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Spanish-language content for Texas House of Representatives website moves forward with committee approval, reports Rep. Canales

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Rep. Terry Canales, D-McAllen, featured on Tuesday, September 17, 2013, addressing the State Legislative Session Wrap-Up Luncheon, sponsored by the City of McAllen, the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, and the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, held at the McAllen Country Club.

Photograph By MARK MONTEMAYOR

With a growing number of state agencies providing detailed information in Spanish on their respective websites, Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, is working to create a bilingual presence on the Internet for the Texas House of Representatives. Canales has filed House Bill 288, which proposes that key components of the home page for the House of Representatives, as well as for the individual websites for each of the 150 state representatives, also have the capability to be read in Spanish. “It is both practical and beneficial to offer legislative information in both English and Spanish. As we seek to modernize our government and keep pace with the 21st century, I believe we must allow legislative information to be accessible in English and Spanish,” said Canales, who is fluent in English and Spanish. “The success of government depends on effectively communicating with the public and offering nondiscriminatory, accurate information.” On Wednesday, March 18, HB 288 was unanimously approved by the House Committee on Transparency and Operation with the recommendation that it be approved by the House of Representatives, then sent to the Senate for their action. Canales noted that the Texas Senate for the past 14 years has maintained and improved its Spanish-language version of its Internet web site, including the individual official websites of each state senator. That site is available online at http://www.senate.state.tx.us/Senado.htm. The House of Representatives should also break down language barriers, the lawmaker said. “People in the United States should speak English because that is the most spoken language of our country, but we do not want to disenfranchise those (who are more fluent in Spanish),” Canales said. “According to a 2011 Census survey, almost 30 percent of Texans speak Spanish. Of that figure, more than 42 percent of those Texans speak English less than very well.” The Center for Immigration Studies found that the Census Bureau recently released information from the 2013 American Community Survey (ACS), including languages spoken for those five years of age and older. “The new data show that the number of people who speak a language other than English at home reached an all-time high of 61.8 million, up 2.2 million since 2010,” Karen Ziegler and Steven A. Camarota reported in their October 2014 article, One in Five U.S. Residents Speaks Foreign Language at Home, Record 61.8 million. “The largest increases from 2010 to 2013 were for speakers of Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic. One in five U.S. residents now speaks a foreign language at home.” (http://cis.org/record-one-in-five-us-residents-speaks-language-other-than-english-at-home). In 2007, the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a federal agency under the management of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, released updated information, based on the 2000 Census, that detailed the languages spoken in U.S. and Texas. According to the CDC, English and Spanish, or predominantly Spanish, are spoken considerably by Texas residents at their homes, including in the major metropolitan regions not located along the Texas-Mexico border: Harris County (Houston): 898,885; Dallas County (Dallas): 539,570; Bexar County (San Antonio): 517,885; Tarrant County (Ft. Worth): 218,615; Travis County (Austin): 168,285; and Nueces County (Corpus Christi): 118,745. These figures do not include residents in those counties who spoke English only. Counties bordering Mexico, as expected, reported large percentages of their residents who spoke English and Spanish, or predominantly Spanish. “Providing more Spanish-language content on the House of Representatives websites also will help generate more commerce with non-English nations which do business with Texas, he added. “Texas bordering Mexico also makes it crucial that our largest trading partner have access to our Legislature and the information we have.” According to http://www.TexasWideOpenForBusiness.com, which is a maintained by the Texas Economic Development Corporation – an arm of the Office of the Governor – Mexico in 2014 was ranked number one with $102.6 billion in Texas exports, followed by Canada ($31.1 billion), Brazil ($11.7 billion), China ($10.9 billion), and the Netherlands ($8.9 billion) as the top five international trade partners. Exports are goods or services sent from Texas to another country for sale. Mexico also held the top spot as country of origin for Texas imports, accounting for more than $90.1 billion, or 29 percent, of Texas imports in 2014. China ranked number two for Texas imports ($45.4 billion), followed by Saudia Arabia ($19 billion), and Canada ($17.4 billion), added TexasWideOpenforBusiness.com. Imports are goods or services sent from another country to Texas for sale.The public hearing, in its entirety, is available on the Internet by logging on to http://www.house.state.tx.us/video-audio/committee-broadcasts/ , then scroll down to “03/11/15 Government Transparency & Operation” and click the committee’s name.

