www.edinburg.com
P.O. Box 85 602 W. University Edinburg, TX 78540 Phone (956) 383-4974 Fax (956) 383-6942
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS CHAIRMAN Mark Magee • First National Bank
CHAIR - ELECT Sal Robles • American Medical Trainging Institute
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Jaime Rodriguez • JAR Development, LP
TREASURER Brian Disque • Texas State Bank
VICE-CHAIRMEN Ramiro Garza • Edinburg Economic Development Corp. Cris Torres • Inter National Bank Elva Jackson Garza • Edwards Abstract and Title Co. Noe Valdez • Valdez Meats & Catering Cynthia Bocanegra • Chaps Bar & Grill Lee Castro • Memorial Funeral Home
DIRECTORS Gary L. Henrichson Darcy Kelly Fred L. Kurth Johnny Rodriguez J. P. English Mike Govind Gene Espinoza
Law Office of Gary L. Henrichson Peter Piper Pizza Melden & Hunt, Inc. Austin Personnel Services Amigo Power Equipment Best Western, Edinburg Inn & Suites Edinburg City Council
STAFF Letty Martinez, President Cristal Mejia, Director of Tourism Evana Vleck, Director of Marketing & Special Events Imelda Rodriguez, Administrative/Tourism Assistant Frank Lara, Director of Membership
Mar./Apr./May 2007
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.
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!
CONTENTS Letter from Chairman .......................................................p.3 Edinburg Health & Fitness ................................................p.5 Edinburg Mayor Ochoa.....................................................p.6 Edinburg Day in Austin .....................................................p.7 I Shop Edinburg.............................................................p.8-9 Ribbon Cuttings.........................................................p.10-11 Thanks to FIESTA Sponsors .............................................p.12 Advertising Options ........................................................p.13 Upper Valley Humane Society.........................................p.14 Museum of South Texas History .....................................p.15 Edinburg Today Breakfast / City News............................p.16 AHA Distinguished Service Award ..................................p.17 Feature Business of the Month.......................................p.17 Power Punch @ Lunch / Calendar of Events...................p.18 EEDC Economic Update ..................................................p.19 VIP Members .......................................................Back Cover
Letter from the Chairman Greetings!
important for the future of Edinburg. It is one of the ties that bind us together as a community. People from all walks of life come together for common purpose, not because they have to, but because they want to, for the betterment of all.
Well, here we are! Spring has sprung and all of those dreary days of winter seem to finally be behind us. Everything is blooming; orange blossoms fill the air and the grass needs mowing. It’s the season of renewal and it feels good to be alive. And, if you are reading this article, it means that we survived yet another Edinburg Fiesta and all of the ancillary events that seem to occur during February. Along with Fiesta, Rotary has their annual Cajun Fest, the Kiwanis hold their pancake breakfast, the beef club is cooking, and the museum board is preparing for their gala…. You get the picture.
It doesn’t take a special skill set to volunteer. All it takes is a willing attitude, a courteous nature, personal commitment and a desire to be a part of something that is bigger than what that person can do alone. Volunteers are the life blood of our community. Businesses and individual alike provide the logistics, funding and sweat equity necessary to provide so many of the quality of life events that help to promote, reinforce and celebrate the culture of Edinburg. They also provide the support necessary to help the charitable organizations do so much good for those in need.
My point is that there are a lot of volunteers in our community who are pretty pooped at this time of year and yet, the year is only one-quarter through! I, for one, am pretty worn out. I’m tired. I’m spent, beat and sore! But, it’s a good soreness. It’s the kind of soreness that you feel when you prepare and plant a new flower bed or build that deck you’ve been threatening to build. You’re dead-dog tired, but you look with pride on your accomplishment and the aches and pains seem to melt away.
I want to publicly thank all of those individuals and businesses in the community who give of themselves in this regard. It’s one thing to throw money at a problem; it’s quite another thing to roll up your sleeves and get dirty. Here’s to all of you who enjoy getting down in the trenches and working up a sweat on behalf of Edinburg. Sure, you’ll be sore from time to time. But, it’ll be a good sore!
