Texas Border Business
The Weslaco Chamber of Commerce held its annual membership luncheon November 1 at the Knapp Medical Conference Center, where they awarded Man, Woman, Business of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award, along with additional recognitions.
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a person that has demonstrated exceptional business achievement and outstanding commitment to Weslaco’s business community over a sustained period of time. This year, the Weslaco Chamber of Commerce honored Weslaco champion Richard Vaughan with the second Lifetime Achievement Award. Vaughan has a long list of community involvement and leadership. His past roles as board chair or president includes Rotary Club, Weslaco ISD School Board, Knapp Medical Center, the RGV Partnership and the Weslaco Chamber of Commerce. Vaughan has also led fund drives for the Boy Scouts and the March of Dimes. In addition, he also served on the boards for the Aurora House Foundation, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, TSTC Advisory Board and RGV Bible Institute. Vaughan became President of Burton Companies in the early 1980’s and held that position until his retirement a few years ago.
The 2017 Man of the Year award went to Rick Talbert, who is currently serving his second term and is the Board Chair of the Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco. Talbert has served on the Board of Easter Seals and as a Director at John Knox Village. Talbert is well known for his great service through the Lions Club and since he joined in 1974, he has held every local office except Secretary. That was followed by serving every office at the state level as well, along with multiple committee chairmanships. From 2001-2008, Talbert served as District Governor and was President of the Texas Lions Camp. Currently, he serves as Council Chair for Lions of Texas.
Melissa Neuhaus was named 2017 Woman of the Year. Neuhaus served on the Weslaco’s board of directors for six years, and served as board chair in 2015-2016. In addition to her involvement with the Weslaco Chamber, Neuhaus has served several regional organizations including the Gladys Porter Zoo, Museum of South Texas, Estrella’s House, Hidalgo County 4-H Foundation and the RGV Livestock Show Round-Up Club. She is past president of the Algodon Club, the Weslaco Literary Review Club and is a member of the BW Chapter of the PEO Sorority.
The 2017 Business of the Year was awarded to Magic Valley Electric Cooperative. Celebrating its 80th Anniversary this year, Magic Valley serves 97,000 members in the Rio Grande Valley. MVEC has funded over $1.3 million in scholarships and annually donates more than $100,000 to various charities while also supporting economic development and sponsoring a variety of events.
Additional honorees included Volunteer of the Year Alex Montenegro, Frost Bank; Chamber Board Member of the Year Carla McCaleb, McCaleb Funeral Home and Retiring Board Members Mary Arce and Sue Peterson, Weslaco ISD.
Thank you to sponsors Frost Bank, Knapp Medical Center, Magic Valley Electric Co-Op, Neuhaus & Co, Weslaco EDC, Friends Health Scare Services, Weslaco ISD and SociaLife Magazine.