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With key appointments to powerful House committees, Rep. Muñoz well-positioned to help promote, protect City of McAllen’s legislative agenda

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Featured, from left: Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Mission; Speaker of the House Joe Straus, R-San Antonio; Rep. R.D. “Bobby” Guerra, D-McAllen; and McAllen Mayor Jim Darling on Thursday, June 17, 2014 at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance.

Photograph By MARK MONTEMAYOR

With southwest McAllen as part of his House District 36, which includes a major presence of South Texas College along with key international bridges and transportation systems, Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Mission, will be a powerful asset once more for The City of McAllen and its ambitious, progressive agenda during the ongoing 140-day regular session of the Texas Legislature, which runs through May 31. Muñoz’ body of work at the Texas Capitol, in partnership with his fellow Valley lawmakers, is sure to continue registering victories, especially following his reappointment to several of the most influential House of Representatives legislative committees. Texas Speaker of the House Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, one of the three most powerful leaders in Texas government, on Wednesday, February 4, elevated Muñoz to Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Insurance, and also kept him as a member of the budget-setting Appropriations Committee, and the Local and Consent Calendars Committee. “I am sincerely honored and grateful to be reappointed to these very important committees by Speaker Straus,” Muñoz said after receiving his assignments. “I fully intend to represent the interests of my constituents and the greater Rio Grande Valley region as I serve on these committees. I thank Speaker Straus for entrusting me with these assignments and for placing me in a position to better serve Texas.” Muñoz’ rising star in the Texas Legislature is a definite asset to the City of McAllen’s legislative agenda, which was adopted by the McAllen Mayor and McAllen City Commission late last year. McAllen’s top state priorities will focus on the following goals: the creation of a Hidalgo County Hospital District; improving international trade and shipping with Mexico through local international bridges; seeking funding to build the first phase of a northbound commercial vehicle inspection station at Anzaldúas International Bridge; extending Ware Road (FM 2220), a primary north-south arterial in McAllen, north from Trenton Road (FM 676) to State Highway 107; building an overpass over Pecan Boulevard at the South Texas College main campus, which is one of the fastest growing in the country (32,000 students), to coincide with a $55 million locally-funded campus expansion currently underway; enhancing Texas’ relationship with Mexico, including holding high-level annual meetings in McAllen or Rio Grande City featuring the Texas governor’s office and Texas secretary of state’s office with their counterparts from Mexican states that border Texas for the purposes of discussing trade, transportation, energy, security and other bi-national issues; and seeking funding, through legislation or Texas Parks and Wildlife Department prioritization, for the construction of hike-and-bike trails in McAllen and surrounding cities.

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Edinburg’s retail economy, local job market show improvements in latest state reports

Edinburg’s retail economy, local job market show improvements in latest state reports - Titans of the Texas Legislature

Edinburg will be the center of Democratic political action on Wednesday evening, May 9, when dozens of candidates for offices in Hidalgo County – including for the open House District 40 state representative seat based in Edinburg – along with sheriff, state senator, and U.S. representative, will gather at the Courtyard at Edinburg City Hall to meet voters. The event, which is being sponsored by the Hidalgo County Democratic Party, is free and open to the public. It will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. In a related development, polling locations have been finalized by the Hidalgo County Elections Department and are available on its elections website,http://www.co.hidalgo.tx.us/elections. Early voting for the 2012 Democratic and Republican primary elections begins on Monday, May 14, and ends on Friday, May 25. Election day for the party primaries is Tuesday, May 29. See story on Elections Department preparations later in this posting.

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Edinburg’s retail economy, local job market show improvements in latest state reports - Titans of the Texas Legislature

Ramón Ramírez, Jr., an educator, cartoonist and motivational speaker with 20 years of experience in teaching and 25 years of experience in cartooning, will be the featured artist on Friday, May 11, during Jardín del Arte at the Courtyard at Edinburg City Hall. The outdoor event, which is free and open to the public, will be held from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the venue, located at 415 West University Drive. In addition to Ramírez’ work, the May 11 Jardín del Arte will showcase art exhibitions from other local artists plus live music. Area residents who attend will be able to purchase food and beverages from participating Edinburg restaurants and vendors. Ramírez is known for creating projects such as Teacher Toons, Only in the Valley, Dating Toons, Social Work Toons, and his latest project, Raza Toons. See story later in this posting.

