executive officers - Edinburg Chamber of Commerce

www.edinburg.com
P.O. Box 85
602 W. University
Edinburg, TX 78540
Phone (956) 383-4974
Fax (956) 383-6942
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
CHAIRMAN
Cris Torres • Inter National Bank
CHAIR - ELECT
Lee Castro • Memorial Funeral Home
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
Mark Magee • First National Bank
Nov. / Dec. 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.
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
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
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 the Chairman....................................................3
2007 Night of Lights ...........................................................5
Edinburg Cable Network Wins! ...........................................7
Leadership Edinburg XVIII ...................................................8
Calendar of Events ..............................................................8
New Director of Tourism Appointed.....................................9
I-Shop Edinburg ...........................................................10-11
Ribbon Cuttings / Groundbreakings .............................12-13
Spotlight on ECISD ............................................................14
Edinburg Mayor Meets Leadership Class XIX ....................15
Edinburg in Retail Spotlight ..............................................16
Real Estate Forum .............................................................17
Edinburg Coyotes Hire New GM........................................18
Night at the Ballpark.........................................................18
New Chamber Champion ..................................................19
Feature Businesses of the Month ......................................20
Museum Plans Big Day......................................................21
Edinburg Chamber Says Thanks.........................................21
Legislative Update & Luncheon .........................................22
Chapin to Edinburg ...........................................................22
Economic Update ..............................................................23
Letter from the Chairman
Dear Chamber Board of Directors, Staff,
Volunteers and Members:
Filling shoes is something we might all be
familiar with. It’s not always an easy task, but
more often an honorable one.
The Edinburg
Chamber of Commerce has been lead with dignity
and inspiration for 75 years, and each year it
grows with the community and becomes part of
people’s daily lives.
Past chairmen have taken
upon themselves to give back and assist in
guiding the chamber in a positive direction, and
historic reasoning behind Fiesta Edinburg; and as
through each leader, the chamber remains active.
we all know with the Edinburg World Birding
Center, the Museum of South Texas History, and
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce is an
other attractions; we are a large draw to visitors
organization that not only caters to local
who travel miles to visit our climate.
businesses, but also to the community at large.
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce is an
Edinburg is growing, and I look forward to filling
important piece to our growing city. The chamber
shoes in the New Year; it won’t be easy, but it
provides quality of life to natives and visitors, and
certainly will be fun - especially with the
also serves as a liaison between local business and
continued support from all of you, who truly
the community.
make Edinburg the place to be.
The Edinburg Chamber of
Commerce holds many events, meetings and
gatherings throughout the year. Large events like
Fiesta Edinburg, and Texas Cook’em: High
Cris Torres
Steaks in Edinburg set our city and chamber apart
Chairman
from other chambers, and represent Edinburg as a
unique and vibrant city that cares about the people
who live and do business here.
On a grand scale, Edinburg ranks high; we are
home of the University of Texas, Pan-American,
HESTEC,
Edinburg
Professional
Baseball
Stadium, we hold the County Seat which is the
3
Title Insurance And Serving You
Are The Foundation Of Our Business
3111 W. Freddy Gonzalez Drive
Edinburg, Texas
We’re ready to serve you!
Edinburg Escrow Branch Office; Lewis, Monroe & Peña - Attorneys At Law;
Edwards Title Plant and Edwards Support Teams
www.edwards-titleco.com
Edinburg
McAllen
Mission
Sharyland Plantation
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
3607 Plantation Grove, Suite 103
Mission, Texas 78572
(956) 424-0273
Fax (956) 583-4409
2300 W. Pike Blvd., Suite 101
Weslaco, Texas 78596
(956) 973-9654
Fax (956) 968-7163
Night of Lights is on the Way!
Night of Lights is an exciting celebration for the city of
Edinburg. For the past 8 years Edinburg has toasted the
holiday with a lighted parade, live musical
entertainment, arts & crafts and other fun holiday
happenings. Community organizations including the
Edinburg Consolidated School District, University of
Texas, Pan American (UTPA), the City of Edinburg, the
Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, the Edinburg
Economic Development Corporation and others
participate in the memorable celebration, bringing the
community together.
6:00 pm. The parade route will begin at 100 E. Cano at
the Hidalgo County Courthouse and disband at the
Edinburg Professional Baseball Stadium. 1st, 2nd and
3rd place trophies are awarded in the school and
business division, and participants truly take their float
decorating skills seriously, as many put hours of work
into decking out their parade floats in twinkling lights,
transforming University Drive into a real “winter
wonderland”. The fun continues at the UTPA “Quad”
where Santa Clause will pay a visit, and hand out treats.
