P.O. Box 85
602 W. University
Edinburg, TX 78540
Phone (956) 383-4974
Fax (956) 383-6942
www.edinburg.com
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
CHAIRMAN
Cynthia Bocanegra • Chaps Bar & Grill
CHAIR-ELECT
Johnny Rodriguez • Austin Personnel Services
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
Lee Castro • Memorial Funeral Home
TREASURER
Elias Longoria • Lone Star National Bank
VICE-CHAIRMEN
Dina Araguz • International Bank of Commerce
Gus Casas • G&S Glass
Pamela Dougherty • Security Land Title
Edna Pena • Horizon Properties
Flo Prater • Rio Valley Realty
Nov. / Dec. 2009
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.
Core Values
We will be ambitious in our endeavors, operate
effectively and efficiently, promote mutual respect
and honesty, seek commitment, ownership, and
accountability, and have fun!
DIRECTORS
Marissa Castaneda
Thelma Garcia
Darcy Kelly
Maggie Kent
Abel Leal
Manny Mantrana
Robert McGurk
Toribio “Terry” Palacios
Naomi Perales
Doctors Hospital at Renaissance
First National Bank
Peter Piper Pizza
General Dentistry Center
Edward Jones Investments
University of Texas-Pan American
Elsa State Bank
Law Offices of Garcia, Quintanilla & Palacios
Texas Gas Service
STAFF
Letty Gonzalez • President
Evana Vleck • Director of Marketing & Special Events
Imelda Rodriguez • Director of Tourism
Martin Rivas • Director of Membership
Crystal Cavazos • Receptionist/Tourism Assistant
Graphic Design: Torrey Huerta
CONTENTS
Letter from the Chairman................................................3
Calendar of Events ..........................................................3
Man and Woman of the Year, 2009 .................................5
Holiday Greetings from the Chamber..............................6
Night of Lights is on the Way ..........................................7
I Shop Edinburg...............................................................8
Ribbon Cuttings...............................................................9
Martin Rivas Joins the Chamber....................................10
Ask a Chamber Expert! .................................................11
Leadership Edinburg Class XXI......................................12
Feature Business............................................................13
How the Chamber has Helped Me ................................13
State of the School District............................................14
FUN with the Chamber .................................................15
Best Western Edinburg Recognized ...............................16
From the Edinburg Public Information Office ................17
Economic Update ..........................................................19
VIP Members ...................................................Back Cover
Letter from the Chairman
It has been a privilege to serve as Chairman
of the Board of the Edinburg Chamber of
Commerce. I would like to thank the Board
of Directors, staff, members and volunteers
for your continued dedication, as well as
the Edinburg community for always
coming together to make our events
successful. It is through your hard work and commitment that
we have succeeded in all of our endeavors.
I would like to begin by
stating how immensely
honored I am to serve as this
year’s Chairman of the Board
for the 2009-2010 Fiscal year.
I, alongside, the other Vice
Chairs and Directors of the
Board, will work tirelessly to
serve our community and lead
the effort in advancing
commerce and the quality of
life in Edinburg. We will
foster service, development, and growth by forging positive
relationships, advocating volunteerism, and leadership
development. We will not cease to be ambitious in our
endeavors to operate effectively and efficiently, promote
mutual respect and honesty, seek commitment, ownership,
and accountability, and most importantly have fun!
Since last October, we have gained over 40 new investors,
held over 25 ribbon-cutting ceremonies and had two
groundbreaking projects, all involving members of the
Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. With this in mind, I
encourage everyone to support our incoming Chairman of the
Board, Cynthia Bocanegra, as she begins to lead the Edinburg
Chamber of Commerce. I am confident that with our
continued support, she will continue to do positive things for
the city of Edinburg.
I feel strongly that if we all work together and strive for the
same objectives, we will all benefit from the growth and
opportunities that will arise. Your continued support is vital to
our success. Help make Edinburg a better city for you and me.
Join me in making this our best year yet!
