Post on 30-May-2020
“”
We are part of the Harlingen Area Chamber of
Commerce. We are reaching one of our goals to
impact and be a part of our community. So we
display this proudly.
R G V A D V O C A R E - Jeremie Castaneda via facebook
A M O N T H L Y N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E H A R L I N G E N A R E A C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E | A U G U S T 2 0 1 3
Chamber Board of Directors Carlos Cuellar, Chairman
Dr. Linda T. Burke, Chair-Elect
Lupe Gonzales, Immediate Past Chair
Frank Espinoza, Secretary
Sue Ann Taubert, Treasurer
Nick Chandra
Josh Fields
Lyle Garza
Brenda Ivory
Ricky Leal
Matt Stone
“
President & CEO
M E S S A G E
Harlingen ROCKS!
That’s what I texted to former Chamber Chair Greg Quisenberry
last Wednesday evening when we broke the $100,000.00 mark in the 4th shift of our
Membership Event last week. Lots of folks knew that’s what we were going after, so we
were all on pins and needles during that last shift and Greg had texted me to ask where
we were. I was, and am, so thrilled that I was almost speechless.
I want you all to understand how great you are. Technically, we should not have been able to
pull off what we did last week. When Jimmy Cusano, the “Zoot Suit”, walked in the door on
Tuesday morning, he asked me what my goal was and I told him. His response was, “Pam, I
don’t think that’s very realistic, I have not seen it done by a community this small. I think you
should come down on that goal.” My response to him was, “You don’t know Harlingen, watch
us.” Needless to say, Jimmy ate his words…and was thrilled to do so.
Jimmy Cusano and his company, Your Chamber Connection, have been in this business for
21 years. They’ve done these events with more than 650 Chambers across the U.S, Canada
and Mexico. We are only the 14th in the company’s history to break the $100k mark. We are
the smallest community to ever do it….ever! That’s HUGE!
This week, we are fielding calls and messages from other Chambers across the state,
congratulating us and asking questions about how we did this. This is a big deal! We
should be very proud of ourselves.
Big props go to the Chairs of the event: Shane Allen, Harlingen Board of Realtors; Anita
Boswell, First Community Bank; Josh Fields, Shepard, Walton & King Insurance Co.;
Dr. Steve Flores, HCISD; Raudel Garza, Harlingen EDC; Brenda Ivory, Harlingen
Medical Center; Tom Keeler, KGBT-TV Action 4 News; Victor Leal, CyberNation; Mike
Murphy, MacPherson’s Medical Supply; Tre Peacock, Peacock General Contractors, Inc.
and Jo Wagner, Colletti’s & CTO. Inc. These folks committed. And they put a lot of time
and effort into to this success. They deserve your appreciation. The Captains and their
teams are tremendous. They did so much! There were more than 240 volunteers who filed
in and out of this building and contributed to the effort. They are each listed in this
publication. Take the time to know who they are and thank them. They did this for you.
The ladies who make up your Chamber staff were truly unbelievable throughout this event
and the time leading up to it. They did everything right! They are, without a doubt, THE
best Chamber staff in the business….I could be biased, but the numbers say I am not.
There were several messages to take away from this event. But the one that most
resonated with me was what this business community can do when you come together to
accomplish something. It has not escaped my attention that this Chamber has had two “out
of the park” homeruns over the last few months. The first being the number of signatures
on the letter to the legislature on the new university and medical school- more than 2000
in 36 hours. And now this. In my career, I have never seen a community come together
like this when they want something. I am so proud to call Harlingen home.
The message??? Don’t tell us we can’t do something….we WILL prove you wrong! Like
I said, Harlingen ROCKS!
Pam Priour, President and CEO
Never Underestimate
the Power of Business
The Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce volunteers signed up 355 new
members during the “Big League Draft” Membership Event held July 23-25,
2013. Member volunteers raised a grand total of $110,000 during the two-
and-a-half day membership event. Varsity Sponsors included Boggus Ford,
Pena Eye Institute, Country Inn and Suites, Pentair and VTX1, and Starting
Line Up Sponsors were Rental World, LLC and Frost Bank.
Your Chamber Connection event consultant, a zoot-suit wearing,
motivational and educational entertainer, Jimmy Cusano said “More than 225
Chamber member volunteers came together for their hometown of Harlingen
and rallied for the business community. About two-thirds of them had never
worked a membership event before.” YCC has worked with more than 650
Chambers of Commerce, raising more than $45 million. “The attitude was
five-star and, for the size of this community, this is the largest dollar amount
ever raised in the 22-year history of YCC,” he continued.
Congratulations to the Lime Green Team, chaired by Anita Boswell of First
Community Bank, as they were the top group. A very special thanks belongs
to the Red “Runner” Team, chaired by City Commissioner Victor Leal, owner
of CyberNation. The constant trips to pick up checks and deliver new member
packets was incredibly seamless.
