P.O. Box 85 602 W. University Edinburg, TX 78540 Phone (956) 383-4974 Fax (956) 383-6942
www.edinburg.com
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS CHAIRMAN Cris Torres • Inter National Bank
CHAIR - ELECT Lee Castro • Memorial Funeral Home
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Mark Magee • First National Bank
Mar / Apr / May 2008
Vision Statement The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce is a network of leaders serving Edinburg and the region as an advocate and resource, advancing commerce and the quality of life.
Mission Statement Our Charge is to lead the effort in advancing commerce and the quality of life in Edinburg and the region. We will foster service, development, and growth by forging positive relationships, advocating volunteerism, and leadership development.
TREASURER Brian Disque • Texas State Bank
VICE-CHAIRMEN Ramiro Garza • Edinburg Economic Development Corp. Elva Jackson Garza • Edwards Abstract and Title Co. Noe Valdez • Valdez Meats & Catering Cynthia Bocanegra • Chaps Bar & Grill Johnny Rodriguez • Austin Personnel Services
Core Values We will be ambitious in our endeavors, operate effectively and efficiently, promote mutual respect and honesty, seek commitment, ownership, and accountability, and have fun!
DIRECTORS Darcy Kelly Maggie Kent J. P. English Mike Govind Gene Espinoza Dina Araguz Gus Casas Abel J. Leal Edna Peña
Peter Piper Pizza General Dentistry Centers Amigo Power Equipment Best Western, Edinburg Inn & Suites Edinburg City Council International Bank of Commerce G & S Glass Edward Jones Investments Horizon Properties
STAFF Letty Martinez, President Evana Vleck, Director of Marketing & Special Events Imelda Rodriguez, Director of Tourism Frank Lara, Director of Membership
CONTENTS Letter from the Chairman ............................................3 Fiesta Edinburg - Recap............................................5-8 RGV Walk of Fame.......................................................9 Public Affairs Luncheon .............................................10 Ribbon Cuttings.........................................................11 Leadership Edinburg ..................................................12 Edinburg Today Breakfast ..........................................13 Hasta La Vista Pachanga ...........................................14 Chapin to Edinburg: A Historic Retelling ...................15 Power Punch @ Lunch...............................................16 Feature Businesses ....................................................17
Graphic Design: Torrey Huerta
EEDC Economic Update .............................................19
Letter from the Chairman I am pleased to inform you that Fiesta Edinburg was a big success. So many volunteers worked hard, making Fiesta’s 40th Annual Anniversary a memorable event. Of course, a big thank you goes out to all of our sponsors.
Without
volunteers, sponsors, or community support Fiesta Edinburg wouldn’t be such a grand occasion for our city. This year, our headliners were “Cherish” and “Solido”, and we received a great crowd response on both days, which makes Fiesta even that much more exciting. Fiesta’s parade was also a big hit; past
As you can see, between Fiesta Edinburg, the
presidents from the Chamber of Commerce
Texas Cook’em, the Edinburg Centennial,
took the lead as Grand Marshals, and got into
Night of Lights, plus other various events
the “Retro” spirit!
including
I also have to mention
Ribbon
Cuttings
and
Ground
Fiesta’s Retro Disco Dance Party, thanks to
Breakings, the Chamber of Commerce, Staff,
Johnny Joe, and Billy Santiago, our party was a
Board of Directors and Volunteers are always
dancing success. We appreciate everyone who
working
took part in Fiesta, and we are getting ready for
community quality events, seminars, and
other big community events.
festivals throughout the year. We are here to
conscientiously
to
bring
the
better serve our community, and to make July 4th, marks the 3rd Annual Texas Cook’em:
Edinburg stand out, as a superior city with
High Steaks in Edinburg; each year the steak
pride, and dignity.
cook off grows bigger and bigger, attracting cooks throughout Texas, and beyond.
