to sustain an operational advantage on border security.”
Packages containing nearly 15 pounds of fentanyl and 2,873 pills of Xanax seized by CBP officers at Hidalgo International Bridge. USCBP Image
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HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge intercepted $344,000 worth of alleged fentanyl along with 2,873 Xanax pills.
“It is vital to the safety of our officers that we are able to identify what type of narcotic we are dealing with, as a small amount of fentanyl can be fatal,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.
On November 5, 2022, CBP officers assigned to the Hidalgo International Bridge encountered a black Ford Expedition making entry from Mexico. The vehicle was selected for inspection where physical examination resulted in the extraction of 22 packages weighing 14.72 pounds (6.68kg) of alleged fentanyl concealed within the vehicle, and four packages containing a total of 2,873 Xanax pills, which are a controlled substance.
CBP OFO seized the narcotics and vehicle, and the case remains under investigation by special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI).
The Edinburg Police Department has launched Socrata ‘Citizen Connect’ to allow city of Edinburg residents to stay informed and connected with police activity happening in their area. Image for illustration purposes: Image Sources: cityofedinburg.com and googlemaps
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The Edinburg Police Department has launched Socrata ‘Citizen Connect’ to allow city of Edinburg residents to stay informed and connected with police activity happening in their area.
The community-based software allows users to create customized alerts specific to their interests, whether it’s their neighborhood, their child’s school or daycare center, or their place of business. The alerts automatically notify you of police activity in the designated search area and provide information about an incident or case as it becomes available.
Sample of the web page. Image courtesy of the city of Edinburg
‘Citizen Connect’ utilizes a thematic map to break down reported offenses or calls for service within the Edinburg Police Department’s jurisdiction by classification. Residents can view the reported date, address, and case number related to the incident by accessing the online portal.
“The ability to share information with our community, business community, and our visitors affords us transparency in what is happening in our neighborhoods and in our business districts,” said Edinburg Police Chief Jaime Ayala, “Citizen Connect will give information to anyone who wants to consume it in an effort to be informed and educated on what is happening in our city.
The software launched on the city of Edinburg website Monday, November 7, 2022. To create an alert or view the data available, we encourage our residents to visit www.cityofedinburg.com or https://bit.ly/3EbnmNv. ‘Citizen Connect’ is also available via the Edinburg 311 app.
The City of McAllen is proud to announce it has partnered with the U.S. Marine Corps Teserve to host Toys for Tots drop-off sites at seven different City of McAllen facilities to begin collecting toys for needy children in the Rio Grande Valley this holiday season. Seven locations at various City of McAllen facilities will help collect toys for needy children throughout the Rio Grande Valley
“The Toys for Tots toy drive collection by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve is an American holiday tradition,” said McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. “For 75 years, many Americans believe Christmas isn’t complete without the image of a Marine in Dress Blues, collecting and distributing toys to less fortunate children within their communities. McAllen is a blessed and generous community and I know that we can help fill these boxes over and over again to help children who otherwise will not receive a toy this Christmas.”
The toy collection begins today and will continue through December 16, 2022 at the following City of McAllen locations:
McAllen City Hall, 1300 W. Houston Ave.
McAllen Development Center, 311 N. 15th St.
McAllen Public Library, 4001 N. 23rd St.
Lark Branch Library, 2601 Lark Ave.
Palmview Branch Library, 3401 Jordan Rd. W
Las Palmas Community Center, 1921 N. 25th St.
Champion Lakes Golf Course, 2701 S. Ware Rd.
The community is invited to drop off new, unwrapped toys at any of these locations. Other ways to help include volunteering or making a tax-deductible donation to: Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA 22172.
Last year, Marines and over 55,000 dedicated volunteers brought the joy of Christmas and sent a message of hope to over 8.7 million less fortunate children by distributing almost 25 million toys, books and games.
