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Business Openings & EventsIrving’s Our Lady of the Shoes Statue

The City of Leon in Mexico has long been considered the shoe

capital of the world. With a metropolitan area population of about

2 million, it is the largest city in the State of Guanajuato, situated

near the center of Mexico. Irving established a Sister Cities

relationship with Leon in 1996.

In recognition of the friendship, cultural and trade ties that were

formed, Leon Mayor Jorge Obregon-Serrano presented a gift in

1999 to then Irving Mayor Morris Parrish in the form of a statute:“Our Lady of the Shoes.”

This statue is located and displayed in a prominent place in the

lobby of Irving’s Human Services Building on Nursery Avenue

and Irving Blvd., as noted in the photos. The work of art was, no

doubt, inspired by both the proud view of a modest but honorable

tradition and legacy that Leon boasts in its leather and shoe

industry, as well as Mexico’s sacred and widely venerated patron

virgin, Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The Sister Cities relationship between Irving and Leon has

 prospered, with countless examples to date of cultural exchanges

and trade activities. Leon is

a city with a rich history,

extensive cultural heritage

and tremendous trade

 potential, all of which serve

Irving well in this

relationship.

The Greater Irving-LasColinas Chamber of 

Commerce is proud to

continue seeking and

 promoting trade potential for 

 positive economic impact for 

  both communities, and

representing the City of 

Irving in its Sister Cities

relationship with Leon.

Bilingual Program Produces 4th Grade National Champion

One of Irving ISD’s 4th grade English Dual Language students has won the National

Association of Bilingual Educators (NABE) essay contest for why it is good to be

 bilingual. Hanna Allen learned that she will be honored at the NABE conference in

Dallas this February. She also receives an award of $1000

Dedication to Norma Stanton Way

By Irving on December 21, 2011 9:48 AM

Gary Thomas, President/Executive Director of the Dallas Area

Rapid Transit, was joined by State Representative Linda

Harper-Brown, Irving Mayor Beth Van Duyne, Mayor Pro

Tem Rick Stopfer and City Council Member Lewis Patrick in

the dedication of Norma Stanton Way at the Trinity Railway

Equipment Maintenance Facility just off Rock Island near ValleyView Lane.

Ms. Stanton’s years of service on the DART Board and the

Irving City Council were recognized, and her steadfast

leadership in bringing DART and the TRE to Irving. She has

 been a visionary for mass transit in Irving from the early days

of 1983 and through an election in 1996 to keep Irving in DART.

Ms. Stanton was joined by family members and her many friends

in celebration of this special occasion.