P.O. Box 85 602 W. University Edinburg, TX 78540 Phone (956) 383-4974 Fax (956) 383-6942
www.edinburg.com
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS CHAIRMAN Lee Castro • Memorial Funeral Home
CHAIR - ELECT Cynthia Bocanegra • South West Funding
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Cris Torres • Inter National Bank
Nov / Dec 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 Dina Arraguz • International Bank of Commerce Ramiro Garza • Edinburg Economic Development Corp. Maggie Kent • General Dentistry Center Abel J. Leal • Edward Jones Investments 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 Gus Casas Pamela Dougherty J. P. English Thelma Garza Mike Govind Darcy Kelly Elias Longoria Edna Peña Flo Prater
G & S Glass Security Land Title Amigo Power Equipment First National Bank Best Western, Edinburg Inn & Suites Peter Piper Pizza Lone Star National Bank Horizon Properties Rio Valley Realty
STAFF Letty Gonzalez, President Evana Vleck, Director of Marketing & Special Events Imelda Rodriguez, Director of Tourism Cristal Cavazos, Receptionist
Graphic Design: Torrey Huerta
CONTENTS Letter from the Chairman ............................................3 Calendar of Events ......................................................3 Edinburg Centennial.................................................5-6 Night of Lights.............................................................7 Motivate Your Life .......................................................7 Art Roberts Visits the Chamber ...................................8 How the Chamber has Helped Me ..............................9 Legislative Luncheon ...................................................9 Ribbon Cuttings....................................................10-11 Leadership Edinburg Class XX ...................................11 Membership Roundup ...............................................12 Letty Gonzalez Receives Award .................................12 Feature Businesses of the Month ..............................13 EEDC Economic Update .............................................15
Letter from the Chairman Dear Friends, It’s my pleasure to report on behalf of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. I’m excited about this upcoming year, and look forward to a prosperous road that lies ahead. I am proud to be part of the great City of Edinburg, and realize that there is so much going on. Our success with the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce comes from the outside in; without outside support, the internal structure wouldn’t be as strong as it is; a sturdy foundation is needed in order to build up.
locomotive passed through the depot and busted through a larger than life Centennial Banner.
Speaking of foundation, the Edinburg Chamber
Happy Birthday Edinburg, and again, I look
of Commerce is currently housed inside the old
forward to a prosperous year!
train depot, which is a historic landmark in Edinburg, Texas and has been the home of the
Sincerely,
Edinburg Chamber of Commerce since 1994. Though the building has a strong foundation, it is
Lee Castro
in continuous need of care and attention. My
Chairman
goal as the chairman is to organize a committee
Edinburg Chamber of Commerce 2008-2009 Calendar of Events
that would assist in fundraising for the structural needs of the depot. History is very important for any community, in fact the city of Edinburg just recently
celebrated
its
100th
Night of Lights Festival and Parade December 6, 2008
Birthday
FREE • 4:00pm - 10:00pm at the UTPA Quad.
Celebration. The Chamber of Commerce along
Fiesta Edinburg February 26 - March 1, 2009
with the City of Edinburg led a wonderful series of
events
from
October
5th-11th
to
Edinburg on Wheels and Health Fair March 7, 2009
commemorate Edinburg’s Centennial.
Texas Cook’em: High Steaks in Edinburg July 4, 2009
I’d like to personally thank all of those people
Edinburg Municipal Park
and organizations that were involved, and helped
For more information: 956-383-4974 www.edinburg.com
make our Centennial something very special and unique.
