Texas Border Business
By Roberto H. Gonzalez
As originally published in Texas Border Business newsprint edition February 2020
I said that it is worth in gold, because of the opportunity that future generations will have to learn from and enjoy the rich history that the McAllen Heritage Center exhibits. As a City, knowing who you were in the past, it’s easy to find out who you are. Learning from the past is also healthy in making decisions.
That is why Texas Border Business is highlighting the McAllen Heritage Center building and some of the leaders of today, responsible for preserving McAllen’s heritage.
In this issue, find an article that tells the story of how the idea of preserving it came about. Elva Cerda, the Managing Director of the center and a founding board member since 2006, has a lot to say about this project.
She has been at the forefront from the beginning. She is a moving force, together with a board of directors and the blessing of McAllen City leaders. This project is just getting better and better.
The center has celebrated significant accomplishments. Later this month, there is going to be a Grand Re-Opening and Ribbon-Cutting ceremony. Be sure not to miss it as the renovation of the center is the center of the celebration.
This year has already offered so many events that were celebrated throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
In Pharr, Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, MD, celebrated the 2020 State of the City event. It was quite a success. The Boggus Convention Center was packed to the max, a sign of unity and prosperity. In this issue, find out more about it.
In Mission, Mayor Armando O’Caña also celebrated its 2020 State of the City address. Multiple delegations from Mexico visited to participate in the yearly Mayor’s International Brunch, which is a tradition. This time the City of Mission signed a sister city agreement with Fortin de las Flores municipality located in the state of Veracruz. More on this issue.
In Edinburg– Hidalgo County has moved one step closer to the completion of the new Courthouse by holding a Topping Out ceremony. The ceremony, sponsored by the Construction Manager at Risk, Morganti Texas, Inc.
Topping out ceremonies are a construction tradition that celebrates the achievement of a significant milestone, completing the structural components of a building. The construction workers, county officials, and guests had the opportunity to sign the final beam to mark their participation in the courthouse project before it was hoisted to the top of the building. Congratulations!
Lone Star National Bank opens a new free-standing banking center on Cage Boulevard in Pharr. Chairman Alonzo Cantu, members of the board of the bank and friends, gathered for a celebration of a ribbon-cutting ceremony of this strategic location featuring a motor bank. More in this issue.
For the second time, IBC Bank presents Duncan Wood, the Director of Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute. His expertise helps the business community to understand the Economics and Globalization of our world better, also, about Energy, Energy Security, NAFTA/USMCA, Latin America, Mexico, North America, and Canada.
This time around, his topic called “AMLO and the 4th Transformation of Mexico at One Year” illustrated for the business community at a packed McAllen Performing Arts Center.
Adrian Villarreal, President and CEO of the Bank, stepped to the podium and said, “For those of us who have lived and work along the border, we have always valued our close relationship with Mexico.”
Read Part I of Duncan’s presentation and learn what is going on with our neighbors to the south, in Mexico. Very interesting!
Enjoy!