Hidalgo County Precinct 3 Commissioner Everardo “Ever” Villarreal announces the 2nd Annual Christmas Toy Drive. Donations for new unwrapped toys will kick off on Monday, November 7, 2022. The collection of toys is scheduled to run through December 15, 2022. Courtesy Image for illustration purposes
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MISSION, Texas – Hidalgo County Precinct 3 Commissioner Everardo “Ever” Villarreal announces the 2nd Annual Christmas Toy Drive. Donations for new unwrapped toys will kick off on Monday, November 7, 2022. The collection of toys is scheduled to run through December 15, 2022.
All toys collected will be distributed to children throughout Precinct 3.
Courtesy Image
“Our second annual Christmas Toy Drive allows us to spread cheer this holiday season,” said Commissioner Villarreal. “This has been a challenging year, particularly for the youngest among us, and if we can put a smile on even one child’s face and make their holiday special, we know we made a difference.”
Businesses and individuals are asked to deliver new unwrapped toys for boys and/or girls to any of the following drop-off zones:
· Precinct 3 Office: 724 Breyfogle Road, Mission
· Precinct 3 Field Operations: 8310 West Mile 7, Mission
· PJ’s Coffee Shop: 1314 W Palma Vista Dr Suite 10, Palmview, TX 78572
· Matt’s Cash and Carry: 3601 East Palma Vista Drive, Palmview, TX 78572
· McCoys: 200 W Expy 83, Mission, TX 78572
For information on how to become a drop-off zone or to receive additional information about the toy drive, please contact Laura Ibanez at (956)585-4509.
The City of Alamo Museum will join much of America in observing Veteran’s Day on Friday with the opening of a World War II exhibit. Soldiers image Courtesy of Alamo Museum. Bgd Image source: googlemaps
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ALAMO, Texas – The City of Alamo Museum will join much of America in observing Veteran’s Day on Friday with the opening of a World War II exhibit.
The materials on display come from the museum’s collection and include reprints of newspaper front pages with headlines about the most important aspects of the war in Europe and in the Pacific. Also, many war time postcards and recruiting posters are on display.
One of the recruiting posters of the 1940s era on display at the City of Alamo Museum. Image Courtesy of Alamo Museum
Uniforms, caps and helmets are included along with a barracks trunk, photos from the war and pictures of soldiers. A list of service personnel, who served during WW II, can be found, including the Esteves family with nine guys—Higihio, Martin, Vincente, Francisco, Ramon, Jesus, Erasmo, Raul and Juan Gabriel.
Also among the items are insignia patches, battle ribbons and ranks worn by service personnel on their uniforms.
Herb Moering, an Alamo resident and Friends of the Museum secretary, provided several of the uniform patches for the exhibit that were worn by his uncle., Jack Moering, who served with the Army Air Corps in the South Pacific from late 1941 until 1945.
In World War II military dress uniform are Jack Moering, left, and his schoolmate and lifelong friend, Art Jewart, which is part of a Veteran’s Day exhibit at the City of Alamo Museum. Image courtesy of Alamo Museum
Like almost all Americans, Jack related about hearing that Pearl Harbor had been bombed when he and a close friend came out of a Milwaukee movie theater. On Dec. 10, 1942, he enlisted as a private in the 863rd Aviation Battalion, which was shipped to Australia in June of 1943. The unit saw action in New Guinea and the Philippines, where the soldiers rebuilt captured Japanese airfields and bridges.
There were times when the rebuilding in New Guinea came under aerial attack or sometimes shelling. In one of the attacks a piece of shrapnel went through his tent wall. He also survived a kamikaze aerial attack while aboard an LST on route into a Philippines bay landing, but damage was reported as light in most instances. Malaria and other jungle diseases turned out to be the worst threat, he indicated.
This uncle, who rose to the rank of technical sergeant by war’s end, finished his duty celebrating both VE Day and VJ Day in the city of Manilla in the Philippines. He returned to the family home in Milwaukee on Christmas eve of 1945, which he called ”the best Christmas ever.”
The sergeant received seven battle stars, a Philippines Liberation medal with a bronze star and Meritorious Merit unit award.
In his later years, while retired in Arizona, Uncle Jack told his nephew that he was no hero. He was just doing the job that his country asked him to do. He passed away Feb. 1 of 2021 at the age of 98.