Again, we made history as a live3
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 Pictured in the lobby of the Edwards Corporate Office in Edinburg are: (Front): Elva Jackson Garza, Vice President/Marketing Manager; Marilyn De Luna, McAllen Branch Manager/Escrow Officer; Diana S. Kaufold, Vice President/Edinburg Branch Manager/Escrow Officer; Byron Jay Lewis, President; Rachel Arevalo, Executive Vice President/Commercial Closing Specialist; Mary Arce, Weslaco Branch Manager/Escrow Officer; (BACK): Mary Barrientos, Mission Branch Manager/Escrow Officer; Mel Casas, Branch Operations Coordinator; Edna Cazares, Comptroller; Dan Cook, I.T. Manager; Mark Pena, Attorney Lewis, Monroe & Pena; Angie Villarreal, Assistant Plant Manager/Examiner; Nancy Bryant, Accounting Manager; Alan D. Monroe, Attorney - Lewis, Monroe & Pena and Rene Correa, Plant Manager/Title Attorney.
All of the members of the Edwards Team are the foundation of our continued success and the service that we offer our customers. The Management Team and all of the Edwards associates say “THANK YOU� for the opportunity to serve you. 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
The City of Edinburg just finished celebrating its 100th Birthday! To observance of Edinburg’s Centennial, the City of Edinburg, the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District (ECISD) the Edinburg Volunteer Fire Department, the Museum of South Texas History, the Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library, and the Daughters of American Revolution worked together to a week full of historical excitement from October 5th-11th, 2008. The Museum of South Texas History kicked off the event, with an exhibit opening that featured historic Edinburg. Monday, the Edinburg Volunteer Fire Department hosted the Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library for Edinburg’s BIGGEST Birthday Cake Ever, and the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce for an Ice-cream Social. The Fire Department worked with the community and hosted live entertainment and music, plus safety demonstrations in conjunction with celebrating National Fire Prevention Week. Tuesday, the City of Edinburg, and Mayor Joe Ochoa read a proclamation and hosted a reception for the community in the new City Hall Building; this was the Mayor and Council’s first session held at the new building, so that made the proclamation that much more exceptional. 5
Wednesday, ECISD worked hand in hand with Flo Prater, to announce the winners for the ECISD 5th grade essay contest. Winners were 1st place Brooke Baus, 2nd place Julissa Alexandra Mendoza, 3rd place Kiana Ramirez honorable mention went to Brianna McCormick and Jean Almonte; we’d like to thank them for all of their hard work. Continuing on Thursday, the Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library hosted literary readings with Jan Seale and the Rio Writers; authors read their short stories about life in Edinburg. Friday, the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce had a very special day along the tracks, where a locomotive from Rio Valley Switching passed through and tore an Edinburg Centennial Banner. The ceremony including guest speaker Richard Hyslin from UTPA, an art exhibit “A Story of A Town” curated by UTPA Professor Aleida Hernandez, a tamalada reception, music by Sweet Adeline’s, plus an unveiling of 2 special gifts from State Representative District 40 Aaron Pena Jr. who followed the Centennial celebration throughout the duration of the week. Saturday, DAR closed the festivities with a very interesting subject: Genealogy and Tracing your Family Tree at the Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library.
Centennial Committee 2008 Evana Vleck, Committee Chair
Joel A. Garza
Letty Gonzalez
Letty Reyes
Frank Lara
Richard Drewry
Imelda Rodriguez
Frank Garza
Flo Prater
Valerie M. Haesly-Parson
Letty Leija
Elva Jackson Garza
Lucy Robinson
Cris Torres
Special Thanks Lone Star National Bank
City of Edinburg
Edinburg Review
Rio Valley Switching Co.
Edinburg Economic Development Corp.
The Monitor
Valley Land Title Co.
Hygeia Dairy Products
El Manana
ECN 12
Daughters of American Revolution
SOCIALIFE News Magazine
Mayor Joe Ochoa & Edinburg City Council
Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors & Staff
Legislative Media
City Mgr. JJ Rodriguez Asst. City Mgr. Frank Garza
Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library
Edinburg Volunteer Fire Dept.
Voces
Museum of South Texas History
South Texas Nation
Literary reading with Jan Seale
Happy Birthday Edinburg!!! 6
Green OX Construction Edinburg Police Dept. Edinburg Public Works Dept.
