Congratulations!!! - Edinburg Chamber of Commerce

Edinburg Chamber of Commerce E-News Letter
Volume 2, Issue 11
Congratulations!!!
NEWS HEADLINES:
Annual Banquet!
Check us out
on
Twitter
&
Facebook
Follow us on: Inside this issue:
Ribbon Cuttings/Feature
Business of the Month
2
New Members
3
VIP Members/ Be our Friend/
Happy Anniversary members
4/5
ECVB/BOD/Calendar
6/7
Annual Banquet: “Happy”
the Comedian
8/9
Man & Woman of the Year
Thank You Note / Letter
from the Chairman
10/11
12
November, 2011
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V OLU ME 2 , ISSUE 11
Ribbon Cuttings and Ground
Breakings
John Austin Pena
Karina Cardoza
3341 E. Richardson
Rd.
956-292-7026
Farmers Jessenia
Ocon Insurance
Agency
Edinburg IDEA Public School
Jessenia Ocon
Sandra Barbosa
3017 S. Sugar Rd.
Ste. J
2553 Roegiers Rd.
956-373-8138
McDonalds
202 W. Monte Cristo
Mr. Joe Ayala
956-383-0698
956-624-6140
Feature Business of the Month ...
November
BBVA Compass
Rosie Escalon
2314 W University Dr
(956) 664-4101
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Committee are a group of volunteers who are all
members of the Chamber. The Ambassador’s meet the first Wednesday of each month to discuss
various topics within the community, organize fundraisers and to select a business as a Feature
Business of the month; the criteria for selection is as follows: 1. Special Acknowledgement and recognition of years of support of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and/or recognition of outstanding
support of the community 2. Number of years in business 3. Contributions and support of Edinburg
Chamber of Commerce programs and events 4. Recent renovation and/or expansions of their business
5. Silent members (strong supporters) of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce in good standing.
If you are interested in being an Ambassador, please contact Martin Rivas at 956-383-4974.
V OLU ME 2 , ISSUE 11
PAGE 3
Welcome new ECOC Members:
Jaime A. Rodriguez
Anissa Salazar
Ambit Energy
KGBT-TV
3907 S Sugar Rd
9201 W. Expressway 83
Edinburg, TX 78539
Harlingen, TX 78552
Phone: (956) 207-1740
Phone: (956) 783-5428
Fax: (956) 383-6337
Fax: (956) 781-5747
Jena L. Cuellar
Marquez Orthopedics
2402 Cornerstone Blvd
Edinburg, TX 78539
Phone: (956) 668-0060
Mr Joe Ayala
Linda Garza
Ms Gayla Huerta
Sal Saldivar
R.E.E. INC, dba McDonald's #34823
Smile Station Pediatric Dentistry
StartwithGayla.com
Sal's Vinyl Grafx
2030 N. Cage
202 W. Monte Cristo RD
5011 S McColl Rd
PO Box 720198
Pharr, TX 78577
Edinburg, TX
Edinburg, TX 78539
Mcallen, TX 78504
Phone: (956) 292-8926
Phone: (956) 787-4949
Phone: (956) 383-0698
Phone: (956) 686-4449
Mr Frank Coronado
Jeremy Martin
The Department of Assistive and
Ultimate Warrior Fighting
Rehabilitative Services
135 Paseo Del Prado STE 57
1130 Pecan
EDINBURG, TX 78539
Mcallen, TX 78501
Phone 1: (956) 648-9001
Fax: (956) 787-4181
Kristi Coltier
Welcome Home, Rio Grande Valley
221 Nolana Suite A
Mcallen, TX 78504
@ The Depot
Leaders and citizens of Edinburg have historically
had a great community spirit and withthis, have
been twice awarded the All-American City designation once in 1968 and again in 1995.
Edinburg continues to make history!
Please visit us online at:
www.edinburg.com
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V OLU ME 2 , ISSUE 11
Thank you VIP Members:
Boggus Motor Sales, Inc.
Charles Clark Chevrolet
Edinburg Industrial Foundation Inc.
Elite Rehab Services L.L.C.
Exquisita Tortillas, Inc.
Kolder Inc.
Roy’s Hauling Service, Inc.
