Springill Suites by Marriott is OPEN!

The New Springhill Suites by Marriott, located across the New McAllen Convention Center, opened a few weeks ago and it is AWESOME!!!

Excelentes descuentos con Value Card!!!

Para los Regios el día de hoy comienza a distribuirse la tarjeta de descuento “Value Card” que para muchos es de gran ayuda por los excelentes descuentos que esta brinda.

La distribución de la tarjeta es casa por casa en diferentes áreas residenciales de la zona metropolitana de Monterrey. En cada paquete que se les otorga, incluyen la tarjeta value card, cupones, así como también la lista de los negocios que tienen descuento presentando la tarjeta, en este paquete los Regios a su vez encontraran una lista de hoteles que ofrecen muy buenos descuentos así como lista de restaurantes.

Para aquellos que les gustaría obtener la tarjeta directamente, la podrán solicitar en Casa McAllen, es gratuita y solo hay que pasar a recogerla.

Casa McAllen
Av. Fundidora No. 501
Col. Obrera
Monterrey, N.L.
Tel: (81) 8369-6450 y 52
casamcallen@infosel.net.mx


Sera un placer poder atenderlos..........

McAllen Fine Art Show this week

McAllen Fine Art Show at the Chamber through ArtWalk this Friday night. Free and fabulous!

McAllen a Safe Place to Be...

Had several inquires today and last week on the weather, safety, and economic forecast of the city of McAllen:

The weather is always great from my perspective. It's never too cold and we don't have major natural disasters such as tornadoes. No wonder a lot of Americans from northern states come here for the winter and earn the title of being a Winter Texan.

McAllen is a prosperous city- it's growing in population, diversity, and it's economy is standing firm in contrast to other sectors or cities around the U.S. You may obtain more details of McAllen Economic Forecast by contacting McAllen Chamber of Commerce or the City of McAllen to confirm this statement.

Safety is always something to look for when visiting any area in the U.S. If you look at our crime stats and compare it to other cities, you will see how safe this city really is. There is no major or observable violence here in McAllen and you should feel safe and comfortable in coming down here to visit or relocate to take advantage of all the things McAllen has to offer. See it for yourself and find out how safe this city is. Only if you have been here or lived here you will understand where I'm coming from with this.

Delta Back in McAllen

Great news! Delta is back at the McAllen International Airport. Delta joins American, Continental and Allegiant Airlines. Now it's easier than ever to come see us!

The People of McAllen

Before I moved to McAllen, I'd lived in several cities around the U.S. Every time I'd move to a new city- every time- someone would say, "You're going to love it here. Our people really make the difference."
McAllen is the only place where I found that this was really true. You can't find a city more full of happy, thoughtful, kind hearted and welcoming people than here in McAllen. And McAllen folks are hard working, too. I guess that's a lot of the reason that we're such a thriving community with opportunity everywhere!

International Museum of Art & Science

I had the pleasure of visiting the Museum for a few hours a couple of weeks ago on a job assignment. I didn't have a lot of free time to look around but what I did see impressed me and has made me want to go back for a weekend trip with my family. A few exhibits currently on display are Alyssa Banta - Photography (will run till May 3rd) and Grossology (till Sept. 6th)-- this one was my favorite!! Cande Aguilar's World Affair (till April 26th) Science on a Sphere - this one is really cool for the kids! ICONS stained glass - private collection of Dr. Lawrence and Esperanza Gelman. If you have not yet visited our Museum plan a trip with your family I guarantee you it will be a fun and educational trip for all!
For more information on hours and admission fees please call 956-682-1564.
The Museum is located at 1900 Nolana.

Have a fun filled weekend!

Hillary Clinton visita Monterrey

La Ciudad de Monterrey recibe a la Secretaria de Estado, estadounidense Hillary Clinton, estará aquí en Monterrey visitando la universidad Tec Milenio y la planta de Bioenergía Nuevo León.

Mas de dos mil estudiantes de la universidad Tec Milenio recibirán hoy a la secretaria de Estado de EU, en donde dará una conferencia “Relaciones México-Estados Unidos” y en la cual simultáneamente participaran las 39 sedes del Tec milenio, los jóvenes se encuentran muy emocionados y orgullosos por tan importante visita a su plantel.

Posteriormente la Secretaria de Estado visitara la Planta Bioenergía Nuevo León en Salinas Victoria, en la que será acompañada por funcionarios y el Gobernador de Nuevo León.

Esperamos que su estancia aquí en Monterrey sea gratificante para ambos países.