“We are now in YCC’s $100,000 Club – one of only 14 in the United States,”
boasted Chamber President and CEO Pam Priour. “To be part of this business
community is a true blessing, and the outpouring of support for each other
and involvement in their community to increase membership in the Harlingen
Chamber was absolutely unbelievable. Together the teams created greater
community awareness of the important role of the Chamber of Commerce,”
she said with pride.
BRONZE PARTNERS Documation, Inc. Frank Estringel McAllen, TX 78504
(210) 341-4431
Fax: (210) 340-5441
Bill Guthrie Sports Eric Mackie 5701 W. Expressway 83
Harlingen, TX 78552
(956) 428-6462
Gillman Auto Group Scott Dupons 16408 US Highway 83
Harlingen, TX 78552
(956) 365-6150 · (956) 365-6198
Card Investment Group, Inc. H. Wm. Card, III 1118 E. Harrison
Harlingen, TX 78550
(956) 428-6003
Halff Associates, Inc. Joey Trevino 5000 W. Military Highway
McAllen, TX 78503
(956) 664-0286
Nolan Perez, MD Gastroenterology Nolan Perez, M.D. 512 Victoria Lane, Ste. 2
Harlingen, TX 78550
(956) 365-4400
GOLD PARTNERS Hino Gas Sales, Inc.
Alex Hinojosa 2759 W. Business 83
Harlingen, TX 78552
(956) 423-9178
Clermont, L.L.C. David Starr
7334 Blanco Rd., Ste. 200
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 340-8097
SILVER PARTNERS Linda Trevino Burke, D.D.S.
Linda Trevino Burke 2102 E. Tyler Ave.
Harlingen, TX 78550
(956) 440-8700
Gignac and Associates Raymond Gignac
222 E. Van Buren, Ste. 102
Harlingen, TX 78550
(956) 365-4820
Platinum Surgery Center Nancy Domingo
2220 Pease St.
Harlingen, TX 78550
(956) 389-6000
CLERMONT, L.L.C.
Titanium Partners
Valley Baptist Health System
Harlingen Medical Center
United Healthcare
City of Harlingen
Platinum Partners
Boggus Ford
Dish Network
First Community Bank
Long Chilton, LLP
Gold Partners
Aloe Laboratories
Clermont, L.L.C.
Hino Gas Sales, Inc.
Pena Eye Institute
Valley Morning Star
Nevill Business Machines
Silver Partners
AEP Texas
Gignac and Associates
IBC Bank
Linda Trevino Burke, D.D.S.
Lone Star National Bank
Janine Marie Photography
Platinum Surgery Center
Salinas, Allen & Schmitt, L.L.P.
Silver Partners
Shepard Walton King
Insurance Group
Texas Gas Service
United Launch Alliance
Bronze Partners
Bert Ogden Harlingen Auto Plaza
Bill Guthrie Sports
Card Investment Group, Inc.
Documation, Inc.
Frost Bank
Gillman Auto Group
Halff Associates, Inc.
Harlingen Area Teachers
Credit Union
Harlingen Economic
Development Corporation
MacPherson's Medical Supply
MUZAK
Nolan Perez, M.D.
Gastroenterology
Port of Harlingen Authority
Security Service Federal
Credit Union
Taglerock Technologies, LLC
Texas Regional Bank
Uhlhorn Family Partnerships
Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation
Valley International Airport
+
+
G O D F A T H E R
Victor Leal
G O D M O T H E R
Anita Boswell
P I N K T E A M C H A I R
Dr. Steve Flores Julio Cavazos
Shane Strubhart
Tina Garza
Ernestina Rodriguez
Roque Rodriguez
Anissa Castillo
Michael Garza
Veronica Kortan
Dr. Arturo Cavazos
Kasey Boykin
Ezelina Marrozuin
Liz Phillips
Erica Boggus
Celia
Iris Saent
Chris Kortan
Monica Blount
Dr. Jose Luis Cavazos
Luis Solorio
Vivian Bauer
Allison Solorio
Melissa Kilgore
Lisa Guerrero
Melba Garcia
Mike Reyes
Adrian Soliz
Pedro Sanchez
Corey Ryan
Sem Vargas
Felipe Garcia
Javier Araiza
Ken Lee
Oscar Tapia
Maritza Gallaga
Iris Motemayor
Adriana Dominguez
George McShan
Dr. Joe Rodriguez
Imelda Munivez
Antonio Layton
Randy
Lanny
Mike Ramirez
Sessia Wyche
B L U E T E A M C H A I R
Shane Allen Lolly Burns
Carly Thomas
Merrijo Dean
Dutch Richards
Tony De La Rosa
Steve Krenek
Darleen McDonald
Heather Helmer
Laura Sparks
Zintiha Loya
Brenda M. Amaya
Lisa Capistran