Have you ever wondered where Edinburg would be without volunteers? Who would work those tireless hours on behalf of all of the charitable organizations that make life bearable for so many in need? Who would teach our kids how to play organized sports or chaperone band trips? Who would oversee the library board and others like it? Who would bar-b-que for all of those fund-raisers? Who would put out the fires, both figurative and real? Remember, we even have a volunteer fire department!
Kind Regards, Mark R. Magee Chairman, Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
Volunteers do these things, not only out of the kindness of their hearts, but because they know that it is 3
EDINBURG HEALTH & FITNESS The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce hosted its first annual Health Fair in conjunction with the popular Edinburg on Wheels program. On Saturday, March 10, 2007 from 8am-12 noon, the community was invited to come out and join the fun. Raising health awareness is important to the chamber as fitness, health and wellbeing are all part of Edinburg’s quality of life experiences. Edinburg on Wheels is a popular event that all are welcomed to participate in. The event consisted of a 6 mile bike ride that began at Edinburg Regional Medical Center heading West on Trenton to Jackson road heading North up to Sprague (5 min pit-stop at Bicentennial Park) South on Jackson to Trenton and ending at Edinburg Regional Medical Center located on 1102 W Trenton in Edinburg. The bike ride is a community effort celebrating fitness and represents the strength of Edinburg’s heart. For the first time, the chamber combined efforts to bring a Health Fair which will go hand in hand with Edinburg on Wheels. The health fair featured health screenings by several local doctor’s offices and Hospitals: South Texas Health System, Cornerstone Hospital, Dr. Martin Garza Pediatrics, South Texas Health Care, Champion Home Health, Trinity Emergency Medical Service, and Doctors Hospital at Renaissance. Information booths and speakers were present; door prizes, continental breakfast and goodie bags will be provided while supplies last.
This event was free for the general public. Thank you for taking part in Edinburg’s newest series of health and wellness programs, and hope to see you all next year. 5
Edinburg Mayor Ochoa on the State of the City Standing room only is the best way to describe the recent Public Affairs Luncheon organized quarterly by the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. On Wednesday, January 31, 2007 local residents packed the Echo Hotel to listen to Mayor Joe Ochoa’s address on city projects, economic overview and the legislative agenda.
The council has made it known that these projects will move faster then the previous administration to improve the downtown area. I need citizens to step up to the plate as we have on our proposals as far as the city is concerned.” Ramiro Garza, Executive Director of the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, marked the mayor’s address as an “excellent presentation” and recognized efforts from the Edinburg community for attending. “I’m just happy to see all of these people here” he said.
Mayor Ochoa opened his speech with “Congratulations, this is totally exciting to see this kind of event. Welcome to the city of Edinburg; the three time All America City; it’s not a perfect city but a city whose working together to improve the quality of life.”
Garza also serves on the board for the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, and is chair of the Public Affairs Committee. The committee’s vision is to inform, involve and educate Chamber investors and civic leaders. “We think it’s important to offer networking opportunities based on legislative issues to the general public and we do our best to engage chamber members and patrons. Each of our luncheons has been well attended, we hope it continues” remarked Garza.
More than 200 people including city commissioners, former dignitaries, elected officials, business leaders and city staff put their hands together to welcome the positive comment. Ochoa accredited Edinburg’s economic growth on the recent and upcoming development “The new Wal-Mart, Lowes, Alamo Draft House, Pro Bowls, a coffee house, an Italian restaurant, and a pharmacy has just recently created over 1,000 jobs to local citizens; we are a growing city - with it comes challenges to meet.”
Sponsors for the event were AT&T, Time Warner Cable and Edwards Abstract and Title Co. The next Public Affairs Luncheon is tentatively set for April 2007; and the guest speaker TBA.