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Edinburg’s retail economy, local job market show improvements in latest state reports - Titans of the Texas Legislature

Edinburg school board member David Torres, featured left, and Juan R. López, AICP, Director of Planning and Zoning for the City of Edinburg, wear hair nets and sanitary gloves as they help serve meals to youngsters on Friday, April 20, as part of the celebration of Boys and Girls Club Week in Edinburg. Torres and López were participating in the event in their roles as community leaders, joining other members of the Lions and Kiwanis Clubs of Edinburg and the Edinburg Volunteer Fire Department during the Kids Café Program. “We wanted to provide a positive environment where the kids, firemen and civic leaders could interact,” said Sabrina Walker-Hernández, Chief Professional Officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV. “The kids were really impressed that they all took the time from their schedules to serve them.” The ‘servers’ not only assisted in food preparation but they also served more than 230 meals and drinks to the Club kids. During their interaction with Club members, the community leaders asked the youngsters questions, and the children learned about their guests’ respective organizations. The Club has moved its main site and administration to its new building, The Legacy Center, located at 702 Cullen Street (Rogers Road and U.S. Expressway 281). The Club offers programs that emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, and sport, fitness and recreation. Log on to http://www.EdinburgKids.com for more information about the Club or by calling 956-383-2582.

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Edinburg’s retail economy, local job market show improvements in latest state reports - Titans of the Texas Legislature

Members from Edinburg Arts, the City of Edinburg, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, and the Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library recently met with the Mexican Consulate to discuss ongoing plans for a Cinco de Mayo Celebration and Mexican Artisan Fair in Edinburg scheduled for Friday, May 4, and Saturday, May 5. Artisans from Mexico will be selling their wares, including candies, textiles, artwork, jewelry, home décor, toys, a variety of foods, spices and more. Mariachi and Ballet Folklorico also will be featured. Special guest Dr. Bernardo Ibarrola, a Mexican historian, will be speaking about Cinco de Mayo and why it is celebrated. Among the other festivities will be an art exhibit, organized by Edinburg Arts and the University of Texas Pan-American, that will be on display in Edinburg City Hall. A Cinco de Mayo Salsa Contest will include prizes. More information on the two-day celebration is available by e-mailing[email protected] or by calling 956/383-7124. Featured, from left: Erasmo R. Martínez, the Mexican Consulate; Letty Leija, Director, Edinburg Public Library, José Martínez, Assistant Director, Edinburg Public Library; Alyssa Chapa, Public Information Specialist, City of Edinburg; and Claudia MA. Trujillo Hernández, Coordinator of External Affairs, Mexican Consulate.

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Edinburg’s retail economy, local job market show improvements in latest state reports - Titans of the Texas Legislature

Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, D-Mercedes, who also serves as 1st Vice Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), on Friday, April 20, joined other members of the CHC, DREAM Act activists and young Latino voters on Capitol Hill to denounce a new and developing version being proposed by  Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida. First introduced in Congress in 2001, the DREAM (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) Act proposes to provide conditional permanent residency – which in some cases could lead to citizenship – for certain undocumented children. A version of the DREAM Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives in December 2010 but was blocked from receiving a vote in the U.S. Senate, is supported by Hinojosa. But many Republicans fear that version could lead to amnesty for undocumented residents. Under a proposal being floated by Rubio, undocumented residents who met standards of the DREAM Act could stay in the U.S. indefinitely, with a special immigration permit, but they would not be granted citizenship unless they went through the U.S. naturalization process. See story later in this posting.

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Edinburg’s retail economy, local job market show improvements in latest state reports - Titans of the Texas Legislature

Congressman Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo/McAllen was honored on Wednesday, April 25, as a “Champion of Healthcare Innovation” by the Healthcare Leadership Council, a coalition of leaders of the nation’s premier healthcare companies and organizations. The award ceremony took place in Washington, D.C. “As a representative of one of the most uninsured districts in the nation, expanding access to quality, affordable healthcare is a priority of mine because far too many people in South Texas live in medically underserved communities, and far too few of them have the insurance they need,” said Cuellar. “I am honored to receive this award for my work to support and expand America’s health care system, and I thank the Healthcare Leadership Council for promoting these important goals.” Mary R. Grealy, president of the Healthcare Leadership Council, presented Cuellar with the honor. See story later in this posting.

