Chamber taps Garza, Gonzales as 2025 Man, Woman of the Year

Staff Report

Edinburg, TX – The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce has named Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. and Veronica Gonzales, a senior vice president at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, as its 2025 Man and Woman of the Year. The pair will be recognized at the Chamber’s Centennial Installation and Awards Banquet on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 6:30 p.m. at the Region One Education Service Center, 1900 W. Schunior St.

The “Roaring 20s”-themed event will mark the Chamber’s 100th year, celebrate annual achievements and install new leadership. The program will honor Immediate Past President Ruben James De Jesus and welcome Aaron “Nick” Cantu as board president.

Garza, a former executive director of the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation and the city’s longtime former city manager, is being recognized for two decades of public service and community involvement. As mayor since 2021, he has emphasized long-term planning, infrastructure and quality-of-life priorities. His advocacy during a public battle with prostate cancer has also drawn wide notice.

Gonzales serves as UTRGV’s senior vice president for governmental and community relations, overseeing engagement at the local, state and federal levels. A former state representative, she is cited for sustained leadership in education, governmental affairs, workforce and economic development, and service to nonprofit organizations across the region.

Tickets and table reservations are available through the Chamber at (956) 383-4974 or edinburg.com.

Source — Edinburg Chamber of Commerce.