McAllen CVB Wins 2009 Texas Health Occupation Students of America State Convention

The McAllen Convention and Visitors Bureau is proud to be hosting the Texas HOSA State Convention at the New McAllen Convention Center from April 1 - 4, 2009. Over 2,000 delegates are registered to attend the convention.

If any questions, please contact Ernesto Arredondo, Director of Sales, McAllen CVB at 956-240-8033.

Another Music Festival

If you haven’t heard about it already, we here at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce are preparing for Another Music Festival.

AMF is anything but another music festival. For two days, festival goers will witness the sights and sounds of over 80 bands on 9 stages. This is an event you don’t want to miss.
When:
Saturday, April 18 7pm to 1am
Sunday, April 19 1pm to 7pm
Where: 17th Street Entertainment District, McAllen, TX
Why:
8 indoor stages and 1 outdoor stage
All music genres from indie to rock, latin to blues
AMF is a green event with plenty of recycling and eco-friendly activities
Attendees can create their original AMF memorabilia at the AMF T-shirt Factory
And over 80 bands featuring…

Z-Trip
Boombox
DJ Rapid Ric
Los Band Apples
Jericho Machine
Dignan
White Zebra
Stereo Kitsch
The Apple in the Tree
Last Page
Sarah & Octopus
Vinyl Sharma
Zeale….
….and the list goes on…


Tickets on sale now at EZ-TIXX.com: $15(1-day pass); $25 (2-day pass); $40 VIP pass
Sponsorships, Food Vendors, and Exhibitor opportunities now available!

For more information, visit www.mcallenmusic.com or call 956-682-2871

Passport Rules Changing

Starting this summer, travelers visiting certain foreign countries will need to pack one additional critical item: a passport. Beginning June 1, U.S. citizens entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda by land or sea must present a government-issued U.S. passport book or card, or an Enhanced Driver's Licence(EDL) verifying their identity and citizenship.

Chamber of Commerce and the Arts

A studio will be available at the McAllen Creative Incubator come April 1st. Any interested parties should contact Greg at 687-2787 for more information.
The 2009 McAllen Arts Council Grants program is in effect. Applications are being accepted until May 1st. Grants amount are up to $1,000 and applications and guidelines can be downloaded at www.mcallenartscouncil.com or you can call Greg Schuller at 687-2787 for more information or for applications.
A Scrapbooking workshop will be held at the McAllen Creative Incubator on Tuesday, March 31st at 730pm. This workshop is part of the Cultural Arts and Entertainment Series (CAES) offered by the McAllen Chamber and is free and open to all ages. Call Greg at 687-2787 to sign up for this workshop.
The 1st annual McAllen Arts Council Fine Art Show will be held from March 31st through April 3rd at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. Everybody is encouraged come and see beautiful works of art submitted by local artists.

McAllen Hospitality Forum - next meeting

The next meeting of the McAllen Hospitality Forum will be at the Convention Center. The meeting starts at 9:00 AM but everyone is encouraged to come early because the "omlette guy" will be there making "made to order" omlettes. We'll meet in room 101.

This is an interesting meeting because Brent Branham, Deputy City Manager of McAllen will be the featured speaker on the subject of "new hotels" in McAllen. we'll also introduce two new "products" from the CVB. These are both intended to assist hotels serve their guests and entice more guests to their hotels. You need to come to the meeting to find out about these.

Focus Group

Yesterday's meeting was attended by Nancy, me (Silvia) and Willard to make a Focus Group, where housewives from different sectors of Monterrey, Mexico, attended. Again, they confirmed that "McAllen" remains the favorite city of the "Regiomontanos" (this is the name that is known the people of Monterrey).

The regiomontanos travel to McAllen for shopping, also for take a "Mini Vacation." They believe that McAllen is a clean and friendly city, where they can find a wide variety of noveltys with better quality and cheaper prices. Our friends from Monterrey know that the people of McAllen always receive with open arms.

Traveling to Mexico-Monterrey

Went to Monterrey this weekend. The atmosphere in Mexico seem pretty nice, the weather was great around 85 degrees, transportation ready and available almost everywhere you go. If you don't feel like driving, you can always elect to take the bus from McAllen to Monterrey. The fare is cheap and the trip is short, around 3 hours non-stop. Goas part of a group or with a few friends and enjoy what Montettey has to offer. One of the largest and closest city to visit in Mexico from McAllen, very nice people, nice places to visit, and good food. Pretty safe as far as my experiences goes along with a lot of other staff members and people I know. Visit our McAllen CVB, Casa McAllen site: http://www.mcallen.org/For-Visitors/Casa-McAllen and get the information you need to travel to Monterrey, Mexico.