Ochoa also discussed plans for renovating the county square. “Right now the council has approved budget monies on the square located on 12th and University. Those projects will move forward the next 30-60 days.
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EDINBURG DAY IN AUSTIN
Leadership Edinburg Class XVIII visits the capital for Edinburg Day in Austin.
It’s become a tradition to pack up a loaded vehicle filled with Edinburgites and goody bags since time can remember. On February 7th and 8th the City of Edinburg, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation and the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce took a trip to Texas’ capital to celebrate what is known as Edinburg Day in Austin.
Edinburg was recognized at the House and Senate Floor. The trip was also very festive. Helping celebrate were Edinburg High School, Edinburg North and Edinburg Economedes’ Mariachi groups, all who preformed inside the Capital Rotunda. Leadership Edinburg Class XVIII is a group of growing leaders who volunteer their time and services to educating themselves on strong leadership skills that include education, government, quality of life, and health. The Leadership Class took this chance to brush up on governmental affairs and banned together as a group to visit the state capital. Members from the class presented State Senators and Representatives with gifts, toured the capital and personified the three time All America City of Edinburg amazingly.
Edinburg was represented well; more than 50 people, including Leadership Class XVIII attended the grandiose celebration. Edinburg residents visited the capital and were recognized by the senators and representatives across the state of Texas. It’s important for Edinburg Citizens to have the opportunity to voice their views on the effect the government has on their city, and it’s even more valuable for Austin’s leaders to have the opportunity to hear them out. Seeing the government in action is an educational gift, and understanding the process of legislation is something that all American Citizens should witness. 7
The following Edinburg Businesses are part of the I Shop Edinburg campaign. If you or your business would like to be involved with the campaign, please call us, and we’ll take care of you. To pick up your FREE I Shop discount card, stop by the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, Edinburg City Hall, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation or call 956-383-4974 for more information on how YOU can save!
Eva’s Flowers Baskets & Gifts 301 W. Schunior St. Edinburg, Tx 78541 956-381-4555 evasflowersbaskets@sbcglobal.net 10% Discount
Edinburg World Birding Center 714 Raul Longoria Rd. Edinburg, Tx 78539 956-381-9922 moliva@edinburgwbc.com 10% off all merchandise
Best Western Edinburg Inn & Suites 2708 S. Bus. Hwy. 281 Edinburg, Tx 78539 956-318-0442 godevco@aol.com 10% off rack room rate
Rex Motel 2207 S. Bus. 281 Edinburg, Tx 78539 956-383-5681 $3.00 off any rooms
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Amigo Power Equipment 304 W. Monte Cristo Edinburg, Tx 78541 956-383-6289 Jengl175@aol.com 10% off all Polaris Accessories & Echo Products La Reynera Bakery 922 W. Monte Cristo Edinburg, Tx 78541 956-380-2577 Regular 3 pieces for $1.00 Receive 4 pieces for $1.00 with I shop card
United Rentals 1702 S. Expressway 281 Edinburg, Tx 78539 956-289-8400 cantur@ur.com 10% off any Rental Willie B’s BBQ 114 E. Loeb St . Edinburg, Tx 78539 956-318-1373 Emostar311@aol.com Spend $15 and get a Free Tea or Lemonade Motel 6 1806 S. Closner Blvd Edinburg, Tx 78539 956-383-8800 Free upgrade to king size suite Divas Hair Studio 2350 E. Freddy Gonzalez Edinburg, Tx 78539 956-383-9700 10% off any service $1.00 off regular haircut Chaps Bar & Grill 2301 W. Sprauge Edinburg, Tx 78539 956-316-2350 Cynthia_bocanegra@excite.com 15% off regular price food Earthly Treasures 1116 S. Closner Edinburg, Tx 78539 956-386-1770 B.Gom@aol.com 10% off any item
