by Legislative Media | Apr 27, 2011 | Politics
Retired Lt. General Ricardo Sánchez (who was born and raised in Rio Grande City), who now lives in San Antonio, was the featured speaker in McAllen on Saturday, April 9, for the Welcome Home South Texas Vietnam Veterans Day celebration, which was co-sponsored by the City of Edinburg. A few days after his visit, he acknowledged that he is considering running as a Democrat for the U.S. Senate seat that will be vacated in 2012 by retiring Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, a Republican. Sánchez’ possible candidacy drew support from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. "General Sánchez has spent his entire life serving our country, and there’s no question he would be a strong candidate if he decides to continue to serve his country in the U.S. Senate," said Matt Canter, a spokesman for the political group. "He has a tremendous life story, growing up poor, rising to the rank of general in the Army, and bravely leading more than a hundred thousand troops in both Gulf Wars." Featured during this portrait taken before he delivered the keynote speech at thecelebration, dubbed Landing Zone: Rio Grande Valley (LZ:RGV) are, from left: Agustín "Gus" García, Sr., commander, American Legion Post 408, Edinburg; LZ:RGV co-producer Brian Godínez, owner, Godínez Communications, McAllen; Dora Brown, senior vice president, IBC, McAllen; McAllen Mayor Richard Cortéz; State Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Mission; Retired Lt. General Ricardo Sánchez; Hidalgo County Judge Ramón García; Edinburg Mayor Richard García; Laura Gump, H-E-B regional vice president, San Antonio; LZ:RGV co-producer Miguel "Mike" Carrera, owner, Miguel Carrera Communications, Edinburg; and Julie Lara, H-E-B public affairs manager, San Antonio.
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Dr. Robert S. Nelsen, president of the University of Texas-Pan American, met recently with administrators, faculty and staff from UTPA, along with representatives from South Texas College and the McAllen Economic Development Corporation to discuss the planning process for a world-class Research and Education Park. The park is being developed under the direction of a subcommittee of the North American Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education Initiative (NAAMREI). The Research and Education Park, which has not yet been officially named, will be a unique, mixed-use, research and education development that will provide and/or incorporate a full range of interactive research and development, education, training and/or public support services in an interrelated format. A unique feature of the park will be an education campus. Featured, from left, seated: Wanda Garza, executive director for NAAMREI; Dr. Robert S. Nelsen, president of the University of Texas-Pan American; and Keith Patridge, MEDC president/CEO. Standing, from left: Helen J. Escobar, STC public relations coordinator; Jenny Cummings, STC public relations and marketing diretor; Dr. David Allen, dean of UTPA’s College of Engineering and Computer Science; Dr. Miguel González, associate dean of UTPA’s College of Engineering and Computer Science; Dr. Kimberly Selber, UTPA executive director for University Marketing and Communications and associate professor for the Department of Communication; and Mariana Múgica, MEDC marketing director. To learn more about NAAMREI, log on to their website at http://www.naamrei.org.
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“Hat’s off to Education” could almost be the theme for the upcoming RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Women’s Spring Luncheon & Style Show, hosted by the group’s Education Committee, which is set for Tuesday, May 24 at the Embassy Suites from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Anyone who wears a hat to the event will get $5 off of their ticket at the door. In addition, their name will be added to a drawing for special prizes. Funds raised at the event will go towards scholarships that the RGVHCC gives out in June. Local retail stores have already committed to modeling their spring clothes, shoes and jewelry for the luncheon and style show. Vendors are also signing up to sell jewelry, purses, crafts, etc. Sponsorships are: Queen $1,000; Princess $750; and Duchess $500. Exhibitors tables are $100. Ad’s for the program book can also be purchased. “We ask that the Valley step up to the plate and help us give out as many scholarships as possible by sponsoring or attending the luncheon” said Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, RGVHCC president and CEO. “We encourage gentlemen to attend as well. They’re guaranteed to have a great meal and fun among all the women." Debi Lou Modeling Academy will be coordinating the Style Show and music. More information on the luncheon and/or exhibit is available by calling the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at 928-0060. Education Committee members featured here, from left, seated: Adelita Muñoz and Cynthia M. Sakulenzki. Standing, from left: Edna Posada; Alexandria Posada; Noemi Ochoa; and Jenise Díaz.