Families will enjoy Night of Lights, as there will be fun
attractions for kids, including an amazing fireworks
show to cap off the evening at 9:00pm. Night of Lights
is a FREE event and takes place on Saturday, December
1st with the Night of Lights festival from 4-9 pm and the
parade beginning at 6:30 pm. We hope to see you all
there! Night of Lights is also currently accepting
applications for vendors, as well as parade entries;
please call 956-383-4974 for more information.
The day begins at 4pm at the UTPA “Quad” where
traditional festival food aromas like “elote”, fajita tacos,
and funnel cakes fill the air. Live musical performances
from various Edinburg schools and organizations gather
together to ring in the Night of Lights festival as they
dance and sing to Christmas and holiday music. As the
evening grows later, spectators will line up down
University Drive to await the custom lighted parade at
5
Edinburg Cable Network Wins Eight
Awards for Excellence in Broadcasting at
Statewide Competition.
Friday, August 10, 2007
(Edinburg, TX)-The City of Edinburg is proud to
announce the Edinburg Cable Network-ECN12 recently
brought home eight awards for excellence in
government television programming.
ECN12 tied with one other Texas city for winning the
most awards at the Texas Association of
Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (TATOA)
2007 Conference in Austin, Texas.
Pictured from L to R - Miguel Gamboa, Brittney Booth,
Pedro Tijerina, Evelyn Escamilla, Marco Martinez, Monica
Vaughan.
ECN is the City’s government cable access channel and
is a joint project run by the City of Edinburg, the EEDC,
and University of Texas Pan American. Over the last
four years the station has won more than two dozen
statewide awards for their programming.
“We are extremely excited to have won these awards.
We do our best to bring the citizens of Edinburg quality
and informative community news. It’s nice to have other
broadcasters from across Texas give us this
recognition.” said Station Director Evelyn Castellano
Escamilla.
Escamilla credits City leaders with enabling the station
to stay up to date with broadcasting technology. “We
couldn’t produce the kind of quality television we do if
the Mayor and City Council didn’t support our efforts.
They have enabled us to keep our equipment and
technology state-of-the-art to bring residents the best
community television.”
Escamilla says in two of the categories, ECN12 nearly
shut out the competition altogether by winning two out
of three awards given.
The award-winning programs are:
• Community Event Coverage: 1st Place-“Uninsured
Border” and 3rd Place-“Texas Cook’Em”
• Public Affairs: 2nd Place-“City Council Meeting”
• Documentary: 1st Place-“Uninsured Border”
• Public Health/Public Safety: 2nd Place-“Drunk
Driving Demo”
• Special Audience: 2nd Place-“Summer Baseball
Camp” and 3rd Place-“Fire Safety Show”
• Magazine Format Series: 3rd Place-“ECN News
Update”
City Councilmember Alma Garza said, “I’m not
surprised that ECN12 has won so many awards. They
have a fantastic staff, from the Director to the
cameramen and everyone in between. They work
hard and attend most every event in order to keep our
citizens informed and up to date with what’s going on
in Edinburg.“
For more information on this story please contact
Evelyn Castellano Escamilla at 956-454-6731.
ECN12 placed ahead of many other larger cities with
larger budgets like Allen (73,298), McKinney
(107,530), Denton (109,561), and even Houston
(2,144,491).(Source: U.S. Census/EEDC)
7
GOOD LUCK!
Edinburg Chamber of Commerce
Calendar of Events
2007-2008
Leadership Edinburg
Class XVIII
Winter Texan Welcome
Each year a new Leadership Edinburg class is chosen
November 15, 2007
Edinburg Activity Center, Edinburg, TX
$2 • Food, live music, entertainment, door prizes
and more
to serve the community and represent the great city of
Edinburg. Class XVIII was a dynamic group of people who worked diligently together to raise funds on
Edinburg on Wheels
several occasions. Leadership Edinburg Class XVIII
November 17, 2007
The Depot, Edinburg, TX
FREE • 2-5 mile bike ride, light energetic breakfast, free t-shirts to first 100 participants
donated funds to the Edinburg Public Library, as well
as the Make A Wish Foundation. The class also took
part in several group exercises that included topics on
“History,
Education,
Health
Care,
Politics,
Night of Lights Celebration
Government & Media, Criminal Justice, Economic
December 1, 2007
UTPA Quad, Edinburg, Texas
FREE • Parade, Santa Claus, Community Music,
Food, Fun and more
Development, and Quality of Life”. The class even
participated in Edinburg Day in Austin, and proudly
embodied Edinburg as a growing, innovative, energetic city on the rise.
