The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce has named Ramiro Garza Jr. and Veronica Gonzales as the recipients of its 2025 Man and Woman of the Year awards, recognizing two longtime community leaders whose careers have helped shape the city’s growth and civic identity.

Both honorees will be celebrated at the Chamber’s Centennial Installation and Awards Banquet on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at the Region One Education Service Center. The “Roaring 20s”-themed event will mark 100 years of Chamber history, celebrate community achievement, and welcome new board president Aaron “Nick” Cantu.

Garza, the outgoing mayor of Edinburg and founder and publisher of the Rio Grande Valley Business Journal, is being honored for more than two decades of public service. Before his election as mayor in 2021, Garza served as the city’s economic development director and later as city manager, roles in which he oversaw major infrastructure projects and helped attract investment to Edinburg.

Decades of service

Under his leadership, the city earned recognition as a four-time All-America City, a reflection of Garza’s emphasis on community collaboration and long-term planning. His advocacy through the Edinburg 2040 Vision Plan has guided improvements in infrastructure, transparency, and quality of life across the community.