Teleperformance
D. Wilson Construction Company
As a Chamber VIP Member you will receive:
50% discount for one Leadership Edinburg Participant
4 VIP tickets to Fiesta Edinburg & Chamber Annual Banquet
10% discount on all Chamber advertising
3 participants to each Chamber-sponsored seminar
South Texas Health System
Set of mailing labels
Edinburg Regional Health Center
2 E-Newsletter Inserts
Santiago Gonzalez, Jr., CPA
Broadcast Fax
V OLU ME 2 , ISSUE 11
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Edinburg CVB is on Facebook! Please friend us :)
http://www.facebook.com/edinburg.cvb
1 Year Anniversary
Delicious Cuisine
Synergis Property Management
Office Depot
281 Tattoo
IDEA Public Schools
Star EMS
5 year Anniversary
Edinburg Executive Center
Pronto Trucking
10 Year Anniversary
Dr. Athanasi Orfanos, M.D., P.A
Food Bank RGV
25 Year Anniversary
Edinburg-McAllen Veterinary Services
We’d like to extend a very expressive thank you
and gratitude to our members; we are very pleased
to have you a part of our chamber, working together for the community. We firmly believe that
your involvement with the Chamber of Commerce
helps strengthen ties between your role as an individual community member and a business member; our goal is to work together and to maximize
your membership benefits. The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce hosts regular luncheons and
seminars that are strategically created to educate,
inform, promote and market you and your business. Please contact the Edinburg Chamber of
Commerce for further information, and ask how
you can become more involved; we’d love to hear
from you! Visit us online at www.edinburg.com and
on face book at
www.facebook.com/edinburg.chamber
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V OLU ME 2 , ISSUE 11
Edinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau...
Edinburg Market Days November 12th
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and the
Edinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau is
now accepting vendors for “Edinburg Market
Days” the 2nd Saturday of each month from
September-May.
Market Days will be held at the Town Square
across from the Court House in Edinburg,
where you will find antiques, collectibles,
unique finds, arts/crafts, music plus the Chili
and Pan de Cook Off and more!
Visit us on Saturday, November 12th, 2011
from 8am-2pm for fun and excitement! This
is one of Edinburg’s most popular weekend
events that the entire family can enjoy;
please come out and see what Market Days
has to offer! Please call 956-383-4974 for further information or to register for a vendor
space. www.edinburg.com
V OLU ME 2 , ISSUE 11
PAGE 7
Former Chairman reunite @ Historic Train Depot in
Edinburg, Texas
The Former Presidents and Chairman of the Board of the
Edinburg Chamber of Commerce recently met and reunited
at the historic train depot in which the Edinburg Chamber
of Commerce, the Edinburg Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation
currently operate.
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce has the strong support
of the local businesses and volunteer leadership. Several
members of the Former Presidents and Chairman of the
Board gathered recently to stay connected with the organization and to meet the current leadership group. Pictured
are (sitting): Cynthia Bocanegra (2009-2010); Elva Jackson
Garza (1999-2000); Edna Pena, 2011-2012 Chairman of the
Board; Cris M. Torres, (2007-2008) and Letty Gonzalez,
Chamber President. (Standing) Johnny Rodriguez, Immediate Past Chair 2010-2011; Ted Miller, Jr. (1991-1992); Byron
Jay Lewis (1993-1994); Harry Roberts (1956-1957); Mitch
Roberts (1997-1998); Mike Govind (2002-2003 & 2003-2004 )
and Dr. Larry N. Balli (1998-99).
Mark your Calendars:
Edinburg Market Days Saturday, November 12th,
2011 8am-2pm at the Edinburg Town Square across
the street from the Court House. Come out for unique
shopping: antiques, collectibles and more!
Pan de Campo & Chili Cook Off New attraction to
the November 12th Market Days from 8am-2pm at the
Town Square. All are welcome to compete, only $50 to
enter! www.edinburg.com
Edinburg’s Night of Lights Saturday December 3rd,
2011 4-9pm at City of Edinburg Courtyard. Parade,
musical entertainment, Santa Clause, food, and more!
www.edinburg.com
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V OLU ME 2 , ISSUE 11
Edinburg Annual Banquet
V OLU ME 2 , ISSUE 11
PAGE 9
2011 Award Reciepients
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce is pleased to declare the proud recipients announced on Saturday, October 15th, 2011 at the Chamber’s An.nual Banquet which took place at the Echo Hotel and Conference Center.
Aside from great laughs from “Happy” the comedian, The Chamber of
Commerce honored several recipients in multiple categories. Cris Torres
from INB received the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Leadership
award; Marty Martin from Rio Valley Realty received the Ambassador of
the Year award, Sally Marie Jaime received the City of Edinburg Firefighter of the Year award, Mitch Roberts received the Edinburg Chamber
of Commerce Man of the Year award and last but not least the Woman of
the Year award went to Elva Jackson Garza from Edwards Abstract and
Title Company.
.
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V OLU ME 2 , ISSUE 11
demonstrated the following:
The recipients of Man/Woman of the year
•
Has provided valuable service by devoting time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community in the way of volunteerism.
•
Has demonstrated a commitment to his/her community by sharing
of time and talent in ways that benefit the community or individuals
within it.
•
Has demonstrated exceptional personal commitment to civic endeavors outside of professional obligations.
 Has demonstrated community service in civic or service organizations,
non-profit boards, religious groups or other involvements, such as merchants’ associations, chamber of commerce or educational activities
Elva Jackson Garza has served the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and the City of Edinburg since 1983.