I would like to thank my family, my wife, Judith, and son, Lee
Zedric, for their support and for allowing me to serve in this
capacity. I express my most heartfelt gratitude to my
employers, Leon and Velma, of Memorial Funeral Home, for
having instilled in me the importance of hard work, dedication
and service to others. It is because of you that I have learned
to be actively involved in my community through both civic
and fraternal organizations. I thank you for supporting me and
for allowing me the time and resources to serve as Chairman
of the Board for the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce.
Respectfully,
Cynthia G. Bocanegra
Chairman of the Board 2009-2010
Best Regards,
Lee Castro
Chairman of the Board 2008-2009
Calendar of Events
Nov. 5, 2009 - Welcome Back Winter Texans
Dec. 5, 2009 - Night of Lights
Feb. 25, 2010 - Hasta La Vista Pachanga
Feb. 25-28, 2010 - Fiesta Edinburg
Mar. 6, 2010 - Edinburg on Wheels / Health Fair
For more info: 956-383-4974 • www.edinburg.com
3
Man and Woman of the Year, 2009
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce
the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce first Man and Woman of
the Year, distinguishably declared at the Chamber’s Annual
Installation Banquet held at the Social Steak House and Club
on Saturday, October 3rd held to recognize Ms. Cynthia
Bocanegra and Mr. Lee Castro as incoming and outgoing
chairman for the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce
Mrs. Estella Trevino was honored as Woman of the Year and
Mr. Cullen R. Looney was honored as Man of the Year, both
for the city of Edinburg.
Mr. Cullen R. Looney with the Edinburg Improvement Association
and Mrs. Estella Trevino with the Edinburg Housing Authority are
honored at the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Annual Installation
Banquet, October 3rd, 2009 as Man & Woman of the Year, 2009.
Our Woman of the Year 2009 has led a storied life, from her
birth on August 6, 1922 through today. She was born in Red
Gate, Texas to Jack and Estella Lane. She graduated from
Edinburg High School in 1939 at the age of 16. Her business
career began at an early age, earning her beautician’s license
and opening her own Beauty Salon at the age of 18. She
married the love of her life; Jose Luis Trevino on June 27, 1946
the happy couple had one daughter, Chiqui who married George
Guerra and now reside in McAllen. She has 3 grandchildren,
Brian Joseph, Leanne Marie and Steven Michael.
Among Man and Woman of the Year, The Chamber of
Commerce also recognized the Chamber Champion of the
Year: Dr. Walter Greene, the Outstanding Leadership Award
recipient: Doug Martin with Martin Farm & Ranch Supply,
ECISD Primary Teacher of the Year: Ms. Olga Martinez,
ECISD Secondary Teacher of the Year: Ms. Jennifer Cabello,
City of Edinburg Employee of the Year: Clarice Martinez, City
of Edinburg Fireman of the Year: Ubaldo D. Perez.
Our Man of the Year 2009 was born in 1946 in Edinburg,
Texas to Margaret M. and J.C. Looney. He graduated from
Edinburg High School in 1964, attended Texas A & M
University and graduated from the University of Texas at
Austin with a BBA in Finance in 1968. He went on to earn his
Doctors of Jurisprudence in 1973 from the University Of
Texas-Austin School Of Law. After serving three years in the
United States Army as a 1st Lieutenant, he returned to his
hometown and established a successful law practice with
Kelley Looney Law Firm.
Special Thanks goes to Lee Castro with Memorial Funeral
Home, Cynthia Bocanegra with Chaps Bar & Grill, the Man
and Woman of the Year special committee, County
Commissioner Oscar Garza, Chaps Bar & Grill, Charles Clark
Chevrolet, Doctors Hospital At Renaissance, Edinburg
Improvement, First National Bank, G&S Glass, Horizon
Properties, The Hotel Motel Association, IBC Bank,
Memorial Funeral Home, Texas Gas Service and Sudarshan
Eye Experts.
5
May God bless each and everyone in the Season
of joy, KEEP GOD FIRST.