Sincerely,
On
Cris Torres
October 10th, 2008, Edinburg will celebrate 100 years of history, and the Chamber of Commerce along with the City of Edinburg and other
businesses
and
organizations
are
preparing a calendar of events for the historic occasion: Edinburg Centennial, please look out for that event, and call the chamber for more information. 3
Title Insurance And Serving You Are The Foundation Of Our Business
Founded in 1880 Proudly Celebrating 128 Years of Service in the Rio Grande Valley www.edwards-titleco.com Edinburg
McAllen
Mission/Sharyland
Weslaco
3111 W. Freddy Gonzalez Edinburg, Texas 78539 (956) 383-4951 Fax (956) 383-5443
319 Nolana Ave. McAllen, Texas 78504 (956) 682-4951 Fax (956) 631-3504
2005 E. Griffin Parkway Mission, Texas 78572 (956) 583-1220 Fax (956) 583-1798
2300 W. Pike Blvd., Suite 101 Weslaco, Texas 78596 (956) 973-9654 Fax (956) 968-7163
40th Annual Fiesta Edinburg -- RECAP The 40th Annual Fiesta Edinburg was a huge success.
Johnny Rodriguez was the first place winner at Fiesta’s
The 4 day event (February 21st - 24th) featured a
“RETRO” Disco Dance.
“RETRO” Disco Dance, the Heart of America Carnival, live performances by students, and local organizations, a “RETRO” parade with over 100 participants, good food, entertainment, a hands on area for kids organized by the Edinburg World Birding Center and the Dustin Sekula Memorial Library, and live music, including headliners “Cherish” for Friday’s Wild 104 Night, and “Solido” ending the concert on Saturday night.
Fiesta Edinburg’s BIG Parade Winners
1st place: Nadia’s All That Dance
2nd place: Edinburg Crime Stoppers
3rd place: Edwards Abstract And Title Co.
All participants worked diligently on decorations, costumes and dance moves! For our Fiesta’s 40th, past presidents of the Chamber took the lead as Grand Marshals, thanks to all who participated, and thank you Edinburg North Art Department for taking the time to decorate the Grand Marshal float; Groovy, Baby!
Honorable Mention Dustin Sekula Memorial Library Welcome Home Vietnam Era Veterans
Thank you to all who contributed, and helped in making Fiesta’s 40th Anniversary a momentous occasion! 5
A Special Thanks Goes Out to All of Fiesta Edinburg’s Sponsors TITANIUM Edinburg Chamber of Commerce City of Edinburg
PLATINUM IBC Bank Budweiser
GOLD
SILVER
Edwards Abstract And Title Co First National Bank Magic Valley Electric Coop South Texas Health System The Edinburg Review The Monitor Edinburg Economic Development Corporation
Inter National Bank AEP Texas Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson Greater South Texas Bank Coca Cola Martin Farm & Ranch Texas State Bank Valley Land Title
BACKSTAGE SPONSORS Medicine Shoppe G&S Glass Hidalgo County Judge JD Salinas Rodz Grill & Bar Memorial Funeral Home Austin Personnel Services ELAC Horizon Properties 6
We appreciate everyone involved, including: The Edinburg World Birding Center The Dustin Sekula Memorial Library The Edinburg Boys & Girls Club The City of Edinburg Parks & Rec Department The City of Edinburg Solid Waste Department The City of Edinburg Police Department All other City departments who helped, and took part
• Clerical
The Fiesta Edinburg Committee (you know who you are)
• Light Industrial • Agriculture
Parade Judges
• Administrative Assistants
Destiny Campos James Cano
• Maquila Placement
Cris Torres Letty Reyes
• Payroll
Volunteers
• Data Entry
Nadia Valdez
• Construction
Cris Torres Elva Jackson Garza
Prescreening Employment • Drug Screening
Noe Valdez Ramiro Garza
Edinburg Chamber of Commerce 2008 Calendar of Events
Johnny Rodriguez Ed Urias
Power Punch @ Lunch FREE • Edinburg Depot Sponsored by Chick-fil-A
Brian Flores Melissa Rodriguez Kimberly Rodriguez
Membership Round-up FREE • 5:30 pm, location TBA Food, Music, Door Prizes
Rene Torres Dalia Arce Betty Rodriguez Marissa Urias Jeremy Martinez IBC Bank
March 26
April 24th
Financial Investment Seminar FREE • 12-1 pm, Edinburg Depot
May 21
Power Punch @ Lunch FREE • 12-1, Edinburg Depot Sponsored by Memorial Funeral Home
June 18
Texas Cook'em Edinburg Municipal Park Food, Fun, Live Music, Cook off featuring: Steak, Chicken, Ribs & Brisket
Leadership Edinburg Class XIX Aida Hernandez
July 4
Edinburg Centennial October 6-10 FREE • Ice-cream Social, Biggest Cake Ever, Exhibit, Ribbon Cutting, Proclamation, Reception, Poetry Reading, Music, and more!
