ADVERTISEMENT 2
ADVERTISEMENT 3
Error: No articles to display
ADVERTISEMENT 1
ADVERTISEMENT 4
Key to success: "Know your customer"
Ruiz enlightens audience with experiences;
Reminisces, recalls days at Eagle Pass HS
"Fair competition is essential"
A.D. Ibarra
-Eagle Pass
Dr. Hector de Jesús Ruiz was in Eagle Pass on Tuesday promoting his latest endeavor, Slingshot: AMD’s Fight To Free An Industry From The Ruthless Grip Of Intel, as members of the Eagle Pass Library Foundation, friends, classmates and admirers of the current CEO of Advanced Nanotechnology Solutions listened intently and even got the opportunity to pick the brain of one of the 1964 Tri-Valedictorians of Eagle Pass High School.
"I'd like to focus on three key topics included in my book, the first being the concept of fair competition," stated Ruiz after being introduced by David Castañeda, "If you really want to have innovation in your business fair competition is essential. Unfair competition stifles innovation," he began.
The next issue he tackled was that of companies who set out to beat the competition which Ruiz says should be the furthest from a successful businessman's mind when embarking on the challenge of the hustle and bustle of high-stakes business.
"In technology, the focus has always focused on beating the competition. The best strategy in business is to focus on the customer. When you treat the customer as special, they wouldn't dream of doing business with anyone else," Ruiz cited in his address as companies such as HP and Dell have fallen by the wayside due to the innovative approaches of companies such as Apple who cater directly to what the customer is requesting. Specifically he noted that years ago, Apple realized what the people wanted was a more portable PC.
"What people were asking for was the laptop computer as well as coming up with the Smart Phone which I probably could not live without anymore because my life is on my phone."
But the most intriguing anecdotes of the evening were his stories of growing up and getting his education in Eagle Pass and his memories of coming to school here from his native Piedras Negras.
"I came to Eagle Pass with a lot of trepidation because my student advisor, Mr. Witt, gave me an exam and advised me to enroll in carpentry. I told my father what he had said 'What do you think? Don't listen to him."
He said that this experience has gotten him to think differently about the counseling profession and he urges counselors to encourage students.
"Don't let someone tell you what you can or cannot do."
He also remembers turning in an essay to Mr. Rubio who marked his paper with a giant permanent marker with an 'F' saying it was a "Lousy" essay before going into Mr. Howard's chemistry class who asked him what was wrong.
"I'm going to flunk English," he told him.
Little did he know that Mr. Howard would get Mr. Rubio to help Hector after school every day. Needless to say he got an 'A' in English.
"You have to surround yourself with people who want to help you," he said as he recalled his Civics and Government teacher Mr. Brown who taught him about things that are unfair and Mr. Lopez who asked him to do an experiment and to explain to him why the Pythagorean Theorem works.
"I showed him and he told me I didn't have to take any more tests in his class for the rest of the year."
"You have to appreciate what people give you and be humble about it."
I could go on and on about his most interesting stories, but then you wouldn't be compelled to go out and buy a copy of Slingshot which is available on Amazon. We can only hope he comes back to grace us with his presence soon in order to say we have an autographed copy.
La clave del éxito : " Conozca a su cliente "
Ruiz ilumina público con experiencias;
Recuerda sus días en Eagle Pass
"La competencia leal es esencial"
Adrián Ibarra
-Eagle Pass
Dr. Héctor de Jesús Ruiz estaba en Eagle Pass el martes la promoción de su más reciente proyecto , Tirachinas : Lucha de AMD liberar a un sector de la garra implacable de Intel, como miembros de la Fundación Biblioteca Eagle Pass, amigos, compañeros y admiradores del actual CEO Soluciones de Nanotecnología Avanzada escuchado con atención e incluso tuvieron la oportunidad de escoger el cerebro de uno de los 1964 Tri - Valedictorians de Eagle Pass High School.
"Me gustaría centrarme en tres temas clave incluidos en el libro , el primero es el concepto de la libre competencia", declaró Ruiz después de haber sido introducido por David Castañeda, "Si usted realmente quiere tener la innovación en su negocio de la competencia justa es esencial. competencia desleal frena la innovación", comenzó.
La siguiente cuestión que abordó fue el de las empresas que se propusieron para vencer a la competencia que Ruiz dice debe ser el más alejado de la mente de un hombre de negocios con éxito al embarcarse en el reto de la prisa y el bullicio de los negocios de alto riesgo .
