By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
As originally published by Texas Border Business newsprint edition November 2017
The McAllen Chamber of Commerce did it again this year, by celebrating the 63rd Annual Banquet honoring the Man and Woman of the Year 2017. Paul Moxley of Texas Regional Bank and Janet Vackar were honored during a special night created by the McAllen Chamber of Commerce.
This was indeed a one-of-a-kind event, find more information in this issue.
Unique Celebration: On Tuesday, October 10th, surrounded by an array of colorful fruits and vegetables, City of Pharr Officials and the Pharr International Bridge welcomed produce representatives, community members, and elected officials to a celebration marking the start of the 2017-2018 produce season.
Great News: Nina Elder, General Manager of the Olive Garden in Harlingen, has achieved parent company Darden Restaurants’ Diamond Club status. She was recognized this year for her commitment to delivering guest experiences at the highest level, while making a difference in the lives of guests and team members, as well as in her community. This is the second time Elder has received this recognition.
Thank You BBVA: BBVA Compass Bank donated $5,000 to the McAllen Education Foundation to assist the Foundation in providing support to help foster excellence and enhance educational opportunities for students in McAllen ISD by funding Innovative Teaching Grants, Student Scholarships, and Professional Learning. The Foundation will hold its fourth Annual Fiesta Fundraiser from 7-10:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 16, at McAllen Country Club (615 Wichita Ave.).
BIG Thank You: Students enrolled in Construction and Public Safety programs at South Texas College now have the opportunity to benefit from the first scholarship commitment donated by Noble Charities. Rene Capistran, President and CEO of Noble was in attendance at the regular meeting for STC Trustees on Oct. 24 and committed a check on behalf Noble Charities, a scholarship fund in the amount of $25,000 to be paid over the next five years. Five students a year will then be eligible for up to $1,000 a year in scholarship money.
INNO Continues: South Texas College held its annual INNO Conference, welcoming the foremost experts who brought pertinent and relevant information with regards to economic development.
The 5th Annual Binational Innovation Conference (INNO 2017), which took place on Oct. 19 focused on Regional Urban Development and Planning. INNO is the name of the bi-national collaborative effort between STC and El Instituto Internacional de Estudios Superiores (IIES) in Reynosa, Mexico.
Big Opportunity: The 2017 H-E-B Supplier Diversity Opportunity Exchange, held this past September 27th at the La Cantera Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, was the venue chosen to announce Lamar Jones as this year’s Supplier Diversity Supplier of the Year for his brand, The Jank Gourmet BBQ Sauce. This prestigious award is given to businesses that excel in H-E-B’s Supplier Diversity program with effective go-to-market strategies and uniqueness.
Good News: The City of McAllen has hired Steve Kotsatos as its new Director of Health and Environmental Code Enforcement. The Ohio native has 17 years of government experience, with six years of health services experience at both the municipal and state level.
More Good News: LLILAS Benson Latin American Studies and Collections at The University of Texas at Austin is pleased to announce the receipt of a contribution in the amount of $500,000 from the IBC Foundation. The contribution will be matched by funds from a gift given by UT alumnus Bobby Patton Jr. and his wife, Sherri Patton, to the College of Liberal Arts. The end result will be the establishment of a $1 million endowment supporting the education of Latin American Studies students.
Enjoy!
Related articles:
Man, and Woman of the Year Event Causes Sensation Among Valley Community
BBVA Compass Bank donates $5,000 to McAllen Education Foundation
Noble Builders donates $25,000 for Public Safety programs at South Texas College
STC emphasizes regional planning development at 5th annual INNO Conference