From Johnny & Melissa Rodriguez
AUSTIN PERSONNEL SERVICES
Wishing all our Chamber members a blessed
holiday season and a Prosperous New Year.
Cynthia G. Bocanegra, Branch Manager
SOUTHWEST FUNDING
May the warmth of family and friends be a
blessing to you this holiday season!
Warmest wishes,
Flo Prater
RIO VALLEY REALTY
May the meaning of the season be deeper, its
friendships stronger and it’s hopes brighter.
Dina Araguz
IBC BANK
To all our wonderful Chamber members. We are so
grateful for your continued support throughout the
year. May God bless you, your staff and your
family. Have a safe and Merry Christmas.
Pamela Dougherty, Marketing Director
SECURITY LAND TITLE COMPANY
Best Wishes For a Merry Christmas and a Happy,
Healthy & Prosperous New Year.
Mike Govind
BEST WESTERN EDINBURG INN & SUITES
All of us at Amigo Power Equipment wish you
and yours a Very, Very Merry Christmas!
J.P. English V.P.
AMIGO POWER EQUIPMENT
Peace and Blessings to all.
Abel J Leal
EDWARD JONES INVESTMENTS
Wishes for a Bountiful and Blessed Holidays and
New Year!
Dr. Robert and Maggie Kent
GENERAL DENTISTRY CENTER
Happy Holidays!
6
Night of Lights is on the Way!
Night of Lights is an exciting
to holiday cheer. As the evening grows
celebration for the city of Edinburg.
later, spectators will line up down
Edinburg has toasted the holiday with a
University Drive to await the custom
lighted
lighted parade at 6:30 pm.
parade,
live
musical
entertainment, arts & crafts and other
fun holiday happenings. Community
The parade route will begin at 100 E.
organizations including the Edinburg
Cano
Consolidated
Courthouse and disband at the
School
District,
at
Edinburg
University of Texas, Pan American
the
Hidalgo
Professional
County
Baseball
(UTPA), the City of Edinburg, the Edinburg Chamber of
Stadium. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies are awarded in the
Commerce, the Edinburg Economic Development
school and business division, and participants truly take
Corporation and others participate in the memorable
their float decorating skills seriously, as many put hours of
celebration, bringing the community together. The day
work into decking out their parade floats in twinkling
begins at 4pm at the UTPA “Quad” where traditional
lights, transforming University Drive into a real “winter
festival food like “elote”, fajita tacos, and funnel cakes are
wonderland”. The fun continues at the UTPA “Quad”
available.
Live musical performances from various
where Santa Clause will pay a visit, and hand out treats.
Edinburg schools and organizations gather together to ring
Families will enjoy Night of Lights, as there will be fun
in the Night of Lights festival as they dance and sing along
attractions for kids, including an amazing fireworks show
to cap off the evening at 9:00 pm.
Night of Lights is a FREE event and takes place on
Saturday, December 5th 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.
7
I SHOP EDINBURG This HOLIDAY Season
The Edinbur g Mar keting Committee encour ages you
to SHOP EDINBURG this holiday season.
package that each individual business will choose to
honor, as a participating business you will decide your
own discount; whether you offer a “buy one get one
free”, “free beverage with meal” or a “10% discount on
any item”; customers will reap the benefits and become
inclined to let others know or simply come back to shop
or eat at your business.
I Shop Edinburg is an exceptional program that helps
you $ave by shopping local. Designed to keep tax
dollars in Edinburg, I Shop Edinburg provides special
incentives to shoppers through a unique savings card.
Everyone is invited to pick up a FREE I Shop Edinburg
savings card at the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce or
@ Edinburg City Hall.
I SHOP Edinburg is a discount program to be used year’
round however is very convenient during the holidays. All
listed businesses offer special savings to customers
carrying the I Shop Edinburg card. For a list of discounts,
please log onto www.edinburg.com or call 956-383-4974.