The Edinburg Streets Department installs the Edinburg Centennial Banners that were recently purchased by the Edinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau to beautify the down town area, and to inform visitors and the community on some of Edinburg's special events.
EDINBURG NIGHT OF LIGHTS
The City of Edinburg, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, the University of Texas, Pan American (UTPA), and the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District work together with the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce to bring a fun filled day of excitement and cheer!
citizens of the Rio Grande Valley, and Edinburg by providing a safe, family oriented holiday festival for all to enjoy. Kids will take pleasure in the special Night of Lights parade beginning at 6:30pm from the County Courthouse traveling West on University and ending at the Edinburg Professional Baseball Stadium. Immediately following the lighted parade, festivities will continue at the University including family entertainment, fireworks, vendors, fun kid’s area and a special visit from Santa, all from 4pm-9pm on Saturday, December 6th, 2008.
Edinburg Night of Lights is currently underway, and will be held at the UTPA quad. Night of Lights is a FREE community event that brings quality of life to
The Chamber of Commerce is current accepting parade and vendor entries; for more information please call the chamber at 956-383-4974.
Edinburg Night of Lights is an exciting time for the entire community. For the past 9 years, it has been a tradition to commemorate the holiday with a twinkling parade of lights and festival.
MOTIVATE YOUR LIFE The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce held a "Motivate your Life" seminar on September 4, 2008 at the Social Club. Keynote speaker Robert Gandy, CEO of First National Bank along with guest speakers Jack L. Wolfe Attorney at Law and Abby Vela, CEO Universal Connections addressed topics such as Leadership & Character, Motivation & Inspiration, Teamwork and Encouragement. The Chamber would like to thank everyone who took part and attended this very special event. 7
Art Roberts Visits the Chamber
• Clerical • Light Industrial • Agriculture
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce held a Board Planning Session on September 27th, 2008 at the Depot from 9am-2pm. Board of Directors and staff met to discuss goals, and plans for the new fiscal year. Art Roberts, from the Texas Association of Business, in Austin Texas was the guest facilitator for the meeting, and utilized hands-on techniques to strategize planning for budget, staff, events and other various resources associated through the chamber such as growth in the Legislative area of interest from the community.
• Administrative Assistants • Maquila Placement • Payroll • Data Entry • Construction Prescreening Employment • Drug Screening
GOOD FOOD
GOOD FRIENDS
GOOD TIMES CELEBRATE • Birthday • Bridal Shower • BBQ • Christmas Party • Graduation • All Special Occasions
Semi-private & Private setting Available!
316.2350
2101 W. Sprague - Edinburg 8
How the Chamber Has Helped Me When I first decided to enter the Mortgage Loan financing business, my boss was very active in the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, and one day he invited me to join him to go to a Membership Mixer. I was young, very eager and ambitious but also very painfully shy. As we entered the function, he went one way to socialize and network with the attendees. I, not knowing any one, gravitated to the nearest corner where I remained alone for the rest of the evening. I felt that I had hit rock bottom and was not going to make it as an Independent Business woman and I should just change careers. But I was not willing to give up my dream , so I made a decision that very night. I was going to make it, one way or the other.
people and overcame my insecurities. The Chamber gave me the venue to become visible and active in events that really mattered and made an impact to the City of Edinburg. A few years have passed , I own 2 businesses now, am involved in many committees and I enjoy life! I thrived under the warm friendships that I made and now I am Chair Elect for the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce!!
I joined the Chamber committees, forced myself to talk to people, met and became friends with some wonderful
Good Luck and God Bless Cynthia G. Bocanegra
I consider each and every one of the Chamber staff to be close friends and they really are passionate about their job. They are always willing to extend their help to all their members. Just ask. I recommend anyone to utilize all the Chambers resources in helping to get their business to grow. Become involved, if not in the Chamber than any other organization. Help make Edinburg a better City for you and me.