Hasta La Vista Pachanga
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce would like to
February 21, 2008
Edinburg Activity Center, Edinburg, TX
$2 • Food, live music, entertainment, door prizes
and more
congratulate all of the graduating members of Class
XVIII, and wish them well on their venture in busi-
Fiesta Edinburg 40th Anniversary
ness, community involvement and leadership.
February 21-24, 2008
Edinburg Municipal Park, Edinburg, TX
FREE with $5 Parking • Parade, Live Music, Food,
Entertainment, Fireworks and more
Edinburg on Wheels & Health Fair
March 8, 2008
TBA
FREE • 2-5 mile bike ride, light energetic breakfast, free t-shirts to first 100 participants, information booths, goodie bags and more
Texas Cook’em
July 4-5, 2008
Edinburg Municipal Park, Edinburg, TX
FREE with $5 Parking
L to R, Back: Norma Flores Ruiz, Pedro Sinfuentes, Michelle
Tijerina, Rick Rodriguez, Nysa Roper, Steve Crossland, Pilar
Corpus, Edna Peña, Abel Leal; Front: Leon DeLeon, John
Alvarado, Dalia Arce, Aaron Ramirez, Sam Maldonado.
For more information:
956-383-4974 • www.edinburg.com
8
Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Appoints Imelda
Rodriguez as Director of Tourism
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce is very pleased
to announce Imelda Rodriguez as Director of Tourism
for the Edinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Ms. Rodriguez has years of experience in the
business and non-profit field. Her background lies in
different avenues of interest and professional
development, including travel and the outdoors. She
has been employed with the Edinburg Chamber of
Commerce for 2 years as a Tourism Assistant, and
since then has become very involved with the
chamber’s program of work, which in part includes
making Edinburg a tourism destination.
Her
personality and dedication is a great asset, and the
chamber staff is glad to have Ms. Rodriguez serve as
a liaison between winter visitors, businesses,
members and the community at large.
Ms. Rodriguez currently holds monthly hotel/motel
meetings, and is also working on one of Edinburg’s
most notable events: Edinburg Night of Lights which
will take place on
Saturday, December 1st,
2007 at the UTPA Quad
beginning at 4 pm. The
traditional Night of
Lights parade will
proceed at 6:30 pm
beginning at the County
Court House going West
down University and
ending
at
the
Imelda Rodriguez: Director
Professional Baseball of Tourism for the Edinburg
Stadium. Admission is Chamber of Commerce.
free. For more information on Night of Lights or the
Edinburg Chamber of Commerce please call 956383-4974, and to reach Ms. Rodriguez please email
her at tourism@edinburg.com
Letty Martinez, Chamber President is delighted to
have Ms. Rodriguez serve as the chamber’s new
Director of Tourism. “Imelda is highly qualified to
serve this position, her passion and love for Edinburg
is something that’s extremely valuable to our
organization. Imelda is familiar with the chamber’s
mission and plans to continue fostering the growth
and educating local and out of town visitors on
Edinburg’s unique metropolis and nature
destinations. We are all proud to have her on board.”
Welcome Aboard!
Ms. Rodriguez was born and raised in Edinburg, Texas
and holds a large interest in the outdoors; she feels that
Edinburg has a lot to offer as far as tourism goes. Ms.
Rodriguez plans to conduct monthly tours of Edinburg
for anyone who has interest in seeing Edinburg’s
growth and splendor. The tours will focus on
Edinburg’s city expansion while focusing on the floral
and fauna, and will make stops at several Edinburg
destinations including the Edinburg World Birding
Center, the Museum of South Texas History, and El Sal
de Rey where she recently hiked and photographed.
El Sal De Rey
9
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.
Eva’s Flowers Baskets & Gifts
301 W. Schunior St.
Edinburg, Tx 78541
956-381-4555
evasflowersbaskets@sbcglobal.net
10% Discount
Best Western Edinburg Inn &
Suites
2708 S. Bus. Hwy. 281
Edinburg, Tx 78539
956-318-0442
godevco@aol.com
10% off rack room rate
Edinburg World Birding Center
714 Raul Longoria Rd
Edinburg, Tx 78539
956-381-9922
moliva@edinburgwbc.com
10% off all merchandise
Rex Motel
2207 S. Bus. 281
Edinburg, Tx 78539
956-383-5681
$3.00 off any rooms
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!
