Joe Vera lll, CECD, CFEE

President & CEO
BorderFest Association

Employment:
City Manager City of Hidalgo 1996 to present
President & CEO, Hidalgo Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation 1980 to present
BorderFest Association, President & CEO 1980 to present

Education:
Pan American University, Edinburg, Texas-1974-1978
Southern Methodist University Institute for Organization Management- U.S. C of C, Dallas, TX
Certified Economic and Community Developer
Certified Festival & Event Executive

Professional Association:
Director, International Festival & Events Association Board
Chairman-Elect, International Festival & Events Association Foundation Board
Past President, Director and Member, Texas Association of Fairs & Events
Past President and Member, Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives
Past President, Director and Member, Texas Festivals and Events Association
Past President and Member, Valley Chamber of Commerce Executives
Past Member of the Board of Regents, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute, SMU-Dallas
Member Texas City Managers Association

Community Service:
Chairman of the Board, United Way of South Texas, 2002-2003, 2003-2004, Campaign Chairman, 2001-2002,
Vice President - Strategic Planning, United Way of South Texas, 2000- 2001
Member Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Hidalgo, Finance Committee Chairman, Building Fund Campaign Co-Chairman
Member Knights of Columbus, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Hidalgo,
Member Hidalgo Lions Club
4-H Adult Leader, Pharr 4-H Club, 1974 - Present

Honors:
International Festivals & Event Association
- Hall of Fame, Lifetime Achievement Award 2005
Texas Chamber Of Commerce Executives
- Marvin Hurley, Lifetime Achievement Award 1993 and TCCE Distinguished Service Award 1990
Texas Association of Business
- Chamber Manager of the Year 2004
Texas Association of Fairs and Events
- TAFE Hall of Fame, Lifetime Achievement Award 2003
Texas Festivals and Events Association
- TFEA Hall of Honor, Lifetime Achievement Award 1994, TFEA Professional of the Year Award 1986
United Way Of Texas
- Texans Helping Texans- Pioneer Award 2003
Texas 4-H and Youth Foundation
- Distinguished Volunteer Leader of Texas 1976
United Way Of South Texas
- Volunteer of the Year, 1999-2000
Univision Television 48, Rio Grande Valley
- Personalidad - Imagen del Valle, June 2000Hidalgo
County 4-H Adult Leaders Association
- Adult Leader of the Year 1976
Pharr Boys & Girls Club
- Man of the Year 1989
Boy Scouts of America
- Eagle Scout, - Order of the Arrow/Vigil Honor Member