Businesses are also heartened to take part by registering
their business for only $25 for a 2 year marketing
Edinburg Executive Inn
Edinburg Roadrunners
Edinburg World Birding Center
Elijah Pest Control
Handbag Heaven
Hungry Howies Pizza
La Sirena Hacienda
Los Lagos Golf Club
Marin Farm & Ranch Supply
Monster Carwash
Motel 6
Quiznos Sub
Red 7 Studio
Rex Motel
Roxy’s Kountry Kitchen
Sudarshan Eye Experts
Super 8
The Coffee Zone
The Pink Rose Flower Shop
Tiger Rock Tae Kwon Do Academy
Time Warner Media Ad Sales
Participating
Businesses
Allen Floral, LLC
Armen Construction
Bab’s Deli
Best Western Edinburg Inn & Suites
Ceda Chocolate Lounge
Chaps Bar & Grill
Copy Express
Dancentre of Edinburg
Ebony Hill Golf Course
Echo Hotel & Conference Center
8
Ribbon Cuttings
RDS
Red7 Studio
6100 N. 10th, Suite F, McAllen, TX 78504
Justin Kent (956) 627-2625
1721 W. University Dr., Edinburg, TX
Ms. Angela Campbell (956) 381-8900
To view the Chamber Champion Committee Ribbon Cutting / Groundbreaking
Ceremony Policy, please visit www.edinburg.com
9
New Membership Director - Martin Rivas
Martin Rivas is the newest
contract work as a Youth CO for
Membership Director at the
the second round of a grant
Edinburg
received
Chamber
of
from
the
Kellogg
Commerce. He is a recent
foundation were he learned many
graduate from the University of
skills found within the nonprofit
Texas Pan American from the
sector. He awaits the many
College of Social and Behavioral
challenges that his position has
Studies
and seeing all chamber members.
in
General
Studies.
Originally from the Delta Area,
Martin has worked for several
“Martin comes highly qualified
not-for-profit organizations such
and
as
the
Llano
Grande
Center
as
we
look
forward
to
there
introducing him to our chamber members,
Media/Technical Director located at Edcouch-Elsa
volunteers and the community of Edinburg” notes
and the Center for Ethical Leadership doing
Letty Gonzalez, Chamber President.
10
Ask a Chamber Expert!
Site selection is one of the
most important decisions of
any new business venture. To
increase your chance of
success you must identify
your potential customer and
know where he lives. Your
site selection should be with in a ten minute drive
time of your potential customer. This can be
accomplished by using demographics. As an
example:
You were going to open an auto parts store and
your business plan determined your potential
customer drives a higher mileage car or a used car
and earns under $40,000 a year. With the help of a
commercial Realtor and the Economic Development
Council you can obtain 1 mile, 3 mile and 5 mile
demographics of potential sites. You should select a
site that has the least competition and the most
potential customers with in a ten minute drive.
www.riovalleyrealty.com
Smile and give eye
contact when your
customer comes in.
Greet them, see if you
can help make their visit
better, like for us, help find the matching wallet
or jewelry that goes with their purse. Always
show you appreciate them because you want their
visit to be pleasant and you want them to come
back and recommend you.
Handbag Heaven is also part of I SHOP Edinburg receive 10% off your next purchase with an I SHOP
Edinburg discount card (pick it up at the chamber)
Shana Ghaya
Handbag Heaven
1406 West University Drive
956-380-1974
[email protected]
11
Congratulations to Leadership Edinburg Class XXI
Lisa Chavez
G&S Glass
616 N. Closner Blvd.
Edinburg, TX 78539
Jensid A. Alvarez
Rio Valley Realty
4751 S. Jackson
Edinburg, TX 78539
Salvador O. Mar tinez
IBC Bank
400 S. Closner
Edinburg, TX 78539
Juan F. Ur ibe J r.
J.E. Saenz & Associates
211 E. Wisconsin
Edinburg, TX 78539
Class XXI just finished the weekend retreat
and is looking forward to attending sessions
and becoming involved in the community
and giving back.