Ellie Ahumada
Sue Ann Taubert
Kathy Lonon
Paula Martin
Debbie Ellis
Shannon Fetters
Norwood Fedie
G O L D T E A M C H A I R
Tre Peacock Felicia Drake
Dolores Noles
Monica Pequeno
Fred Rendon
Jessica Reyes
Kathy Preddy
Jessica Belscher
Sharon Jackson
Naomi Perales
Lea Peacock
Danielle Altenburg
Claudia Menchaca
Ofelia Alvarez
Janie Perez
Sylvia Anciso
Scott Allex
Jonathon Medina
Todd Breland
Reagan Florence
Meg Jorn
Brad Warrenburg
Dayna Parrish
Hector Lopez
Jimmy Pearcy
Eliud Garcia
Scott Dupons
Rosie Castillo
Lucy Cadenas
Jeff Peters
Hermalinda Jaramillo
Rachel Zapata
Matt Betancourt
O R A N G E T E A M C H A I R
Raudel Garza Ramiro Aleman
Belinda Alenow
Jose Mulet
Sylvia Vallejo
Amanda Powlson
Lyle Garza
Rudy Martinez
Darrel Gunn
Maribel de la Fuente
Eladio Jaimez
Jerry Sondock
Carlos Cuellar
MaryAnn Villarreal
Pat Bubb
Olga Morales
Jess Morales
Stephen Zarate
Laurie Simmons
Cladia Hernandez
Vidal Muniz
Juan Leal
Catherine Elderkin
Scott McFarlarnd
Sergio Rodriguez
Marleen Rodriguez
B L A C K T E A M C H A I R
Mike Murphy Matt Murphy
Nick Consiglio
Deanna Murphy
Vicki Leggett
Tudor Uhlhorn
Celina Garrison
Mark Molina
Diana Haire
Jay Meade
Scott Brown
Cheryl La Berge
Elena Meade
Judy Quisenberry
Katie McCardy
Lorraine Gonzales
Pam Magouirk
Kimberly Anderson
Minerva Simpson
Denise Williams
Jose Medina
Brent Greer
Team members who helped grow their Chamber.
You made the Harlingen Area Chamber a 1,000 member Chamber and a YCC $100,000 Club member by recruiting 355 new members.
L I M E T E A M C H A I R
Anita Boswell Lew Vassberg
Janine Campbell
Julie Herrington
Marigayle Gray
Ruthie Ewers
Debbie Elizarde
Jo Liston
Edna Tamayo
Jackie Russell
Col Bob Grider
Lupita Muniz
Ricky Leal
Nick Chandra
Bill Reagan
Jennifer Sanchez
Albert Muniz
Kyle Orgera
Sandra Lopez-Langley
Cynthia Gamez
Travis Richards
Sue Cizler
Diamond Mendez
Lupe Gonzales
Carlos Quevedo
David Argabright
Lupe Gonzales
Connie Salas
Mayor Brewer
Mayor Boswell
Julie Ezell
Y E L L O W T E A M C H A I R
Brenda Ivory Manny Chacon
Ana Villareal
Blanca Davis
Edward Camarillo
Elva Munoz
Matt Lynch
Alfonso Gonzalez
Joel Gonzalez
Mary Ann Peterson
Regina Olvera
Ruben O’Bell
Claudia Gonzalez
Sandra Zermeno
Jesse Gonzalez
Alfonso Diaz
Juan Banda
Yesenia Sanchez
Deborah Meeka
Belinda Tijerina
Adriana Borjas
Bill Adams
Tim McBrian
Gladis Lugo
Amy Flores
Barbara Disbennett
Delma Salinas
M A R O O N T E A M C H A I R
Josh Fields Fred Cole
Mike Woods
Nikki Wellington
Rick Garza
Mary Katherine Duffy
Jim Coffman
Dominic Consiglio
Humberto Munoz
Jeanno Aguiro
Jesse Becerra
Sandra Flinn
Kim Watson
Diane Stone
Gail Randazzo
Venee Harrell
Norma Rozeft
Lisa Fohn
Kara Smith
Kelsey Garcia
Laurie Pitts
L A V E N D E R T E A M C H A I R
Jo Wagner Liz Doty
Mary Lorae Scheopner
Jo Ann Boggus
Jessica Mason
Missy Moore
G R E E N T E A M C H A I R
Tom Keeler Lilia Castillo Jones
Chris Castillo
Beverly Ticer
Melba Cantu
Peggy Elder
Marcia Kitten
Lorie Swayze
Cindy Velasquez
Ileana Castaneda
Mari Cortes
Angie Gonzalez
Laurie Howell
Mark Kroll
Amy Lynch
Hector Mercado
Mary Prepejchal
Hector Yanez
Viola Vela
Mary Castanon
Robert Gutierrez
Peg Rusvo Miller
Mario Munoz
Meg Rusvo Miller
Colleen Willis
Jeanette Greider
Tanya Miller
Rachel Deen
Lynda Lopez
Michelle Mann
Maribe Garza
Andy Garcia
Tracy White
Jim Birschbach
Lance Morgan
Teri De Anda
R E D T E A M C H A I R
Victor Leal Rolando Rubiano
Lucy Cadenas
Julie Walthers
Elva Munoz
Jaime Resendez
Ramiro Resendez
David Garcia
Sally Barron
Olga Morales
Mark Moody
Maricela Salazar
Julie Garib
Danny Payton
Gabriel Gonzales
Ray Crowder
You made the Harlingen Area Chamber a 1,000 member Chamber and a YCC $100,000 Club member by recruiting 355 new members.