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Edinburg’s retail economy, local job market show improvements in latest state reports - Titans of the Texas Legislature

Hidalgo County Precinct 4 Commissioner Joseph Palacios, featured second from left, on Monday, April 2, was recognized by Edinburg school and city leaders for his and his staff’s work on a protective barrier at Betty Harwell Middle School. On Tuesday, January 24, Dr. René Gutiérrez, superintendent for the Edinburg school district, addressed the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court and secured an interlocal agreement between Hidalgo County Precinct 4, led by Palacios, and the Edinburg school district to provide for the construction of protective barriers around Carmen Ávila Elementary and Harwell Middle School. This action represented a solution to an issue that was widely publicized late last year, when two middle school students were injured after being hit by stray bullets from a nearby ranch. Through the agreement, Precinct 4 donated dirt to help construct protective barriers to surround the school. The school district shall pay the county for materials, equipment and personnel costs for construction of the protective barrier. Gutiérrez hopes the joint program will decrease the possibility of any future occurrences and help to ease some of the concerns for safety and security of students at the schools. Featured, from left: Juan “Sonny” Palacios, Jr., vice president of the Edinburg school board; Commissioner Palacios; Carmen González, president of the Edinburg school board; Superintendent Gutiérrez; Shawn Snider, acting city manager for Edinburg; and David Torres, member of the Edinburg school board.

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Edinburg’s retail economy, local job market show improvements in latest state reports - Titans of the Texas Legislature

Ambassadors for the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce (ECOC) on Wednesday, April 4, presented an early Easter present to 10 children from the Edinburg Boys and Girls Club. The colorful baskets, which were filled with candy and toys, served as a symbol of love and joy for the youths. Area businesses donated funds for the gifts. The ECOC Ambassador program is a group of members who act as public relations representatives of the chamber. Featured, first row seated from left: Lidia Díaz, representing All Tune and Lube; Letty González, president of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce; Cindy Castillo, representing the Boys and Girls Club; Charlene Kurpel, representing Thrivent Insurance; and Mary González, representing Texas National Bank. Standing, middle row from left: Flo Prater, representing Rio Valley Realty; Naomi Perales, representing Texas Gas Services; Dina Araguz, representing International Bank of Commerce; Patricia Galindo, representing Valley Land Title Company; Marty Martin, representing Rio Valley Realty; Juan Tijerina, representing  RGV-Statewide Insurance; and Alex Ríos, representing Kids Kollege Learning Center. Standing, back row from left: Martín Rivas, representing the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce; and J.P. Tilburg, representing Security Depot, Inc. More information on the Ambassadors program and the chamber is available by calling 956/383-4974 or by logging on to http://www.Edinburg.com.

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Edinburg’s retail economy, local job market show improvements in latest state reports - Titans of the Texas Legislature

The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will host a Mothers Day Extravaganza on Thursday, May 10, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Legacy Event Center in Edinburg. The highlights of the evening will include the announcement of the “Mother of the Year”, when five deserving women – living and deceased – will be recognized for their remarkable lives. Tickets for the event are $25 each, reserved tables of 10 are $300 (with priority seating), and sponsorships that include a display table range from $500 to $3,000 each. Exhibitor tables are also available for those wishing to sell their items or services. For more information on the Mothers Day Extravaganza, please call the RGVHCC office at 928-0060. Featured, from left, are representatives of the stores participating in one of the evening’s events, the Style Show: Gloria Treviño (WalMart); Anyssa Dimas and Destiny Rodríguez (Spa La Posada); Becky Malcik (Bec’s Fashions); Anna Hernández (Our Secret); Marti Miller (member of the host committee); Mary Dumond (Boot Jack); and Yoli González, (member of the host committee). Other key sponsors are Wells of Weslaco and Olivia’s Fashions. See story later in this posting.