Turn the Page Scrapbooking & More 3525 W. Freddy Gonzalez Edinburg, Tx 78540 956-387-0700 Half price crop night & 10% discount on supplies
Oriental Café 1900 W. University Ste. 1 Edinburg, Tx 78539 956-381-1331 10% Discount anything on the Dinner Menu Only valid as business is operational
Movie Corner 2346 Freddy Gonzalez Edinburg, Tx 78539 956-386-1222 3 New releases for $9.99 3 kids movies for $5.00
Armando’s Pizza 1900 W. University Edinburg, Tx 78539 956-383-8053 Buy 16” pizza with three toppings & get 12” cheese pizza FREE Not valid with any other offer or delivery/ No credit cards
Edinburg Executive Inn 2006 S. Closner Edinburg, Tx 78539 956-380-6201 eeiexeinn@yahoo.com 10% off rack room rate Coffee Zone 1108 S. McColl Edinburg, Tx 78539 956-381-5462 DMcoffeeco@aol.com 20% on all beverages Copy Express 24056- B W. University Dr. Edinburg, Tx 78541 956-318-5995 Copy-express@sbcglobal.net 15% off color copies, 15% off color poster 2 limit 10% off 500 full color business cards
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Los Lagos Golf Club 1720 S. Raul Longoria Edinburg, Tx 78539 956-316-0444 10% off Pro Shop 10% off Round of Golf Putters Resturant 1720 S. Raul Longoria Edinburg, Tx 78539 956-316-0444 10% off all food Ebony Hills Golf Course 300 W Palm Dr. Edinburg, Tx 78539 956-292-2144 10% off Round of Golf 10% off Pro Shop
Ribbon Cuttings
Women’s Hospital at Renaissance Located in southwest Edinburg along South McColl Road and Owassa Road Marissa Castañeda • 956-661-7581
International Bank of Commerce 2200 block on W. University, Edinburg, Texas Dora Brown 956-686-0263
LOWES 2802 W. University Drive Edinburg, Texas John Landeros 956-289-4230
Turn the Page Scrap Booking 3525 W. Freddy Gonzalez Ste. B Edinburg, Texas Cynthia Walls 956-207-8425
Upper Valley Humane Society 2501 W. Trenton Edinburg, Texas Laural Powell 956-686-1141
Edinburg Boys & Girls Club Kid’s Café 702 S. 18th Street Edinburg, Texas Sabrina Walker 956-383-2882 10
Ribbon Cuttings
Church’s Chicken 1607 S. McColl Edinburg, Texas Zifa Esperza 956-380-3948
Ribbon Cutting & Groundbreaking Ceremony Policy 1. Ribbon cuttings and ground breakings will be offered to Chamber members if they are: a. New business in the area b. Business under new ownership c. Business which has relocated d. Business which has undergone renovation e. Celebrating a major anniversary (1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, etc.) 2. The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce requires at least two week's advance notice in order to set a date for ribbon cutting or groundbreaking events. Tuesdays and Thursdays are most successful at 10:00 a.m. or 4:00/5:00 p.m. Weekends are not recommended due to poor volunteer attendance (but will be considered at member's request). 3. The Chamber staff will invite Board of Directors, Chamber Champions and Red Coat Committees, Mayor and City Council via a fax notice. If the member would like to print special invitations, the Chamber will provide the mailing labels for those listed above at no cost. Member will be responsible for postage. 4. Staff will do reminder calls prior to event. 5. The Chamber of Commerce cannot guarantee attendance, as it is a volunteer-based organization. 6. The Chamber of Commerce will provide photographer, ribbon, scissors and/or shovels for event. 7. A photo will be featured in copies of the chamber newsletter, which is sent to the membership and distributed in public offices, resturaunts, banks, hotels, etc. 8. Photos are usually taken in the front exterior of the business where business name or sign is displayed. The member is encouraged to block off area in front of their business where business name or sign is displayed. Photos may be taken inside as well. 9. The member is encouraged to provide refreshments of their choice and invite relatives, friends and other business associates.