Emilio D. Santos
Lone Star National Bank
117 S. 10th Ave.
Edinburg, TX 78539
Mar ia T. Medina
Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg, Rio Grande Valley
702 S. 18th St.
Edinburg, TX 78539
Agustin Hernandez
Linebarger Goggan Samspson & Blair
205 S. Pin Oak Blvd
Edinburg, TX 78539
Myr a L. Ayala Gar za
City of Edinburg
415 W. University Dr.
Edinburg, TX 78539
Damar is Aguir re
City of Edinburg
415 W. University Dr.
Edinburg, TX 78539
Rita Flores
South Texas Health System
1102 Trenton
Edinburg, TX 78539
Abel Vaquer a
J.E. Saenz & Associates Inc.
211 E. Wisconsin
Edinburg, TX 78539
12
Feature Business
Temple Inland
Mr. Randy Phares
1010 East Chapin
Edinburg, Texas 78539
956-387-8100
How the Chamber Has Helped Me
From Dr. Walter Greene,
Chamber Champion of
the Year, 2009.
While on a business trip to Nashville, Tennessee in
1987, I visited their Chamber and saw what they were
doing in a program called ‘Leadership Nashville,”
upon my return to Edinburg, I proposed to the
Chamber that we initiate a similar program and start
“Leadership Edinburg.”
I joined the Edinburg
Chamber in September
1985, representing UTPA
as their Small Business
Institute Director. One of
the first committees the
Chamber asked me to
serve on was their
Business Committee. While serving on that committee,
the major accomplishments were planning for and
holding numerous employee seminars.
Now that I have retired from UTPA I find that I still
look forward to attending the Chamber meetings. I
get much more from the Chamber that I can ever
return; great friends, and a sense of helping make
Edinburg a better place for everyone to live.
I was surprised to be named Chamber Champion of the
year 2009. I believe that many other members of the
Champions deserved to be named, as they all serve
every time they are asked. If you are in business, you
really need to belong to the Chamber of Commerce.
You will receive much more than you give. Thanks for
allowing me to participate.
I also served on many other committees over my
years with the Chamber. The Tourists and Hotel
committees to name a few were I met many, many
friends. I also worked with the Transportation
Committee where we proposed and supported TX
Dot’s plan to expand University Drive in front of
UTPA and Wal-Mart.
Walter Greene
Greene & Associates
13
Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, Governmental Affairs Committee
Announces State of the School District
On Thursday September 24th from 11:30 am-1:00 pm,
the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Governmental
Affairs Committee headed by Ramiro Garza with EEDC
organized a Governmental Affairs Luncheon featuring
Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District
Superintendent, Dr. Rene Gutierrez.
companies they represent. We encourage all Chamber
investors and other interested in learning about hot
topics affecting our community and the Rio Grande
Valley to attend these luncheons.
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce would like to
thank Edwards Abstract and Title Co., and Sudarshan
Eye Experts for their generous sponsorship. For more
information please call 956-383-4974.
The luncheon was held at The Edinburg Activity Center
located on 123 Palm Drive. Superintendent Dr.
Gutierrez addressed current topics being discussed
within the school district including but not limited to
zoning as well as the new schools being built.
The Governmental Affairs Luncheons are an initiative
introduced in 2006 through the Edinburg Chamber of
Commerce. The vision is that it will inform, involve and
educate Chamber investors, civic leaders and the
community at large. The event allows business people
to meet, network and create opportunities for the
GOOD FOOD
GOOD FRIENDS
GOOD TIMES
CELEBRATE
• Birthday • Bridal Shower • BBQ
• Christmas Party • Graduation
• All Special Occasions
Semi-private
& Private setting
Available!
316.2350
2101 W. Sprague - Edinburg
14
15
BEST WESTERN EDINBURG INN & SUITES RECOGNIZED AS BEST OF THE BEST IN
CUSTOMER CARE AT HOTEL CHAIN’S ANNUAL NORTH AMERICAN CONVENTION
[Phoenix, Az.] (10/23/2009) -- The Best Western Edinburg Inn & Suites
in Edinburg, Texas was named Best of the Best in Customer Care at
Best Western International’s annual North American Convention held
recently in Phoenix, Ariz. The hotel was presented with the award in
front of more than 2,000 industry peers.