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
10
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
Movie Corner
2346 Freddy Gonzalez
Edinburg, Tx 78539
956-386-1222
3 New releases for $9.99
3 kids movies for $5.00
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
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
512-797-3187
Drafthouse.com
Free Popcorn or Chips & salsa with
purchase of any entrée. Valid
Monday through Thursday only.
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
Graphic Xpress
308 N. Closner
Edinburg, Tx 78539
956-381-8088
graphixxpress@sbcglobal.net
10% discount on orders $100 or
more.
Los Lagos
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
Hesbrook Monument Company
616 E. Cano St.
Edinburg, Tx 78539
956-383-8597
10% on all monuments & Design
work Free
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
2001 Trenton Rd.
Edinburg, Tx 78539
11
Tio’s Rancho
2102 N. McColl Rd
Edinburg, TX 78540
956-316-1100
carlos@tiorancho.com
10% off any food purchase anytime
El Jinete Drive Thru
501 W. University Dr.
Edinburg, TX 78540
956-383-6100
Spend $15 and get a 12oz drink for
FREE (choice of soda or water)
Collision Masters Inc.
11700 N Rooth Rd.
Edinburg, TX 78541
956-380-3368
Collisionmastersinc.com
10% Discount on deductibles and
also financing for deductibles and
repairs with approved credit.
Oil Can Harry’s
2602 S. Closner
Edinburg, Tx 78539
956-318-1754
Ribbon Cuttings
Little Audrey’s Flowers & Gifts
Edinburg Regional Rehab Center
511 E. Schunior, Edinburg, TX 78539
Angie Lugo 956-624-2859
1102 W. Trenton Rd. 2nd Floor, Edinburg, TX 78539
Roxanne Godineza 956-688-6000
Fantastic Sams
The Women’s Hospital At Renaissance
3931 South McColl Road, Edinburg, TX 78539
956-661-9104
5502 S. McColl, Edinburg, TX 78539
Dr. Lorence Gelman 956-688-4000
International Bank of Commerce (IBC)
Pizza Patron
2205 W. University, Edinburg, TX 78539
Dina Arraguz at 956-630-9340
2112 W. University, Edinburg, TX 78539
Rudy Trevino 956-782-9935
12
Ribbon Cuttings
Discount Tire
The Shoppes at Rio Grande Valley
4109 S. McColl Road, Edinburg, TX 78539
Justin Netherton 956-994-3883
591 E. Trenton Road, Edinburg, TX 78539
John Toic 960-646-6555
TRIO Ribbon Cutting
Suteki Sushi Bar & Japanese Cuisine
Madrid Family Medical Center
1102 W. University in Edinburg, TX 78539
Fernanda Sturgell 956-381-6644
205 Conquest Drive, Edinburg, TX 78539
Richard Cruz 956-381-9393
Medical Plaza Pharmacy
301 Conquest Blvd., Edinburg, TX 78539
Claudia Gonzalez (956)-381-5159
All Valley Children’s Lung Clinic
303 Conquest Blvd., Edinburg, TX 78539
Humberto A. Hidalgo, M.D., P.A. 956-381-5817
To view the Chamber Champion Committee
Ribbon Cutting / Groundbreaking Ceremony Policy,
please visit www.edinburg.com
13
Spotlight on E.C.I.S.D.
by Gilberto Garza, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools
At 211 degrees, water is hot. At 212 degrees, it boils.
And with boiling water, comes steam. And with
steam, you can power a train.
The Edinburg Consolidated ISD is off and growing by
leaps and bounds in the 2007-2008 school year. We
have 1,300 new students enrolled so far. In the coming weeks the numbers will increase as the migrant
families make their way home.
In the Edinburg school district, we are focused on the
motivation of this natural law.
The ECISD is a progressive and growing school district serving more than 30,000 students with a world
class educational system. We are proud of our fine
educators, quality instructional programs, and modern, well-equipped schools, all of which play a key
role in our mission to improve student achievement.
We are working to find that one key that can unlock a
child’s potential and power him or her up to succeed
in school and life. The students that walk our halls
today, we be leading the world tomorrow.
In August, the Texas Education Agency announced
that the ECISD had eight Exemplary school campuses, more than any other school district in the Valley
and the Region One Education Service area, and 13
Recognized campuses. Only one other Texas school
district had more Exemplary campuses than Edinburg.