Dago Rivera Ramiro Rodriguez Sid Domgode
For more information: 956-383-4974 • www.edinburg.com
7
40th Annual
Fiesta Edinburg February 21-24, 2008
Edinburg Civic Leader Honored at RGV Walk of Fame Ceremony A very special evening honoring thirty-two civic
of the great pleasures of my life,� she stated.
and business leaders from twenty-one cities in the
Jackson Garza currently serves Edwards Abstract
Rio Grande Valley was held on February 29 at the
and Title Co. as vice president and marketing
Dodge Arena. The City of
manager. She is married to
Hidalgo,
Borderfest
Alfredo Ruben Garza of
Hidalgo
Edinburg and the daughter of
Chamber of Commerce and
Alberto Jackson, Jr. and
City
Maria Sidia Gracia Jackson
Association,
of
Hidalgo
Municipal
Texas
Facilities
of La Joya.
Corporation sponsored the Rio Grande Walk of Fame as part
of
the
Borderfest
festivities.
One of the highlights of the Elva Jackson Garza (left) receives the Rio Grande Valley Walk of Fame commemorative award from Lieutenant General Ricardo S. Sanchez as her mother, Maria Sidia Gracia Jackson proudly looks on.
evening was the introduction and special welcome given to the 2008 Border Texan of
Mayor John David Franz welcomed over 300
the Year, Lieutenant General (Ret.) Ricardo S.
guests and family members of the inductees from
Sanchez. Lt. General Sanchez led U.S. troops in
Alamo to Weslaco.
Citizens from Hidalgo,
the war in Iraq and is a native of the Rio Grande
Cameron, Starr and Willacy counties were
Valley. Inductees were presented with a special
recognized for exemplary leadership, service and
commemorative brick as a personal keepsake and a
dedication to their communities.
tile in the Rio Grande Valley Walk of Fame at the Dodge Arena.
The inductee for the city of Edinburg was Elva Jackson Garza, a long time business and civic leader who has devoted over twenty-five years of service not only to Edinburg, but many other organizations throughout Hidalgo County. “I am
Congratulations!
humbled and honored to receive this award and recognition. Giving back to my community is one
9
Public Affairs Luncheon Thursday, February 7th the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and Public Affairs Committee headed by Ramiro Garza, hosted the "State of the City" where Edinburg Mayor Joe Ochoa addressed over 200 members of the community. The Public Affairs Luncheons allows business people to meet, network and create opportunities for the companies they represent. "We encourage all Chamber investors and others interested in learning about hot topics affecting our community and the Rio Grande Valley to attend," commented Elva Jackson Garza, Vice Chair of the Membership Committee. Mayor Ochoa spoke on topics such as art & culture and also gave an economic overview.
Mayor Ochoa also addressed Edinburg's growth in culture and arts. A cultural committee, steered by Edna Pena is currently meeting to establish arts in all mediums from performing arts to visual arts for the community of Edinburg. Anyone interested in volunteering to sit on the committee is welcomed to bring their ideas and expertise. "Edinburg is growing in many directions, I feel that along with business, art is also an asset to any emergent community. Edinburg is fortunate to house UTPA, there are plenty of art students and graduates who attend the local university, and need outlets outside of school walls to enjoy art in their daily lives outside of school" commented Evana Vleck, Marketing Director for the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce.