Off to Monterrey, Mexico

I leave for Monterrey, Mexico in a few minutes. It's a business trip- I'm going to visit our satellite office down there, Casa McAllen, so I'll be back tomorrow. It's a beautiful city, very industrialized as well, and only 2 1/2 hours from McAllen. I'm going by car, but lots of people take the bus. We have buses leaving hourly for Monterrey.
The roads are good, and I'm not driving- maybe I can catch a nap!

TGIF

Ahhh...the weekend. There are so many things going on in McAllen that when the weekend comes around it's hard to decide on where to eat and what to do. Tonight there is a Music Afterhour Concert that will be held at our new McAllen Convention Center at 7:00 p.m. Did I forget to mention it's also FREE!!! Hope to see you there!

The new $ 300.00 tax duty “ SHOP McALLEN”

The new duty free Easter holiday season, for Mexican nationals crossing by land to the United States has been extended.

According to the March 17, of the Diario 0ficial de la Federacion, every passenger entering the country by land. In this period can import $ 300.00 tax free compared to the $75.00 allowed before.

The dates at which the duty free is March 27 to April 19, 2009, so with this benefit, plus the great deals offer by the stores and hotels in McAllen, we must prepare for the” shopping” and buy everything for this season.

Have a wonderful Thursday.

International Museum of Art and Science

Devoted to science and the arts, this museum features Mexican folk art, textiles and contemporary American and regional prints. The offerings include the Caton collection of European paintings from the 16th through the 19th centuries a children's Discovery pavilion, a 10,000 square-foot Rios cope play area, a Latin gallery, a museum store, and a cafe. Call for hours. Admission; $ 5, senors 4, children 4-12, $3, under 4 and member free Sundays $ 2, under 4 and member fee, fees vary for special exhibitions. Groups rates and tours available.

A Night on the Town

If you haven't made your weekend plans yet, here's a helpful start:

Try an early dinner at the new Patio on Guerra restuarant in the Entertainment District then head over to Music After Hours free outdoor concert at the McAllen Convention Center Reflection Pool. Friday's concert starts at 7pm and features:
Farias (acoustic, folk, indie), Single Fin (soul, trip hop, blues), and (me)shach Jackson (down-tempo, ambient, neo-soul)
After the concert, head over to Rooselvelt's at 7. This bar features an array of imported beer that is sure to please everyone. After a sampling of some of the finest beer, try any one of the 8 bars and clubs in the 17th Street Entertainment District. Each bar has it's own style whether you want a Dive, blues, or catch a rock concert. Live music is sure to be found just about everywhere! For a superb night out, try each place. You might find your new hang-out spot.

...and that's just Friday night...you still have Saturday and Sunday to make new discoveries!

Have a great weekend!

Como establecer una empresa en Texas

La oficina del Estado de Texas en Mèxico, llevarà a cabo un Seminario sobre "Como establecer una empresa en el Estado de Texas" el pròximo mièrcoles 25 de marzo en el hotel Sheraton Ambassador en Monterrey.

Algunos abogados socios de McAllen Chamber of Commerce participaràn como conferencistas y tambièn asistiremos Matt Z Ruszczak, Claudia y yo (Silvia) para ofrecer los servicios que damos a travès de Casa McAllen y McAllen Chamber of Commerce.

Muchos empresarios de Monterrey estàn cambiando su residencia a los Estados Unidos de Amèrica y principalmente a la ciudad de McAllen, por ser una ciudad segura, bella, amigable y en crecimiento constante.

Sunny & Clear Sky

Pretty nice to day here in McAllen, around 83 degrees and clear sky. Couldn't haved asked for a better day on St. Patricks Day, the out-doors ventures always a go here in McAllen, the weather is always great. Not to mention the convenience of being so close to South Padre Island for a Spring Break or a weekend get-a-way. It's not too late to choose McAllen as your Spring Break destination today or any-time of the year. To all viewers: Have a great St. Patricks Day! I know the CVB staff will...

2009 National Association of Hispanic Publications Annual Convention in McAllen

McAllen Hosts National Convention at New Convention Center

March 17, 2009

On March 11-14, 2009 the National Association of Hispanic Publications held their Annual Convention at the New McAllen Convention Center in tropical Southern Texas. McAllen embraced the delegates with open arms and wonderful weather.