The accolodades for this achievement must go to the
teachers and campus principals on all of our campuses who press forward to teach our children. This
school year, our educators are set to reach a little further, do a little more, and push a little harder to help
students prepare today to lead the world tomorrow.
Our slogan is ECISD: Going the Extra Degree, and it
is our goal to make academic excellence for every student the standard.
“Going the Extra Degree” in education requires all of
us to believe in our ability to make a difference for all
students.
14
Edinburg Mayor Joe Ochoa visits with
Leadership Class XIX
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce is proud to
The class has met, and discussed an overview of what
announce Leadership Edinburg Class XIX. Leadership
Leadership Edinburg consists of, and began their first
Class XIX was chosen by the Leadership Edinburg
session with a Leadership Retreat on September 7 th &
Steering Committee: Letty Martinez, Edna Pena,
8th at South Padre Island. Mayor Joe Ochoa attended
Cynthia Bocanegra, Abel Leal, Ana Ramirez, Lee
Leadership Edinburg's welcome luncheon, and feels that
Castro, Aaron
Gary
class XIX are a dynamic group who can make a differ-
Henrichson, Pilar Corpus, Rick Rodriguez, Steve
ence for the city of Edinburg. "I think encouraging vol-
Crossland, and Noe Valdez.
unteerism is something crucial for our city. There is
Ramirez,
Linda
Moreno,
always a need for new ideas; our community was built
Each of the selected individuals shows past evidence of
from volunteers working together, and Leadership
community involvement and expresses a desire for
Edinburg is a major step in establishing closer commu-
future leadership. In return, Leadership Edinburg com-
nity ties" stated Mayor Joe Ochoa.
mits to provide distinct learning environments, which
Edinburg Mayor Joe Ochoa visits with Leadership Class
XIX who began their 9 month session at the Edinburg
Chamber of Commerce with a kick off luncheon welcoming
applicants to the Leadership program.
will improve its member's leadership skills and opportunities.
Front Row L to R: Lee Castro (Chamber Chair-Elect), Cris
Torres (Chamber Chairman), Cynthia Bocanegra (Chamber LE
Vice Chair), Mayor Joe Ochoa, Letty Martinez (Chamber
President), Edna Pena (LE Steering Committee),
Back Row L to R: Frank Lara (Edinburg Chamber of
Commerce), Estella Macias (Texas State Bank), Destiny Lynn
Campos (International Bank of Commerce), Abel Leal (LE
Steering Committee), Javier Sanchez (Texas State Bank), Jay
Flores (Southern Star Title Co.), Monica Rodriguez (Horizon
Properties), Rick Rodriguez (LE Steering Committee), Nora
Garza (J.E. Saenz & Associates), Naomi Perales (Texas Gas
Service), Loida Leal (First National Bank), Omar Garza (City of
Edinburg Fire Dept.), Dalia Salinas (First National Bank), Julio
Rodriguez (First National Bank), Arnoldo Mata (Leadership
Resource Group), Not Pictured: Pamela A. Dougherty (Southern
Star Title Co.), Lupita Cano (Sudarshan Eye Experts), Ronnie
Sanchez (Winning Mortgage Solutions)
15
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2106 E. Griffin Pkwy
Mission, TX 78572
956-580-2900
Texas Border City Finds Itself
in the Retail Spotlight
of Edinburg. This 700-acre development will include
1,300 homes and 150 acres of retail space.
Why would retailers want to operate in Edinburg, Texas,
when the retail-rich city of McAllen is only minutes away?
The answer is that Edinburg can prove its retail-worthiness,
thanks to Buxton. Just a few years ago, Edinburg was
struggling to get retailers to locate to the community of
49,000 people. But when Buxton performed a study that
proved $1.5 billion in untapped retail demand within a 10minute drive time, things began to change. “This
information is really changing the type of retailer we have
here,” says Ramiro Garza, Economic Development
Director for the City of Edinburg.
Another retail site in
development includes an
Alamo Draft House
(combination restaurant
and movie theater), the
45,000-square-foot
Lack’s Furniture Galleria
and an additional 40,000
square feet of retail space.
All of this development has flipped Edinburg’s usual
construction activity statistics. Typically, the city
experiences about 65 percent residential construction
and 35 percent commercial. Now, commercial has taken
the lead with 65 percent of development going to mainly
retail construction.
Not long ago, Wal-Mart opened a second super center,
while Lowe’s, Chili’s, Applebee’s and Denny’s have
opened first sites in the city.