Team members who helped grow their Chamber.
C H A M B E R M E M B E R S
Membership Event
New Members
@garzafam34
A & T Transmission
A Berry Catered Affair
A1 Auto Service
Aaron's Brakes & Alignment
ACR Engineering
Advanced Pest Control
Advocare by Brooke Burns
Affordable Attic
Aguaworks Pipe Supply
Alexandre’s Fine Jewelry
All Star Shredding
All Texas Health Care, Inc.
Alvarez Realty
AM PM Plumbers
Angelina Keck - Realtor
Annette Baker, REALTOR
Antigua Bakery & Cafe
Antiques & Collectibles
Archer Business Systems, Inc.
Ariel Star Therapy Dog
Arnold Celis Realty, LLC
Audio Visual Aids Corp.
Auto Masters
Back Home Cleaners
Bee First Primary Home Care
Believe in Us Primary
Home Care Inc.
Ben E. Keith Supplier
Best Catering
Billie D. Simpson Farms
Birschbach Media
Sales & Marketing
Bistro Restaurant
Blanquita's Mexican Restaurant
Blaylock Law Office
Boral Technologies
Border Link, LLC
Boultinghouse Simpson
Gates Architecture
Blush Day Spa
Bow Realty
Breathe of Life Christian Church
Breeden/McCumber/Guerrero, Inc.
Brendon Hall
B's Furniture Store
Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home, Inc.
Buckshot Taxidermy Studio
Bud's Quality Plumbing
Burgos Pool & Spa Supply
C&G Quality Homes
C.O.P.S. Defensive
Driving Academy
Calidad Home Health & Hospice
Cameron County Constable Pct. 5
Cameron County Farm
Bureau Insurance
Cano & Cano Luxury
Custom Homes. LLC
Cano Home Builders
Care Rx Pharmacy
Carl Hensz Farms
Carroll's Inspections
CASM Properties, LLC
Catalyst Commercial
Cerda Roofing & Construction
Chefs Para Ti
Chem Sol Services
China Star Restaurant
CHR
Ciguena Land & Cattle Co - Billie
Mack & Deborah Simpson
Cita's Boutique
Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse
Clermont, LLC
Clore Construction LLC
Codysur
Connelly & Bartnesky
Insurance Agency
Consulting Point, Inc.
Copier Solutions
Cougar Marine USA
Crossfit Stamina
Cruz-Hogan Consultants, Inc.
Cure Your Practice
CVS Pharmacy at Ed Carey
Cynthia's Cakes LLC
D.V.'s Diner-n-Thrift Store
C H A M B E R M E M B E R S
July 1-22, 2013 New Members
Documation, Inc
McAllen Valley Roofing Co.
Young Life
C H A M B E R M E M B E R S
Dale Roberts Construction Dan Sanchez, Attorney at Law
Daniel Reza State Farm Insurance
Data Logic Software, Inc.
David J. Heffernan CFP CRPC
Davika Construction LLC
Day Financial Group
DBR
DDi
De Leon Funeral Homes
DeVolada Bail Bonds
Deborah Barlow,
1st Alliance Mortgage
Deborah Ellis
Denise Williams
Desiree's Spa & Massage
Diana Haire - Realtor
Diligent Mechanical AC Service
Distinctive Drafting & Design
Ditch Witch
DME Medical
DNC Property LTD
Doctor's Chiropractic Clinic
Don Beto's Restaurant
Donald C. Roa M.D.