She has devoted countless hours of service to many organizations such as the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce;
Edinburg Economic Development Corporation; Kiwanis Club of Edinburg; Valley Chamber of Commerce Executives; Edinburg Hospital Authority Board; American Cancer Society; American Heart Association; Rio
Grande Valley Builders Association; Greater McAllen Association of Realtors; Edinburg Home Buyers Expo;
Edinburg Realtors Committee, Weslaco Realtors Committee, Women’s Council of Realtors and the Hidalgo
County Bar Association.
She was elected to the position of Chairman of the Board of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce during 19992000 and at that time was only the third woman to serve the organization in this capacity. Presently, she continues to serve as an active member of the Executive Board of Directors. During the 2011-12 fiscal year, Elva
will serve as Vice Chair of Public Affairs; Depot Restoration Committee Chairman and Former Presidents
Committee Chairman.
In recognition for her community service and dedication to pubic service, State Representative Aaron Pena and
the Texas House of Representatives honored her with House Resolution 1801 on May 18, 2007.
She was inducted in the Rio Grande Valley Walk of Fame in March 1, 2008 for her civic and community service
as the representative of the City of Edinburg. She was presented with a commemorative tile that is on display
at the State Farm Arena Walk of Fame in Hidalgo, TX.
Elva Jackson Garza currently represents Edwards Abstract and Title Co. as Vice President & Marketing Manager. Her role models and mentors were her parents. She is the daughter of Maria Sidia Gracia Jackson and
the late Alberto Jackson, Jr. of La Joya. She appreciates her ability to contribute her time and energy due to
the encouragement and unwavering support of her husband, Fred R. Garza and their son, Fred A. Garza.
“I am very honored to have been nominated and selected as the 2011 Woman of the Year. As a volunteer, I
serve because it has always been important for me to make a small difference in my beloved Rio Grande Valley. I want to say “thank you” to so many wonderful people that I have met along the way as they have enriched my life immensely,” said Elva Jackson Garza.
V OLU ME 2 , ISSUE 11
PAGE 11
Mitch Roberts was born to Bob and Jo Roberts in Edinburg Texas in 1958. He
attended Edinburg public schools, graduating from Edinburg High School in
1976. He then attended and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin
with a BBA in Business Management. Shortly thereafter he attended and
graduated from the General Motors Technical Institute Automobile Dealers
School in Warren Michigan.He returned to Edinburg to work in the family business, Roberts Chevrolet. In the late 1980's Mitch decided to become involved
with the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, volunteering with the Beautification
Committee working on cleanup days in Edinburg and planting trees/flowers and
shrubs in various areas of Edinburg. Mitch became involved with the Edinburg
Chamber as his family had a strong legacy of working and volunteering with
the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and the Edinburg Community.
Starting in 1932 Mitch's Grandfather, L.J. Roberts worked with and was on
the founding board of directors to establish the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. His Uncle, Harry Roberts served as Chairman in 1956-1957, his father,
L.J. "Bob" Roberts Jr. served as Chairman in 1964-1965 and Mitch had
the honor of serving as Chairman in 1997-1998. Mitch served in various capacities with the Edinburg Chamber, including Beautification Chair, Fiesta Edinburg Chair, and worked on the Original "Hobo Hap’nin" committee which raised
the funds to purchase and restore the 1927 Southern Pacific Railroad Depot
which now serves as the home for the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce.
Mitch also served on the Edinburg Economic Development Committee as the Chambers liason to that board. Mitch
has been involved in various other civic and professional organizations over the last 30 years. In the 1980's Mitch served
as Chairman of the Rio Grande Valley Chevrolet Dealers Association, and in the 1990's Mitch served on the founding board
of directors and later served as Chairman of the Rio Grande Valley Automobile Dealers Association. In 1995, Mitch was
elected to the Board of Directors of the Ebony Hills Improvement Company, (company that owns Edinburg Municipal Golf
Course ) and currently serves as Chairman of the Board. In 1997 Mitch was elected Chairman of the Board of the Museum
of South Texas History and served on that board for five years in various capacities among them, Chairman of the Capital
Campaign in 1997 and he worked as Chairman to raise several million dollars for the expansion of the Museum. In 2005
Mitch was honored by Automotive News, a National publication for Automobile Dealers and was chosen as Innovator of the
year for his innovative process of rewarding employees/team members with safety work bonuses for reducing workmen's
compensation claims. Also in 2005 Mitch was given the Outstanding Leadership Award by the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Leadership Committee for his tireless efforts in promoting and volunteering for the Chamber and throughout the
community of South Texas. In 2010 Mitch Roberts and family, specifically his Aunt Marjorie and Uncle Harry Roberts
were honored by the Dustin Michael Sekula (P.F.C., U.S.M.C.) Memorial Library and FRIENDS of the Library. The Roberts Family Hall was dedicated in honor and appreciation for their volunteering, dedication and financial
support of the Library for the past 40 plus years. In 2010 Mitch in speaking to Letty Gonzalez, was told by her that the
Chamber needed financial help in constructing and building a new patio for the historic 1927 era Southern Pacific Railroad
Depot. Mitch then decided to donate funds and work to help make this Patio a reality. As a major contributor, the Chamber at Mitch's request, named the "The Chairman's Patio" in honor of Mitch's Grandfather, L.J. Roberts, founding board
member in 1932, his uncle, Harry Roberts, Chairman 1956-1957 and his father, Bob Roberts 1964-65 and all of the men
and women who have served as Chairman of the Board. The Patio was completed this year and is used extensively for
Chamber gatherings such as "Mixers"!In 2000, Mitch had the opportunity to purchase his family members Interest in Roberts Chevrolet and Mitch was then approved as the Chevrolet Dealer in Edinburg. Mitch operated Roberts Chevrolet until
2007, at which time he was presented with a life-time opportunity to sell his property to the County of Hidalgo, and his
business to Bob and Janet Vackar of the Bert Ogden Family of Dealerships.