" En tecnología, la atención se ha centrado siempre en superar a la competencia . La mejor estrategia de negocio es concentrarse en el cliente. Cuando usted trata a los clientes como algo especial , no se le ocurriría hacer negocios con nadie más", citado en Ruiz su discurso como empresas como HP y Dell han quedado en el camino debido a los enfoques innovadores de compañías como Apple, que atienden directamente a lo que el cliente solicita . En concreto , señaló que, hace años , Apple se dio cuenta de lo que la gente quería era una PC más portátil.
" Lo que la gente estaba pidiendo era la computadora portátil, así como dar con el teléfono inteligente , que probablemente yo no podría vivir sin más, porque mi vida está en mi teléfono . "
Pero las anécdotas más interesantes de la noche fueron sus historias de crecer y obtener su educación en Eagle Pass y sus recuerdos de venir a esta escuela de sus nativos Piedras Negras .
"Vine a Eagle Pass con mucho temor porque mi asesor de estudiantes , Mr. Witt , me dio un examen y me aconsejó inscribirse en carpintería. Le dije a mi padre lo que había dicho :" ¿Qué te parece? ¿Puedes con las clases?¿No le hagas caso " .
Dijo que esta experiencia se ha vuelto a pensar diferente acerca de la profesión de consejería y exhorta a los consejeros para animar a los estudiantes .
"No dejes que alguien te diga lo que puedes o no puedes hacer. "
También recuerda inflexión en un ensayo con el Sr. Rubio que marcó su papel con un marcador permanente gigante con una "F" diciendo que era un ensayo " pésimo " antes de entrar en clase de química del señor Howard que le preguntó qué le pasaba .
"Yo voy a reprobar Inglés ", le dijo.
No se imaginaba que el señor Howard conseguiría el Sr. Rubio para ayudar a Hector después de la escuela todos los días. No hace falta decir que tiene una "A" en Inglés .
"Hay que rodearse de personas que quieren ayudar ", dijo al recordar sus Cívica y profesor de Gobierno el Sr. Brown que le enseñaron acerca de las cosas que son injustas y el Sr. López que le pidieron hacer un experimento y explicar a él por qué funciona el Teorema de Pitágoras .
" Le mostré y él me dijo que no tenía que correr más pruebas en su clase para el resto del año . "
"Hay que apreciar lo que la gente te da y ser humilde al respecto. "
Podría seguir y seguir sobre sus historias más interesantes , pero entonces no se vería obligado a salir a comprar una copia de la catapulta , que está disponible en Amazon. Sólo podemos esperar que vuelva a honrarnos con su presencia pronto para poder decir que tenemos una copia autografiada .
Velasquez agrees to terms with Housing Authority;
Inks two year deal w/ option to renew at $80,000
A.D. Ibarra
-El Centenario
The Eagle Pass Housing Authority and newly approved Executive Directress Mary Velasquez have agreed to terms on a two year contract with the option to renew. Preliminary figures on the new contract are said to be in the range of $80,000.00 per year to lead the EPHA for the next two years.
Any term within the contract can be modified and there is still a probationary period of 90 days as this is the norm in the personnel policy of the Housing Authority.
"I'm saddened to leave the city as I have worked here for over 22 years, seven as City Secretary," stated the new person in charge of the hundreds who reside within the housing projects across our fair city as she once did as a young girl growing up in Eagle Pass, "I really love my job. My biggest satisfaction was serving the public."
Mrs. Velasquez considers this new chapter of her career as "Progress in my life as I am a product of housing assistance," she added, "I look forward to building a team with my employees and providing as many services as I can to the tenants of the Housing Authority."
She said that she welcomes the opportunity of working hand in hand with the Board of Directors as well.
The Eagle Pass News Gram will miss Velasquez in City Hall as she has always been an exceptional resource, very approachable and dependable as well. We wish her the best in her new endeavor. Godspeed and good luck.
Maverick Eagle Ford Shale Economic Impact Forum
SRSU Rio Grande College sets stage for UTSA expert
A.D. Ibarra
-SRSU Conference Room
State Senator Carlos Uresti, his staff, State Representative Poncho Nevarez, Community leaders such as Mayor Ramsey English-Cantú, City Manager Gloria Barrientos, Raul Perez, Director of the Middle Rio Grande Development Council, Jose Ceballos of the Eagle Ford Consortium, Omar Garcia of the South Texas Energy & Economic Roundtable and Dr. Thomas Tunstall, Research Director for UTSA's Institute for Economic Development were all on hand to be briefed on the latest developments and future possibilities for business and industry in the area as a result of the Eagle Ford Shale project.