Mayor Ochoa talked about the Shoppes at Rio Grande, "The Shoppes at Rio Grande, or as I would have preferred - The Shoppes at Edinburg - will total 1.2 million square feet. This regional shopping center will feature a traditional department store, big box retailers, national and local specialty stores, restaurants, entertainment, and a full service hotel. Phase 1 of the project will be complete in the Fall of 2008, and so far includes: Burlington Coat Factory, JC Penney, The Shoe Depot and First National Bank� stated Mayor Ochoa.
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce along with the Public Affairs Committee was very pleased with the attendance, and offers quarterly luncheons to address various topics on public interest, providing quality of life and informing the citizens of Edinburg and the Rio Grande Valley. The next event is slated for April, 08 the topic is later TBA.
Sponsored By: Austin Personnel Services and Edwards Abstract And Title Co.
10
Ribbon Cuttings
The Discovery School
Bella Hacienda Adult Day Care
1711 W. Alberta Rd., Edinburg, TX Patricia “Cookie” Bader • 956-381-1117
4211 W. University Drive, Edinburg, TX 78539 Dahlia Casanova • 956-316-1703
The Kidz Closet
Celestial Wireless
1629 Canton Rd., Edinburg, TX 78539 Sulema Flores • 956-383-5886
2216 W. Trenton, Edinburg, TX 78539 Israel Hernandez • 956-994-9949
Renaissance Behavioral Center
Pulmonary & Sleep Center of the Valley
5510 Rafael Drive, Edinburg, TX 78540 John Gill • 956-688-2700
2821 Michelangelo Drive, Ste. 303, Edinburg, TX 78540 Rosa Dina • 956-630-1000
To view the Chamber Champion Committee Ribbon Cutting / Groundbreaking Ceremony Policy, please visit www.edinburg.com
11
Leadership Edinburg Class XIX Completes Their 5th Leadership Session Leadership Edinburg is continuously striving to reach their goal in serving as community leaders. The Leadership Class kicked off their sessions with a hands-on retreat at South Padre Island in September 2007, and began their 1st session October 2007 with a History Session. In November 2007, Leadership Edinburg covered an Education session, and in December 2007 they covered healthcare. January 2008 the Leadership Class completed a community service session. The Leadership Edinburg Class will go through 3 more sessions, Criminal Justice in March, Economic Development in April, and Quality of Life in May, 2008 then Leadership Edinburg Class XIX will graduate on May 28th, 2008. Class XIX recently completed their 5th session, in which Politics, Government and Media were the topics. Volunteer
Social Life (Arts and Life in the Community
speakers included Oscar Saldana with US Border Patrol,
Publication), and Britney Booth with ENC 12
Hidalgo County Commissioner Oscar Garza, David
(Edinburg Cable Network). The session was very
Robledo Publisher of South Texas Nation (Art and Culture
informative and all panel speakers received a positive
News Publication), Pepe Cabeza de Vaca, Publisher of
response from the Leadership Class.
Edinburg Today Breakfast - Back Row - Jay Flores, Pamela Dougherty, Loida Leal, Estella Macias, Naomi Perales, Lupita Cano, Frank Lara, Victor Arteaga, Jerry Salazar. Front Row - Monica Rodriguez, Dacia Salinas, Destiny Campos, Nora Garza Not Pictured - Omar Garza, Julio Rodriguez
SPI Retreat Picture - Back Row - Loida Leal, Manny Carrizales, Victor Arteaga, Julio Rodriguez, Destiny Campos, Jerry Salazar, Monica Rodriguez, Jay Flores, Omar Garza, Pamela Dougherty. Front Row - Nora Garza, Lupita Cano, Dacia Salinas, Naomi Perales, Estella Macias, Frank Lara
12
Heart Hospital Sponsors Edinburg Today Valentine’s Day Breakfast
Pictured are staff and physicians from McAllen Heart Hospital.
