Nov./Dec. 2006
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
Nov./Dec. 2006
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.
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 Jessica Salinas J. P. English Mike Govind Gene Espinoza
Law Office of Gary L. Henrichson Peter Piper Pizza Melden & Hunt, Inc. Austin Personnel Services VBOC @ UTPA 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
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 Night of Lights ..............................................................p.5 Annual Banquet/Casino Night ......................................p.6 Edinburg Today Breakfast.............................................p.7 Leadership Edinburg .....................................................p.8 Alamo Draft House .......................................................p.9 Superheroes .................................................................p.10 Ribbon Cuttings...........................................................p.11 Chamber Champions ...................................................p.12 Edinburg Economic Dev. Co.......................................p.13 Feature Business..........................................................p.14 Board Retreat/Winter Texan Welcome........................p.15
Letter from the Chairman
Greetings! The Chamber recently completed its 2005 - 2006 fis-
Evana Vleck, our Marketing Director, joined us at the
cal year and, by all accounts, it was a great success.
beginning of the year. She survived her first Fiesta
As I take the reins from Jaime Rodriguez, I'd like to
and began planning for next year's event immediately
take this opportunity to publicly congratulate him for
thereafter. She has also done a terrific job of produc-
his leadership during this last year. During Jaime's
ing our newsletter, press releases and coordinating
term, the Chamber began to realize its true potential.
ribbon cuttings and other member networking events
This has provided me, the Board of Directors and the
with Frank. These two individuals are the missing
staff a solid foundation upon which to build.
pieces to the puzzle. Their addition complements the efforts of our existing staff which allows the Chamber
Over the course of the last year, we were able to add
as a whole to meet its mandate of providing its mem-
new individuals to the staff who have already made a
bers with the programs and services that they deserve.
positive impact to the Chamber and its members. Our most recent addition, Frank Lara, is our Membership
This coming year holds the promise of being able to
Director. He has been tasked with the responsibility
improve upon last year's successes.
of gaining new members and, more importantly, retaining existing members. So, don't be surprised to
The Board, the staff and I are very excited and we
see him knocking on your door in the near future and
encourage you to become more involved with the
asking you how your Chamber can do more for you.
Chamber so you can share in that excitement. Kind Regards, Mark R. Magee Chairman
3
Leading the Way Our People and Their Experience Make the Difference
The Edwards Management Team - 352 years of experience and counting! Edna Cazares, Comptroller – 24 years; Lupita Castillo, MIS Manager – 17 years; Angie Villarreal, Examiner – 27 years; Mary Arce, Weslaco Branch Manager/Escrow Officer – 17 years; Rachel Arevalo, Sr. Vice President/Operations Manager – 30 years; Byron Jay Lewis, President – 20 years; Kathryn Weaver Karras, Sr. Vice President/McAllen Branch Manager – 27 years; Elva Jackson Garza, Vice President/Marketing Manager – 23 years; Diana S. Kaufold, Vice President/Edinburg Branch Manager – 20 years; Marilyn De Luna, Sharyland Plantation Branch Manager/Escrow Officer – 22 years; Alan Monroe, Attorney – 30 years; (back row) Rene Correa – Title Attorney/Examiner – 28 years; Nancy Bryant, McAllen Assistant Branch Manager – 18 years; Mel Casas, Branch Operations Coordinator - 7 years; Leslie Keller Ponce, Administrative Assistant – 7 years; Mary Barrientos, Mission Branch Manager/ Escrow Officer – 15 years; Dan Cook, IT Manager – 11 years; Mark Peña, Attorney, 9 years.
Meet the Edwards Abstract and Title Co. Management Team. A group of 18 talented, experienced and dedicated professionals are the leaders of the five branch offices, law firm, title plant, technology, accounting, marketing, training, product/services development and support teams. The Management Team takes great pride in all of the Edwards associates and the highest quality service they offer customers daily. At Edwards, we view challenges as opportunities, customers as friends and appreciate the many long-term relationships celebrated over the past twelve decades.
Night of Lights is on the way!