The National Association of Hispanic Publications, Inc. (NAHP, Inc.) is a nonprofit, non-partisan trade advocacy organization representing the leading Spanish language publications serving 41 markets in 39 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, with a combined circulation of over 23 million. NAHP was founded in 1982 as a nonpartisan and nonprofit organization to promote Hispanic publications. NAHP, Inc. membership includes newspapers and magazines which reach over 50% of the Hispanic households in the United States. For more information, visit www.nahp.org.

Saturday night

The McAllen Heritage Center had its official opening Saturday night in downtown McAllen. The event included live music and free horse-drawn carriage rides. Afterwards, we went over to 17th Street to the piano bar. Great evening out!

Long weekend in México

Este proximo Lunes 16 de marzo sera "holiday" y por tal motivo tendremos desde hoy viernes en McAllen, muchos Regios que iran de shopping o simplemente a descansar y asi aprovechar las excelentes ofertas y tarifas especiales de los Hoteles que nos ofrece nuestro hermosisimo McAllen.

El clima es un factor importante para comprar agusto, asi que otro punto a favor, ya que el clima es excelente para tomarnos el tiempo y hacer nuestras compras con tranquilidad.

Que tengan un maravilloso Fin de Semana!!!!

Newcomers of Monterrey

The newcomers of Monterrey ladies asociation invited me to give a presentation about
things to see and do in McAllen.

I was warming welcome by around 70 foreign ladies (Germany, Corea, U.S.A., ) living in Monterrey, they`re very interested in traveling to McAllen for shopping. They asked for my recommendation for safety traveling to McAllen.

We hope to see this ladies in the future taking advantages of these sales McAllen has to offer.

Spring in McAllen

Spring is in the air!!! We are so fortunate that we live here in the tropical south Texas. Today in McAllen, we are in the mid 50's compared to other places up north, I'd say we are darn lucky to live here!!

The hibiscus & jasmine that surround the entrance to our beautiful building fills the air as I walk into work every morning. What a way to start the day!

If you have not been to McAllen....I promise you it's worth the trip.
Like Steve Ahlenius says (CEO/President of the McAllen Chamber) "Great things are happening in McAllen."

Music this Weekend

Check out what's going on this week at Art Expressions in McAllen:

Friday, March 13th: Ram Danesse
Ram Danesse is one of the most talented and fastest rising local bands in the valley, they have become crowd favorites everywhere they play, and with good reason. Their sound? Blues, Rock, and Soul all mixed in perfectly with their own styles. Ram Danesse is currently promoting their Debut Album Release, Sights of Sound. They will be performing songs off of the album as well as their own twists on some familiar favorites.
Starting at 9:30 pm Free Admission

Saturday, March 14th: Frontera Jazz Quartet

From Brownsville, TX, Frontera Jazz Quartet’s sound reflects the group's unique take on music and culture along the US-Mexico border. Having lived on the border for many years, this influence is obvious in repertoire such as Moore's "Abejita Mia" (My Little Bee), Chapa's "Lagrimas Negras" (Black Tears), and a reworking of Mexican pop star Rigo Tovar's "Matamoros Querido".Starting at 9:30 pm Free Admission

Art Expressions
301 N. Main Suite 2
McAllen, TX
956-686-8161

FASHION SHOW!

Get ready!! see McAllen's Spring Fashion debut at La Plaza Mall during Simon Fashion now resented by Caress Skin Wear Collection, happening Friday, April 3, and Saturday, April 4th, 2009. The beauty and style of spingtime will unfold during this two-day event featuring fashion-forwad runway shows and style Stops.

Please do not miss this event it's happening in McAllen.

Having fun in McAllen

Hi, I'm Jim Deuser, a staffer with the McAllen Chamber and Convention and Visitors' Bureau. My job is to make sure that people coming to McAllen have fun! We have a booklet called "Tours and Fun on Demand." If you will send us an email, we'll send you a book. If you find something you like, let us know and we'll help arrange for you to do it. We understand that "regularly scheduled" events are sometimes not possible for you. So we want to make it happen when it is convenient for our out of town visitors. You can reach me at jdeuser@mcallencvb.com