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$1.2 billion Mazatlán-Durango Highway, considered an engineering marvel, driving economic harvest to Edinburg starting with $100 million Rio Grande Produce Park

$1.2 billion Mazatlán-Durango Highway, considered an engineering marvel, driving economic harvest to Edinburg starting with $100 million Rio Grande Produce Park - Titans of the Texas Legislature 

Edinburg and South Texas picked up another high-quality sports team on Friday, February 18, with the announcement that the Rio Grande Valley Grandes Football Club, which will develop and showcase talent for the United Soccer Leagues (USL), will play its inaugural season at Edinburg Baseball Stadium. Mayor Richard H. García, featured second from right, led off the February 18 press conference before a standing-room only audience of area news media representatives, top city staff, and team supporters, praising the arrival of high-caliber soccer, the world’s most popular sport – and for which interest has grown rapidly since the 1990s in the United States – to the three-time All-America City. "South of here we have basketball and hockey," the mayor noted, referring to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers and the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees, respectively, which call the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo their home. "In Edinburg, we have great baseball teams with the Edinburg Roadrunners and the University of Texas-Pan American Broncs, of which we are very proud, and they are doing a great job for us. Now we have the RGV Grandes with their ties to the largest professional and amateur soccer network in the nation." Featured, from left: Carlos Sánchez, RGV Grandes operations manager; Robinson Laraga, RGV Grandes vice-president; Ramiro Garza, Jr., Edinburg city manager; Jose Ignacio Larraga, RGV Grandes president; Mayor Richard H. García; and Esequiel "Zeke" Morales, RGV Grandes general manager. See story later in this posting. 

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$1.2 billion Mazatlán-Durango Highway, considered an engineering marvel, driving economic harvest to Edinburg starting with $100 million Rio Grande Produce Park - Titans of the Texas Legislature

The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (RGVHCC) on Tuesday, February 15, announced the 2011 Business Awards at their Annual Business Awards & Installation Dinner, which was held at the Embassy Suites in McAllen. In addition, U.S. Judge Randy Crane of McAllen swore in the RGVHCC’s new incoming Board of Directors for 2011-2012: Mario Garza, vice chair of Health; Marti Miller, vice chair of Membership; Rick Álvarez, vice chair of Government Affairs; Pepe Cabeza de Vaca, vice chair of International Affairs; Dr. Robert S. Nelsen, the president of the University of Texas-Pan American, vice chair of Education; and Armando Garza, the incoming Chairman of the RGVHCC Board of Directors. Receiving the 2011 Business Awards were, featured from left: Jesús “Chuy” Negrete, Volunteer of the Year; Yoli González, owner of R&D Personnel, Business Woman of the Year; Pepe Cabeza de Vaca, owner of Socialife, Small Corporation of the Year; and Carter Huber, general manager of Glazer’s Distributing, Large Corporation of the Year.  

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$1.2 billion Mazatlán-Durango Highway, considered an engineering marvel, driving economic harvest to Edinburg starting with $100 million Rio Grande Produce Park - Titans of the Texas Legislature

Congressman Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo/McAllen, featured here at his Capitol office in Washington, D.C. on Friday, February 10, with Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade, has announced that women-owned small businesses can begin taking steps to participate in a new federal contracting program under the U.S. Small Business Administration. The new Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract Program will be implemented over the next several months, with the first contracts expected to be awarded by the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2011. “As our economy continues to recover, we must provide emerging small business with the tools they need to be successful and to take their business to the next level,” said Cuellar. “This program is a great boost for women-owned small businesses to equal access in contracting opportunities and increases chances of winning federal contracts. America’s women-owned businesses can lead to further job creation and flourish in this demanding time.” See story on the WOSB program later in this posting. 

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$1.2 billion Mazatlán-Durango Highway, considered an engineering marvel, driving economic harvest to Edinburg starting with $100 million Rio Grande Produce Park - Titans of the Texas Legislature

In honor of Black History Month, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV celebrates cultural diversity through the arts and spent some extra time learning about the extraordinary accomplishments of African-Americans. February began with a craft series, designed to show young residents a creative way for understanding about each other’s differences and how it can lead to intolerance, suspicion, and even violence. The activities culminate with an exhibition scheduled for Monday, February 21 through  February 25 at the Dustin Sekula Memorial Library of more than 10 artworks by several club members depicting their perspectives on Black America. All area residents are invited to view the Art Exhibit during the library’s working business hours.  "While we are highlighting the importance of  African-American contributions during Black History month, the Boys & Girls Clubs in Edinburg on a year-round basis offer programs that speak to diversity, culture and issues of belonging," said Sabrina Walker-Hernández, chief professional officer for the local Boys & Girls Club.  

