First Annual Eagle Pass Women’s Business Fair Held

By: Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2014, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.

The First Annual Eagle Pass Women’s Business Fair was held on Thursday, October 16, 2014, at the Eagle Pass International Center for Trade with over 50 organizations participating in the one day event.

The First Annual Eagle Pass Women’s Business Fair was co-sponsored by the City of Eagle Pass and the Eagle Pass Chamber of Commerce.

During the opening festivities, Eagle Pass Mayor Ramsey English Cantu welcomed all the women and organizations present at the inaugural business fair and encouraged them to continue working hard and striving to reach their personal business goals.

Mayor Cantu read and presented Border Federal Credit Union President Maria Martinez with a proclamation in recognition of International Credit Union Day.

“It is important to recognize the efforts that Border Federal Credit Union does as a whole being that there are a lot of women that belong to this group.” said Mayor Cantu.

Eagle Pass Chamber of Commerce President William “Billy” Davis recognized the importance of co-hosting the first annual women’s business fair and thanked all the persons attending the event.

The keynote speaker of the First Annual Eagle Pass Women’s Business Fair was the Honorable Patricia O. Alvarez, Justice of the Texas Fourth Court of Appeals in San Antonio, Texas. Justice Alvarez encouraged women to pursue their dreams and not be afraid to jump over all obstacles in the path of their goals.

“As each one of you, I have a story. Why do we want to tell our stories? Because our stories are full of defeats and success as well as each one of you is an example of those successes,” said Justice Alvarez.

Justice Alvarez detailed her personal experience in pursuing her goals while overcoming many obstacles in attaining her goals and becoming successful. Alvarez related how she was an immigrant from Mexico, a mother of children, and overcoming many obstacles to obtain her education and legal career.

Justice Alvarez recalled a mentor who motivated her to succeed and advised her to jump over all obstacles in her path as they approached her because if she did not do it then, she would never be able to jump over these obstacles in her life.

“I know that if I fall down, I can get up, and I know that I can jump the obstacles that life puts in front of me, and so can you.” said Justice Alvarez. Alvarez advised the participants to never give up on their dreams and persevere against all obstacles and odds which life may place before them

“If you do not push for your dreams and goals, whatever they may be, you will regret it,” concluded Justice Alvarez.

Organizations and businesses participating in the First Annual Eagle Pass Women’s Business Fair included Plains Capital Bank, International Bank of Commerce, Border Federal Credit Union, BBVA Compass Bank, Falcon International Bank, Maverick County Hospital District, Realty Executives of Eagle Pass, Candles for Life, Winter Garden Women’s Shelter, J’s Photo and Video Production, Veronikas Boutique, Back to Action Physical Therapy, Dr. Jorge A. Barboza Sosa M.D., P.A., Southwest School of Business, A Plus Credit Card Services, Avon, Aspen Medical USA, SRSU Rio Grande College, Mall De Las Aguilas, J and K Loan and Tax Services, Hesles Sporting Goods, Mias Restaurant , Rodees Country Fried Chicken, Downtown Cupcake Shop, Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites, Eagle Pass Rotary Club, Maverick County Junior Livestock Show Committee, Rio Insurance Agency, Blanquita’s Adult Daycare, Shop Small Shop Local, Peter Piper Pizza, Uvalde Chamber of Commerce, City of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, Modern Woodmen of America, and many others

The First Annual Eagle Pass Women’s Business Fair was well attended and received by the participants, who expressed looking forward to next year’s event.