Congressman Ruben Hinojosa speaks at Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon with speakers such as Mario Jorge from Tx Dot, Judge JD Salinas III, Edinburg Mayor Joe Ochoa, State Representative District 41 Veronica Gonzales, State Senator District 20 Juan “Chuy� Hinojosa, and State Representative District 40 Aaron Pena Jr. and others. The vision is that it will inform, involve and educate Chamber investors and civic leaders.
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs Committee under the direction of Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Vice Chairman Ramiro Garza, EEDC Executive Director hosted an Edinburg Legislative Luncheon featuring Congressman Ruben Hinojosa, 15th Congressional District of Texas. On Thursday, August 21st, 2008 at 11:30 am for a discussion on Legislative Issues.
The Edinburg Legislative Luncheon was generously sponsored by Edwards Abstract and Title Co., and Rio Valley Realty.
The Public Affairs Luncheons was introduced in 2006, and since then have covered popular topics 9
Ribbon Cuttings
JCPenney
Campos Communication
19 E. Trenton, Edinburg, Texas Ms. Cynthia Aguirre (956) 380-0820
2322 E. Freddy Gonzalez St., Edinburg, Texas Mr. Gabriel Campos (956) 381-8877
Kold Korner Spot Drive Thru
San Antonio National Bank
715 S. Raul Longoria, Edinburg, Texas Mr. Efrain Gonzalez (956) 287-9800
2208 W. Trenton, Edinburg, Texas Mr. Alex Rios (956) 467-0533
Xalisco Mexi-CafĂŠ
Wal-Mart
112 S. 12th Street, Edinburg, Texas 78539 Mrs. Michelle Madera (956) 381-8700
1724 W. University, Edinburg, Texas 78539 Ms. Patricia Sanchez (956) 381-6674
To view the Chamber Champion Committee Ribbon Cutting / Groundbreaking Ceremony Policy, please visit www.edinburg.com
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Ribbon Cutting
Karina’s Kuntry Kitchen 5713 N. 36th St., McAllen, Texas 78504 Ms. Karina Garcia (956) 387-0521
LEADERSHIP EDINBURG CLASS XX SELECTED
In order from left to right: Flo Prater, Imelda Rodriguez, Roy Pena, Lisa Rosales, Sergio Molina, Diana Kaufold, Jacob De Leon, Alexis Sereni, Marty Martin, Jessica Gonzalez Mar, Daniel Tijerina, Anissa Salazar-Class Liason, Angie Luna, Eli Reyna, Alex Rios, Pepe Cabeza De Vaca, Fernando Quintanilla, Abraham Pompa, Balde Gomez and Mark Aguirre.
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce is very excited to announce 20 years of hard work, leadership and dedication. Over 400 graduates of Leadership Edinburg have taken the Leadership Challenge. The 9 month program includes a weekend retreat, a class project that benefits the community, an end of the year banquet plus multiple learning sessions with topics such as history, education, politics, and quality of life. Many leadership graduates have gone further in their careers to serve on community boards, politics, and other areas where leadership is essential. Congratulations to Class XX, we wish you the best of luck! For more information on Leadership Edinburg please call 956-383-4974 and online at www.edinburg.com. 11
MEMBERSHIP ROUNDUP
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce held a Membership Roundup on September 25th@ Los Lagos Golf Course in Edinburg. The theme was "Margaritaville", and over 75 Chamber Members came out to help celebrate the occasion. Burgers, Fun, Door Prizes and Karaoke were on the menu for this sizzling event The Membership Round Up is one of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce' networking opportunities, and is a perfect place to meet and swap business cards in a FUN, informal working environment. The Round Up is one way the Chamber gives back to their members to say "Thank You" for all the support they have bestowed throughout the years of being an active member. Special Thanks goes out to the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce "Chamber Champion" Committee for organizing such a fun filled event!
