“”

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