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High school students Dennis Luna and René Mendoza, both from Edinburg, were named "Students of the Year" on Monday, April 11, by the Migrant Student Graduation Enhancement Program at The University of Texas at Austin. Each student received a $2,000 college scholarship funded by a gift from the ExxonMobil Foundation. The Migrant Students of the Year were selected on the basis of obstacles overcome, overall academic achievements, participation and leadership in extracurricular activities, and their performance in distance learning courses offered by the university’s Migrant Student Program. Featured, from left: Roberto García (counselor at Edinburg High School); Carlos Mendoza (brother of René and senior at St. Edward’s University in Austin); René Mendoza (Migrant Student of the Year); Dennis Luna (Migrant Student of the Year); Rep. Aaron Peña, R-Edinburg; Diana Alejos (counselor at Johnny G. Economedes High School); and Cory Crow (Montana counselor). See story later in this posting.
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A career panel opened the second annual South Texas College Communication Arts Festival, held at the Pecan Campus in McAllen on Friday and Saturday, April 1 and 2. The event offered a rare glimpse into the participants’ humble beginnings, and how education and the art of communication played key roles in their lives, leading them to successful careers in diverse fields. Participants in the panel were, featured from left: Hidalgo County Judge Ramón García; Dr. Shirley A. Reed, the president of STC; David Guerra, the president and CEO of International Bank of Commerce; Brent Branham, deputy city manager for McAllen; and Óscar Adame, news anchor for KRGV-TV Channel 5, who served as moderator for the panel. Also during CommFest 2011, representatives for several media outlets such as Telemundo, Entravision Radio, El Periódico USA,City Magazine, Social Life Magazine, among others, were on hand to speak to students and answer questions they had about careers in the media industry. See story later in this posting.
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The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce supports the 60th annual “National Day of Prayer”, set for Thursday May 5 from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. at the East Lawn at the Hidalgo County Courthouse. Millions will unite in prayer at thousands of events from coast to coast. The National Day of Prayer Task Force’s mission is to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, mobilizing the Christian community to intercede for America and its leadership in the seven centers of power: government, military, media, business, education, church and family. Please call 956/533-0000 for more information or email to:[email protected]. Featured, from left, promoting the local event are: Adrian Esparza Sr.; Elma E. Esparza; and Letty González, president of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce President.
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by Legislative Media | Feb 26, 2009 | Politics
A planned $14 million Edinburg Medical Conference Center (highlighted in red) would be the latest addition to the growing Doctors Hospital at Renaissance Complex in southwest Edinburg. Construction magnate Alonzo Cantú on Tuesday, February 24, unveiled his vision for the complex, along with a proposed hotel, during a presentation before the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation.
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Projected to be 54,000 square feet in size, the proposed Edinburg Medical Conference Center would represent the latest cutting-edge medical resource for Doctors Hospital at Renaissance and for South Texas, according to DHR leader Alonzo Cantú. If plans for the center are successful, Edinburg could increase its chances of landing a proposed University of Texas System medical school, he predicted. "We would have the infrastructure in place, we would have the credibility, plus we would have doctors who are teaching at other hospitals who would see we do have the state-of-the-art equipment and technology," Cantú observed. "So, if a medical school was started, we would be ready to have some of the medical students training here."
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by Legislative Media | Jul 24, 2007 | Politics |
Dr. Glenn A. Martínez, Ph.D., an associate professor of Spanish linguistics and chair of the Department of Modern Languages and Literature at the University of Texas-Pan American, on Tuesday, July 17, was appointed by the Edinburg City Council to the board of directors of the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation. “Over the next few years, I would like to see the EEDC expand its efforts in attracting diverse business and industry to Edinburg and make our city full participants in the knowledge economy of the 21st century,” Martínez said. “UTPA, my alma mater and my current place of employment, gives Edinburg a competitive edge over other cities in the region to attract industries with large research enterprises. As a member of the board, I will work to ensure that UTPA and its vast knowledge resources become critical incentives to attract high-paying jobs to our city.” See story later in this posting.