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THE EDINBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS OF THE 39TH ANNUAL FIESTA EDINBURG FOR THEIR GENEROUS TIME AND EFFORTS:
TITANIUM
City of Edinburg
PLATINUM
First National Bank Time Warner Cable
GOLD
Edinburg Economic Development Corporation HEB Edwards Abstract and Title Co. Wells Fargo Bank Wal-Mart Capital One Martin Farm & Ranch Supply L&F Distributors The Monitor
SILVER
The Edinburg Review Exquisita Tortillas Inter National Bank Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson Texas State Bank SPECIAL THANKS AND SUPPORT The Paper of South Texas, Nadias All that Dance, Austin Personnel Services, Horizon Properties, South Texas Oil Field Service, The Medicine Shoppe, G&S Glass, First Source Masonry, Hidalgo County Judge JD Salinas, Chaps Bar & Grill, Valdez Meat Market, Memorial Funeral Home, Best Western Edinburg Inn & Suites and Coca Cola HONORARY THANKS Congressman Ruben Hinojosa, Leadership Edinburg Class XVIII, International Bank of Commerce, Edinburg Police Department, Edinburg Parks & Recreation, Edinburg Public Works, Hidalgo County, University of Texas Pan-American, Edinburg City Manager’s Office, Edinburg Solid Waste Department, Channel 12 Production Team, McCoy’s, Edinburg South Middle School Shop Department, Ramiro Rodriguez – Edinburg Fire Department, Joey Mejia, Melissa Rodriguez, Kimberly Rodriguez, Rick Garcia, Ashley Garcia, Linda Carrillo. Frances Carrillo, Jennifer Rodriguez, Chris Aldape, Jeanie Sandoval, Gisla Hughes, Adan Salazar, Imelda Rodriguez, Johnny Rodriguez, Rene Torres, Jeremy Martinez and Tony Prado 12
PAYING YOURSELF FIRST COULD PAY OFF LATER. LIKE WHEN YOU RETIRE. With so much happening in our lives, it’s easy to lose sight of the future - like retirement. Edward Jones can help make saving for retirement easier with our monthly IRA investing program. This simple, convenient service puts your retirement investing on “autopilot” by letting you put aside a set amount every month into an Edward Jones IRA. You can even set it up so that the money comes automatically from any account you choose. For more information or to enroll in our monthly IRA investing program, call your local Edward Jones investment representative today. A systematic investment plan does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in a declining market. Such a plan involves continuous investment in securities regardless of fluctuating price levels of such securities, the investor should consider the financial ability to continue the purchases through periods of low price levels.
MISSION ......Adan Salazar • 580-2900 EDINBURG .........Abel Leal • 287-1877 MCALLEN.......Steve Alaniz • 661-9183
DEPOT EXPRESS - ADVERTISING OPTIONS OPTION # 1: Frequency: Ad size: Rate: Total Investment:
5 Non-Consecutive Insertions 1/4 Page FULL Color $100 per ad $500
Option #1 allows your business to advertise in any of (5) FIVE issues of the Chamber’s Newsletter: Depot Express
OPTION # 2: Frequency: Ad size: Rate: Total Investment:
5 Non-Consecutive Insertions 1/2 Page FULL Color $200 per ad $1,000
Option #2 allows your business to advertise in any of (5) FIVE issues of the Chamber’s Newsletter: Depot Express
OPTION # 3: Frequency: Ad size: Rate: Total Investment:
5 Non-Consecutive Insertions Full Page FULL Color $300 per ad $1,500
Option #3 allows your business to advertise in any of (5) FIVE issues of the Chamber’s Newsletter: Depot Express 13
Upper Valley Humane Society
”Because it takes a Community Effort!” The Upper Valley Humane Society is a private, nonprofit, open-door animal welfare agency serving the needs of animals, pet owners and the community at large. It’s more than a shelter, it’s a compassionate place dedicated to the caring of homeless animals and to enhancing the relationship between animals and people through adoptions, education and community outreach. As the only Humane Society serving Hidalgo County, more than 40,000 animals enter The Upper Valley Humane Society’s doors annually. That’s why your support is so crucial in allowing us to continue our care for the homeless animals of our area. It takes a community effort to make a real difference; here’s a few ways you can support us in our endeavors… Adopt Bringing home a new member into your family can be one of the most joyous occasions imaginable. When you're looking to add a pet