Since then, development has skyrocketed. A major
regional shopping center - 800,000 square feet in size is about to break ground. This lifestyle center will be
anchored by JC Penney and will include several other
retailers that have joined the project, but that have not
officially been announced. Another mixed-use
development has already broken ground in the north part
A growing residential base, along with increasing
numbers of Mexican nationals who cross the border to
shop in Texas, has helped put Edinburg in the retail
spotlight. “We realized we had a lot of untapped
potential,” Garza says. “The Buxton numbers have
become a very effective tool for us to promote our city.”
16
State of Real Estate Forum
Slated on October 30, 2007
Edwards Abstract and Title Co. is hosting the 4th
McAllen, Edinburg, Mission and Weslaco who will
Annual State of Real Estate Forum on Tuesday,
share general comments regarding construction
October 30 at Cimarron County Club in Mission.
permit activity and the factors that are contributing
Registration will begin at 8:30 and the forum will
to the continued commercial and industrial growth
start at 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
of the region. Participating in the economic development panel are Keith Patridge, President and
A special feature of the event will be
CEO,
keynote speaker Ted C. Jones, PhD
Development
and former chief economist of Texas
Ramiro
A & M University’s Real Estate
Director, Edinburg Economic
Center. Jones will target his presenta-
Development Corporation; Pat
tion on national, state and local eco-
Townsend, Jr, President and
nomic update and touch on interest
CEO,
rates, the internet and the real estate
Development Association and
industry in general. Jones currently
Hernan Gonzalez, Executive
serves as Senior Vice President and
Director
Chief Economist for Stewart Title
Economic
Guaranty Company headquartered in
Ted C. Jones, PhD.
McAllen
Corporation;
Garza,
Mission
of
Economic
the
Executive
Economic
Weslaco
Development
Corporation.
Houston.
The 1031 exchange program has been a topic of
“We are very pleased with the relationship that
interest for many investors and others in the real
Edwards Abstract and Title Co. has developed with
estate industry. Greg Lehrmann, Division Manager
Ted Jones over several years. He travels through-
with Asset Preservation, Inc. will focus his presen-
out the country regularly and gains first hand
tation on recent changes and update of the rules
knowledge and expertise regarding the real estate
and regulations regarding 1031 Exchanges.
industry. All of us in the real estate market are very
fortunate that Ted makes time to schedule a visit to
“The main goal of Edwards Abstract and Title Co.
the Rio Grande Valley, especially at this critical
is to offer a unique resource to all of us who serve
period that we are presently experiencing,” stated
the residential, commercial and industrial real
Byron Jay Lewis, President of Edwards Abstract
estate needs of the Rio Grande Valley so that we
and Title Co.
have the tools to better serve those who we do business with.” Lewis added.
Another highlight of the forum is a panel of economic development experts from the cities of
17
Edinburg Coyotes Hire
New General Manager
The Edinburg Coyotes of United League Baseball
(ULB) announced Wednesday that former Santa Rosa
athletic director and football coach, Tuffy Martinez will
be the Edinburg Coyotes’ new General Manager.
Martinez replaces Brett Lindahl, who resigned last week
to take a position with the NBA Development League’s
Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
In Martinez’s only season as a head coach, he guided
Santa Rosa to a 2-8 record and resigned in June. Since
his departure from Santa Rosa, he has been running his
sports promotion and marketing business, T9. Martinez
also has had assistant coaching stops at Port Isabel,
Sharyland, Hidalgo and Los Fresnos.
From 1999 to 2004, Martinez served as the director of
the Verizon Wireless Sports Park in Mission, which is
one of the largest in the state and gave him experience
working with local businesses.
“I think my connections and ties with the community
played a big part in me getting the job,” Martinez said.
“This is grass roots marketing. That is a big key in getting people back to the ballpark.”
Craig Brasfield, United League President, said the
league is hoping a local hire will help in turn around
Edinburg’s attendance numbers.
“We could have looked all over the country for someone
but it would take that person time to learn the market
down here,” Brasfield said. “It could take someone like
six months to learn the market. Martinez knows the
market and understands the community, so he has that
going for him.”
