Tyler, TX-November 5, 2009- San Juans Garza Caf￩ and Martin Drug Company received the Judges Recognition-Downtown Business award from the Texas Downtown Association (TDA). The winners of the 2009 Presidents Award Program were announced November 5, 2009,

Tyler, TX-November 5, 2009- San Juan’s Garza Café and Martin Drug Company received the Judges Recognition-Downtown Business award from the Texas Downtown Association (TDA). The winners of the 2009 Presidents Award Program were announced November 5, 2009, at the Texas Downtown Revitalization Conference sponsored by the Texas Downtown Association and the Texas Main Street Program. Since 1998, ore than 100 projects, events and people in Texas downtowns have received statewide recognition through the awards program.

The Judge’s Recognition-Downtown Business award was bestowed by the judges  as a way to acknowledge the longevity of both Garza Café and Martin Drug Company as downtown businesses and their role as important partners of downtown revitalization efforts in San Juan. Garza Café has been in business since 1943 and remains in their original location in downtown San Juan. Martin Drug Company was established in 1917 and recently underwent an extensive renovation that greatly contributes to the feel of downtown.

Representatives from downtown San Juan made a presentation to a statewide audience at the annual Texas Downtown Revitalization Conference in Tyler on November 5. Winners were announced and the awards gala that evening.

Judging for the awards took place in Austin. The distinguished jury panel included the following representatives: Linda Johnson, L.S. Johnston Architects, Austin: Susan Lassell, Chiang, Patel & Yerby, Austin; John Lasserre, Texas Historical Commission, Austin; Patricia Sharpe, Texas Monthly, Austin; and Sherri Zeitman, What’s the Big Idea?, Plano.

TDA is a statewide nonprofit organization comprising more than 400 members involved in more that $1 billion in downtown revitalization projects. By fostering development and revitalization, TDA strives to enhance the economic vitality of Texas downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts by providing resources, networking opportunities, education and advocacy. For more information, including the complete list of award winners, visit www.texasdowntown.org.

Cut line: Martin Drug Company and Garza Café received the Judges Recognition-Downtown Business award from Texas Downtown Association. Front Row: Lupe Rodriguez, Mayor Pro-Tem, Pedro Contreras, Mayor, Alma Prado, San Juan EDC Board Secretary, Javier Garza, Mary Garza, and Eddie Garcia San Juan EDC Board Member. Back Row: Eddie Tapia, San Juan EDC Board Treasurer, Commissioner Armando Garza,  Miki McCarthy, San Juan EDC Executive Director,  Commissioner Eddie Suarez, Jesse Zambrano, San Juan EDC Board Member, Jose L. Santillan, San Juan EDC Board Vice-President,  Lourdes Suarez, San Juan EDC Board Assistant Secretary, and Bobby Rodríguez, San Juan EDC Board President.

Contact Information:

Miki McCarthy

San Juan EDC

956-783-3448