to your life, consider adopting a homeless animal from the Upper Valley Humane Society. Whether you want a puppy or kitten, a more mature dog or cat, purebred or a one-of-a-kind mixed breed, the Upper Valley Humane Society has the best selection of animals - all screened for good health and behavior. Volunteer Volunteering is a “pawsitive” experience for everyone. Volunteers are the backbone of our organization. Help out at the shelter or at any of our community events. Call to find out how you can get involved today! Foster Foster families make a real difference in the lives of our homeless animals. There are several animals that need temporary care due to minor, but highly treatable conditions. Our foster families provide a little extra bit of TLC needed to nurse back to health these pets so that they can be adopted. Most foster situations are short-term commitments. If you have room in your heart and home, foster a pet! Make A Donation When an animal is in need, the Upper Valley Humane Society is there to do its job. Donations help support the care and nurturing of animals as they await adoption. Your support makes our life-saving programs and services possible. Be a Part of the Solution You can help us reach our goals of decreasing the number of homeless animals that enter the shelter’s doors by being a responsible pet owner. Join in the fight against pet overpopulation and spay or neuter your pet. For more information about the Upper Valley Humane Society, visit us at 2501 W. Trenton in Edinburg, call us at 956-686-1141 or email uvhumanesociety@aol.com. 14
Museum of South Texas History Attracts Visitors From Around the World Setting some attendance records in 2006, the Museum of South Texas History attracted foreign visitors from around the world. Residents of a record 58 nations enjoyed their visit. Visitor Comments confirmed this. All 50 states also sent visitors here. Some recent comments from December visitors: “I see here relics of the trade between the Philippines and Mexico when we Filipinos were under the colors of Spain for about 400 years” - Manila, Philippines. “A wonderful museum” - Sweden. “It’s very nice. Good job” - Thailand. “Very impressed” - Germany. “Nicely preserved. I like the past” - Pakistan. “New, interesting and historical” - Coralles, Mexico. “First class - a very impressive exhibit” - Toronto, Canada. “Wonderful” - Finland. A complete count of international visitors is difficult to get. The Museum has started using three ways to count visitors asking all visitors their ZIP code or residence, checking comments in the Visitor Book, and asking them to stick a map pin where they live. The December 2006 report to the Board of Trustrees showed 58 nations that had visitors in the Museum. Of international visitors the largest group by far is Canadian. Mexico ranks second. International visitors often are visiting their college-age students in Edinburg. Canadians are chiefly Winter Texans. Better ways of counting international visitors started in 2006. These international travelers generally are people who enjoy seeing the world, learning more about history— and spending money in the Valley. Of 2,274 persons who visited the Museum in January, without being on a guided tour, some 340 were international. That is 15 percent. The 1,695 students who took tours in January arrive in a hurry and are counted by school. Some may be international students. The University of Texas Pan American had 900 international students last year.
Report from Jim McKone, Public Information Officer, Museum of South Texas History. 15
Edinburg Today Breakfast Edinburg Today Breakfast sponsored by Sudarshan Eye Experts
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce is pleased to
Thank you Sudarshan Eye Experts for sponsoring the
announce a successful Breakfast for the month of
Edinburg Today Breakfast on Wednesday, February
February. Over 60 community and business people
14, 2007 at the Echo Hotel. Sudarshan Eye Experts
attended the Edinburg Today Breakfast despite the
have three Rio Grande Valley locations. The Edinburg
cold weather, and early hours the community of
business is located at 221 S. Jackson Road. To contact
Edinburg showed up to support the Chamber of
Sudarshan please call 956-387-0733 or log on to
Commerce and Sudarshan Eye Experts for being part
www.theeyeexperts.com.
of Edinburg’s growing Mecca.