Letty Gonzalez receives Chamber Recognition Award Letty Gonzalez, President with the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce recently attended the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE), where she was awarded a plaque in recognition of outstanding service and dedication to the Chamber of Commerce profession for 20 years. “We are very proud of Letty. Her commitment to the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce comes from her willingness to help the business and civic community. She’s passionate about what she does, and has a dedicated staff and Board of Directors to support her” said Cris Torres, Immediate Past Chairman of the Board for the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. 12
Shown L to R Letty Gonzalez, Edinburg Chamber President and Diane Probst, Chairman of the Board of Directors for TCCE
AUGUST
Edwards Abstract and Title Co. 3111 W. Freddy Gonzalez Dr. Edinburg, TX 78539 Phone: 956-383-4951 Fax: 956-383-5443
Feature Businesses of the Month SEPTEMBER
Gaston Properties 2102 W. University Edinburg, TX 78539 Phone: 956-381-0941 Fax: 956-381-0517
13
Economic Update by Ramiro Garza, Jr.
Despite the national slowdown on the economy, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation has seen a dramatic increase in economic activity.
During the 2007-2008 fiscal year, the EEDC assisted eight companies with a projected $184,127,711.00 million in capital investment into the local economy. EEDC also participated in vital infrastructure projects including water lines, sewer, and roads for the necessary improvements to help support local businesses.
First Hartford Realty has now built over 300,000 square feet of new retail space that has generated employment of 500 new jobs at the Shoppes at Rio Grande Valley. We do anticipate that in the next few months, additional announcements of new stores will be made.
Edinburg’s retail economy continues to be strong. Between January and July 2008, retail sales were up more than three percent during the first seven months of 2007, as measured by the amount of local and state sales taxes generated by a wide range of local businesses.
Santana Textiles will soon be starting construction on a denim manufacturing facility at our North Industrial Park that will bring 800 new jobs to our city. The first phase of this project is expected be open by the first part of 2010.
During the first seven months of 2008, Edinburg has generated over $10 million in local sales taxes which represents an increase of 3.17 percent compared to the previous year.
And we are also seeing growth in the health services sector. Doctor’s Hospital at Renaissance is under construction of another 100,000 square foot tower with additional investment of over $40 million that will create 350 new jobs. This latest addition makes Renaissance Hospital one of our largest employers at over 3,000 jobs.
With the expansions at the Shoppes at Rio Grande Valley, growth at our North Industrial Park and additional expansions in health services sector, Edinburg continues to be well positioned to realize continued growth despite the national slowdown in the economy.
As of September 30, 2008, the EEDC concluded our fiscal year with significant results. We retained and attracted 915 direct and indirect jobs in our community representative of projects approved.
15
VIP Members AEP Texas Central Company
Exquisita Tortillas, Inc.
Magic Valley Electric Co-op.
Azteca Milling L.P
First National Bank
Memorial Funeral Home
AT&T
Frontera Produce
Roberts Chevrolet
Best Western - Edinburg Inn & Suites
Gateway Printing & Office Supply
Roy’s Hauling Service, Inc.
Beyamar Home Health & Hospice
Greater South Texas Bank
Royston, Rayzor, Vickery
Boggus Motor Sales, Inc.
H.E.B.
& Williams, LLP
Border Capital Bank
H.E.B. #2
San Antonio National Bank
Capital One
Inland Paperboard and Packaging Inc.
Santiago Gonzalez, Jr., C.P.A.
Charles Clark Chevrolet
Inter National Bank
South Texas Health System
Chase Bank
International Bank of Commerce
Staples #1037
Collision Masters
International Paper Company
Texas State Bank
Echo Hotel and Conference Center
J. E. Saenz & Associates
The Shoppes at RGV
Edinburg C.I.S.D
JAR Development, LP.
University of Texas Pan American
Edinburg Industrial Foundation Inc.
JC Penney
Valdez Meats & Catering
Edwards Abstract and Title Co.
Kolder Inc.
Wal-Mart
Elite Rehab Services L.L.C.
L&G Concrete Construction Inc.
Wells Fargo Bank
Estrada Hinojosa & Company Inc.
Lone Star National Bank
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