2005 Award Recipients

Former Chairman of the Board, Randy Summers announced this year's award recipients: Woodcrafters-Tan US was awarded Business of the Year; Howdy Smith, Outstanding Citizen; Norma Montalvo, Woman of the Year; and Hector Farias, Man of the Year. With a daily payroll of over $20,000 and assets exceeding $75 million for this year, Woodcrafters-Tan US was recognized as the 2005 Business of the Year. The company began in the 1980's and is presently a world class manufacturing facility completing a six million dollar expansion. Wood Crafters-Tan US has been recognized as a leader in their industry for product innovation and vision. Most recipients, if not all, were very surprised when their names were announced. "I didn't expect this," said Howdy Smith, Weslaco's Citizen of the Year. Smith continues to volunteer at Amigos del Valle. For over 10 years, he has been collecting day old bread from HEB and distributes it to the elderly and poor. In 1985 he provided Senior Games for the elderly, what is now the Rio Grande Valley Border Senior Games. Smith serves as president of the Weslaco Parks & Recreation Advisory Board. HEB has named him Senior Ambassador and he is the primary organizer for Feast of Sharing in the Mid Valley. Smith serves as an Hidalgo County and City of Weslaco Election Official. Norma Montalvo was selected to be the 2005 Woman of the Year. Montalvo was recognized for her many accomplishments serving her community on the Chamber Board of Directors and as president of the Weslaco Museum Board. She chaired the Relay for Life Fund Raiser for the Mid-Valley Cancer Society in 2003 and works diligently on Knapp Medical Foundation's Harvest Night every year. Former Weslaco Mayor Hector Farias received the 2005 Man of the Year award. "It is truly an honor," said Farias. "This was the best kept secret, I didn't know." Farias has served the City of Weslaco as a City Commissioner and then as Mayor from 1981 to 1986. Governor Rick Perry appointed Farias to serve on the State Veteran's Board. He was instrumental in creating the Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco and now serves as its chairman of the board. The Awards Selection Committee for selecting the Outstanding Citizen award and the Man or Woman of the Year is composed of former award recipients. For additional information contact the Weslaco Chamber at (956) 968-2102.