City News: Edinburg's Jobless Rate By DAVID A. DIAZ Legislativemedia@aol.com
Edinburg's jobless rate, which is a key indicator of the strength of the local economy, dropped to 4.2 percent in December, the best showing in the Valley for the fifth month in 2006, according to the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation. The EEDC is the jobs-creation arm of the Edinburg City Council. The EEDC's five-member governing board includes Mayor Joe Ochoa; former Mayor Richard GarcĂa, who is
president of the EEDC board of directors; and Fred Palacios, Mike Govind, and George Bennack. At 4.2 percent, the local showing was also better than the Texas average of 4.5 percent, which is the lowest statewide average in five years, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. The jobless rate for Hidalgo County was 6.6 percent in December, same as the previous month, representing 18,649 area residents without jobs, while 262,795 residents were employed during that month.
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McAllen had the lowest monthly unemployment rates during seven months of 2006, followed by Edinburg, which had that distinction during five monthly reporting periods. In December, McAllen reported a 4.4 percent jobless rate. Cameron County's jobless rate in December was 5.7 percent, representing 8,404 people looking for work and 138,090 residents holding down jobs. For the rest of this, and the other stories, please log on to www.EdinburgPolitics.com
American Heart Association
Feature Business of the Month
Awards Doctor’s Hospital with 2007 Distinguished Service Award
Inter National Bank
Doctors Hospitals at Renaissance 2006
Edinburg
Chamber
of
Commerce
walk team has been selected to receive a
Announces Inter National Bank Feature
Distinguished Service Award for their
Business of the Month
outstanding work in fulfilling the Heart
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce
Association in Texas. Their team raised
would like to recognize Inter National
over $25,000 for the 2006 Upper Valley
Bank (INB) as the chamber’s Feature
Heart Walk, making them the top
Business of the month for December.
corporate donor for the 2006 Walk.
INB are members of the Edinburg
mission
of
the
American
Chamber of Commerce and are actively As a recipient of this prestigious award,
involved in chamber events, meetings,
a research grant has been named in their
seminars and special events. They have
honor. It is entitled “Persistent fibroblast
close ties to the community, and have
activation contributes to cardiac fibrosis”
supported the chamber’s efforts through
and the researcher is Amanda Chancey,
and through. It’s because of the great
PhD at the Baylor College of Medicine
support
in Houston.
Dr. Chancey has been
community that the chamber is able to
notified of their award and began work
offer quality programs and events for the
on this project on July 1, 2006.
Rio Grande Valley and Edinburg .
Only 15 awards are given out in the state
Inter National Bank is located on 1502
of Texas for outstanding service to the
South Sugar Road in Edinburg, Texas.
American Heart Association.
Doctors
To get in contact with an INB
Hospital at Renaissance is the only
representative please call 956-664-8400.
company to receive this prestigious award in the Valley.
17
from
our
members
and
Power Punch @ Lunch
Calendar of Events
MARCH March 10th Edinburg on Wheels w/ 1st Annual Health Fair Where: Edinburg Regional Medical Center
APRIL April 25th Power Punch at Lunch Salinas, Allen & Schmitt, L.L.P. Sponsor Power Punch at Lunch
MAY
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce “Power Punch at Lunch”, a fun networking business event that focuses on community outreach and professional development. On Wednesday January 24, at noon Salinas, Allen & Schmitt, L.L.P. sponsored the event at the Edinburg Depot at 602 W. University in Edinburg, Texas .