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$1.2 billion Mazatlán-Durango Highway, considered an engineering marvel, driving economic harvest to Edinburg starting with $100 million Rio Grande Produce Park - Titans of the Texas Legislature

Johnny G. Economedes High School (JEHS) has been named an AVID (Achievement Via Individual Determination) National Demonstration School for the 2010-2011 school year. The prestigious National Demonstration School distinction recognizes JEHS’s AVID program as an exemplary model. AVID National and Regional staff recently visited JEHS to conduct a series of evaluations of the school’s AVID program prior to naming it a National Demonstration School. Featured displaying the banner recognizing JEHS as a National Demonstration School are, from left: Cynthia Walls, JEHS AVID coordinator/testing facilitator; Antonio Ballesteros, JEHS assistant principal; Santa Alvarado, ECISD AVID district director and ECISD area director; Gloria C. Rivera, JEHS principal; Liz Rusk, AVID Center; Vivian Shaw, AVID Center; Dr. Wendell Brown, AVID Texas state director; and Maria Luisa Guerra, assistant superintendent for Instruction and Support Services. See story later in this posting.  

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$1.2 billion Mazatlán-Durango Highway, considered an engineering marvel, driving economic harvest to Edinburg starting with $100 million Rio Grande Produce Park - Titans of the Texas Legislature

Located on FM 2812, immediately east of the interstate-level U.S. Highway 281, the Rio Grande Produce Park – featured here with an artist’s rendition of one of the planned  facilities – will eventually transform an 87-acre tract of land into a privately-owned, $100 million, state-of-the-art produce distribution complex that will be used to safely store and transfer agricultural imports coming from Mexico to the rest of the U.S. By the fall of 2011, city leaders say the Rio Grande Produce Park will create 200 jobs when the first of nine advanced refrigeration facilities for Mexican produce opens for business. Plans for Rio Grande Produce Park, unveiled by developer José Luis González – who also is the leader for his Chicago-based Don Hugo Produce, Inc. – call for 800 jobs to eventually anchor the major agricultural distribution center, which should boast about one million square feet of refrigerated-storage facilities. "We are the best at what we do when it comes to creating jobs, and it’s a fantastic achievement for the City of Edinburg, and one that I am very, very proud of," said Mayor Pro-Tem Agustin "Gus" García, Jr., focusing on the produce park, along with the Santana Textiles and Teleperformance USA, as the most recent examples of job-creating successes. The timetable for completion of the Rio Grande Produce Park is about five to seven years. The produce park is a direct result of the ongoing construction of the $1.2 billion Mazatlán-Durango Highway in western Mexico, set for completion in 2012, from where major produce imports to the United States through Edinburg will be made much safer upon completion of that superhighway. See story on the highway and the produce center in the lead story. 

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Hidalgo County Judge García raises possibility of courthouse being moved out of Edinburg

Hidalgo County Judge García raises possibility of courthouse being moved out of Edinburg - Titans of the Texas Legislature

State Rep.-elect Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Mission, featured second from left, says South Texans should be much more than just observers when the Texas Legislature returns to work on Tuesday, January 11. Valleyites should be key players in the many legislative battles that will impact the border region – and he’s ready to help his constituents learn how to succeed in the legislative process. "There are going to be tremendous challenges and opportunities that will affect almost every aspect of our lives during the legislative session," Muñoz is encouraging his constituents in House District 36. "Be a participant, not a bystander. No one has a monopoly on good ideas." House District 36 includes Granjeno, Hidalgo, southern McAllen, most of Mission, Palmview, Peñitas, and Pharr. As part of his legislative duties, Muñoz on Friday, December 17, helped The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce pay tribute to its past by recognizing their former chairmen of the Board of Directors as well as honoring their longest standing members, including Thompson’s Electric Service, which recently celebrated 65 years of continuous membership in the local chamber. Featured, from left: Ismael Estrada, general manager; Rep.-elect Sergio Munoz, Jr; J.C. Thompson, Jr. owner; Ada Manrique, office manager; and Fred Kurth, chairman of the board of directors for the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce. See lead story later in this posting.