As most students of history know, Veteran’s Day was first known as Armistice Day, the day that World War I ended. The armistice was signed at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. It was to have been the war to end all wars, which is why there is now Veteran’s Day on Nov. 11 each year, honoring all who have served in the military over the years and in the wars that have followed.
The Friends of the Museum invite the public, especially Winter Texans, to visit the exhibit, which will remain open for the next three months. The museum, located at 130 South Eighth Street in Alamo, is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 956-961-4398.
As originally published by Texas Border Business newsprint edition November 2022
Introduction:
It is my pleasure to bring this article to you by Annette Franz. In October this year, she completed her term as Chairwoman of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. It was an exciting and challenging year for her and the entire business community. It seemed that the McAllen Chamber of Commerce was collapsing due to the abrupt resignation of the former president. Before Annette’s tenure ended, she was there to hire a new president for the Chamber, and the bylaws were amended to support transparent management and much more.
But what is next for Annette? Currently, she is a Board Member of Capable Kids Foundation, Hidalgo Chapter of Zonta International President, Pan American Roundtable Vice President, Disability Chamber of Commerce Advisory Board Member, Heal International Medical Missions Board Member, Stronger Together Disability Coalition Board Member, and Futuro RGV Board Member and Incoming Chair. As you can see, she has always been busy dedicating her time and knowledge to contributing to the community. Enjoy!
“The secret of change is to focus energy not on fighting the old but on building the new,” Socrates
Pictured above, former Chairwoman of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce Annette Franz, third from L-R. Also, former McAllen Mayor Jim Darling; Omar Quintanilla, McAllen city Commissioner; Josh Mejia; Stephan Wingert, current Chair for the McAllen Chamber of Commerce; Cris Rivera. Wingert, Rivera and Quintanilla were members of Annette’s Executive Committee and the rest board members. Photo by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
As my term comes to a close, I’d like to share a few thoughts on what has been a challenging but satisfying year. The McAllen Chamber Board of Directors is composed of elected volunteers who commit their time to serve our business community. Our mission is to serve our members and visitors by enhancing economic growth and quality-of-life through leadership, marketing, and collaborative partnerships.
As board chairman, I became intent on leaving the Chamber better than I found it. My objective as chairman was to foster commitment in serving the organization’s best interest. Immediately upon my appointment, new board members and members of the executive committee joined me in taking an oath of office, a first in Chamber history. Every chairperson comes in with a different perspective on leadership. It is my belief that board members should be familiarized with the organization’s operations to fully comprehend each member’s ability to apply effective oversight. The same applies to the board of any organization as they carry the responsibility to set policy; this should never be minimized or discounted.
Last October, at my very first board meeting as chairman, the Chamber’s CEO resigned. The sudden resignation caught many by surprise and caused some to question the stability of the organization. The period was turbulent and volatile, and some, including board members, questioned the leadership in place. This group requested my resignation. Although it could have been easy to step down, I firmly believed that we are called to do what is right even if it is hard. Despite these challenges, a majority of the board came together to work on a new period of transformative change in the organization with the intent to better service our community.
Change is unsettling to some, but I stand proud having served alongside competent individuals, possessing a wealth of knowledge and business experience. Socrates once said, “the secret of change is to focus energy not on fighting the old but on building the new.”
It has been my distinct honor to have been a part of this transition as we focused energy on building the new and moving our Chamber forward.
I want to personally thank the efforts of UTRGV Executive Vice President for Institutional Advancement Dr. Kelly Nassour for leading our search committee that ultimately found the organization’s next President and CEO. Months later, Mr. Josh Mejia was appointed as the new President and CEO of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. With Mejia at the helm, great things are happening at our Chamber. He is strengthening our organizational structure, forging stronger relationships with our community stakeholders, and finalizing a new strategic plan to guide the organization into the future.
For budget analysis and input, I called on the talent and experience of Rio Grande Regional Hospital CEO, Mrs. Cris Rivera, to lead our budget committee. The McAllen Chamber operates on a budget in excess of $4 million dollars and in order to fulfill our fiduciary responsibility, the committee began working on providing the necessary recommendations to improve the organization’s accounting and auditing systems. Just recently, the board approved its fiscal year 2023 budget with unprecedented input and support. I am extremely proud of the work done by the committee to further advance our commitment to improve the organization.
