Texas Gov. Greg Abbott will serve as the keynote speaker for the Laredo Chamber of Commerce’s annual gala dinner. Gabriel Castillo, chairman of chamber’s Vision 2018 organizing committee, made the announcement Monday. “In making the announcement, Castillo underscored the governor’s unrelenting support for business as evidenced by the recent designation by CNBC of Texas as ‘America’s Top State for Business’ under his leadership,” a news release from the chamber states. This year’s Vision Gala Dinner is scheduled for Sept. 27.

The Vision Gala is the chamber’s annual premier fundraising event. “This event offers an excellent platform to address business and sociopolitical issues of relevance,” said Miguel Conchas, president of the chamber. “High-caliber individuals and well-known leaders such as Governor Greg Abbott provide varying perspectives which are of interest not only to local community but to the region as a whole.” A native Texan and avid sportsman and hunter, Abbott was born in Wichita Falls and raised in Duncanville. After graduating from The University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor of business administration in finance, he earned a law degree from Vanderbilt University Law School.

“As Texas’ 48th governor, Abbott continues to build on his long record as a conservative leader who fights to preserve Texas values like faith, family and freedom,” a news release states. “Under his leadership, Texas again has led the nation in job creation as a record number of Texans are employed even as the state’s population continues its record growth. “Due in part to successes from his first legislative session that included cutting billions in taxes to stimulate job growth, improving Texas roads, focusing on quality education, securing the border and expanding protection of Texans’ constitutional rights, the Texas economy is now the 10th-largest among the nations of the world. As stated earlier, this has culminated in Texas being designated as ‘America’s Top State for Business’ by CNBC.” Prior to his election to the governor post in 2014, Abbott was the 50th and longest-serving attorney general of Texas. “As the state’s chief law enforcement official, he earned a national reputation for defending religious liberty and for protecting Texas communities and children,” the news release states. He also previously served as a justice on the Texas Supreme Court and as a state district judge in Harris County. Abbott and his wife, Cecilia, a former teacher and principal, and the first Hispanic first lady of Texas, were married in 1981. Their daughter, Audrey, is a college student.

The Laredo Chamber of Commerce initiated the Vision series starting in 1989. These have been held annually and are designed to provide local business men and women with the latest information and trends related to industry and the economy. Vision initially used a half-day conference format, but in recent years the event has adopted a “speaker series” setup, scheduling sessions on multiple dates. The series then culminates with the Vision Gala. This year’s official host for the annual Gala dinner is the International Bank of Commerce. Activities are scheduled to start at 6 p.m. Sept. 27 and will be held at the IBC Annex Building on Jacaman Road. For information on sponsorships or tickets for admission, contact the Laredo Chamber of Commerce at 956-722-9895 or email chamber@laredochamber.com .

Courtesy of: Laredo Morning Times