Night of Lights is
test and are awarded 1st, 2nd, and
and community organizations, and
Edinburg's annual Christmas cele-
3rd place trophies. Once floats are
a fun interactive kids area, not to
bration. For the past six years the
judged, they line up and parade
mention a Fireworks show to cap
city of Edinburg has commemorat-
down University Drive with Santa
off the evening. Children will also
ed the winter holiday with a light-
Clause leading the way along with
have the opportunity to visit with
ed parade decorated and decked
musical bands and dancers, but the
Santa Clause and receive a special
out with tinsel, twinkling lights,
fun doesn't stop there. Immediately
Christmas treat. Night of Lights is
snowmen, snowflakes, reindeers,
following the magical fleet of
a FREE event and takes place on
Santa hats, and more. Community
lights, parade watchers will follow
Saturday, December 2nd with the
members
organizations
the fun towards the University of
Night of Lights festival from 4-9
including the Edinburg Public
Texas, Pan American (UTPA) and
pm and the parade beginning at
Library, the Edinburg Boys &
meet up at the quad for arts &
6:30 pm. We hope to see you all
Girls Club and district schools par-
crafts vendors, food, drinks, live
there!
ticipate in the float decorating con-
musical performances by school
and
5
••• Luck is in the Air •••
of
attire will be business casual.
community to partake in, giving
Commerce Board of Directors
Chamber members are encour-
Edinburg quality of life experi-
The
Edinburg
Chamber
and Staff are planning an
ences from golf tournaments,
Annual Banquet and Casino
to carnivals, meetings and
Night scheduled for Saturday,
exciting fundraisers. Limited
November 4th, 2006 at the
sponsorship opportunities are
Echo Hotel in Edinburg. The
currently available. For more
Annual Banquet is one of the
information on this event
chamber's
notable
please call Letty Martinez,
fundraising events of the year
President of the Edinburg
and includes heavy hors d'
Chamber of Commerce at
most
oeuvres, cash bar, live music &
aged to attend; it's a great way to
956-383-4974.
entertainment, silent auction,
meet new people in a fun and
this benefit go directly towards
games, fun, excitement and give-
inviting atmosphere outside of
the Chamber of Commerce and
aways and recognition to the
the office. The Chamber looks
assists in the continuation of
Incoming and Outgoing Chair.
forward to bringing forth yet
quality of life experiences for the
The price is $40 per couple and
another popular event for the
community.
6
Proceeds from
Edinburg Today Breakfast sponsored by Rainbow Room The Edinburg Today Breakfast (ETB) continues to thrive and subsist up to its shining reputation. Food, door prizes, and networking are what make the Breakfast a fun and exciting community event! The Rainbow Room is the proud sponsor for the upcoming ETB on Thursday, November 16th at the Echo Hotel inside of the Hidalgo Room. Cost to attend the Breakfast is only $10 per person and includes a hot, fresh Mexican style breakfast served from 6:308:00. The Rainbow Room is an in-house emergency resource center that distributes new items such as clothing, diapers and formula to clients of CPS caseworkers. Thank you Rainbow Room!
The Breakfast is a vast opportunity for Sponsors to talk about their business, market and to create a networking camaraderie with other local businesses and members in the community. The Edinburg Today Breakfast is open to the public, and gives community and chamber members the opportunity to learn more about the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, and to find out more about local happenings within the city of Edinburg. There are many benefits in becoming an Edinburg Today Breakfast sponsor. Please contact Frank Lara at 383-4974 for further details of becoming a Breakfast Sponsor.
Edinburg Kiwanis Club invites Community Speakers The Edinburg Kiwanis Club meets every Tuesday from 12:00-1:00 p.m. to discuss community awareness, politics and education. Each week the club welcomes a guest speaker. On October 3rd at the Echo Hotel, Mayor Joe Ochoa addressed the Edinburg Kiwanis Club and talked about Economic Development, and culture. The Edinburg Kiwanis Club would like to invite public community and business representatives to address Edinburg Kiwanis. Guest speakers are welcomed to lunch and immediately following, speakers are given 15-20 min. to speak or present. If you are interested in serving as a speaker at an upcoming Edinburg Kiwanis meeting, please call Letty Martinez at 383-4974.