Dr. John's Lawn Prescription
Dr. J's Gourmet Burgers in the Point
Dr. Mogholahan M Kuye
Drake Family Dentistry
Driscoll Health Plan
Dubose Signs
Dullie's Embroidery
Dunkin & Associates, LLC
Ed Tamayo
Eddward Studio
Edge 3D Printing
Edison Commercial LP
Educational Services, LLC –
Dr. Rosalinda Mercado
Elida's Hair Creations
Elite Cheer Force
Elliott's Custom Golf
Estate Sales &
Liquidations by Jessica F&T Valley Motor Sports Farmer Mac's Kettle Corn
Farmers Crop Insurance
Ferris & Flinn, LLC
Figueroa Safety Consultants
Financial Corporation of America
Fine & Simple
Floral Designs by Leti
Foreman Therapy
Foremost Construction
Foremost Group/
Telecommunications
Full of Joy Photography
Fyfe & Federick, LLC
G & C Steel
G&S Buildings
Garcia’s Family Health Group
George Rama Photography
Gigabit Communications
Golden Benefits Life
Greater Valley Hospice
Settlements, LLC
Gorhums Lawnmower Shop
Grande Theatre
Greenfeld Insurance Agency
Gulf Coast Sign Company
Gulf Coast Trades Center
Gulf Moving Systems
Gulf Packaging
H&H Golf Carts
Halff Associates
Harlingen Area
Educational Foundation
Harlingen Arroyo Youth Soccer
Harlingen Companion Sitter Service
Harlingen Family Care Clinic
Harlingen Glass Co.
Harlingen Industrial Foundation
Harlingen Manufacturer's
Association, Inc.
G O O D F E L L A S
Matt Murphy, Raudel Garza,
Tre Peacock, Josh Fields, Shane Allen,
Tom Keeler, Ruthie "The Original
Godmother" Ewers
F O U R O R M O R E N E W M E M B E R S
Sue Ann Taubert, Beverly Ticer,
George McShan, Cheryl La Berge, Kyle
Orgera, Tanya Miller, Zintiha Loya, Kathy
Lonon, Heather Helmer, Angie Gonzalez, Jo
Wagner, Maribel Garza, Vicki Leggett, Fred
Cole, Janine Campbell, JoAnn Boggus
B I G D O G S S I X O R M O R E N E W M E M B E R S
Steve Flores, Ricky Leal, Tre Peacock,
Alfonso Gonzalez, Jackie Russell, Lew
Vassberg, Ruthie Ewers, Steve Krenek,
Minerva Simpson, Mary Ann Villarreal,
Manny Chacon
Where Do I Begin?
The last month has been so fun and energizing. I could hardly
go anywhere that people were not talking about the membership event and promoting
the Chamber. As the event got closer, so did each teams passion to sponsor the most
new businesses.
I loved helping facilitate an event that brought 270 plus Chamber members from
different businesses and different roles in business together to work and spread the
message that “to have a strong economic foundation ALL businesses that gain financial
prosperity from Harlingen should work together and be a member of the Chamber.”
Many volunteers during the event were heard telling other businesses to “walk it-not
talk it” and to “step up”. Well…This Chamber ran and leaped! Your Chamber
membership grew by over 50% in the last month as the Membership Event educated
and created an awareness of the Chamber’s role in the community to advocate, legislate
and support businesses by promoting economic prosperity and growth for the
community. Chamber members came together to sponsor over 350 new businesses.
You are now the only Chamber from a community this size to have a membership
increase this great!
The Chamber office has “Thought You’d like to Know” card. I encourage you each to
stop by, say hello and get a few cards to give to fellow members to show your support
of each other.
Shirley Bralley, Membership Development and Events Manager
Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce
Membership & E V E N T S
C H A M B E R M E M B E R S
Harlingen Neighborhood
Food Pantry
Harlingen Storage
Harlingen U-Pull
Harris Housing Advisers
Help America Corp.
Hino Electric Power Company
HIT Services Pest Control
Home Vision Construction, LLC
Hopkins Company Real Estate
Hospitalists Now, Inc.
Hot Skating Roller Rink
Houstonian Mortgage Group, Inc.
IHOP #1923
Indeco Sales
Independent Team
Beachbody Coach
Innovative Ideas
Institute of Child Health Services
J & R Copiers
Jack Davis Spraying & Fertilizing
Jamar Printing
James C. Simmons, Jr., CRPC -
Ameriprise Financial
Jason E. Peters, P.A.
Jason R. Mann Attorney at Law
JC Garza Construction
Jerry's Auto Sales
Jo Ann Boggus
John Knox Village
Johnny Underwear Productions
Jose M. Davila - Farmers Insurance
Journey Preschool
Julie Herrington
Just-in-Time Transport
K-12 Insight
Keltech Heating Service
Kent Jones Farmers Insurance
Khan's Grill
Kids Therapy Services
Kim Watson, Realtor
Kip's Kwik Lube Center
KMBH TV/Public Radio 88 FM
Koppel Family Properties Ltd
La Copa Inn
Lady ''M'' Pastries
Las Fronteras Adult Daycare Inc.
Law Office of David G. Castillo
LawnPros Chem-Green Inc.
Leadership Empowerment
Group, LLC
Liberty Source
License to Carry LLC
Lillian’s DME
Lisa Capistran, Realtor
Lone Star Glass & Mirror
Los Generales Mexican Cafe
Los Nortenos Mexican
Restaurant Inc.