Edinburg Night @ the Ballpark
On Thursday July
26th
at
The
Edinburg Baseball
Stadium located on
920 North Sugar
Road in Edinburg,
Texas the Edinburg
Chamber
of
Commerce sponsored
“Edinburg Chamber staff joins Cody the
Community Day”. Coyote and the Edinburg Baseball
The Chamber of staff to promote Edinburg
Commerce distrib- Community Day.
uted over 1,000 mini bats to the first 1,000 baseball fans
that came through the gate. As fans lined up for hotdogs, popcorn and beverages, Letty Martinez; Chamber
President threw the “first pitch” of the evening and the
crowd enthusiastically cheered her on. The Edinburg
Chamber of Commerce is exceedingly grateful to the
community of Edinburg and the Rio Grande Valley for
being part of the celebration and looks forward to bringing more quality of life events to the community.
18
Chamber Champion
of the Month
Holly Martin is a
native of Indiana, but
has been living in
Edinburg for the last 7
years. She moved to
the Valley to teach 5th
grade, which she did for
5 years. She became a
Realtor in October of
2006, and she works
with Rio Valley Realty. She has been involved with the
Edinburg Chamber both indirectly and directly for the past 6
years, and enjoys being a part of the Chamber Champions. She
likes giving back and supporting the community, and is proud to
call Edinburg home.
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19
Feature Businesses of the Month
AUGUST
AUGUST
Four Paws Animal Hospital
421 Conquest Blvd
Edinburg, Texas 78539
956-383-2202
International Bank of Commerce
400 South Closner
Edinburg, Texas 78539
956-688-3640
SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and Edinburg
Chamber Champion’s Committee would like to
recognize Memorial Funeral Home as the chamber’s
Small Feature Business of the Month for September.
Memorial Funeral Home has two locations, 208 East
Canton in Edinburg, TX, (956)-380-1416, and also on
311 East Expressway 83 in San Juan, TX, (956) 7871415.
Peter Piper Pizza
2210 W. University Edinburg , Texas
956-380-6666
Darcy Kelly
20
Museum Plans Big Day November 10, 2007
Thousands of visitors
come to Edinburg each
year - and a major
attraction will bring
more on Saturday,
Nov. 10, when the Museum of South Texas History
opens a new wing covering the 20th Century.
Be sure to wear a 20th Century costume for the occasion
and a chance to win a Family FRIENDship to the
Museum for one year!
A fanfare of family fun is planned to celebrate the Grand
Opening of the River Crossroads: South Texas in the
20th Century on Nov. 10. The official cutting of the
ribbon will open this third and final section of the
Museum’s signature exhibition, Rio Grande Legacy
beginning at 10:30 a.m.
The public is invited to the newly enlarged grounds, and
new exhibit free of charge between 10 a.m. and 12 noon.
The usual afternoon Saturday fees will be charged after
noon. These are $4 for adults, $3 for seniors 62 and over,
$2.50 for students 13 and over, $1.50 children 12 to 4,
and free for children 3 and under.
Re-enactors are ready for action and will be one of the
many family fun activities planned for the Grand Opening
of River Crossroads: South Texas in the 20th Century on
Nov. 10. (l to r) Daniel Treviño, Emory Bates & Carlos
Lara, Jr. of Rio Grande City.
We’d like to Say THANKS!
Dear Friends, we would like to take this time to thank all of our members,
future members, sponsors, Board of Director’s, Chamber Champions and
volunteers who helped make the Membership Roundup a memorable
event. The Membership Roundup is one way in which we can give back
to our members and say thank you. On Thursday, September 27, 2007 at
Los Lagos Golf Course in Edinburg, Texas, the Edinburg Chamber of
Commerce held a bi-annual event: Membership Roundup which consisted
of live music, door prizes, networking, barbeque and fun. Without the
support from our members and the community at large, the chamber
wouldn’t be able to provide quality programs and events. The chamber
recognizes the time and effort put forth by members and volunteers and
is grateful for all that you do to assist in making Edinburg the place to
be. Each year the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce gains new members,
and is introduced to new smiling faces who become involved with the
community through the Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber
Champions Committee. We are appreciative of all you do, and for that
we are in it for the long haul. If you would like to become more involved
with the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, join our Chamber Champions
Committee by calling 956-383-4974 and become immersed in your city.
Sincerely,
Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Staff
21
Edinburg Chamber
Chapin to Edinburg
Hosts Legislative Update & Luncheon
A Historic Retelling
Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, State Senator District
20, Aaron Pena Jr., State Representative
District 40, and Veronica Gonzales, State
Representative District 41 recently addressed
the community as part of the upcoming
Public Affairs Luncheon, on Thursday, July
19th from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm at the Echo
Hotel in Edinburg. The topic of discussion
was “Legislative Update”. The Border Wall
and other legislative issues were discussed
among the speakers and audience members.