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While Mother Nature dropped up to six inches of rain in parts of the Upper Valley earlier that morning and tore rooftops from at least three McAllen businesses, Hidalgo County Judge J.D. Salinas III and U.S. International Boundary and Water Commissioner Carlos Marín on Monday, July 16, executed the long-anticipated memorandum of understanding that will allow for the rehabilitation of several miles of federally-owned river levee. Featured, from left, seated, are: Congressman Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo/McAllen; Salinas; and Marin. Standing, from left, are: Rep. Ismael “Kino” Flores, D-Palmview; Mission Mayor Beto Salinas; and Hidalgo County Commissioner Hector “Tito” Palacios, See story later in this posting.
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Three South Texas legislators – Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, Rep. Verónica Gonzáles, D-McAllen, and Rep. Aaron Peña, D-Edinburg – say that federal money to build a controversial “border wall” along 153 miles of the international border with Mexico could be better spent on more pressing national security needs, including helping Texas fight illegal drug trafficking that spells heartache, ruin, and death for countless Americans. Their comments came on Thursday, July 19, during a legislative luncheon in Edinburg. Mayor Pro Tem Alma Garza, Gonzáles and Peña are featured, sitting, first, second and third from left, respectively, while Councilmember Noe Garza (no relation to Alma) is shown standing, first from left, while Hinojosa is shown standing, fourth from left. See first story in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Dec 21, 2005 | Uncategorized |
Governor approves Doctor’s Hospital application for enterprise zone status
A planned $150 million expansion of Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, with its first phase now underway, has been endorsed as a state enterprise zone project by Gov. Rick Perry, local state and city economic development leaders said Monday.
The designation, which was made possible by a law passed in the 1980’s by Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, could help the hospital qualify for as much as $2.5 million in state sales tax reimbursements.
Tracye McDaniel, executive director for the governor’s Economic Development and Tourism division, confirmed the state designation in a Nov. 30 letter released Monday by Hinojosa.
Doctor’s Hospital at Renaissance is one of the largest projects recommended by local communities to the governor’s office.
“It successfully competed for one of 85 projects that will be approved for state enterprise designations during the next two years,” said Hinojosa. “When I worked on this major economic development legislation almost 20 years ago, I envisioned the state government using this law to help create thousands of jobs in South Texas.”
Perry, who is up for reelection, evidently gave his endorsement to the effort as well.
“We have reviewed and herby approve a Texas enterprise project designation for the application submitted on behalf of Doctor’s Hospital at Renaissance by the City of Edinburg,” McDaniel stated. “The Project (Doctor’s Hospital) has committed that 25 percent of the Project’s new employees are required to be economically disadvantaged individuals or enterprise zone residents.”
Five hundred of the 1,096 new jobs expected to be created by the hospital complex expansion qualify for as much as a $5,000 state sales tax refund per new job, which will be refunded to Doctor’s Hospital at Renaissance.
“This designation will not be at any cost to the city nor will the city lose sales taxes,” EEDC executive director Ramiro Garza reported to the EEDC board of directors. “Edinburg will benefit with an increase in the tax base and the creation of new jobs.”
The EEDC, which is the jobs-creation arm of the Edinburg City Council, discussed the enterprise zone designation and other issues during its Monday, December 19 special meeting, which was held in the International Trade and Technology Center at the University of Texas-Pan American.
The coveted enterprise zone designation follows key endorsements earlier this year from the Edinburg City Council and the EEDC board of directors The two city governmental entities, led by Mayor Richard Garcia, unanimously approved resolutions asking the governor to designate the ultra-modern medical center as an enterprise zone project.
The landmark economic development program was created in 1983 by then Rep. and now Sen. Hinojosa and Sen. Hector Uribe, D-Brownsville.
The Texas Enterprise Zone Program is an economic development tool for local communities to partner with the state to promote job creation and capital investment in economically distressed areas of the state.
Local communities must nominate a company as an enterprise project to be eligible to participate in the Enterprise Zone Program, according to the governor’s office.