MAE News Group LLC
Market Place Realty
Marlow’s Fitness Personal Training
Martin's Pools
Mata Garcia Architects LLC
MC2 Productions
Merida Health Organization
Millsap Consulting
Mion Terrazzo Tile &
Marble Co., Inc.
Missy's Modeling Studio
Moncivais Plumbing
Montessori Academy of Harlingen
Morrison Supply
Motel 6
MTL Mortgage
MTNest Bed & Breakfast
My Body Pilates
N2 Tech Solutions LLC
NAI Rio Grande Valley
Navarro Roofing Co.
New Haus Construction &
Development
New York Deli
Nip & Tuck Draperies
Nisroc Media
Northridge Designs LLC
Oakridge Apartments
Oil Patch Fuel & Supply, Inc.
One Stop Staffing. L.L.C.
Business Matters is a monthly publication of the Harlingen Area
Chamber of Commerce. This publication is only available online
a link to it will be sent via E-Blast on the first of each month.
For more information e-mail Keri Gutierrez at
kgutierrez@harlingen.com
Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce
311 E. Tyler | Harlingen, TX 78550
956.423.5440 | www.harlingen.com .
What an Experience
Hello Chamber members! For the past couple months I have been the intern at
your Chamber in the Membership Development and Events Division. This
internship has given me more than just credit to complete my Hospitality,
Tourism and Restaurant Management degree at the University of Nebraska
Lincoln. This experience has given me the opportunity to apply knowledge from
a classroom setting to real professional situations. The Membership Event, in
particular, has opened my eyes not only in the learning experience aspect, but to
realize how much potential Harlingen has.
My first day here at the Chamber, May 13th, I began working on the progress
towards the Membership Event. For how many elements that are thrown into the
mixing pot to the creation of this event, it was a great accomplishment to see it
all come together. All 240 volunteers helped make the Chamber’s vision become
a reality. It is an amazing thing to see such a diverse community come together
and share a common goal: to strengthen Harlingen’s business community.
I am a strong competitor. Therefore, seeing the ten teams compete against each other
throughout the Membership Event was definitely a highlight for me. Although
stirring the competitive pot was entertaining, the best quality of this Membership
Event was to see the volunteers’ passion for their community. Fourteen. Only
fourteen chambers in the nation have accomplished the goal of joining the $100,000
club at Your Chamber Connection. The majority of the businesses in this community
are small mom and pop shops reaching the dream of owning their own business. I
love being a part of their dreams and supporting the growth of the business
environment. I believe this is just the beginning of Harlingen’s shine.
Katie Whelden, Membership Development and Events Manager Intern
Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce
Membership & E V E N T S
C H A M B E R M E M B E R S
Parce Inspections, LLC
Parrish Industries
Partners in Rehab
Pete's Electric
Premier Homes
Premier Nationwide Lending
Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc.
ProCare Neuro Monitoring Services
Purpose Driven Polygraphs
Investigative Consultants
Queen City League/
Blue Planet Water
R&R Paving
R.I.O. Gun Club, LLC
Raul N. Rodriguez,
Real Estate Investor
RE/MAX 1st Choice
Reiley's Landscaping &
Lawncare Service
Representative Eddie Lucio III -
Attorney at Law
Reverse Mortgage of Texas/
Valdez Group
RGV Advocare
RGV Auto & Title Services
RGV Carts
RGV Gin
RGV Prosthetics
RGV Pump & Equipment, LLC
Rhino Contractors, Ltd
Rialto Reception Hall
Ricardo A Ochoa, MD PA –
Family Medical Center
Richard Guerrero
Rick & Lolly Burns
Rick’s Flooring
Rio Grande Tree Farm
Rio Grande Valley
Livestock Show, Inc
Rio Hondo Realty –
Peggy Lashbrook
Rio Insulation, LLC
Roberto Lopez, CPA PC
Roberts Jewelry
Robles Law Firm LLC
Rodan and Fields Dermatologists
Roerig, Oliveira & Fisher, LLP
Roman's Plumbing
Rotary Youth Exchange
Rudy's Paving
S. Matthew Hamby, CPA, PLLC
S.T.X. Wireless & Accessories
S.V. Photography
Safe Haven Hospice
San Angel Hair Salon
San Benito Funeral Home
Scientific Learning
Secure Insurance Agency
Shannon Sparks, Realtor
Shepard & Walton Life
Insurance Agency, Inc.
Shepard Insurance Agency
Sika Corporation
Small Fry's Pharmacy
South Texas Auto Guide
South Texas Ms. Senior Pageant
South Texas Project
Management, LLC (STPM)
Southern Commercial
Real Estate Group
Southland Motors
SRS Farms
St. Anthony Catholic School
Stacey Mitchell Cleaners
State Farm Insurance - Joe Jones
State Farm Insurance -
Christina Paloma
Steve's Food Mart
Strubhart Real Estate
Sun Valley Aviation Co.
