Edinburg – On Thursday May 24th, 2012 from 11:30 am-1:00 pm, the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce (ECOC) Public Affairs Committee, headed by Elva Jackson Garza (ECOC- Vice Chair) and Letty Gonzalez (ECOC- President) will present a Public Affairs Luncheon featuring Hidalgo County Judge Ramon Garcia.

The Public Affairs Luncheons are an initiative introduced in 2006, and since then have covered popular topics with speakers that cover important community and legislative issues. The vision is to inform, involve and educate chamber investors and civic leaders. The event also allows business professionals to meet, network and create opportunities for the companies they represent.

Cost to attend the luncheon is $10 per person or $100 for a table of 8, and includes a hot lunch, beverage and dessert. The luncheon will take place at The Echo Hotel and Convention Center located on 1903 South Closner in Edinburg. Judge Ramon Garcia will present on “Today’s Vision, Tomorrow’s Legacy”.

A Texas native, Ramon Garcia, was born July 20, 1948. He is the eldest of eight children and has called Edinburg, Texas home for most of his life. He attended Edinburg High School and Pan American University where he received his BA in 1970. He was an honors graduate of the University of Houston Bates College of Law in 1972 and he became a member of the State Bar of Texas that same year. He is licensed in all Texas courts as well as the U. S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, U. S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, U. S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit and the U. S. Supreme Court.

Mr. Garcia is a Charter Member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, as well as being a current member of the Hidalgo County Bar Association. He is an active member of the Texas State Bar. Moreover, he has also served on the Grievance Committee for the Texas State Bar which oversees the ethical standards for the legal profession. Currently, Mr. Garcia is president and sole principal of the Law Office of Ramon Garcia, P. C., a three lawyer firm in Edinburg, Texas.

The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Memorial Funeral Home for their generous sponsorship. Memorial Funeral Home is an independent, family-owned funeral home in South Texas. With two locations, in the valley, the Edinburg location was established in 2003 and is committed to serving families in their time of need. For more information or to make a reservation please call the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce at 956-383-4974.

On behalf of the Edwards Abstract and Title Co. management team and all of the Edwards Associates in Cameron and Hidalgo Counties, we would like to proudly announce that Marilyn De Luna, Regional Automation Escrow Manager/Sr. Escrow Officer – McAllen, has successfully passed the examination and earned the professional credential CESA, Certified Escrow Settlement Associate. The Texas Land Title Association coordinates testing of title insurance industry professionals and testing was held in April in Edinburg.

Marilyn is the first CESA to be accredited in the 132 year history of Edwards Abstract and Title Co. This is a very prestigious designation as there are currently less than one hundred CESA’s in the state of Texas. Congratulations to Marilyn. We are proud to have her leading the way on the Edwards Team!

With the convenience of this location comes the addition of a new Escrow Unit, composed of Paula Martin, Office Manager, William C. “Bill” Rountree III, Attorney, and David E. Kithcart, Attorney. Bill Rountree is certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Residential, Commercial, and Farm and Ranch Real Estate Law. David Kithcart is well versed in Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Probate Law. Paula Martin is certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization as a Legal Assistant in Real Estate Law and has extensive experience in all areas of real estate closings. All three are also licensed Escrow Officers. Under the banner of Rountree and Kithcart, they collectively bring 108 years of experience to Edwards Abstract and Title Co. Their strength and experience is second to none in the real estate industry.

Edwards Abstract and Title Co. expanded its service area to Cameron County in 2010 with the merger of the former Southern Texas Title Company. As a result of the merger, Edwards Abstract and Title Co. acquired a dynamic and highly experienced staff that operates three offices, located in Brownsville, South Padre Island and Harlingen.

This year, Edwards Abstract and Title Co. commemorates 132 years of serving the real estate industry and continues to have a positive impact on the residential and commercial markets of the Rio Grande Valley. Edwards Abstract and Title Co. continues to be operated as both a locally and an independently owned title insurance provider. For more information, please log on to the website at www.edwards-titleco.com.

Edinburg business owners and the community listen to Mayor Richard Garcia at the State of the City Address.

Mayor Richard Garcia and the Edinburg City Council hosted the annual State of the City Address on March 7. The historic Edinburg Auditorium was filled with civic and business leaders as Mayor Garcia highlighted several projects that have attributed to Edinburg’s growth in population, increased tax revenue and job development. Due to the location of manufacturers such Santana Textiles, Don Hugo’s produce and others, Edinburg continues to be one of the leading cities in the Rio Grande Valley for jobs creation. Mayor Garcia expressed appreciation to the University of Texas Pan American officials, ECISD and County of Hidalgo for their continued working relationship with the City of Edinburg.

Tina, Mary B and Diana at the serving line and preparing for the guests.

The team celebrate with Tina as she claims a door prize.

Tony Martinez, Designer Homes (2011 Parade of Homes winner) stops by to visit with Diana, Tina and Mary as Elva takes the picture.

The Rio Grande Valley Builders BBQ held its annual barbecue on Friday, February 17 at the Nomad Shrine Club. The event welcomes all of the members as they enjoy a delicious helping of top sirloin with all of the trimmings plus live entertainment. Edwards Abstract and Title Co. has supported the event since it’s inception and for the past five years, the Edwards Escrow and Marketing Teams have supported the event as the Serving Crew. Together with Diana Solis of Security First Credit Union, Diana S. Kaufold, Elva Jackson Garza, Mary Barrientos and Tina Parmer served over 250 plates in less than 30 minutes! Marcy Alamia, Executive Director of the RGVBA is especially thankful for all of the volunteers who help and the sponsors that support the BBQ. Way to go Edwards Team!

Edwards Abstract and Title Co. is pleased to announce that Byron Jay Lewis, Chairman & CEO, has been elected to serve on the board of directors for the Museum of South Texas History.  Edwards Abstract and Title Co. has been a long time supporter of MOSTH serving as Heritage Associate Patron for many years.  The museum was founded in 1967 in Edinburg with a mission of preserving and presenting the borderland heritage of South Texas and Northeastern Mexico.  “I am honored to have been elected to serve on the board.  The Museum of South Texas History has always held a special place in my heart, and I am excited to work with the staff and other board members in preserving the magic of South Texas and the region,” said Byron Jay Lewis.  Byron Jay and Keely Lewis are pictured recently at the 2012 Heritage Ranch Gala that was held at the La Coma Ranch, owned by Calvin and Marge Bentsen.