“To the selection committee that nominated me for Edinburg's Man of the Year, I would like to say THANK YOU! I am
very humbled, very proud, very honored, and have never done anything, served/volunteered for anything other than to help
make Edinburg and South Texas a better place to live and work in and be "part of the team"! I know alot of the past Men
and Women of the year and am very honored that I can be in the category of such great men and women” stated Mr. Roberts.
P.O. Box 85
602 W. University
Edinburg, TX 78540
Phone (956) 383-4974
Fax (956) 383-6942
Letter from the Chairman
Dear friends of the Chamber,
The Fall and Winter season is upon
us and the board & myself are in
full swing in planning some spectacular events, informative seminars and awesome networking opportunities for our membership.
www.edinburg.com
2011-2012 Edinburg Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Edna Pena, Chairman of the Board, Edna Pena - Horizon Properties / Gotta
Lovette
Dina Araguz, Chair-Elect, International Bank of Commerce
Robert McGurk, Treasurer, Elsa State Bank and Trust Co
Johnny Rodriguez, Immediate Past Chair, Austin Personnel Services
Cris Torres, Vice-Chair of Fiesta Edinburg, Inter National Bank
Elva Jackson Garza, Vice Chair of Public Affairs, Edwards Abstract and
Title Co.
For the month of November, we
have scheduled a Customer Service
Seminar, looking forward to Welcoming Back our Winter Texans & Business Expo plus
encouraging your support for Peter Piper Pizza on Tuesdays. A percentage is contributed to support our Edinburg
Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber staff is hard at work on finalizing last minute details for our November Market Days. The staff is
planning a Texas Chile and Pan del campo event.
Marty Martin, Vice Chair of Leadership, Rio Valley Realty
Toribio "Terry" Palacios, Vice Chair of Tourism, Law Offices of Garcia,
Quintanilla & Palacios
Directors
Alex Rios, Kid's Kollege Learning Center
Elias Longoria, Lone Star National Bank
Gus Casas, G & S Glass
Jacob De Leon, Memorial Funeral Home
Marty Baylor, The University of Texas- Pan American
Robert Lucio, Fiesta Chevrolet / Bert Ogden Motors
Cris Torres, V.P. for Fiesta Edinburg, along with her volunteers are hard at work in planning details for what
promises to be a great event.
Dina Araguz, V.P. for Ambassadors is working closely
with Alex Rios in recruiting new members, scheduling &
attending ribbon cuttings and working with our ambassador volunteers.
Marty Martin and the Leadership XXIII class have successful completed their orientation retreat and will be attending a Leadership Edinburg Education Session at
Norma Linda Trevino Elementary.
Marissa Castaneda, Doctors Hospital at Renaissance
Naomi Perales, Texas Gas Service
Lucy Canales, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP
Maggie Kent, General Dentistry Centers
Staff
Letty Gonzalez, President
Imelda Rodriguez, Director of Tourism
Evana Vleck, Director of Marketing & Special Events
Elva Jackson V.P. for Public Affairs and Terry Palacios
V.P. for Tourism along with Imelda Rodriguez Director of
Tourism did a dynamic job October 26, 2011 on our Fall
Public Affairs Luncheon highlighting our Hoteliers.
This month I plan to begin the implementation of my 12
on 12 program -a luncheon meeting at noon to listen and
respond to the needs of the membership and to encourage
participation and involvement in our chamber committees,
can’t wait! Until next time…
Martin Rivas, Director of Membership
Crystal Cavazos, Receptionist & Tourism Assistant
Sincerely,
Edna Pena
Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, Chairman