“Construction began earlier this year and will finish in the spring of 2007,” Garza said. “Doctor’s Hospital at Renaissance will create 1,096 full-time and 226 part time jobs over the next five years, with an estimated annual payroll of almost $59 million annually.”
The enterprise zone designation has previously allowed Edinburg to retain and recruit businesses such as Merkafon Teleperformance, Edinburg Regional Medical Center, and Wright III Foods, he noted.”
Since each of those company’s designation as an enterprise project, a combined total of almost 1,900 jobs have been created with an estimated increase in the tax base of more than $55 million, Garza said. The expansion of the medical center campus, which is expected to develop in phases over the next few years, is coming on top of almost $130 million in facilities already in operation at 5501 South McColl, just within the Edinburg city limits.
The expansion, which will include a hotel, medical offices, women’s and children’s hospital, nursing home, and cancer treatment facility, will take place on an empty site located right across McColl which is currently being prepared for the infrastructure needed to support the new facilities.
The $150 million expansion will include about $110 million in new construction, $31.2 million for medical machinery, $8.5 million for non-medical machinery, equipment, furniture, and fixtures, and $1.2 million for infrastructure improvements.
Edinburg first created its enterprise zone in the fall of 1989 for a seven-year term.
In 1998, the city received redesignation from the state for an addition seven-year term.
According to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, some of the highlights of the enterprise zone program include:
“Tax Code 151.429 allows a qualified business, designated by the Texas Department of Economic Development as an enterprise project that is designated prior to September 1, 2001, to obtain a sales tax refund of $2,000 for each new permanent job created or retained within the project. Projects apply for refunds to the Texas Comptroller’s Department. A maximum refund of $250,000 per year is allowed for each project.
The refund can be based on:
(1) Sales tax paid on equipment or machinery sold to a project for use in the enterprise zone;
(2) Building materials sold to a project for use in remodeling, rehabilitating or constructing a structure in an enterprise zone;
(3) Labor for remodeling, rehabilitating, constructing a structure in an enterprise zone; and
(4) Electricity and natural gas purchased and consumed in the normal course of business in an enterprise zone.
An enterprise project designated on or after September 1, 2001 may obtain a sales tax refund of $5,000 for each new permanent job created or retained.
The qualifying items for a sales tax refund are the same four items (1 through 4 above) and beginning on or after September 1, 2003, an enterprise project may also claim a sales tax refund on taxes paid for tangible personal property purchased and consumed in the normal course of business in the enterprise zone and taxable services. Refund claims can be made on taxes paid for purchases for these two additional qualifying items from September 1, 2001, but the right to claim the refund will expire on August 31, 2005.
If a business that qualifies as an enterprise project enters into a new construction contract to improve realty, the contract must be separated in order for the enterprise project to obtain the refund of taxes paid on the incorporated materials. The contractor owes tax and the equipment, consumable, etc. and the enterprise zone provisions will not apply. If the contract between the contractor and the enterprise project is lump-sum new construction, the enterprise zone exemption is lost.
Effective September 1, 2003, two higher levels of enterprise zone projects were authorized–double jumbo and triple jumbo, with higher refund thresholds.
Only purchases for use in a project’s qualified business site qualify for refund.
The refund amount per job was reduced from $5,000 to $2,500 for enterprise projects other than double and triple jumbo projects designated after September 1, 2001.
New jobs created must be intended to continue for a minimum of three years after the state incentive benefit is paid.
Each fiscal year, the refund is based on the total amount of capital investment in the qualified business site.
For projects designated between September 1, 2001 and August 31, 2005, qualifying purchases are capital investments in tangible personal property and taxable services for use at the qualifying business site.
For projects designated on or after September 1, 2005, qualifying capital investments include machinery and equipment; labor and building materials used to remodel, rehabilitate, or construct a structure; and electricity and natural gas consumed in the normal course of business.
Enterprise projects can still carry forward credits, but those refunds and credits are now subject to the regular four-year statute of limitations.
Enterprise projects approved after September 1, 2003, cannot receive a refund before September 1, 2005.
The changes do not apply to defense readjustment projects or to enterprise projects designated before September 1, 2001, which are subject to the law in effect at that time.”
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