HARLINGEN — Attorney Gene McCullough doesn’t believe he is different from many others in the city.
However, on Thursday night, McCullough, a third generation lawyer, was introduced by his fellow attorney and Mayor Chris Boswell as the Director’s Award recipient from the Harlingen Chamber of Commerce.
“I am humbled and honored to be here and truly surprised,” McCullough said, after Boswell introduced him during Thursday night’s 97th annual Chamber Awards Banquet at the TSTC Cultural Events Center. “There are so many people in this room that do so much for this community. There are so many people who are not in the room that do tremendous things for the community.”
Boswell described the reasons why McCullough received the award.
It was 2007 when McCullough was the chairman of the board, and during that era, the chamber was moving from a city-funded organization to one that was self-sustaining.
“This was an important time and his leadership was unparalleled,” Boswell said.
More recently, McCullough has devoted himself to leading the Healthy Harlingen initiative, which is intended to improve wellness of the citizens of Harlingen. Through his leadership, the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation has provided funding.
On his business side, McCullough’ law firm has served the community for three generations. His grandfather’s law office was in the Baxter building years ago, Boswell said.
McCullough was focused on the changing area and the impact local leaders will have in the coming years.
“We are in a transformative time in an area that is truly dynamic,” he said. “Things are changing in South Texas, and it is due to people in this room.”
He said everyone in the room is part of the economic future.
“You step up and that’s what people here do,” he said. “I am truly honored and humbled by this honor.”
Did you know?
• The Harlingen Chamber of Commerce has 975 members.
• The HCC performed 80 ribbon cuttings in the past year.
• Ales and Tails event this year was the highest grossing HCC event in history.
• The HCC will celebrate its 100th year in 2019.