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Hidalgo County Judge García raises possibility of courthouse being moved out of Edinburg - Titans of the Texas Legislature

Hidalgo County District Clerk Laura Hinojosa, featured first row, third from left, on Wednesday, December 29, helped present a check totaling $3,000, generated from contributions from her staff members, to the Edinburg  Explorer Fire Post 2002. This latest charitable donation by Hinojosa and her office staff is part of the district clerk office’s Blues for Bucks Workplace Fundraising Campaign, benefiting local charitable organizations. The Explorer Fire Post is a non-profit division of the Boy Scouts of America and is part of the Learning for Life career education program for young men and women who are 14 years of age but have not yet reached their 21st birthday. “Fire Service Exploring” is a worksite-based program that helps youth interested in the field of fire service gain insight through its five areas of emphasis: career opportunities, life skills, service learning, character education, and leadership experience. “Our staff is delighted to contribute to the Edinburg Explorer Fire Post, which is helping to promote growth and development of adolescent youth in our community,” said Hinojosa. “We hope our donation will help to continue engaging our youth in gaining the knowledge and experience necessary for fire service, which is in itself an important contribution to our society.” See story later in this posting.

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Hidalgo County Judge García raises possibility of courthouse being moved out of Edinburg - Titans of the Texas Legislature

The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce will host the quarterly Public Affairs luncheon on Thursday, January 13, at the Echo Hotel and Conference Center, located on 1903 S. Closner.  The luncheon will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is $15 per person or $150 for a reserved table of 8. Dr. René Gutierrez, the superintendent for the Edinburg school district, will be the guest speaker, addressing education as the topic. This event is being sponsored by Inter National Bank. For more information or to make a reservation, please call 956/383-4974. Featured promoting the luncheon are, from left: Elva Jackson Garza (Co-chairman for the Public Affairs Committee); Cris Torres (Inter National Bank); Letty González (Edinburg Chamber of Commerce president); Dalia Arce (Inter National Bank); and Johnny Rodríguez (Edinburg Chamber of Commerce chairman). 

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Hidalgo County Judge García raises possibility of courthouse being moved out of Edinburg - Titans of the Texas Legislature

Put on those boots and jeans and dress it up with gems and jewels and attend the 12th Annual Noche de Gala, to be hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, January 22.  The evening will not only have a dinner, dance and silent and live auctions, but it will also have a Las Vegas style casino as part of the evening’s festivities.  Guests will get to play and bid on some big items donated by business people in the communities. The casino will offer poker, roulette, craps and Black Jack.  Professional dealers will man the tables from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Other highlights of the evening will be the awarding of the Posthumous Golden Eagle Award to the late Mike Allen, an economic development leader and South Texas College board trustee who passed away in late August. Scheduled to accept the award on his behalf is Theresa Allen, his widow. Mike Allen was a well-known and respected individual on both sides of the border whose life saw him help people, first as a Catholic priest, then as longtime leader of the McAllen Economic Development Corporation. His dedication to the economic development of both sides of the border, education and humanity are considered as part of his legacy.  For more information on ticket or sponsorship information on the Noche de Gala, please call the RGV Hispanic Chamber at 928-0060. Featured, practicing their Black Jack skills are, from left: Joe Roxx, dealer; and representing the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce are Hari Namboodiri, Jeanette Noone, Cynthia M. Sakulenzki and Yoli González.   

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Hidalgo County Judge García raises possibility of courthouse being moved out of Edinburg - Titans of the Texas Legislature

The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce will host Fiesta Edinburg the last weekend in February, from the 24th through the 27th. Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, a national law firm that has offices in Edinburg and Brownsville, is one of the major sponsors for the event, which will include Jimmy González y Grupo Mazz as the headlining musical act. Jimmy González y Grupo Mazz are scheduled to perform on Saturday, February 26, along with Elida Reyna y Avante plus others. For 43 years, Fiesta Edinburg has been giving people a reason to celebrate the three-time All America City of Edinburg. Featured presenting a check to members of the Fiesta Edinburg Committee are, from left: Josie Ríos (First National Bank); Penny the Pig (First National Bank); Letty Reyes (Edinburg Economic Development Corporation); Rey Garza (HEB on Freddy González Drive); Edward Greaves (HEB on Freddy González Drive); Johnny Harris (HEB on Closner Boulevard); Letty González (Edinburg Chamber of Commerce); Dalia Arce (Fiesta Edinburg Committee member), and Cris Torres (Fiesta Edinburg Chair and board member for the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce). See story later in this posting.  

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Titans of the Texas Legislature