"Seventeen years ago we could only dream of being energy independent," stated Senator Uresti, "Texas Energy Industry's dream is coming closer and closer to reality. The United States will surpass Russia by the year 2015. Eagle Pass is also developing into a major player for hardware and equipment, Eagle Pass can serve as as a gateway into the Mexican petroleum industry."
The senators strides toward better roads in and around the Eagle Ford Shale Project are closer coming to fruition. In Cotulla alone, the Gardendale Railroad in LaSalle County is a great indicator as to the economic development in the area.
Pick up Thursday's edition of your Eagle Pass News Gram for much more on this highly informative and intriguing forum.
EPISD Teacher of the Month
The Eagle Pass Independent School District has partnered with local businesses throughout our city to highlight the Teacher of the Month program, which honors educators who have made a difference in our community. The program recognizes outstanding kindergarten, elementary, junior high, and high school teachers in Eagle Pass, Texas.
Mrs. Maria C. Ramirez, who teaches 1st grade at Rosita Valley Literacy Academy, is the “Teacher of the Month” for November 2013. Mrs. Ramirez is a very well rounded educator who is dedicated to her profession. In her fifth year of teaching, she has demonstrated reliability, dependability, resourcefulness and professionalism. Above all she continues to showcase a true love for her craft and the children she educates. It is for all these reasons that she is an outstanding EPISD Teacher.
A segment will appear on iVision throughout the month of November detailing with many more accomplishments of Mrs. Ramirez. This month Mrs. Ramirez will also appear on our community media, news publications and the EPISD website throughout November 2013.
A teacher will be selected each month through June 2014 for a total of nine (9) honorees. The “Teacher of the Month” will be chosen based on educational achievements in the classroom, community contributions and innovativeness of the program/techniques used by the teacher. The “Teacher of the Month” will receive a certificate of recognition and will be featured on iVision, local media news, news publications and radio broadcasting. Additionally, each “Teacher of the Month” will receive donations from local businesses.
This month we would like to thank our sponsors, HEB, Luby’s and Ancira Ford – Eagle Pass.
Dr. Hector de Jesús Ruiz to return to Eagle Pass November 19th
Staff
-Eagle Pass
The Eagle Pass Library Foundation will once again bring a known author to Eagle Pass. A previous author who also came to Eagle Pass was Hipolito Acosta writer of "Shadow Catcher" which the Starz T.V. Network purchased the television rights to the book for a "Made for TV" movie.
This time they are bringing one of our own, Dr. Hector Ruiz. Ruiz was born in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. As a teenager, he walked across the Mexico-United States border every day to attend a high school here in Eagle Pass, Texas from which he graduated as valedictorian in 1964, just three years after beginning to learn English. Ruiz earned a B.S. and M.S. in electrical engineering from the University of Texas in 1968 and 1970 respectively and a Ph.D. from Rice University in 1973.
Maverick County Detention Center
To receive prisoners from MCSO
A.D. Ibarra
-Commissioner's Court
In the regular meeting of the Maverick County Court of Commissioners, Sheriff Tom Schmerber and County Judge David Saucedo assured Commissioner's Court that very soon, the Tom Bowles Detention Center would be working hand-in-hand with the new Maverick County Detention Center as their 120+ prisoners housed there will be transferred to the newly acquired facility as soon as a report is turned over to county administration which could be as soon as this week.
In a telephone interview with Sheriff Tom Schmerber, the sheriff informed The News Gram of the fact that he has met with Rodriguez, whose Southwestern Capital Markets, Inc. serve as the financial advisors to the county. He said that he expects Judge Saucedo to be receiving said report soon as to facilitate the move which according Budget Director Mario Rodriguez is the best alternative to running the new center as well as continuing to maintain the existing Tom Bowles Detention Center which is becoming antiquated and which the US Marshals' office may favor sending prisoners (Which is the bottom line to the success of any detention facility) to a much more modern and better equipped Maverick County Detention Center.