• Clerical • Light Industrial • Agriculture • Administrative Assistants • Maquila Placement
L to R (back row) Peter De la Garza, Bob Roberts, Catherine Howard, Estella Macias, Robert Kent, Johnny Rodriguez, Ramon Vela, Corwin C. Connel (front) L to R Ralph Niehaus, Letty Martinez, Mayor Joe Ochoa and Darcy Kelly
• Payroll • Data Entry • Construction Prescreening Employment • Drug Screening
7
Leadership Edinburg Class XVIII. Eighteen Years of Leadership The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce congratulates and
Leadership Edinburg also gives back to the community
welcomes Leadership Edinburg Class XVIII for being
in many ways, and hosts fundraising projects throughout
selected to serve the city of
the year. The Edinburg
Edinburg. The dedicated
Chamber
group will work nine months
Board of Directors and staff
straight
their
are pleased to have such a
leadership skills and man-
vibrant group of personali-
agement
ties representing the city of
developing
potential.
of
Commerce,
Leadership Edinburg is a
Edinburg.
program dedicated to com-
President for the Edinburg
munity members in the city of Edinburg, who are interested in becoming leaders
Pictured L to R (back) Samuel D. Maldonado, Pedro B. Sifuentes, Aaron Ramirez, Abel J. Leal, Neysa P. Ruper, Michelle Tijerina, John D. Alvarado, Steve Crossland, Rick A. Rodriguez, (front) Leon DeLeon, Gilbert mercado, Edna Pena, Pilar D. Corpus, Dalia Arce, Norma L. Flores-Ruiz and Michael J. Williamson
Letty Martinez
Chamber of Commerce says "We are amazed at all of the talent
and
potential
and mentors for their area home. Leadership Edinburg
Leadership Edinburg Class XVIII holds; it's exciting
leads the class through several intensive exercises that
and I look forward to hearing new ideas from the indi-
includes creative training techniques that assist in devel-
viduals involved in this upcoming session. Leadership
oping leadership skills. This year's class will be learn-
Edinburg is a great opportunity for Edinburg citizens to
ing about government, politics, media, history, educa-
become actively involved in local business, politics,
tion, economic development and quality of life.
education, economy and the community as a whole."
Leadership Edinburg Class XVII Gives Back to the Community Leadership Edinburg class XVII recently donated
of the Edinburg chamber of Commerce and works
$2,000 to the Rainbow Room. Leadership Edinburg is
closely with the community and the county as a whole
a growing organization
offering volunteer services
that strives to encourage a
year in and year out. This
better Edinburg through
group of community vol-
strong leadership skills
unteers
focusing on politics, edu-
emergency resource room
cation, and quality of life.
which
Leadership
items such as shoes, cloth-
Edinburg
gives back to the commu-
ing,
nity in many ways and supports local organizations like
established
distributes
formula,
an
new
hygiene
products and school supplies to children who have been
the Rainbow Room. The Rainbow Room is a member
rescued by CPS. 8
Alamo Draft House comes to Edinburg The first Alamo Draft explaining the history of House Cinema opened its the Draft House, and of doors in the heart of Texas course went into detail in 1997. A unique combiabout its unique appeal of nation of theater and serving up quality food and restaurant, the Alamo films all in one package. shows the best first-run and The Draft House will have independent films and six movie screens and will offers an extensive menu be serving up independent, of fresh, handmade dishes foreign and blockbuster and a wide selection of films. The Draft House will beer and wine. Brandon also have a traveling thePictured L to R (back): Brandon Arceneaux, Chris Hoegemeyer, Arceneaux, owner says Tony Karam, Paul Garza (front): Ramiro Garza, Elva Jackson ater, bringing films to the "It's a restaurant with Garza, Letty Martinez, Mayor Joe Ochoa, and Sandee Zamora outdoors or other area movie screens." Plain and organizations. Like other simple; the Alamo Draft House will be serving up gourarea theaters, the Draft House will offer meeting met food and top notch films. Included, the Draft spaces, and birthday party packages. Alamo Draft House will also be offering special programming. On House opens March 15th, 2007 at Trenton Crossings in Friday, September 22 owners of the Alamo Draft House Edinburg - mark your calendars! To become a member visited with the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, please call the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation 956-383-4974.
ANNOUNCEMENT The Towers Apartment Complex in Edinburg is currently accepting applications for a one-bedroom or efficiency apartment for anyone 62 years and older. Call Rosie Briseno at 383-7556 or go by her office at 900 South 18th Street. The Towers is made up of two high-rise buildings and is conveniently located in the Edinburg downtown area at 201 North 13th Street. Completion is slated for early 2007.
