Over 100 business professionals from Irving packed the NYLO Hotel for the Chamber's Five Star Business Mixer on August 23rd.
The event was in recognition of Tommy's accomplishments for 5-years of service as Irving's City Manager. Irving City Council Leaders, State Representative Linda Harper-Brown, and Irving Mayor Beth Van Duyne were all in attendance to congratulate the continuing manager for many significant accomplishments under his watch.
Jo Ann Goin, Board Chairwoman-Elect, started the event and thanked all of the Chamber Members and elected officials for attending the mixer. She introduced Marisol Lopez with NYLO Hotel who shared a brief message about some of the hotels amenities. Ms. Lopez mentioned that tours were available of the boutique hotel, which also offers meeting space from 10 to 400 people.
Robert Martinez, Chairman of the Board, presented Tommy with a copy of an article as a token of our appreciation for his continuing support of the Irving business community. The article was featured in Smart Business Magazine with a story about, "How thinking like a CEO helps City government create a thriving, business-friendly region."
Some significant accomplishments under Tommy's leadership as City Manager includes:
- Recipient of Texas Award for Performance Excellence - first city ever to win.
- Lowest Crime Rate in City History
- Financial Transparency Gold Award - Texas Comptroller Leadership Circle
- Continued AAA financial rating for General Obligation Bonds (Moody's)
- City of Irving was named one of the "Best Places to Work" by the Dallas Business Journal
- Leader and innovator in use of renewable energy for construction of city facilities.
- Recognized by the Texas State Legislature as a model city for efficiency through the use of Lean Six Sigma.
- President's Circle Award - Keep America Beautiful
- Platinum Fit-Friendly Employer Award - American Heart Association
- Employer of the Year - Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter of the International Right of Way Association (IRWA)
When Mr. Gonzalez was asked to take the podium, he reminded our guests that he wasn't the only one responsible for the multiple accomplishments - giving credit to the City of Irving staff. He also gave a positive and uplifting speech that will help kick off his 6th year as City Manager. Texas State Representative Linda Harper-Brown also said a few words about the manager before presenting him with a Certificate of Gratitude and Congratulations shortly after.