We have a fiduciary duty to ensure that we are acting in the best interest of the Chamber at all times. I appointed a bylaws, policies and procedures review committee to review and update the Chamber bylaws and policies. The committee began the arduous work of reviewing and amending the organization’s by-laws to ensure we operate as required in the nonprofit and chamber industry. Soon, Chamber members will be sent a copy of the proposed amendments and will be afforded a period of time in which to comment. After this comment period finalizes, the board expects the applicable changes to be approved and filed. As members of the Chamber, I encourage you to read the by-laws and share your thoughts.
Another board member that deserves recognition and thanks is Elva Cerda, the Executive Director of the McAllen Heritage Center. Elva served on three committees simultaneously and provided valuable input. I want to express my gratitude for her leadership and input in helping improve the McAllen Chamber.
I want to personally thank all Chamber Ambassadors for their dedicated and tireless service. From welcoming new businesses to spreading goodwill throughout the community, the Ambassadors are the heartbeat of our Chamber.
A city official recently asked me, “Annette, what would you like your legacy as Chairperson to be?” I want to be remembered as a woman who did not compromise when it came to doing the right thing, a person who asked hard questions, and a person who insisted on integrity and transparency in all Chamber dealings. I will remember this year, not for the storms we weathered or the hurdles we overcame, but for the opportunity afforded all of us to do the right thing. I personally received support and trust from many in our community and for that I will be forever grateful. I also appreciate the staff who did an outstanding job of maintaining a high level of service. This short synopsis of successes is owed to all of you.
$3 million awarded to the McAllen Chamber to support businesses affected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Relaunch of MXLAN, a five-day summer art and music festival that celebrates young Latino culture, at the McAllen Conventions Center.
Two Sister City agreements with Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco and Apodaca, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
Brought forth several community events such as the Santa Fe Wine Classic and the All About Women luncheon with record turnouts.
It has been an honor to have been a part of the growth we experienced over the past year. As I look back, I am satisfied that the Chamber is better today than it was when I undertook the Oath of Office. The 2021-22 Board of Directors will forever be a part of the McAllen Chamber’s history because of the solid changes that took place. I will continue to serve my community.
God’s Blessings to All. Annette Franz 2021 – 2022 Chairman
Testimonials
Alma O. Johnson
“Annette is a leader that has engaged and supported the community by sharing her vast experience and vision; by making plans and executing them well, all with high levels of integrity, and with benefit for the community always in mind.” Alma O. Johnson, former Chairwoman of the McAllen Chamber Board. Photo by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
Dr. Jose. A. (Jay) Gonzalez
“Annette Franz is a wonderful person. She is consistently involved in giving back to her community and making a positive difference in the lives of others”, Dr. Jose. A. (Jay) Gonzalez, Superintendent McAllen ISD. Courtesy Image
Stephan Wingert
“A strong, healthy, and vibrant community does not just build itself; it is helped by community members who give back by donating time to organizations whose missions support the betterment of the community. Annette does this by participating in multiple organizations and donating to worthy causes,” Stephan Wingert, Chair McAllen Chamber Board and Publisher of The Monitor. Photo by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
Laura Warren
“Annette is a person with high integrity and strong moral values. Her performance as chairwoman is a perfect example of an individual who serves and leads civic organizations for the right reasons. Her courage and compassion are admirable. She stated she wanted to leave the chamber better than she found it. She leaves behind big shoes to fill”, Laura Warren, The Warren Group. Photo by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
Mayor Javier Villalobos
“You see Annette everywhere. Her energy in the McAllen Chamber and other organizations is contagious. Few in the area match her willingness and desire to help our community. I am honored to call her my friend,” Javier Villalobos, McAllen Mayor. Courtesy Image
Carlos Melguizo
“Annette’s strong commitment and dedication to continue to support and serve our community are truly admirable. I am always impressed at the energy and passion she puts into the organizations she serves; the best is for our beloved Rio Grande Valley,” Carlos Melguizo, owner of Carats and McAllen Chamber Board Member. Photo by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