Thank you South Texas Health System for hosting the Membership Drive Kick Off Luncheon on September 11th, 2006. 9
Visit from Edinburg’s Superhero and folklore heroes! The city of Edinburg has its own superhero, and
brother and sister searching for the chupacabra.
he’s a cat. His name is El Gato Negro and he paid
Garza and Dominguez read in length and also gave
us a long-waited visit
history on their works.
from Dallas, Texas on
At the end of the read-
September 14th at the
ing both authors partic-
Edinburg
Public
ipated in an audience
Library. Comic book
question and answer
author,
(Q&A)
artist
enthusiast
and
Richard
Audience
session. members
Dominguez is the cre-
were excited and com-
ator of El Gato Negro
mended authors on
and was pleased to be
their voicing abilities,
part
and were also was
of
the
Texas
Latino Voices project. The project is part of a grant
interested
that was awarded by the Texas Council for the
Immediately after the Q & A, authors sold copies
Humanities, in conjunction with Dallas Public
of their published work and signed autographs for
Library. Dominguez read from his comic with a
the packed house filled with both children and
captivating voice, changing pitches and facial
adults. Among audience members were Mayor Joe
expressions as a different character entered the
Ochoa, and librarians from neighboring cities.
story. Along with Dominguez, was valley favorite
Literature has a place in our daily lives, and is
Xavier Garza. Garza is the author of three pub-
important for children to experience stories that
lished books all relating to Hispanic tradition and
live outside of school walls.
folklore. He read from his books Creepy Creatures
brought to you by the Edinburg Public Library, the
and other Cucuys, and The Man in the Silver Mask:
Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and the
A Lucha Libre Cuento. He also gave Edinburg
University of Texas Pan American. Special thanks
audience the first taste of Juan and the
to Amado Balderas of Nueva Onda Poets Café for
Chupacabras, his newest published book about a
offering his expertise as the Master of Ceremonies.
10
in
the
process
of
publishing.
This event was
Ribbon Cuttings
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar 1913 Trenton • Edinburg, Texas 78539 Kevin Asaff (956) 994-9378
Teleperformance International 1701 S. Closner, Suite A • Edinburg, Texas 78539 Ceasar Flores (956) 388-8528
McCoy’s 107 W. & McColl Road • Edinburg, Texas 78539 Victor Galvan (956) 383-3304
Aflac 4305 N. 10th • McAllen, Texas 78504 Kathy Johnson (956) 778-5777
United Rentals 1702 S. Highway 281 • Edinburg, Texas 78539 Ramon Cantu (956) 289-8400 11
Chamber Champions and Chamber Members: A Winning Combination The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Champion Committee are proud to announce a winning success! The 2006 membership recruitment effort took place on September 11th through the 15th at the Edinburg Depot. Six different teams (made up of Chamber Champions) and various businesses in the community took part in the membership campaign. This year's theme was "Champions" and a what better way to celebrate our volunteers and members then to commemorate the celebration with games, prizes, fun and more. "I want to express my appreciation to all of the teams, Frank Lara and especially the top producers who did an outstanding job of recruiting the new investors during the Chamber Champions membership campaign. Their enthusiasm, competitive spirit and cooperation have laid the foundation for the 2007 campaign," commented Elva Jackson Garza, Vice Chair/Membership.
Chamber Champion of the month: Michelle Tijerina, South Texas Health System
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Chamber Champions committee invites all investors to participate in the programs and services that the Chamber offers. As the new fiscal year begins, there are many opportunities to market your business through the resources that the board of directors has implemented in the 2006-2007 Program of Work. Popular events such as the Edinburg Today Breakfast, Power Punch at Lunch and Membership round up will enhance their business contacts at minimal or no cost to them. The Chamber Champions will also continue to recognize the Feature Business of the Month in the small and large business categories. Ribbon cuttings, grand openings and special events are a great avenue to meet new clients. The Chamber Champions are in the forefront of welcoming new business and industry to Edinburg and you can be a part of this dynamic group of volunteers. For more information contact Frank Lara, Director of Membership at 393-4974 or membership@edinburg.com
First place went to Mark Magee First National Bank, 2nd place went to Dalia Arce of Inter National Bank and third place went to Marie Garcia of Mary Kay. The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce commends the commitment and energy displayed by the members and volunteers. A very special thank you to the Chamber Champions for a successful membership campaign and for assisting the Chamber of Commerce in meeting its membership revenue goal for the year.
12
Thank You Board of Directors The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the Board of Directors who served the 05-06 terms. We appreciate our Board of Directors and would like to take the time to commend their strong volunteer efforts put forth into our organization that truly makes the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce a unique community organization through dedication, passion and leadership. The Board of Director's work diligently year-round on fundraisers, special events, tourism, membership, financials and general oversee of continuous production.
Edinburg: A City of Development by Ramiro Garza, Jr.