A special thanks goes out to Oscar Garza, Mayor Joe Ochoa, Dr. Robert Kent, and South Texas Health System.
The Edinburg Today Breakfast was held on Thursday, February 14th, 2008 at the Echo Hotel & Conference Center from 6:30-8:30 am. The breakfast was generously sponsored by the McAllen Heart Hospital. Valentine’s Day is a special Day, and the Heart Hospital treats every heart with care. The early morning breakfast drew a large crowd from the community, including business owners and dignitaries. The McAllen Heart Hospital offered free blood pressure checks and glucose screenings for all who attended.
April 23rd will mark the Edinburg Today Brunch, 10:30-11:30 am for more information on the brunch, call 956-383-4974.
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber Champion Committee would like to thank the following individuals and businesses for donating door prizes to the event: Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, Cynthia Bocanegra: Winning Mortgage Solutions, Flo Prater: Rio Valley Realty, Tiffany Gomez: Edinburg Nursing & Rehabilitation, Corina Canchola: First National Bank, Lee Castro: Memorial Funeral Home, Jeannie Sandoval: Oakcrest Management, and Johnny & Melissa Rodriguez from Austin Personnel Services.
13
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Adan Salazar Financial Advisor 2106 E. Griffin Pkwy Mission, TX 78572 956-580-2900
Hasta La Vista Pachanga! The Edinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) along with the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce (ECOC) hosted the HASTA LA VISTA PACHANGA, Thursday, February 21st at the Edinburg Activity Center. Over 400 Winter Texans from various parks staying in the Edinburg area attended the grandiose event. Live music by “Miller Tyme”, brisket sandwiches, cake, border buttermilk and plenty of door prizes made the Pachanga a BIG celebration! The Edinburg CVB and the ECOC would like to once again thank all of the Winter Texans who shopped, ate, and leisured in Edinburg, and would like to welcome them along with friends, and family back next year for more excitement, shopping, and dinning. Edinburg is currently booming, and Winter Texans are vital to the community; their visits to Edinburg assist our growing economy during the winter months. 14
Chapin to Edinburg: A Historic Retelling
The City of Edinburg was founded in 1908, where it was first named Chapin, Texas; in 1911 the town of Chapin was newly named Edinburg, Texas and today The Edinburg Centennial Committee is celebrating the Centennial date from which Edinburg was founded, October 10, 1908.
During the month of October,
Edinburg will go down in history by looking back to reflect the establishment and growth of our great city. A series of historic events will take place during the month of October organized by the community. The Edinburg Public Library, the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District, the Museum of South Texas History, the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, the City of Edinburg, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation and other various businesses, and organizations will all take part in celebrating 100 years of history.
We are
COMING SOON!
currently working on a calendar of events that will be effective during the week of October 6th-11th, 2008 that
JULY 4th, 2008 Edinburg Municipal Park
will include art exhibits, programming, music, business
Steak • Chicken • Ribs • Brisket
participation, and a grand reception.
We encourage
Live Music
every Edinburg business and resident to become
Fireworks!
involved in the Centennial, as we have 100 years worth
Over $15,000 in Prize Money
of history to celebrate; all are welcomed to take part. For more information, or to become involved in
Do you have what it takes to be the best?
Edinburg’s Centennial Committee, please contact the
956-383-4974
Edinburg Chamber of Commerce at 956-383-4974. 15
Power Punch @ Lunch Sponsored by the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce recently hosted the first Power Punch @ Lunch for the New Year. On January 30th, 2008 the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce sponsored the popular Power Luncheon, a fun and exciting way to network, and socialize with other businesses in our community. There were over 65 participants at the FREE event, and many door prizes donated by Gisela Hughes, Memorial Funeral Home, Austin Personnel Services, and UTPA Coach Willy Gawlik. Power Punch @ Lunch is the perfect place to establish contacts, and expose your business. The next Power Punch @ Lunch is set for March 26th from 12:00-1:00 p.m. @ the depot, generously sponsored by Chick-fil-A
16
Feature Businesses of the Month DECEMBER
Realty Executives 956-686-4444 4421 N. McColl McAllen, Texas 78504
JANUARY
JANUARY
Edinburg Children’s Hospital 956-388-6800 1102 W Trenton Rd. Edinburg, Texas 78539
Monster Carwash 956-383-9274 2702 W. University Drive Edinburg, Texas 78540
17
Economic Update by Ramiro Garza, Jr.