This select honor is bestowed upon those Member properties that best
exemplify exceptional levels of service and care. The hotels must also
meet design standards and other membership requirements to qualify.
The Best Western Edinburg Inn & Suites is one of only 106 of Best Western’s more than 2,400 properties in the
U.S. and Canada to receive this designation.
“The Best of the Best Awards recognize those Best Western hotels that truly demonstrate the highest levels of
quality and service,” said Bonnie McPeake, chairwoman of Best Western’s Board of Directors. “The Best Western
Edinburg Inn & Suites is a living example of our brand’s commitment to caring for our guests.”
Located at 2708 South Closner Blvd.(Bus. Hwy. 281), the Best Western Edinburg Inn & Suites features 36 Junior
Suites and 20 two room Suites with amenities such as Continental Breakfast with Hot Waffles, 42” Flat Screen
HDTV, Business Center, Free High Speed & Wi-Fi Internet in all rooms, Guest Laundry, Fitness Center, Pool,
MicroFridge©, Inn-Room Coffee and much more
Reservations are available at www.bestwestern.com/edinburginnandsuites.
ABOUT BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL
Best Western International is THE WORLD'S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN®, providing marketing, reservations
and operational support to over 4,000* independently owned and operated member hotels in 80* countries and
territories worldwide. An industry pioneer since 1946, Best Western has grown into an iconic brand that hosts
400,000* worldwide guests each night. Best Western's diverse property portfolio, its greatest strength, stems from
a business model designed to give owners maximum flexibility to address market-specific needs. Equally
committed to the business and leisure traveler, Best Western recently embarked on a mission to lead the hotel
industry in customer care. World Vision is the charity of choice for Best Western in building the world's largest
family, as our hotels and staff sponsor children in need around the globe. Since 2004, Best Western has served as
the Official Hotel of NASCAR®. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit
www.bestwestern.com.
*Numbers are approximate and can fluctuate.
CONTACT:
Mike Govind - Partner
956- 318-0442
[email protected]
16
FROM THE EDINBURG
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
The City of Edinburg would like to remind all citizens
about the Stage 2 Mandatory Water Conservation
Compliance. If your address ends in an odd number you
may water on odd number days of the month and if your
address ends in an even number you may water on even
number days of the month. All irrigation must be done
between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. If you are
caught watering on undesignated days you may be subject
to the following offenses:
The Mayor and City Council Members have approved a
budget for the 2009-2010 Fiscal Year. The budget is
targeted to maintain an acceptable level of service in all
areas. It remains basic to the provision of services
determined by the City Council to be essential to the
community. Some of the budget highlights are:
• No increase in property tax rate.
• Increased funding to the Fire Department for 2010 1500
G.P.M. Pumper, a brush truck, 10 self contained
breathing apparatuses and a 6000 PSI Breathing Air
Compressor to provide fire safety to all of the City’s
Taxpayers.
• Increased funding to the Police Department for
additional personnel, vehicles and equipment.
• No increase in residential solid waste collection rates.
• Increase in funding for the Solid Waste Management
department for various machines and equipment.
1ST OFFENSE - a written warning and education process
2ND OFFENSE - citation to municipal court for a fine of
up to $200 per violation and a mandatory educational
program.
3RD OFFENSE - citation to municipal court for a fine of
up $400 per violation; mandatory education program and
possible disconnection.
The City of Edinburg Planning and Zoning Department
was recently awarded a “Certificate of Achievement for
Planning Excellence” by the Texas Chapter of the
American Planning Association. The department received
this certificate for increasing awareness of professional
planning, for enhancing neighborhoods and citizen
recognition of planning efforts, and for aiding economic
development and the community’s image. Congratulations
to the Planning and Zoning Department for a job well done.