Suncoast A/C & Refrigeration, Inc.
Sundance RV Village
Sunshine Motors
Tail Chaser Charters
Terra Cooling
Texas Inn
Texas Lehigh
Texas Pet Resort
Texas Seal & Stripe
The Country Vet
M O S T C O M P E T I T I V E G R O U P
The Lime Group
M O S T E N T H U S I A S T I C
G R O U P
The Gold Group
T O P C H E A T I N ' T E A M
The Lime Group
Y O U S E G O T N U T T I N '
Nobody!
T O P S A L E S I N D I V I D U A L
Ruthie Ewers Seven Sales totaling $6,665.00
T O P T E A M
Team 32 Captain Ruthie Ewers
28 Sales totaling $16,810.00
T O P G R O U P
Lime Group 74 Sales totaling $28,745.00
C H A M B E R M E M B E R S
The John Wyatt Company
The Moran Group
The Reese
The Solar Lounge
Tierra Realty
Tina Rodriguez, Realtor
Tip-o-Tex Seafood
Tippett Law Office
Tire Recycling & Processing, LLC
Town and Country Custom Homes
Tri-County Kids Care, LLC
Trinity at Harrison Funeral Home
Trinity Realty & Investments LLC
Turf Tamer Lawn Care
UPS Freight
Valle Vista Optical
Valley Cancer Associates PA
Valley Central Digital
Valley Day & Night Clinic
Valley Proud
Environmental Council
Valley Radio
Valley Wide Sprinkler Systems
Valley Windshield Repair
& Auto Glass
VHC Family Health & Night Clinic
Vicente Rodea, Jr.
Vicki Leggett
VIP Full Service Salon & Spa
Vique & Co.
Walsh, Anderson, Gallego,
Green & Trevino, LLP
Watters Air Conditioning
Weightin' Room
Whole Health Wellness and
Aum Yoga Studio
William R. Wepfer,
Attorney at Law
Willie D. Chidester, CPA
Wolf Surveying
World Connections Travel
Your Chamber Connection
Zintiha G. Loya, Realtor
Zoe’s Rental
Youth Leadership Harlingen is a series of five all-day sessions covering
leadership skills, city government and criminal justice, health and human
services, social services, business and industry and quality, culture and
creativity. The program also includes an orientation, a full-day ROPES
session and a graduation ceremony.
Applications for both leadership programs can be picked up at the
Chamber office located at 311 E. Tyler in Harlingen. Each program is
planned and implemented by a Steering Committee comprised of
program graduates. Participants for each program will be selected by
their respective Steering Committee and will be based on information
provided on the application.
For more information about Leadership Harlingen or Youth Leadership
Harlingen contact Sarah Trolinger, Governmental Affairs Manager and
Leadership Program Facilitator at strolinger@harlingen.com, or call
the Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce at 956.423.5440.
Leadership Programs
Accepting Applications Applications are being accepting for Leadership Harlingen Class XXVIII
through August 16, 2013 and for Youth Leadership Harlingen Class
2013-2014 through September 4, 2013. Leadership Harlingen and Youth
Leadership Harlingen are programs of the Harlingen Area Chamber of
Commerce for individuals with a passion for learning about what makes
an effective leader.
Leadership Harlingen is a nine-month program that exposes business-
oriented participants to the concepts of community trusteeship and
servant leadership, and the guidance and support to encourage
participation in activities that contribute to the growth of the community,
such as a trip to the State Capitol and a behind-the-scenes tour of our
medical community.
This program provides participants with increased organizational,
leadership and problem-solving skills and exposes them to new insights
into the community and prepares them for leadership roles. It also
provides increased access to networks of community leaders and
resources.
Youth Leadership Harlingen, established in 1994, and produced by the
Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce with the support of the Harlingen
Consolidated Independent School District, is a program for students
enrolled in secondary schools within the Harlingen school district.
Training the Community’s Business Leaders
First Cotton Bale in the
Nation Confirmed The Harlingen Cotton Committee of the Harlingen Area Chamber of
Commerce, which for more than 60 years has verified that the nation’s
First Bale of cotton was grown in the Rio Grande Valley, celebrates the
2013 cotton crop with a First Bale Auction and Scholarship Fundraiser
set for Thursday, August 8, 2013. Texas Agriculture Commissioner
Todd Staples will give a brief presentation at the event.
This event has grown tremendously
Over the years, and our goal is to continue
to serve the agricultural community of the
Rio Grande Valley and support and
Inspire students to take an active
role in this field.
Harlingen Cotton Committee Chairman Brady Taubert
The official certified First Bale of cotton in the United States was delivered
to Ed Landry of the La Feria Co-Op gin by the Rodriguez Brothers Farm.
