By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez,
As originally published by Texas Border Business newsprint edition March 2016
The Border Texan of the Year committee honored two icons of the Rio Grande Valley, Bob and Janet Vackar, owners of the Bert Ogden Auto Group. Bob and Janet were the honorees of this year and the recipients of Congressional recognitions and flags flown over the Texas capital and the nation’s capital.
What a night it was, as distinguished guests delivered a message to this one of a kind couple that have built a lasting legacy by giving back to the communities where they do business.
Congressman Rubén Hinojosa was part of the group that honored Bob and Janet, and he stated “I have a certificate of Congressional recognition to present to Bob and Janet Vackar.” He continued, “Your long standing success and extraordinary legacy will continue to exemplify the determinant nature of deep South Texas’ entrepreneurial and humanitarian spirit. May your tenacity and success only be second to your generosity and investment in the education of our youth.”
Congressman Hinojosa delivered a United States of America flag accompanied by a certificate that certifies that the flag was flown over the United States capitol at the request of Ruben Hinojosa, member of Congress.
Jennifer Ruiz Longoria representing Hidalgo County Judge Ramon Garcia said, “On behalf of the County Judge and the County Commissioners Court and all of Hidalgo County, we would like to present a resolution in your honor for everything you have done and continue to do for our region. We would like to congratulate you for being the first couple as Border Texans of the Year 2016.”
Mr. Glen E. Roney, one of the co-chairs of the committee that organizes this historic event was also part of this important ceremony. Mr. Roney, an outstanding citizen and his wife Rita K. are also considered a formidable philanthropic couple.
Texas District 36 State Representative Sergio Muñoz, Jr. stated, “On behalf of my colleagues, I would like to present you with a resolution that recognizes your efforts. For a lot of us here we know that you have served our communities and that you care deeply for your employees. But you also give yourselves to the community and that is something that we are extremely proud of, and we are honored to have you here in the Rio Grande Valley.”
The evening continued to be a very special one. State Representative Robert “Bobby” Guerra also came to recognize the value of these generous people. He said, “Ladies and gentlemen, from the great state of Texas (he presented) a flag flown over our capital, my dear friends, Bob and Janet thank you for everything.”
A joint presentation was also made by State Senators Eddie Lucio, Jr. from District 27 and Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa from District 20, along with State Representative Oscar Longoria from District 35. Senator Lucio stated, “Tonight, we recognize two beautiful souls. Two individuals that have made it possible for us to enjoy the quality of life by creating jobs, by doing so much in the community and helping shape the future. I have this senate resolution that we passed, Senator Hinojosa and myself, we joined together to sign this proclamation and I will read only one paragraph. ‘Whereas Mr. Vackar, joined his father in-law’s automobile dealership group where he played an important role in expanding the business and Mrs. Vackar became the group’s television spokesperson alongside her father,” (the late Bert Ogden). “Dale Gas”, the catch phrase, (meaning Go For It in Spanish), that she became known for. “The couple got very involved in a wide range of civic and philanthropic causes in the Valley’s community.”
Senators Lucio and Hinojosa also delivered a United States of America flag and congratulated the couple for being named the 2016 Border Texans of the Year.
Senator Hinojosa said, “I know that there are several Hinojosa’s here, but I am Chuy.” He made the comment because Federal Judge Ricardo Hinojosa and Congressman Ruben Hinojosa were also present.
He said, “We are here to honor two great people that have done so much for our community.”
State Representative Oscar Longoria said, “I want to thank the Vackars for the investment that they have done in this community, especially for the endowment you did in favor of UTRGV. That is an investment that will last for years to come.”
To conclude the event, the original chairman of the board of the Border Texan of the Year event, Mr. Glen Roney stated, “We are here to celebrate the 27th anniversary of the Border Texan of the Year and assert to believe that we have made a great choice by selecting Bob and Janet for this honor this evening.”
Mr. Roney stated at the conclusion of the evening “We have enjoyed the presentation and their comments very much.”
The evening proceeds will be donated to a local charity chosen by the honorees. TBB