The City of Edinburg would like to remind you that in
March 2010, the United States Census Bureau will mail out
and deliver Census questionnaires to every household in
the U.S. The ten question form asks you to provide
accurate information about your household as of April 1,
2010. The Census questionnaire is quick and easy to
complete. Once you receive your questionnaire, take ten
minutes to accurately complete the ten questions on the
form and simply mail it back. Spending just a few minutes
filling out your Census form will help ensure Edinburg gets
its fair share of federal and state funding.
For the fifteenth consecutive year, the Mayor and City
Council members have voted to maintain the property tax
rate of .63500/$100 in the City of Edinburg.
17
Economic Update
by Ramiro Garza, Jr.
Recently, the fiscal year ended for 2009 and ten different
projects were approved by the Edinburg Economic
Development Corporation for the year that will be
generating over 500 jobs for the City of Edinburg and over
$14 million in new investment.
Mcallen-Edinburg-Mission MSA was ranked 12th
nationally based on the strong job growth and a 4.7%
growth in gross domestic product. The Bureau of Labor
Statistics also ranked the Mcallen-Edinburg-Mission MSA
as the 17th fastest growing economy.
This is great news not only because of the tremendous
economic impact it will bring but it will also help Edinburg
sustain development activity well beyond 2010.
MSNBC and Moody’s Economy have also recently
announced that the Austin-Round Rock, BrownsvilleHarlingen, Dallas-Plano-Irving, El Paso, Lubbock,
McAllen-Edinburg-Pharr and San Antonio areas are among
the first in the nation to move from recession into recovery,
indicating that their economies have grown over the past
six months.
With this great economic activity, it should positively
impact Edinburg’s unemployment rate which is currently at
7.6 percent in September 2009, down slightly from the
previous month, but still a better showing than most cites in
the Valley, and lower than Texas and U.S. unemployment
rates. The Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate
rose slightly to 8.2 percent in September, up from 8.0
percent a month ago, and continued to trend well below the
U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 9.8 percent.
The announcement is based on MSNBC and Moody’s
Adversity Index, which uses data on employment,
industrial production, housing starts and home prices to
place each state or metro area in one of four categories:
expanding, at risk of recession, in recession or recovering.
This is the first month this year that any U.S. metro area has
moved from in recession into recovery.
The September 2009 unemployment rate in Edinburg
represents a growth of 45 jobs since August 2009,
according to the Texas Workforce Commission. So far this
year, the city unemployment rate has averaged slightly
more than six percent.
So there are many reasons to remain optimistic of our local
economy. With our growing population and geographic
location, Edinburg is well positioned to achieve greater
success.
Some of these labor numbers are being noticed by national
media outlets. BusinessWeek recently compiled a list of
the 40 strongest metro regions in the country and the
19
VIP Member s
AEP Texas Central Company
Exquisita Tortillas, Inc.
Memorial Funeral Home
Azteca Milling L.P
First National Bank
Roy’s Hauling Service, Inc.
BBVA Compass Bank
Frontera Produce
San Antonio National Bank
Best Western - Edinburg Inn & Suites
Gateway Printing & Office Supply
Santiago Gonzalez, Jr., C.P.A.
Boggus Motor Sales, Inc.
Greater South Texas Bank
Security First Credit Union
Border Capitol Bank
H.E.B. #2
South Texas Health System
Capital One
Inter National Bank
Teleperformance
Charles Clark Chevrolet
International Bank of Commerce
Temple Inland
Chase Bank
International Paper Company
Texas National Bank
Echo Hotel and Conference Center
J. E. Saenz & Associates
The Shoppes at RGV
Edinburg C.I.S.D
JC Penney
University of Texas Pan American
Edinburg Industrial Foundation Inc.
Kolder Inc.
Valdez Meats & Catering
Edwards Abstract and Title Co.
Lone Star National Bank
Wal-Mart
Elite Rehab Services L.L.C.
Magic Valley Electric Co-op.
Wells Fargo Bank
BULK RATE
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
P.O. Box 85/602 W. University Drive
Edinburg, Texas 78540
956-383-4974 www.edinburg.com
Edinburg, TX
78539
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Depot Express is a bi-monthly publication of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. All images, material, and
editorial content is the sole property of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. ©2009