At the McA2 Creative Incubator this Week

Another great week at the Incubator. On Monday, March 9th, Inter City Christian Project along with Joe Martinez had a Christian Rock Concert. The show went well and all who attended were pleases. There was also a Yoga class with our certified Instructor, Irma Burr, at 6pm. Irma holds Yoga classes every Monday and Wednesday afternoon at 6pm. For more information on these classes, please contact Irma at 956-454-5240. Wednesday and Thursday, March 11th and 12th, Joe Martinez will be having expanded Radio and Television classes. All youths who are interested in learning about Radio and Television can come and learn, hands on, as Joe has a remote transmitter located in his Studio at the Incubator. For more information on this, please contact Joe Martinez at 956-789-0702. Thursday, March 12th and Saturday, March 14th, Pedro Garcia will be giving Acting and Drama classes. Pedro is an accomplished Actor and Director who has been in over 100 movies and plays. For more information on these classes, please feel free to contact Pedro Garcia at 956-655-9308. And we will end the week with a Concert presented by Goodbar Productions on Saturday, March 14th at 7pm. For more information on this concert, please feel free to contact Patrick Garcia at 956-605-3344.

IMAS

Today I'm thinking about McAllen's International Museum of Art & Science. We're going to be shooting a commercial for McAllen's Cable Channel there this afternoon. IMAS is a Smithsonian affiliate, and has hands-on activities, a gorgeous stained glass ehxibit, and the country's largest collection of Mexican folk art. The museum often holds special events- and entrance is free Sunday afternoons! It's a great experience for families, or just for some quiet time.

Weather Today

It's a beautiful day in McAllen!! Very windy....hold on to your hats!!

On the Go with Travel Writer

Had the opportunity to be with a Travel Writer from Kansas City. We went to the annual Border Fest in Hidalgo this weekend, where she had the chance to try out the festival's variety of food and on site "live" entertainment. Later we went to IMAS an art gallery here in McAllen, where she had the chance to see a piece of McAllen art scene. Earlier, she had the chance to explore the border region and cross the U.S.-Mexican border on a Ferry, it was a really neat way to get to the other side into Mexico and back, while enjoying the view of the river from up close. Yesterday, we went to Progreso, Mexico, where she had a chance to shop in the variety of shops, enjoy really good Mexican food at a moderate looking restaurant called Arturo's, which I highly recommend eating at when you visit Progreso, Mexico and don't forget to sample their frozen drink specialties to kick start your engine inside of you. What can I say, McAllen CVB really knows how take care of it's guests.

McAllen CVB Wins 2009 Texas Chess Championships

Hi!
My name is Ernie Arredondo, Director of Sales for the McAllen Convention and Visitors Bureau. I will be blogging updates on our Convention Sales Activity. We were really happy to beat other bigger Texas cities to bring the 2009 Texas State Chess Championships to McAllen. The competition will be held at the New McAllen Convention Center March 20-22, 2009. One-thousand players from Texas are expected to compete for trophies and university scholarships. If you have any questions, please call my cell 956-240-8033.

Artwalk & Music After Hours

Artwalk was awesome- so many people enjoying the free food, live music and good company. Lots of art going on in McAllen- afterwards, some of us went to 17th Street where a bunch of lounges and restaurants have opened up. MORE live music there! A friend of mine said that there's live music every night now somewhere in McAllen. I think I'll find out for myself if that's true...

Birding the Border

Hey, everyone!

I'm off to Manzanillo, Mexico where I hearI can do some birding. I wonder if the birding down there is as fun as it is in McAllen? Did you know the Rio Grande Valley has over 500 bird species?! The RGV has 9 World Birding Centers with expert guides waiting to show you the best birding experience. If you need to check any birds of your life-list, make must visit South Texas!

What's Happening?

Want to know what's happening in McAllen? Watch these blogs for the latest info, activities, general thoughts from the hard working and frantically but happily busy Convention and Visitors' Bureau!

We have a meeting planner in McAllen now. He saw our gorgeous, new convention center yesterday and had dinner at the Republic of the Rio Grande, one of my favorite restaurants. They have live music outside in the courtyard where you can eat, or you can go inside to either side- the restaurant or the bar. Yummy appetizers and a really good vegetarian pasta dish!

This is fun!

Ok, folks, first one to find this post gets a gold star!

Hey, Joanna, How did it go?

Travel Writer

We have a travel writer coming in to tour our wonderful City and all it has to offer. Since Mexico is a short distance from McAllen we will be taking her on a day trip to Progreso on Monday, March 9th. Robert...grab your sombrero and walking shoes...Mexico...here we come!!!

Nature

123

FYI.

Tourism

Tourism

Sales and Conventions

Sales & Conventions

Music Entertainment

Music Entertainment

A Nature Post

See how we can label our posts?