Edwards Marketing Manager Honored by Texas Legislature Photo by Ismael García

Elva Jackson Garza, a former member of the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation board of directors, has been honored for her community service by the Texas House of Representatives. House Resolution 1801, authored by Rep. Aaron Peña, D-Edinburg, was unanimously approved by state lawmakers on Friday, May 18. Featured with her on Thursday, May 17, are, from left: Mayor Joe Ochoa; Letty Martínez, president of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce; Garza; Cris M.
Torres, incoming chair of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce; and Hidalgo County Judge J.D. Salinas.

Elva Jackson Garza, a familiar face in Edinburg business and political circles, has been honored for her community service by the Texas House of Representatives. House Resolution 1801, authored by Rep. Aaron Peña, D-Edinburg, was unanimously approved by state lawmakers on Friday, May 18.
 
Garza, a public relations expert, is a former member of the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation board of directors from 1999 to 2000.
While on the EEDC board of directors, she worked with her colleagues to help invest into infrastructure projects which have helped improve traffic flow and bring new businesses to the three-time All-America City.

Among her other many achievements, Garza currently serves as Vice President and Marketing Manager with Edwards Abstract and Title Company.

"On behalf of the Edwards Team, I want to express our congratulations to Elva for the honor that has been bestowed upon her. She deserves this and so much more for her dedication and service to both her community and Edwards. We are very fortunate to have her as a part of the Edwards Team," commented Byron Jay Lewis, President of Edwards Abstract and Title Co.

According to the company, Garza joined the Edwards Team in 2002 as Vice President and Marketing Manager. She has devoted almost 30 years to the marketing and public relations field. Her experience includes nine years as marketing officer in the banking industry and eleven years with the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to her marketing and advertising duties, she also handles all of the employee and customer education programs for the company.
She is recognized as a civic leader with an economic development background serving on various leadership positions such as chairman of the board of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce; President of the Kiwanis Club of Edinburg; President of the Valley Chamber of Commerce Executives and Edinburg Economic Development Corporation board of directors.

"I am extremely honored to receive the recognition from Rep. Peña and the Texas House of Representatives," said Garza. "Over the years I have developed a passion for serving my community and many organizations.
The friendships and business contacts I have made during my years of service will always be cherished!"

Garza's achievements were also highlighted in the legislative resolution adopted in her honor:

RESOLUTION 1801
 
WHEREAS, Elva Jackson Garza has made a lasting impact on the Edinburg community through her active civic engagement, and her achievements are truly worthy of commendation; and
 
WHEREAS, Mrs. Garza has served the local chamber of commerce for nearly a quarter century; currently in her fifth term on the executive board, she was chair in 1999-2000, and her efforts have helped to shape a number of the organization's programs, including the Edinburg Today Breakfast, membership campaigns, and Fiesta Edinburg; and
 
WHEREAS, In addition to her work with the chamber, Mrs. Garza has served on the board of directors for the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation and has been a valued member of the Valley Chamber of Commerce Executives and Edinburg Industrial Foundation; moreover, she has shared her time with such groups as the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, United Way, and Edinburg Citizens Against Graffiti, which she served as chair; and
 
WHEREAS, This notable Texan is also a leader in the Kiwanis Club, becoming the first female president of the Edinburg chapter; and
 
WHEREAS, Mrs. Garza has been vice president and marketing manager of Edwards Abstract and Title Co. since 2002; a number of professional organizations have benefited from her talents, including the Greater McAllen Association of Realtors, Rio Grande Valley Builders Association, Women's Council of Realtors, and the Hidalgo County Bar Association; and
 
WHEREAS, Blessed with a loving family, Mrs. Garza credits much of her success to the guidance provided by her parents, the late Albert Jackson, Jr., and María Sidia Gracia Jackson, and to the encouragement of her husband, Alfredo Rubén Garza; and
 
WHEREAS, The strength of our communities depends on the commitment and dedication of civic leaders such as Elva Garza, whose contributions to Edinburg have produced results of lasting benefit to countless Texans; now, therefore, be it
 
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 80th Texas Legislature hereby commend Elva Garza for her work in behalf of the citizens of Edinburg and extend to her sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
 
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mrs.
Garza as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.

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