With positive economic statistics, as well as, construction on the rise, the City of Edinburg is quickly becoming a city of major development. Many shopping centers are underway and several restaurants have already opened its doors. Applebee’s is among the newest restaurants to hold its ribbon cutting to announce its opening at Trenton Crossroads Plaza at the northeast intersection of Trenton and Jackson Roads. Other attractions slated to open by Spring, 2007 are the Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas and Fresco L’ialto restaurant and Pro-Bowl Sports Lanes will open by May, 2007, all of which will be located at the Trenton Crossroads development. Trenton Road is fast becoming a main thoroughfare for the City. Trenton Town Center located at the northwest corner of McColl and Trenton Roads will anchor an additional Wal-Mart Supercenter and will offer pad sites and retail space as well. Wal-Mart is scheduled to open at the beginning of November, 2006. At the other end of the road, The Shops at Rio Grande Valley is primed to be located at the northwest corner of Trenton Road and Expressway 281 and will feature an open-air regional shopping center. Development at this site should break ground in a few months and will sit on 120 acres of land. Additionally, the construction of Lowe’s at the southeast corner of McColl Road and University Drive is ongoing and should open at the beginning of 2007. Pad sites will also be available at this development. These projects along with many more yet to come are just a taste of what this three-time All America City has to offer.
Pictured L to R are Executive Board Members (back row) Ramiro Garza, Edinburg Economic Development Corporation; Jose N. Valdez, Valdez Meats & Catering; Cris Torres, Inter National Bank; Elva Jackson Garza, Edwards Abstract and Title Co.; Sal Robles, American Medical Training Institute. (front row) Jaime A. Rodriguez, JAR Development, LP; Letty Martinez, President, Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and Mark Magee, First National Bank 05-06 Board of Directors not pictured: Brian Disque: Texas State Bank, Sal Robles: American Medical Training Institute, Cynthia Bocanegra: Chaps Bar & Grill, Lee Castro: Memorial Funeral Home, Johnny Garcia: Ceballos Diaz Funeral Home, Gary L. Henrichson: Law Office of Gary L. Henrichson, Darcy Kelly: Peter Piper Pizza, Fred L. Kurth: Melden & Hunt, Inc., Johnny Rodriguez: Austin Personnel Services, Jessica Salinas VBOC @ UTPA, Margie Santos: International Bank of Commerce and Ex-Officio's Mike Govind: Best Western and Edinburg Inn & Suites, and Eddie Saenz: J.E. Saenz & Associates. What a dynamic group of leaders!
13
Three Edinburg tourism sites receive state’s praise By JIM McKONE Three tourism sites in Edinburg achieved credit for “Distinguishing Features” when the Texas Historical Commission evaluated 74 sites in 20 South Texas counties. This gives Edinburg good news from the Texas Tropical Trail Region. These evaluations are likely to help Edinburg tourism revenues grow. The sites are: Edinburg Southern Pacific Railroad Depot (housing the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce). Distinguishing features: “Exhibit is housed in a wonderfully restored building with a great story behind it.” Museum of South Texas History. Distinguishing features: “Wonderful Facility. Great Museum.” World Birding Center, Edinburg Scenic Wetlands. Distinguishing features: “New Facility. Great theme providing an interesting natural history of the area. Excellent volunteer support.” There are other excellent tourism attractions in Edinburg. The Texas Historical Commission chose three under a strict set of requirements: having a building, rest rooms, adequate parking, being open to the public at regular hours, etc. Edinburg’s three attractions rank above the average per city. Some larger cities had fewer sites selected. “In the Fall of 2005, a team of tourism and preservation specialists traveled the Tropical Trail Region to evaluate the area’s heritage and cultural sites for tourism development,” announced the Texas Historical Commission late this Summer. “As a result of these trips, reports were developed for each site containing the team’s suggestions and recommendations.” This report was given to Texas Tropical Trail Regional Board Members by Janie Hedrick, Director of the Heritage Tourism Program in Austin. “Please use this to encourage tourism development throughout the region,” Ms. Hedrick added. The Texas Tropical Trail Region is already making plans for seminars to improve common problems for tourism sites. Jim McKone is Public Relations Officer for the Museum of South Texas History, and a member of the TTTR Board of Directors
Feature Business of the Month
CK’s Restaurant 1310 W. University Drive • Edinburg, TX 956-316-2175
South Texas Health System 1400 W. Trenton Road • Edinburg, TX 956-388-2034
Planet Pizza 1204 East Canton • Edinburg, TX 956-383-4600 14