Elva M. Cerda
“As for my experience with Chair Franz, I believe she comported herself with dignity and strength when faced with adversity and harsh criticism. She led the chamber through difficult times towards a new path of success; a true accomplishment under the circumstances,”Elva M. Cerda, McAllen Chamber of Commerce Board member and Executive Director, McAllen Heritage Center Inc. Photo by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
Evelyn Cano
“Annette Franz is a humble community leader in every aspect. She has the conviction and confidence to lead, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to serve others in times of need. She is always one phone call, text, or email away as an advisor to the Disability Chamber of Commerce RGV and the entire community. Truly we are blessed to have such a humble servant in our community, “Evelyn Cano, Disability Chamber of Commerce RGV Founder/President. Courtesy Image
Commissioner Eduardo ‘Eddie” Cantu
“Congratulations to past Chairwoman Annette Diaz Franz for her years of service to the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. Her passion for the business community is remarkable, and her leadership during COVID proved essential. Her dedication and commitment throughout her tenure have created a foundation for growth for all the city’s current and new business leaders,” Commissioner Eduardo ‘Eddie” Cantu, Hidalgo County. Courtesy Image
Melanie Watson
“Annette has proven to be a valuable member of our Capable Kids Board of Directors. She has demonstrated an unwavering tenacity to accomplish big dreams. Annette has been essential in helping problem-solve through tough times with grace. She has the biggest heart and always manages to make decisions with truth and fairness at the forefront,” Melanie Watson, President Capable Kids. Courtesy Image
Dr. Juan Padilla
On behalf of Heal International Medical Mission (HIMM) “HIMM has been blessed to have Annette Franz as part of our organization as a volunteer and board member. HIMM is a surgical ministry going to regions around the world! Annette has been a faithful servant in this ministry. Her Christian Faith has been evident in her giving of her time to serve others! Dr. Juan Padilla, President of HIMM. Photo by Roberto H. Gonzalez
Seby Haddad
“Annette Franz is a shining example of goodwill, kindness, and altruism. She consistently dedicates her time and resources to so many causes and missions. I cannot think of a time when Annette said no to an effort that would either help someone in need or bring just a moment of joy and happiness. Our community has more needs than can ever be filled, but it does not stop Annette from always giving herself wholeheartedly to fill as much of the void as possible without getting discouraged. She is a strong woman who isn’t hindered by obstacles or difficult times; She focuses on solutions and what it takes to get there. She has proven to be a true and trusted leader, not by commanding from the front but by motivating and inspiring those around her with compassion and positivity. Annette Franz is a person I greatly admire and the type of person who reinforces my faith that we can make a difference, even more so together,” Seby Haddad, McAllen City Commissioner. Courtesy Image
Dalinda Gonzalez Alcantar
“Our pastor connected me with Annette almost 10 years ago, and since then, I have only known her to be steadfast in her faith and practicing it by serving others in our community. She is generous with her time and resources and loves her community!” Dalinda Gonzalez Alcantar, STC Board Trustee and Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club. Courtesy Image
Nedra S. Kinerk
Congratulations to Annette Franz on completing a year of service to our community as president of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. Annette is a capable leader who knows and understands our community. Annette’s passion for service has made her an asset to many groups. I am especially pleased that Futuro RGV will benefit from that passion as we have named Annette Franz as President-Elect of Futuro RGV. Thank you, Annette. Nedra S. Kinerk, President/Founder Futuro RGB. Photo by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
Sofia Peña
“Annette Diaz Franz is the epitome of compassion, empathy, and generosity. She is selfless and has dedicated years of her time to making our community better for everyone. I am always in awe of how much she cares and how fair and honest she is in all her dealings. We are lucky to have her in our midst,” Sofia Peña, Trustee, McAllen ISD Photo by Roberto H. Gonzalez
Judge Richard Cortez
“Annette Franz Is a person that cares deeply about her community and wants to serve. I’m deeply grateful for her and so many other like-minded individuals that make our communities great.” County Judge Richard Cortez Courtesy Image
