"I want to thank Eagle Pass and Maverick County as my heart really is in this area," stated Congressman Pete Gallego who would be the key note speaker, "I've had many opportunities in my career and they came from the people of Maverick County."
"It's great to be back in Eagle Pass said State Representative Alfonso Nevarez, "I'm ready to serve," he added as Legislature is in a one week recess.
"This is a very important event," stated Jesus Casas, "For the benefit of the community for big business to know that it is good to invest in EAgle Pass."
Chamber of Commerce President William Davis began his address with an account of the congregation from Eagle Pass who were in Austin earlier this week, "It was a great team effort as we discussed health care, air, water and economics."
"I would like to thank Representative Nevarez and Senator Uresti who champion our cause in Austin and are voices for our region."
Prior to the evening's festivities, representatives from Gallego Elementary came onstage to welcome the new congressman back to Eagle Pass as Lobo Student Council President Mike Kypuros spoke to the assembly, ""In 1999, Gallego Elementary was inaugurated and the former State Representative is now a Congressman and an excellent role model for us," said Kypuros, "He has made great efforts to improve our schools and to help us have a better future."
He and Vice President Alexia Fuentes presented Gallego with a plaque on behalf of their school and were accompanied by Principal Sylvia Saucedo and Counselor Isela Balderrama.
Then came the awarding of the 2012 Citizen of the Year which was graciously conducted by Robert Mireles, Secretary-Treasurer of the Chamber of Cmmerce.
The first nominee was Mirella Zaragoza of Acción DME who was complimented on her dedication to promoting health at no cost to citizens who take her free Insanity classes and with 60 members is making a difference in the lives of Eagle Passans. Zaragoza, as a key element in the fellowship at Roca Firme Church and Women with a Purpose, she is definitely a young vibrant Eagle Pass woman with a vision and a contribution to our community.
The second nominee was Hector Cerna, CEO and President of IBC in Eagle Pass who has 25 years of banking experience, 20 in EP, extensive involvement with non-profit organizations, works on attracting new industry in the with the Maverick County development Corporation and is a member of the International Bridge Board.
The third nominee was Jose A. Perez, a professor of history and government at Sul Ross State University-Rio Grande College served with the US MArshal Service and was on the CASSE Finance Committee. Perez is an accomplished writer and has published two books.
The award was given to Cerna who accepted and was especially honorable to Ms. Zaragoza and Mr. Perez as he stated, "Being recognized and nominated is an honor in itself and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the other two nominees."
"It's all about community service," he added as he thanked Billy Davis, the Chamber of Commerce Selection Committee, Congressman Gallego, "We have a friend in Washington."
Congressman Gallego was as always very gracious about his appreciation for MAverick County and his speech was highlighted by reminding citizens that he is dedicated to bringing back the economy, assured the gathering that this would be the year when we have true immigration reform and re-established his support for small business in the US before reminding us all that the first elected position he ever held was Vice-President in the student council and that you never know how far a student can go in the US.
"Kids are more important than ever," he said as he encouraged us to promote education, "Make sure your kids are OK, taking care of our children has never been more important."