Chamber Board Retreat The 2006-2007 Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors met at the Chamber Depot on Saturday, September 30th to plan this year’s program of work. Chairman Mark Magee led the day’s event with a review of the prior year’s accomplishments as well as suggestions and discussion topics as to how the Chamber could continue to improve. He said that, ‘It is always good to take time in your life to review your accomplishments as well as your short-comings so that you can maximize your strengths and reduce or eliminate any weaknesses. If we as a Chamber don’t take time to look where we’ve been in the past and see where we are today, how can we know where we are going in the future?’ Magee further stated that the future looked very bright for both the Chamber and the City of Edinburg. He focused on the symbiotic relationship between the two entities as well
as the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation. He further stated that, ‘Edinburg is in the right place at the right time. McAllen’s continued growth is limited because it finds itself surrounded on all sides by other cities. Edinburg has plenty of land for development which national and local developers are acquiring at a blistering pace. Edinburg is also home to the University of Texas – Pan American, which has its own impressive growth projections; the County seat, which is expanding along with the growth of the County; the Edinburg Coyotes professional baseball team and state-of-the-art stadium; the Museum of South Texas History, and the scenic wetlands World Birding Center.’ He said that Edinburg would continue to gain prominence in South Texas with the planned addition of U.T.P.A.’s events center, the proposed shopping mall at Trenton and U.S. 281 and the new corporate headquarters of
First National Bank at Tenth Street and University Drive. This excitement for what the future holds was shared by the rest of the board and the staff who each presented their goals for the new fiscal year and how those goals would be implemented to help provide additional services to existing and new members as well as the City as a whole. City Councilman Gus Garcia, who attended the retreat on behalf of the City of Edinburg, said that he ‘was grateful to have the opportunity to participate in the day’s events because it gave him a better understanding of how the City and the Chamber can work together for the benefit of the entire City and its citizens’. Councilman Garcia further stated that he would share his enthusiasm with the City Council as well as the various committee members that serve the city to ensure that everyone works together for the betterment of the City.
Edinburg Chamber of Commerce hosts Winter Texan Welcome The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Visitors Bureau would like to welcome our winter visitors to the Rio Grande Valley and the great city of Edinburg. On Thursday, November 16th, 2006 from 4pm-7pm the chamber will be hosting a Winter Texan Welcome at the Edinburg Activity Center located on 123 Palm Drive in Edinburg, Texas. There is a $2 entry fee which will include dinner, drinks, entertainment, live music by "It's Millertyme" with Eddie & Judy door prizes and more. The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce recognizes that Winter Texans are vital to our community and economic rise; they support local eateries, shops and business. Their seasonal stay assists in making Edinburg a preferred place for visitors to vacation year 'round. The Winter Texan Welcome is one way in which we return our appreciation. Winter Texan calendar of events also includes Edinburg on Wheels Nov 18, 06 & Mar 10, 07,
Winter Texan Hasta la Vista Pachanga February 22, 2007 and are also encouraged to attend our Night of Lights Celebration on December 2, 2006 and Fiesta Edinburg February 22, 2007.
Pictured L to R are: Devota Andersen, Roy Groenert, Myrtle Vincent and Dora Borgen 15
VIP Members AEP Texas Central Company
H.E.B. #2
Roberts Chevrolet
Azteca Milling L.P
Hibernia National Bank
Royston, Rayzor, Vickery
Best Western - Edinburg Inn & Suites
Inland Paperboard and Packaging Inc.
& Williams, LLP
Clark Chevrolet
Inter National Bank
J.E. Saenz & Associates, Inc.
D &F Industries
International Bank of Commerce
Santiago Gonzalez, C.P.A.
Echo Hotel and Conference Center
International Paper Company
South Texas Vo-Tech Institute
Edinburg C.I.S.D
J. E. Saenz & Associates
South Texas Health System
Edinburg Industrial Foundation Inc.
JAR Development, LP.
Staples #1037
Edwards Abstract and Title Co.
Kolder Inc.
Texas State Bank
Estrada Hinojosa & Company Inc.
L&G Concrete Construction Inc.
University of Texas Pan American
Exquisita Tortillas, Inc.
Lone Star National Bank
Valdez Meats & Catering
First National Bank
Magic Valley Electric Co-op.
Wal-Mart
Gateway Printing & Office Supply
Memorial Funeral Home
Whataburger
H.E.B.
Progressive Telecommunications
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