Motions were made and approved to hire an assistant auditor in the auditor's office to assist in handling the newly acquired prison and the county has gone from 220 employees to 400 in one month with this, the newest endeavor which the county hopes will allow them to rise above the multi-million dollar deficit it finds itself in this fiscal year.
Another issue brought up at this meeting was the opening of bids by local law firms who wish to serve as the county's legal counsel.
A total of three law firms submitted their bids within the allocated time period: the Nevarez Law Firm, Langley & Banack and the Law Firm of Jad Harper.
Tale of two halves; Eagles overcome
halftime deficit, to defeat Mavericks 28-7
A.D. Ibarra
-Foster-Veteran's Memorial Stadium
In a tale of two halves the CC Winn Mavericks and the Eagle Pass Eagles turned in another on for the ages as the Mav defense came out firing on all cylinders to thwart every Eagle drive in the first half corralling Ty Chisum several times behind the line of scrimmage and intercepting two big pass plays as Carlos Cerezo went both ways for the Silver & Black stopping Eagle offensive possessions with two picks.
Pre-game activities included a moving tribute to our veterans on this their week as we prepare to celebrate Veteran's Day. State Representative Alfonso Nevarez added official pomp and circumstance to the occasion by presiding over the coin toss and Senator Carlos Uresti also presented a message at halftime to show his support in this big cross-town rivalry which boasted a 7,000+ crowd of eager onlookers as the stadium was packed to capacity.
EPISD earns a place on College Board AP District Honor Roll
TEA Commissioner of Education Michael Williams today noted that Eagle Pass Independent School District was one of 14 Texas school districts in United States and Canada being honored by the College Board with placement on its “4th Annual AP District Honor Roll.”
The Honor Roll recognizes districts for increasing access to AP course work while simultaneously maintaining or increasing the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on AP Exams.
Commissioner Williams went on to state, “These outcomes are a powerful testament to educators’ belief that a more diverse population of students is ready for the sort of rigor that will prepare them for success in college.”
The 4th Annual AP District Honor Roll is based on the examination of three years of AP data, from 2011 to 2013, for the following criteria. Districts must:
- Increase participation/access to AP by at least 4 percent in large districts, at least 6 percent in medium districts, and at least 11 percent in small districts;
- Increase or maintain the percentage of exams taken by African American, Hispanic/Latino, and American Indian/Alaska Native students, and;
- Improve performance levels when comparing the percentage of students in 2013 scoring a 3 or higher to those in 2011, unless the district has already attained a performance level at which more than 70 percent of its AP students are scoring a 3 or higher.
Congratulations to the students of this district and the seamless devotion of our teachers administration and staff.
A.D. Ibarra
-Plains Capital Bank
The coaches from Eagle Pass High School and CC Winn High School were treated to their annual luncheon by Plains Capital Bank in support of the athletic programs of both high schools. Even though the coaches radio prediction show is no longer aired, Mr. Samy Juve, Region President of Plains Capital Bank wanted to continue with the coaches luncheon a tradition at the bank. Coaches from both schools were treated to a luncheon catered by the Border Bistro. Mr. Juve extended his congratulations to both coaching staffs and wished them well in their game against each other.
Meager Local Voter Participation On Amendments
Even though early voting in Maverick County show a lack of concern for the Constitutional Amendments and with a historical low turnout of only 58 voters, November 5, is an important election day for Texas and Maverick County. All nine constitutional amendments on the Nov. 5 ballot are worthy of the support of Maverick County voters, but three in particular should encourage everyone to get to the polls on Election Day.
Proposition 6 on the Nov. 5 ballot would provide $2 billion from the Rainy Day Fund to the State Water Plan, creating a low-interest loan program to finance some 560 water supply projects on a revolving basis over the next 50 years. Proposition 6 is not a major step in securing water supply for Texas. Our legislators should not raid the Rainy Day Fund for favored projects; Education programs were not even considered.
Proposition 1 and Proposition 4 are designed to help veterans and their families; I strongly encourage our local voters to support these two.
Under current state law, veterans who are 100 percents disable due to their military service are exempt from paying property taxes; Proposition 1 would extend that exemption to the spouse of a soldier killed in battle.
Proposition 4 would provide a partial property tax exemption for home donated to disabled veterans by non-profit groups. The amount of the tax credit would equal the veteran’s disability. For example, a veteran who is 80 percent disable would get an 80 percent property tax break.
Supporting these two amendments is a great way to honor Texas veterans, make sure you vote on Election Day.
