The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce recently held its 87th annual Installation Banquet. More than 250 local business and community leaders were in attendance for a social hour and fine dining. During this time, many local leaders (including the 2019 Man and Woman of the Year, 2019 Ambassador of the Year, 2019 Leadership Award, and the 2019 Distinguished Business Awards) received recognition.

Carlos and Sister Guerra, owners of La Muneca Cattle Company, are the 2019 Man and Woman of the Year. Their recognition comes from a lifetime of community involvement, selfless dedication and compassion to their community. Carlos and Sister Guerra have also been involved in the inception of the Linn San Manuel Community Improvement Corporation. For more than 36 years, the corporation has been raising funds for various entities. Past benefactors include Brewster School, St. Anne’s Catholic Church, the Linn San Manuel Volunteer Fire Department and the LSM Scholarship Endowment.

Other awards and recognitions

Also receiving recognition with the 2019 Leadership Award is Leticia Leija of the Edinburg Library. Her library services and leadership has earned ten consecutive TMLDA Achievement of Excellence in Libraries Awards, placing the library among the top 10 percent of all public libraries in Texas. The 2019 Ambassador of the Year is Leticia Flores for her dedication and commitment in representing the Edinburg Chamber.

Winners of the 2019 Distinguished Business Awards are; Edwards Abstract & Title Co. – Home/Mortgage Industry, Sam Saldivar Insurance – Insurance Industry, Martin Farm & Ranch Supply, Inc. – Retail Industry, Bert Ogden Auto Group – Auto Industry, Dairy Queen of Edinburg – Restaurant Industry, Discovery School – Education Industry, Ochoa’s Pharmacy – Health Industry, Orange Grove R.V. Park – Hospitality Industry, IBC Bank – Banking Industry, South Texas Symphony Association – Nonprofit Industry, Melden and Hunt, Inc. – Professional Services Industry, and The Monitor – Media Services Industry.

Outgoing and incoming officers and board members also received acknowledgement for their enthusiasm and commitment. Among them was the 2018-2019 Board President  Jennifer Garza of Superior Health Plan. Garza was presented a commemorative plaque and the covenant President’s Red Jacket for her service to the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce.

Incoming Board President Hiren Govind of Qube Hotel Group also received recognition. Govind has been a member of the board for six years.