Sponsors for the event were Edwards
Abstract & Title Co., and Time Warner
Cable.
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, the
City of Edinburg and the Edinburg Economic
Development Corporation are pleased to
announce 100 Years of Edinburg History.
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
Marketing Committee is celebrating the
Centennial date from which Edinburg was
founded. From April 8th-11th, Edinburg will
again go down in History by looking back
and reflecting on the establishment and
growth of our great city. A series of events
will take place, including a FREE invitation
to those who have preserved Edinburg’s
history through photographs, clippings, and
other various memorabilia to be displayed at
the Edinburg Activity Center. We are
limiting the amount of exhibitors to the first
50 interested applicants.
The Public Affairs Luncheons are an ongoing
initiative introduced in 2006 and our vision is
that it will inform, involve and educate our
Chamber investors and civic leaders. The
event 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 Edinburg Chamber of
Commerce Membership Committee. The
next luncheon will be held on Thursday
October 25th, at the Echo Hotel from
11:30am-1pm; guest speaker will be
Edinburg Consolidated School District
Superintendent Gilbert Garza.
The Edinburg Marketing Team invites the
community of the Rio Grande Valley to dig
up all of their historic Edinburg Artifacts to
be on view and shared with the masses. If
you have a piece of Edinburg History that
you would like to share, please contact the
Edinburg Chamber of Commerce at 956-3834974 to make further arrangements.
22
Economic Update
by Ramiro Garza, Jr.
Being proactive in recruiting retail and making your
community a more attractive place for retailers to locate
is very important for every city. Retail activity
generates sales tax revenue for the City that, in turn, can
be used to fund city services as well as economic
development efforts.
restaurant survey). For this, we have utilized the retail
demand study performed by Buxton Group that has
assisted us very well in promoting the City and its needs
for different types of retail.
Having this data made available will not land a retailer
without having a list of properties available that
facilitates the connection of prospects desiring land or
lease space with building owners, developers, brokers
and/or leasing agents representing opportunities in the
City.
Retail is an essential part of a community's economic
health and vitality. As America's economy has grown,
demand for more retail and dining choices have grown
to enhance the quality of our lives. As a result, retail
attraction has become an important strategy in our
economic development plan because retail broadens and
diversifies tax revenues, increases employment, satisfies
residents' desires to shop at home, revitalizes
commercial corridors, and improves your ability to
attract and keep other businesses.
With this in mind, the EEDC hosted our first quarterly
Commercial Real Estate Roundtable event. The
roundtable was held on October 4th at the Edinburg
Depot and it was a great success with participants from
more than 20 organizations present. The roundtable was
a great way to exchange information with realtors and
community leaders and to learn more about the
commercial development projects taking place in the
city.
Retailers are primarily interested in projected sales at a
particular location however particular attention should
also be paid to the following resources in order to
enhance retailer interest: Traffic counts, income levels,
competitor locations, residential populations and
daytime (total employment) populations, as well as
targeted surveys defining resident desires (e.g.
If you would like to attend the next one, please let us
know as we will be having one again in January.
23
VIP Members
AEP Texas Central Company
Gateway Printing & Office Supply
Roberts Chevrolet
Azteca Milling L.P
H.E.B.
Roy’s Hauling Service, Inc.
Best Western - Edinburg Inn & Suites
H.E.B. #2
Royston, Rayzor, Vickery
Border Capital Bank
Inland Paperboard and Packaging Inc.
& Williams, LLP
Capital One
Inter National Bank
Santiago Gonzalez, Jr., C.P.A.
Clark Chevrolet
International Bank of Commerce
South Texas Vo-Tech Institute
D &F Industries
International Paper Company
South Texas Health System
Echo Hotel and Conference Center
J. E. Saenz & Associates
Staples #1037
Edinburg C.I.S.D
JAR Development, LP.
Texas State Bank
Edinburg Industrial Foundation Inc.
Kolder Inc.
University of Texas Pan American
Edwards Abstract and Title Co.
L&G Concrete Construction Inc.
Valdez Meats & Catering
Elite Rehab Services L.L.C.
Lone Star National Bank
Wal-Mart
Estrada Hinojosa & Company Inc.
Magic Valley Electric Co-op.
Whataburger
Exquisita Tortillas, Inc.
Memorial Funeral Home
First National Bank
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
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editorial content is the sole property of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. ©2007