The year 2007 represented another phenomenal year for the City. All the economic indicators reflected another strong showing which includes construction activity, sales tax revenues, bank deposits and labor force. By the looks of the first two months of economic activity in 2008, the Edinburg economy continues to be on the rise.
economic environment. As part of a concentrated effort to propel the community’s pro-business attitude toward business attraction, the EEDC invited real estate brokers, developers, city department directors, and other industry professionals to attend to discuss the city’s development activities.
Edinburg’s retail economy for the first two months of 2008, as measured by the amount of local and state sales taxes generated by a wide range of local businesses, is up 8 percent over the same month period in 2007. The latest statistics from the Texas Workforce Commission shows that Edinburg’s unemployment rate for January 2008 was 4.9% which is among the lowest jobless rate among major Valley cities.
The EEDC also took part in the Texas Economic Development Council Winter Meeting at South Padre Island on January 16 - 18. Sessions that EEDC participated in included: New Market Tax Credits, Update on the Emerging Technology Fund, Use of 380/381 Agreements, and a session with a special guest speaker Thomas Klier, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.
While residential activity has not grown at the same level as in the past, the Edinburg economy shall continue to grow due to the amount of jobs being created, retail trade activity, and the growing health services sector taking place.
As our quality of place continues to improve, the City of Edinburg and the Edinburg EDC will continue to attract and retain the highest quality industries to our area, making Edinburg a great place to live, work and raise a family.
Due to the dynamics of the changing economy, we have initiated a commercial real estate roundtable discussion. The EEDC hosted the latest one on January 29, 2008, bringing in local industries encouraging insightful comments about Edinburg’s current business and
For anyone interested in the latest demographics and economic activity, please contact our office at 383-7124 or go to our website at www.edinburgedc.com.
19
VIP Members AEP Texas Central Company
Estrada Hinojosa & Company Inc.
Lone Star National Bank
Azteca Milling L.P
Exquisita Tortillas, Inc.
Magic Valley Electric Co-op.
AT&T
First National Bank
Memorial Funeral Home
Best Western - Edinburg Inn & Suites
Frontera Produce
Progressive Telecommunications
Beyamar Home Health & Hospice
Gateway Printing & Office Supply
Roberts Chevrolet
Boggus Motor Sales, Inc.
Greater South Texas Bank
Roy’s Hauling Service, Inc.
Border Capital Bank
H.E.B.
Royston, Rayzor, Vickery
Capital One
H.E.B. #2
& Williams, LLP
Charles Clark Chevrolet
Inland Paperboard and Packaging Inc.
Santiago Gonzalez, Jr., C.P.A.
Chase Bank
Inter National Bank
South Texas Health System
Collision Masters
International Bank of Commerce
Staples #1037
D & F Industries
International Paper Company
Texas State Bank
Echo Hotel and Conference Center
J. E. Saenz & Associates
University of Texas Pan American
Edinburg C.I.S.D
JAR Development, LP.
Valdez Meats & Catering
Edinburg Industrial Foundation Inc.
Journal Communications
Wal-Mart
Edwards Abstract and Title Co.
Kolder Inc.
Wells Fargo Bank
Elite Rehab Services L.L.C.
L&G Concrete Construction Inc.
Whataburger
BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE
PAID P.O. Box 85/602 W. University Drive Edinburg, Texas 78540 956-383-4974 www.edinburg.com
Edinburg, TX 78539 Permit No. 58
Depot Express is a bi-monthly publication of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. All images, material, and editorial content is the sole property of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. Š2008