May 9th Edinburg Today Breakfast
JUNE June 6th Customer Service and Sales Seminar Time/Location: TBA
The Power Punch @ Lunch is a production of the Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Chamber Champions. The Chamber of Commerce is grateful to the Chamber Champions who are community business members and volunteers who assist the chamber throughout the year with events, fundraisers, and membership. There were over 60 community and business members that attended. Door Prizes were given, and overall the event was a complete success.
JULY July 6th & 7th Texas Cook’em High Steaks in Edinburg Edinburg Municipal Park
Come join the excitement of an Edinburg Chamber event and have lunch on us while you learn how Salinas, Allen, & Schmitt LLP can help you. For more information, please call 956-383-4974 and don’t forget your business cards! This event is free to the general public.
If you would like to host a Power Punch at Lunch, please contact Frank Lara at the Edinburg Chamber at 956-383-4974. 18
Economic Update by Ramiro Garza, Jr.
We have started the year 2007 as busy as we had been in 2006.
The other major benefit of this study is that it enables us to match the data utilized of a certain trade area with individual retailers. This means that along with attaining the results of the study, we will also have a list of matching retailers to target in our marketing efforts.
We continue to monitor the economic indicators for the City and there are no signs of activity slowing down. Aside from the number of projects that we are working on, this year we also plan to finalize a retail study, update aerials for the City and coordinate much needed improvements to the downtown area.
We are also working on updating the aerials for the City of Edinburg. Due to the continued growth we’ve had, there has been a need to update the aerials of the City. We are in the process of finalizing specifications to hire a company to provide us with the latest aerials throughout the City which will not only be used to promote development but it will also be used by City departments for planning purposes.
The EEDC Board of Directors recently retained the services once again of the Buxton Corporation. As you may recall, this firm conducted a retail study in 2004 that assessed the potential for the City of Edinburg to recruit and expand the retail sector. The study includes utilizing data and proprietary technologies developed specifically for matching retailers with communities.
And finally, the EEDC is also coordinating efforts to make improvements to the downtown area. This involves assessing the downtown area for much needed improvements to sidewalks, landscaping, lighting and beautification.
In 2004, the study found that the City of Edinburg had a retail demand potential of $1.5 billion. When comparing it to the latest gross sales activity at the time from the State’s Comptrollers’ office, we found a gap of $500 million.
The EEDC and the City Public Works Department have budgeted funds this fiscal year to address some much needed improvements that can have a direct impact on the downtown square first and then look at a few blocks beyond the square in the next year.
We all know that since 2004, there’s been a lot of growth and we felt it was important to update this information to maximize our marketing efforts.
This coordination is being done together with the City departments that include planning, public works, utilities, engineering and solid waste.
In preliminary information submitted by the Buxton Corporation for this latest study, it has been determined that the retail demand potential for the City of Edinburg is now near $2 billion.
Thank you for your continued support.
19
VIP Members AEP Texas Central Company
First National Bank
Memorial Funeral Home
Azteca Milling L.P
Gateway Printing & Office Supply
Progressive Telecommunications
Best Western - Edinburg Inn & Suites
H.E.B.
Roberts Chevrolet
Border Capital Bank
H.E.B. #2
Royston, Rayzor, Vickery
Capital One
Inland Paperboard and Packaging Inc.
& Williams, LLP
Clark Chevrolet
Inter National Bank
Santiago Gonzalez, Jr., C.P.A.
D &F Industries
International Bank of Commerce
South Texas Vo-Tech Institute
Echo Hotel and Conference Center
International Paper Company
South Texas Health System
Edinburg C.I.S.D
J. E. Saenz & Associates
Staples #1037
Edinburg Industrial Foundation Inc.
JAR Development, LP.
Texas State Bank
Edwards Abstract and Title Co.
Kolder Inc.
University of Texas Pan American
Estrada Hinojosa & Company Inc.
L&G Concrete Construction Inc.
Valdez Meats & Catering
Exquisita Tortillas, Inc.
Lone Star National Bank
Wal-Mart
Falcon International Bank
Magic Valley Electric Co-op.
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. Š2006