La Feria Co-Op gin provided certification of delivery, time, and weight,
and the final ginned and baled cotton has been delivered to the Harlingen
Area Chamber of Commerce on July 23, 2013.
The Rodriguez Brothers received $3,000 in cash from the Harlingen
Cotton Committee for the First Bale of cotton ginned in the United States
for the 2013 growing season. The First Bale is designated as the first 1,500
pound minimum of seed cotton delivered to a participating gin in the Rio
Grande Valley. The seed cotton this year weighed in at 1,920 pounds.
“The Rodriguez Brothers have delivered the First Bale using DP&L
920 for the past three years and have grown the First Bale for a total of
six years. Cotton grown in the Rio Grande Valley gets shipped all over
Texas and the U.S. and is transported to many countries overseas,”
Taubert continued.
Along with auctioning off the First Bale, the Harlingen Cotton
Committee will award $5,000 in scholarship money to students
attending Texas State Technical College. TSTC Lozano Long
Opportunity Scholarship will match those funds bringing the total
scholarship to $10,000 to support agriculture students in the Rio
Grande Valley.
“”
“
Center for Creative
Retirement
The Center for Creative Retirement is a committee established by the Harlingen Area
Chamber of Commerce in 2001 to provide stimulating programs, which offer lifelong
learning for people age 55 and over. To achieve this mission, they have established a
series of lectures and tours.
The program is developed by a Steering Committee of 10 members, and their goal is
to provide relevant, educational information with an entertaining approach built
around membership and what they want. Suggestions about future programs and
additional offerings throughout the year are gladly welcomed. The program covers a
lot of ground throughout the valley, with the exception of the medical field.
“We have between 80 and 100 members each year and try to accommodate each one
with sessions that would be of interest to them in the valley as this program indicates.
The program is very reasonable and relevant to their membership. We have a lot of
things going on,” said Steering Committee Chair Tori Keyes.
Annual membership dues are only $35 per person, and non-members may attend any
session with exception of the Christmas Party, for $5 per person, per session and $11
for bus trips.
Payments may be mailed to:
Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce
Attn: Center for Creative Retirement
311 E. Tyler
Harlingen TX 78550
For more information, please call 956.423.5440.
2013-2014 Lecture
and Tour Series
Tuesday, September 17, 2013 - Doubleheader!
Saddle Songs and Stories by “Pops” Don Wright
Tuesday, October 15 - National Butterfly Gardens
Tuesday, November 19, 2013 - Two Speakers!
Dolores Salinas of the Better Business Bureau
Mr. Nick Rice, Radio Manager for KMBH-TV/88FM
Tuesday, December 11, 2013 - Members Only- Christmas Brunch
Tuesday, January 21, 2014 - A visit to Abu Dhabi
Tuesday, February 18, 2014 - Economic Development Corporation
Tuesday, March 18, 2014 - Hilltop Gardens
Tuesday, April 15, 2014- The South Texas Fishing Industry
Tuesday, May 20, 2014 - Common and Shared Beliefs: World Religions
(Programs are subject to change or substitution)
“”
What Does a Second
Causeway Mean for
Economic Growth
in Harlingen?
Transportation, Part one, regarding the second causeway to South Padre Island was
the topic of discussion on July 30, 2013 at the Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce
as the Buenos Dias session for the month. The presentation by David Allex of Allex
International Properties was sponsored by Super 8. Transportation, Part two,
regarding I-69 will be presented by Alan Johnson and David Allex on August 27,
2013 at 7:30 a.m. at the Chamber.
David Allex has served four terms as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the
Cameron County Regional Mobility Association, or CCRMA, was appointed by
Governor Rick Perry. CCRMA was established 10 years ago and provides the
area with an opportunity to significantly accelerate needed transportation
projects and have a local entity in place that will make mobility decisions to will
benefit the community, while enhancing the economic vitality and quality of life
for the residents in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has approved the Draft
Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the proposed South Padre Island
Second Access Project for further processing.
The project begins in northern Cameron County and continues to Holly Beach
where the second causeway will extend eight and a half miles to South Padre
Island and cost approximately $450 million to complete. This plan will have no
direct tax increase on Cameron County residents.
Cameron County Deputy County Administrator David Garcia stated that the
construction of the new bridge will begin as soon as a developer has been
selected, which will be about a year from now. Allex added that this project will
involve about 20 subcontractors from the Rio Grande Valley to be completed.
“This is great news for South
Padre Island, Port Isabel,
Laguna Vista, and the Rio Grande Valley.
After the thorough process of state and federal
review of the DEIS, we can finally move
forward with the important next step in the
environmental process by bringing
the recommended preferred
alternative to the public for
review and comment.
David Allex, Allex International Properties
“
July 30, 2013
Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce