Cumbia Dance Workshop

Friday marks the beginning of 2010, a new year and the opportunity to make resolutions for the new year. What better resolution than to learn new dances. This year the McAllen Creative Incubator is offering FREE introduction to Cumbia, Waltz, Salsa & Merengue, Line Dancing and Belly Dancing Workshops. All of these are 1 hours classes and are offered throughout the year. To see when these dance classes are being offered or to sign up for them, please contact Greg Schuller at 956-687-2787.

McAllen Convention & Visitors Bureau Celebrates Record Number of Conventions in 2009!!!

Well, today is December 29, 2009 and 2010 is right around the corner.

2009 has been an amazing year!!!!

Here is the list of some wonderful city-wide conventions that were held at the

New McAllen Convention Center in 2009:



1) Texas Health Occupation Students of America

2) Catholic Daughters of the Americas

3) American Legion of Texas

4) State Fireman & Fire Marshals of Texas

5) Texas State Chess Scholastic Championships

6) Texas Association of Sports Officials

7) Texas Association of Mexican-American Chambers of Commerce

8) Episcopal Diocese of West Texas

9) American Association of Airport Executives

10) National Association of Hispanic Publications

11) Southwestern Texas Synod



I would like to thank everyone that made these conventions possible in the Great City of McAllen!!!

Happy New Year!

Ernie Arredondo
Director of Sales
McAllen Convention & Visitors Bureau

McAllen named one of US's safest cities

According to Farmer's Indurance- and they should know- McAllen is one of the country's safest cities. See www.bestplaces.net for details.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

This is the best time to live in McAllen- the weather is gorgeous, the shopping's fantastic, and the people are even more warm and friendly than usual, which is really saying something since warm and friendly is what we're known for. I hope everyone has the happiest holiday season ever!

Seasons Greeting from the Incubator

It has been an incredible year here at the McAllen Creative Incubator. The number of activities has increased, the number of people attending them has increases and this has led to an increase in the quality of events. We held our first Graffit Art Show in February. The McAllen Arts Council's Board of Directors have had a strong first year. Our CAES workshop continue to draw big crowds. McAllen was designated a Cultural District by the the Texas Commission on the Arts. The ArtE Magazine is back and stronger than ever. All in all I have to say that it has been a stellar year and I am looking forward to next year to continue to grow and further all types of Art in McAllen.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Greg Schuller
Director of Cultural Arts

FELIZ NAVIDAD,,,

En esta ocasión les comentare lo que vi este pasado
fin de semana en mi visita a McAllen, Claro!!! nuestras tiendas
preferidas llenísimas de Regios comprando y eligiendo delicadamente lo mejor
para regalar o para ellos mismos, esta vez no veía tiendas solamente,
admiraba la unión de las familias Regias hasta para hacer shopping…

Veía las caritas de asombro al ver a los niños diciendo este mamy, este es papy
este es el que le encargue a Santa!!!!!!!

Al marido en un tanto de complicidad con los hijos comprando el regalo
a escondidas de su esposa,, regalo que “subliminalmente” ya les hemos
mencionado en el transcurso del mes, verdad amigas??? , así como los abuelitos adorados
que aparte de regalarles tanto amor a los nietos durante todo el año, esta época
es especial para ellos,, ya que con nada se compara el ver la cara de felicidad de los nietos al
recibir el presente de los amados abuelitos!!!!.
No se sientan mal amigos, ya que también nosotras nos damos nuestras habilidades para comprarles su regalo especial,,, Claro!! cargándolo a sus tarjetas de crédito jajajjajja, no se crean, saben que también para nosotras es todo un ritual el saber que quieren de regalo.
Pero no solamente son los regalos de la familia, sino el de los abuelitos, el del novio, la novia, los amigos, los compadres, el ahijado (s) el intercambio etc... realmente las listas son cada vez mas largas…

Saben, estando en McAllen y enfocándome en nuestros sentimientos, me di cuenta
de que McAllen es mágico!!!! Para cualquier lado que volteara a ver, solo veía rostros de ilusión
de alegría, vi a personas realmente felices, con sus bolsas llenas, mas que de presentes, llenas de de hermosos sentimientos de amor para todos sus seres queridos.

Es por eso que McAllen es mágico!!!!

En esta época de Navidad en la que nuestros sentimientos
Afloran, expresando los mejores deseos para
todos nuestros seres queridos, me gustaría que cada uno de sus
hogares estén llenos de Armonía, Dicha y Paz

Feliz Navidad, Prospero Año Nuevo y Nos vemos en Mcallen……

Que tengan un lindo martes!!!

Happy Holidays

Just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I was with a friend friday afternoon doing some shopping and we ended up at Sam's. For anyone who hasn't finished ( or begun) their Christmas shopping, they have some pretty good deals. I saw a bunch of books that I wouldn't mind getting. - Might go back and buy MY present. I noticed they had a variety of ready made snack trays. There were some that just had cheeses and others that had veggies and dips. Add a bottle of wine - and you have a ready made party. Finally, Candy - OMG - One could OD on all of the chocolate gift boxes they had. I hope everybody enjoys their holiday and Ho, Ho, Ho

McAllen-Edinburg-Mission Region Ranked 12 Safest in U.S.

Austin Business Journal - December 18, 2009 /austin/stories/2009/12/14/daily55.html

Friday, December 18, 2009, 11:42am CST

Austin-Round Rock safest in U.S.
Austin Business Journal

The Austin-Round Rock region is the most “secure” large metropolitan in the U.S., according to a ranking by Farmers Insurance Group of Companies released Thursday.

The report compares crime, extreme weather, risk of natural disasters, housing depreciation, foreclosures, air quality, terrorist threats, environmental hazards, life expectancy and job loss data for 379 U.S. municipalities with populations of more than 500,000.

Officials said high job growth and minimal housing depreciation contributed to Austin’s top rating. The area ranked 15th among large metropolitan areas in the 2008

El Paso and the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission region on Texas also made the list, coming in 8th and 12th respectively. Killeen-Temple ranked 12th safest of mid-sized cities with 150,000 to 500,000 and Midland is the 11th most secure of small towns of less than 150,000.

All contents of this site © American City Business Journals Inc. All rights reserved.

Christmas Party

This Friday we will be in the McAllen Chamber Christmas Party and have the opportunity to share with our colleagues our best wishes for 2010. By the way, we will cross through the Anzalduas Bridge in order to explain more clearly to people from Monterrey who has been calling to our office asking where Anzalduas Bridge is located.


See you later

Last night my wife Joyce and I took our fourth dance lesson from Dewayne and Nancy Baldwin. So far we have learned about six or seven steps in waltz, foxtrot, cha cha cha and rumba. We have taken quite a few lessons over the years, but never have we had such good teachers and Dewayne and Nancy. They make it seem so easy! We are meeting with up to ten other couples once a week at the McAllen Creative Incubator. We meet on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 and the cost is $10 per couple per lesson. We "pay as we go" so if we miss a class, we don't pay. After last night there's a two week hiatus for the Holidays with classes resuming on January 7th. There is room for more couples, so if anybody is interested, they can call the Incubator at 956-687-2787 to sign up. Even if you missed some of the first classes, it's ok because we start a new dance almost every week. Dewayne and Nancy are terrific at giving individual attention while the rest are practicing, so they can help you no matter what level you are. For more information you can also call Jim Deuser at the Chamber at 956-682-2871

International Travel Show Jan. 8 & 9, 2010 See You There...

We are getting closer to 2010 and much closer to our Annual International Travel Show hosted by the McAllen Chamber of Commerce at the new McAllen Convention Center located on Ware Rd & Exp. 83. The event is a two day event staring on January 8, 2010 (Friday) and January 9, 2010 (Saturday). It's free admissions and a good way to gather information on travel/tours from a variety of travel agencies from the U.S. and Mexico.

McAllen International Travel Show Over 100 Exhibitors & Travel Agents! Showcase Destinations and Attractions from around the World! Free and Open to the Public! For more information on this event please contact Jim Deuser at 956-682-2871.

Shopping days running out- yikes!

I'm running out of shopping days, and still have some work to do. Fortunately, there are so many wonderful choices of places to go for great deals in McAllen. I'm not kidding- it seems like everyone has specials right now. I guess sometimes it pays to procrastinate! Plus, every restaurant I pass seems to be calling my name. What's up with that? Too many choices!!

NEW US/MEXICO BRIDGE CROSSING

The new Anzalduas International Bridge open Tuesday December 15. With this new addition in crossing, our friends from Mexico will have a faster way to get to McAllen. In a region that depends heavily on cross-border trade, comes the Anzaludas International Bridge, America's newest border crossing into Mexico.

The Anzalduas International Bridge crossing will directly connect McAllen Texas to industrial hub of Reynosa, Tamaulipas. It will offer a quicker and safer route for shoppers and visitors crossing the border. Anzaludas will become the most efficient way for traffic from northern Mexico to reach.S. highways from the McAllen MSA-the 9th best city for recession recovery (Forbes 2009)

See you in McAllen.

Teo Rojas

Get Busy, Get to the Incubator

Winter in the Rio Grande Valley, cold and wet. The kind of weather that makes people think that there is nothing to do. But you are so wrong. Get up, get in your car and come to the McAllen Creative Incubator where you can enjoy any number of things like Ballroom Dance Classes, Yoga, Zumba high imact workouts, pottery and sculpting, oil painting or even catch a local band or a play. We always have something to do here whether it is hot, cold, dry or wet, we will never let you down. For information on what is happening at the Incubator, contact Greg Schuller at 956-687-2787 or visit us online at www.mcallenart.com.

Get Ready for the 2010 New Year’s Eve Bash

City of McAllen


Heart of the City Director Alida Hernandez and McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez unveiled preliminary plans for the 2010 New Year’s Eve Bash and Ball Drop, Tuesday.

The event, coordinated by Heart of the City and hundreds of McAllen City employees, is expected to top the 2009 bash. Party goers from all over South Texas and northern Mexico have been invited to the grand celebration.

"This particular event is unequaled in McAllen. There is no event like it, in terms of size,” Rodriguez said in his opening comments, at a morning press conference.

McAllen’s 2010 New Year’s Eve Bash and Ball Drop, likened to the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in New York, will be held on Thursday, December 31st, from 7 pm to 1 am.

Pertinent Facts
· New Year’s ball is 2 ½ times bigger; 15 feet in diameter

· In addition to 21 clubs and restaurants on 17th Street, event features 40 food booths & live bands

· Tickets available for VIP dinner atop city parking garage, through Heart of the City at 686-4357.

· Ball drop on Main & Beaumont, Bash Along 17th Street

· Carnival attraction for children on 15th Street, near Sacred Heart Church

· Event site between Bicentennial and 12th and between Erie and Business 83

· Parking inside event site to close beginning at 7 PM

· 2 free Park-N-Ride sites available (old Civic Center, 10th & Exp 83 and old Walmart, 23rd & Nolana)

· 20 city buses will shuttle attendees to and from event

· Alcoholic beverages sold and consumed inside 17th Street venues and 2 beer gardens, only. Beer gardens at 17th and Chicago and at 16th and Beaumont. Only plastic containers allowed.


CITY OF MCALLEN

Puente Anzalduas

El puente internacional Anzalduas hoy inicia operaciones y está abierto al tránsito vehicular desde las 6:00 de hoy.
Se menciona que este cruce fronterizo, el tercero que unirá al valle de Texas con Reynosa, cuenta con tecnología de punta, además de instalaciones administrativas y módulos de migración construidos en unas 70 hectáreas.
La apertura de este nuevo cruce, cuyo horario será de 6:00 a 22:00 los siete días de la semana, permitirá agilizar la internación y salida tanto a territorio mexicano como estadunidense y facilitará el acceso del tránsito vehicular a la autopista Reynosa-Monterrey sin incursionar en el are a urbana de Reynosa...Ahora nos ahorraremos dinero y tiempo al hacer nuestro shopping en McAllen!!!

Que tengan un excelente martes..............

Christmas Shopping in McAllen

I went to La Plaza Mall yesterday during my lunch hour to finalize my Christmas list. I was surprise at how many people had the same idea as me!! As I walked down the aisles of the mall, I couldn't help but notice all the sales the different stores had going on. I am officially done with my Christmas shopping and still have a little pocket money leftover. The beautiful Christmas decorations all over the mall really get you in the Christmas spirit....there is nothing like shopping in McAllen during the Christmas holidays!

Wow! we had a "cold snap" last week-end with temperatures in the 30's. The good news is that it lasted only one day and we were back in the 50's, 60's, and 70's within a day. I have a sweater with me, but haven't put it on yet today. I was talking to some friends in Oklahoma this morning. It's below zero there today. Brrrrr.

I've got a golf game planned for 10:30 tomorrow-just another day in paradise.

For more information about our weather and things to do, call me at 956-682-2871 or email me at jdeuser@mcallencvb.com.

Incubator Helps Give To The Needy

We are always ready to help at the Incubator and this week we are happy to be part of a very unique, fun and worthy event. Friday, December 11th, Hannah Flicker, a local high school student, in association with Tom's Shoes will be having a Style Your Sole event. Everybody who purchases a ticket will recieve a pair of white canvas shoes that they will have the opportunity to paint and decorate anyway that they see fit. The event will feature local artists, musicians and food. Renee's of Sharyland will be here as well selling Tom's shoes to anyone who did not get their tickets purchased in advance. And the best part is that for every pair of shoes sold at this event, a pair of shoes will be given to a child in need by Tom's Shoes. Please take a minute to check out this link and see what a wonderful thing these events are. Thank you Hannah Flicker and Tom's Shoes. Go to http://www.sc2000.net/~schelllaw/toms.shoes/

McAlleando

Hola a todos,, los invito a que se unan a McAlleando en facebook y asi podamos compartir comentarios o simplemente te enteres de lo que acontece dia a dia en esta hermosa Ciudad!!!!
correo: mcalleando@hotmail.com

Muy pronto viene Navidad y si aun no tienes los regalos,, apurate!!! tenemos muchisimas ofertas, asi como todo lo que necesitas para esta temporada....

Nos vemos en McAllen!!!!

Que tengan un lindo martes.............

McAlleando

Hola a todos,, me da gusto saludarlos e invitarles a que se unan a "McALLEANDO" en facebook ya que podras hacer comentarios y ver novedades de esta hermosisima ciudad,,, vamos a McALLEAR y enterate de lo mas actual mediante este link.....

No Excuses for Bah Humbug

Season's Greetings.
Hopefully this past weekend's foul weather didn't turn you into Scrooge. Never fear if it did. There are a number of events around McAllen between now and Dec 24th that should help get you back in the mood and keep you there.

Tues. Dec. 8 - McAllen Symphonic Band "Christmas Around the World" concert @ 7:30 pm @ the McAllen Civic Center Auditorium ( 1300 S. 10th). Tickets: $5.00 available @ tickets@mcallentownband.com or call 956-783-6687.
Also on the 8th - Free Cookie Decorating Class at the McAllen Creative Incubator. (1001 S. 16th) 7:00 pm. All materials provided. And the best part, you can eat your mistakes!

Dec. 10 - 13 - First Baptist Church of McAllen's Christmas Pageant. Held in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church of McAllen @ 1200 Beech. Over 50 densely lit Christmas trees computer choreographed and synchronized, create a light show like no other. Performances: Dec 10 @ 7:00pm, Dec. 11 @ 7:00 pm, Dec. 12 @ 2:30pm and 7:00pm, Dec. 13 2 2:30pm and 7:00pm. Tickets: $5-8-10 available at the pageant ticket office.

Dec. 12-13 - RVG Ballet's 3th Annual Presentation of The Nutcracker. Performances at the McAllen Civic Center Auditorium. Dec. 12 - 7:00pm, Dec. 13 - 2:00pm. Tickets available at www.eztixx.com

Dec. 19-20 - Dance Conservatory of McAllen presents The Nutcracker. At the McAllen Civic Center Auditorium. Performances: Dec. 19 - 2:00pm & 7:00pm, Dec. 20 - 2:00pm. Tickets on salae at the door 1-hr before performance or in advance at the conservatory (956-682-7417) or thru PayPal.

Dec. 11, 14-18 - IBC school choirs. Performances @ IBC main branch lobby at One South Broadway. Dec. 11 10:15 am Sam Houston Elem., Dec. 14 - Travis Middle school, 11:00am, Wilson Elem, 1:00pm, Gonzalez Elem, 4:30pm. Dec. 15 - Castaneda Elem, 10:00am. Dec. 16 - Travis Middle School, 10:00am. Dec. 17 - Cathy Middle School, 10:00am. Dec. 18, DeLeon Middle School, 10:00am. Phone 956-686-0263 for more info.

McAllen Heritage Center(301 S. Main)(956-687-1904): Christmas Stocking Decorating contest: Every Saturday before Christmas with judging and prizes awarded on Dec. 23rd. Story sessions beginning @ 2:00pm on Dec. 19th, Christmas classic movies shown throughout the month. Gonzalez Elem choir 4pm, Dec. 17th, Local musician Cesar Peralez - 2-4pm Dec 23 & 1:30-3:30pm Dec.24.

McAllen Libraries: Activities at all three branches of the McAllen Library throughout the month of December. Calendar of Events available at www.mcallenlibrary.net.

Thru Dec. 31 - IMAS Christmas tree forest "The Music of Christmas" 28 trees decorated according to a popular Christmas song fill the Welcome Pavilion. Museum Hrs: Closed Mon., T, W, F, Sat. - 9am-5pm, Thur. - 9am-8pm, Sun. 1-5pm. Admission: $4.00 Children, $5 students and senior, and $7.00 adults. Additional info 956-682-1564.

I hope you have a chance between shopping, wrapping presents and chug-a-lugging eggnog to go check out some of these events. 'Tis the Season.

Candlelight Posada Cancelled for Friday Night

Due to bad weather the event for tonight has been cancelled. The festivities for Saturday will continue. Please join us on Saturday for the procession, great food and entertainment!

27th Annual Candlelight Posada

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce and the City of McAllen Parks & Recreation Department invite you to the 27th Annual Candlelight Posada on December 4th & 5th at Archer Park.The fun starts with a lighted Christmas parade and the lighting of the Christmas tree on Friday evening and continues throughout the evening with plenty of entertainment for the entire family. Join in singing along with the nativity procession of the re-enactment of Mary & Joseph seeking shelter on Saturday evening. There is plenty in store for the entire family, including over 30 taste-tempting food booths. Join us December 4th & 5th.

Candlelight Posada

Tomorrow and Saturday McAllen will celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season with the 26th annual Candlelight Posada, a family event that meshes holiday traditions of both the U.S. and Mexico. Thousands of McAllen area residents and visitors join together in Archer Park to enjoy food, music, and the holiday spirit.
Friday is the annual lighted parade down Main Street, culminating with the lighting of the City Christmas Tree. And Saturday is the actual "posada," an event that welcomes participants and spectators. It's a stylized reinactment of Mary and Joseph's search for an inn. People are invited to walk along with the couple (Mary rides a burro) and sing Christmas songs in both English and Spanish. Finally, when they arrive at the Main Stage, there is a reading, also in both languages, of the scripture. It's a beautiful event.
Both evenings also feature live entertainment, Santa available for photos, and special activity areas for children and for teens. And the food is fantastic! Local non-profit organizations sell everything from turkey legs and tacos to funnel cakes and pizza.
The event is free, and guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit. I hope you'll join us!

Cooler Weather = Activities at the Incubator

As you all know, the weather has changed considerably from the 100 degree days that we had just a few months ago. And with the cooler weather we have added activities at the Incubator to give people things to do. We are presently offering Acting and Drama classes, Yoga, Reiki and Creative Journaling, Zumba classes, Oil Painting classes, Photography classes, Pottery classes and Ballroom Dancing classes. And do not forget our Cultural Arts & Entertainment Series workshops every other Tuesday. So for those of you who say that it is too cold to do anything, keep us in mind. We offer all of these classes in an Air Conditioned comfort of the McAllen Creative Incubator. Call Greg Schuller at (956) 687-2787.

The Best Little Office Party in Texas

The Best Little Office Party in Texas

This year say “Bah Humbug” to the traditional office party and make plans for your group to attend the McAllen Convention Center’s “Best Little Office Party in Texas!” A holiday celebration where small offices from all over the valley come together for one big party! Holiday parties are great motivators for employees and an excellent way to show how much you appreciate their dedication to the job. “The Best Little Office Party in Texas” offers employers a lavish event without the additional stress of the party planning. You and other small offices will enjoy an elegant setting complete with glittering holiday decorations, a spectacular spread of world-class food, and fantastic, show-stopping entertainment! Tickets are just $60.00 a person. Join us December 11, 2009 for what we hope will be your best office party ever! For more information: (956) 681-3800.

Christmas shopping

As usual, last weekend was a lot of people from Monterrey to make their shopping the day after Thanksgiving and as of this date, all weekend there will be many Regiomontanos in all the malls doing their Christmas shopping.

Last week end I took my son and his family (which includes two of the greatest grandchildren in the world) to Rancho El Charco which is located in La Joya just a few miles west of McAllen. Rancho El Charco is a "magical place" located on 180 acres next to Walker lake. There is a great restaurant right over the water, an adjacent outdoor stage area featuring frequent live entertainment, and for the kids a wagon ride through the property where they can see deer, exotic animals from Africa, a long horn steer, and other wildlife. The property also features its own naturalist who conducts walking and "golf cart" nature tours. We saw a really cool desert tortoise that we get to pick up and pet, a bunch of javelinas, bunnies, and peacocks and other wild life as well. We would love to tell you more about this great place that I have visited several times and I'm already looking forward to my next adventure there. For more information about Rancho El Charco, call me at the Chamber at 956-682-2871.

Diciembre.....

Y en muchas casas ya se deja ver el espiritu Navideño con la presencia del tradicional pinito,,, y en McAllen se hara presente esta hermosa tradicion, con el encendido del Pino de Navidad este viernes 4 de diciembre, asi como tambien habra desfile y platillos de comidas mexicanas....
Se trata de la tradicional "Candlelight Posada" que inicia este viernes y sabado en el Archer Park,, es un evento totalmente familiar al cual estan todos cordialmente invitados!!!!

Que tengan un excelente martes....

At my Rotary club meeting today, we had a presentation by the owner of the "Town Crier" newspaper. This is a weekly free publication that is delivered each Wednesday. He gave a great overview of the state of the industry and made the point that a large part of the financial "strain" in the industry is caused by a larger than normal level of debt by many papers. Debt service is the biggest financial issue facting newspapers today, which, if they can get past it, will mean that newspapers can be quite profitable even with the challenges posted by the internet and other competition. For us locally, his paper is growing as are many free weeklies across the country. They have incredible penetration and feature local positive news welcomed by their readers. This exempliefies again an advantage of living in the Valley. Our population is growing, our economy is growing, and even our newspaper readership is growing because we are such a desirable retirement community and retirees are among the most prolific newspaper readers in the country.

Se incrementa la franquicia durante el operativo de invierno

Durante el periodo invernal, del 1 de noviembre de 2009 al 10 de enero de 2010, se incrementa la franquicia de 75 a 300 dólares de los Estados Unidos de América, para pasajeros de nacionalidad mexicana que ingresen al país por vía terrestre. Asi que hay que aprovechar las super ofertas de este viernes y hacer las compras de temporada "Navidad".......

Que tengan un excelente y muy productivo martes y un maravilloso Thanksgiving este jueves!!!

Group from Mexico "Greetings from McAllen CVB..."

Last weekend, the McAllen Convention & Visitors Bureau along with La Plaza Mall, greeted a group of enginneers that contract with the Mexican oil company PEMEX, The Ductos de Mexico. The group of over 50 enginneers along with their wifes and husbands came to La Plaza Mall shopping center where they were greeted with complimentary breakfast and souvenior bags. The group was delighted to come to McAllen and to be greeted in such fashion.

Elda Laura Cerda, Directora Consultoría en Gestión de Destinos, provided transportation and arranged the group visit from Monterrey to McAllen along with McAllen CVB. La Plaza Mall staff member Carolina provided on-sight support to the group along with CVB personnel.

Candle Light Posada 2009 Around the Corner...Get Ready!

December 4th-5th, is "Candle-Light Posada 2009" with a parade happening on Dec. 4th (Friday), at 7 p.m. in downtown McAllen going towards Archer Park. The event will be happening on Dec. 4th (Friday) from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and on Dec. 5th (Saturday) from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Archer Park. Come join the festivities, it's a family event. Food, christmas entertainment, games, and much more.

Archer Park is located: 100 North Main Street, McAllen, Texas between Broadway and Main Streets, north of Business Hwy 83, and south of Beech Street.

Children Thanksgiving Event!

The McAllen Library is hosting the "Thanksgiving Pick-A-Craft" on Tuesday November 24th! Calling all kids! Join us on November 24 at 6:00PM for a great time making Indian headbands and dream catchers. Come prepared to use your creative skills. All children are welcome. Hosted by Alma Lovelace, Children's Dept.

Tuesday November 24, 2009
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

It is at 601 N. Main St, McAllen

Shopping in McAllen

On Wednesday and Thursday this week I was in McAllen, where I had several meetings with all departments of the Chamber, of course I also had the opportunity to do shopping and I saw that in the Plaza Mall there are lots of deals.

Moreover, last Wednesday 4 buses with urologists doctors visited McAllen to do shopping, whom contacted through Casa McAllen and Teo Rojas.

Heart of the Valley Health and Wellness Fair

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce Health Fair Committee invites everyone in the Rio Grande Valley to participate in the 26th annual “Heart of the Valley” Health Fair, Sunday, November 22, 2009 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the New McAllen Convention Center.


The Chamber sponsors this event to promote health awareness and education to the community. Through the fair we are able to inform the community about the latest treatments, procedures, services and technology available in the Rio Grande Valley.


Exhibitors at the health fair will offer free health screenings in cholesterol, diabetes, blood pressure, vision/glaucoma, dental, chiropractic and bone density as well as educational information. Over 6,000 Rio Grande Valley residents and Winter Texans take advantage of all the services offered at the health fair every year. The health fair also features a children’s section promoting health and wellness in children. Contests are held with door prizes being awarded to the best coloring contest participant in three different age categories and to the child that makes a Hole-In-One at the Miniature Golf contest. Entertainment is provided for children as well as health and safety education.


The McAllen Chamber of Commerce “Heart of the Valley” health fair is the largest health fair in the Rio Grande Valley and is an excellent opportunity for health care businesses to promote their business. For complete details about the health fair or for booth reservation information, contact Laura Robles at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce at (956) 682-2871.

So much to buy, so little time...

I love this time of year for many reasons- the coolish weather, the fact that people just seem to be generally happier the closer it gets to the holidays... and of course that I have a legitimate excuse to go shopping!

Usually by now I have most of the Christmas shopping done, but I guess I've been lazy this year. Actually, it may pay off for me in the long run to have procrastinated- so many of the McAllen stores are having sales now. And of course this mandatory shopping and hitting sales is the best!

We have lots of shopping choices in McAllen, from the big well-known stores to the unique one of a kind types where you can find the offbeat- or at least unusual- gifts. That's handy for me because offbeat and unusual gifts will really match many of my family and friends.

Anyway, I'm thinking maybe some arts and crafts types of gifts this year. We have lots of very talented artists here. But then again, clothing is always a hit too. And electronics of course for several will be a must.

Yep, it's going to be a great Christmas shopping seasonin McAllen!

Last week my wife Joyce and I put up our Christmas decorations. This is a week long task because of the amount of decorations we put up. We think of ourselves as the "Griswalds." it all started about 20 years ago when Joyce's father cleaned up his garage and sent us four strings of outside lights. Now it takes us three or four days to assemble everything in our front yard.

There is something about the Rio Grande Valley that makes us do stuff like this. Christmas is full of lights around here. Last week we talked about the Christmas Posada in McAllen with a lighted parade. That same week end-and for four weeks before Christmas-Hidalgo, our sister city just south of us-celebrates its "festival of lights." The whole city hall complex, including the library and other buildings are lit. The grounds surrounding the buildings are lit. The Pump House, just a few blocks from city hall is lit. And I mean LIT! Every year they tell a story, they have childrens' choirs singing carols, they serve meals, they REALLY celebrate Christmas. This is also the week-end for Dias Festivos, which is a "market" at our Convention Center presented by the local Junior League. Truly unique items are for sale by hundreds of vendors. If you are looking for gifts for people hard to buy for, this is the place.

All of this makes the first week-end in December a truly great time to come to McAllen. For more information about these events or any others, give me a call at 956-682-2871 or email me at jdeuser@mcallencvb.com. Come join us!

Artist Studio Available at McAllen Creative Incubator

We are currently taking application for an available art studio at the McAllen Creative Incubator. The Incubator houses artists and art organizations of different art disciplines. Our goal is to provide low cost studio space for start-up and emerging artists. Tenats are required to sign a contract and submit a business plan. For more information regarding this available studio, please contact Greg Schuller at 956-687-2787.

MUSIC AFTER HOURS

Music After Hours is tonight from 7 to 10 pm at Archer Park in McALLEN! It is FREE to the public. So bring chairs, a blanket, or picnic and enjoy some great music in this great weather!


Thanks!
-Pam

CHRISTMAS DOOR HANGER PROMOTION

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce is getting ready to do one more Door Hanger Christmas promotion in the Monterrey metropolitan area. The promotion consists of a bag full of shopping information such as special discounts, hotel rates and restaurant information for Mexican shopper. This is one way McAllen Chamber welcomes our south of the border friends.

Thank you,

Annual Banquet

Last Friday we were at the Annual Banquet of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and had an opportunity to work with our dear partners and chat with some of the members. The music and atmosphere were very nice and the food exquisite.
In our visit to McAllen we were shopping on Saturday and saw the Mall and all the business area were full, many of the cars were people of Monterrey and I`m sure this weekend will be full too, because is a long weekend for Mexicans.

Walking with Dinosaurs at the Dodge Arena in Hidalgo (5 minutes from McAllen, Texas)

After 65 Million Years, the Dinosaurs are BACK!

Come see these amazing creatures at the Dodge Arena from November 13-15, 2009.

Get your tickets via Ticketmaster or by calling 956-668-7740


I look forward to seeing you there!
Ernie Arredondo
Director of Convention Sales and Servicing
McAllen Convention & Visitors Bureau
McAllen Chamber of Commerce
Cell 956-240-8033

Fin de semana largo para Mexico......

Este 16 de Noviembre sera de asueto para Mexico,, asi que muchos de nosotro aprovecharemos el "puente" (fin de semana largo) para hacer las primersa compras de navidad,, recordando que tenemos que hacer la reservacion de nuestro hotel primero que nada para asegurar nuestra estadia.
En McAlen tendran muchisimas ofertas y cosas divinas de esta temporada de otoño-invierno y por supuesto la tan esperada Navidad!!! espero cincidir con muchos de usedes y si desean ya saben,, informacion de hoteles,, restaurantes,, que ver y que hacer en McAllen,, no olviden visitar Casa McAllen,, estamos para ayudarlos y orientarlos con los mejores lugares de McAllen, para hacer shopping,, visitar,, y pasar una hermosa estadia en nuestra bella ciudad..

Les dejo nuestra direccion para mas informacion:

Casa McAllen
Ave. Fundidora No. 501
Edif. Cintermex loc 104 PN
Col. Obrera
Monterrey, N.L.
casamcallen@prodigy.net.mx
Tel: (81) 8369-6450
Fax:(81) 8369-6434

Que tengan un maravilloso martes!!!

Walking With Dinosaurs

Walking with Dinosaurs starts this Friday night at the Dodge Arena. It's a real blast from the past! Good for kids and adults- don't miss it! Tickets at the box office and at www.ticketmaster.com.

Thursday Lunch

Last Thursday, Nancy Millar and I decided to "do" lunch. We have a few favorite places, but are always up to trying someplace new. This time, we headed up 10th street and found ourselves at the Korea Garden restaurant (3424 N. 10th). I think we were the only customers there for lunch. The menu is definitely not your typical Valley fare. I don't know that I could pronounce any of the names of any of the dishes, but the descriptions are in English and are numbered. Nancy chose a vegetarian variety of one of the dishes and I chose N1, a dish composed of noodles, vegetables and shrimp. When our order came out, it was accompanied by three small side dishes: green beans in a spicy sauce, bean sprouts, and Kim-chi ( a Korean cabbage dish). All were good and not too hot for my taste buds. Nancy said she had had the dish she ordered at another restaurant and this was definitely better.

When we left there, we still had room for dessert, so we headed further up 10th street and stopped at Euro Gelato ( corner of 10th & Violet). For those of you unfamiliar with gelato, it is the Italian version of ice cream. It contains most of the same ingredients of regular ice cream, except there are no eggs, and it is processed with less air, so it is denser and to my palate, smoother. They have quite a variety of flavors and you can get different size dishes ( based on the number of scoops) We decided not to be too decadent and went for the 3-dipper. You can either do all one flavor or mix and match, which is what I did. I choose a pumpkin pie flavor, then topped it with a bourbon vanilla and finally, a cappuccino flavor. It ended up tasting like a piece of pie with whipped cream and a coffee all in one dish.

I had not been to either of these restaurants before, but they have both been added to my "Do-over" list. If anybody is looking for a good Korean food, or a tasty dessert, check out either place.

The McAllen Chamber is getting ready to welcome a group of engineers from Ductos de Mexico a company that supplies Pemex. The group will be in McAllen for a workshop and after the workshop is over they are planning to go shopping in La Plaza Mall and other shopping areas of McAllen. We a having more groups coming to McAllen from different parts of Mexico. We welcome these groups and wish them good luck.

Thank you,

McAllen Weather

The weather this time of year is perfect! I love the coolness of the evenings, just right for a walk or even just sitting outside on the patio and enjoying a good conversation with a glass of wine. I think it must be getting down into the 60's in the evenings, which, for those of us who live in this climate, means it's sweater weather. We can break out those warm clothes we hardly ever get to use!
The days are sunny and bright, with clear skies and temperatures in the low 80's. The palm trees still wave, the Mexican Poincianas, Esperanzas and other colorful trees are blooming- still or again- it's all a daily reminder of how lucky we are to be surrounded by all this natural beauty!

Be A Part of The Rio Grande Valley’s Only Marathon! - December 12, 2009

The Rio Grande Valley’s Only Marathon!

McAllen, Texas

Health & Fitness Expo: Saturday

•Saturday, December 12, 2009

Race Day:
•Sunday, December 13, 2009
2006 Race Demographics: 500
2007 Race Demographics: 1,051
2008 Race Demographics: 1,250

Fiesta Marathon History

In December 2006 at the first annual Fiesta Marathon & Relay Marathon, held at the Dodge Arena in Hidalgo, Texas featured a health and fitness expo, 5K run/walk, 1-mile kids’ race and a Winter Texan Marathon. The event was an overwhelming success, with 500 runners crossing the finish line. All proceeds totaling $5,000 benefited McAllen charities.

In December 2007, the Fiesta Marathon & Relay Marathon continued it’s success and reached it’s record goal with 1,051 participants crossing the finish line. The events were held at the McAllen Convention Center in McAllen, Texas raising more than 9,000 to benefit local charities

In December 2008, the 3rd Annual Event success out did last year by bringing 1,250 participants on race day. A total of $12,000 were rasied to benefit Palmer Drug Abuse Program.


Running For A Mission!
The Fiesta Marathon & Relay Marathon strives to promote and produce health and fitness activities
for people of all ages and to make a difference by supporting local charities in our community. All proceeds in the past three years have benefited Mcallen Track and Field Association, The RGV Junior Volleyball Olympic Team, School Based physical education programs, The International Interact Rotary Organization, The Vannie Cook Foundation, Upward Basketball Program, Palmer Drug Abuse Program, The Comfort House Services and The Junior league of McAllen.

The 2008 Races!
26.2 Mile Marathon – Start Time 6:30 A.M.- Sunday, December 13, 2009
5-Man Team Relay Marathon - Start Time 6:30 A.M. – Sunday, December 13, 2009
Half Marathon – Start Time 6:30 A.M. – Sunday, December 13, 2009
5K Fiesta Run and Walk – Start Time 7:30 A.M.- Sunday, December 13, 2009
1Mile Kids’ Race – Start Time 9:00 A.M.- Saturday, December 13, 2009

Major Race Sponsors!
TXU Energy, South Texas Vo-Tech, Little Caesars

Be a part of OUR team!
Race Incentives:
o The Fiesta Marathon is a Boston Marathon Qualifier!
o Race Results posted immediately!
o Online registration available.
o Finisher photos available to all participants.
o Schools can compete for 1st., 2nd, and 3rd place trophies.
o Items will be raffled off to race participants

Holidays are Here

What an interesting time it is to live in McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley. Along with the cooler weather comes the Holidays, Artwalk and Music After Hours. All of these lead up to Candlelight Posada, our own unique celebration of Christmas. In it's 27th year, this year's Candlelight Posada is shaping up to be another huge family oriented event with parades, entertainment, fun, games and food. This years event will take place on Friday, December 4th and Saturday, December 5th. We hope to see all of you there with your family and friends

Heart of the Valley Health & Wellness Fair 2009

On November 22, 2009 (Sunday) at the McAllen Convention Center from 8 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. the McAllen Chamber of Commerce will be having it's Annual Heart of the Valley Health & Wellness Fair. For more information: http://www.mcallen.org/Chamber-News/1005678
There will be various booths providing useful health information and screenings such as: Choloesterol, Diabetes, Blood Pressure, etc.

If you are a health care business and may be interested in taking part of these event contact the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and ask fordetails on how to purchase a booth space. Spaces are limited so call now at: 956-682-2871. It will be a good way to promote your health business and give a little bit to the McAllen community.

55th Annual Banquet

55th Annual Banquet - Man & Woman of the Year Awards
The McAllen Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce, the Chamber's celebrated 55th Annual Banquet, which will again include the prestigious Man & Woman of the Year Awards Program. The Man & Woman of the Year awards are presented to individuals who have gone above and beyond routine civic service activities to promote the McAllen community and its people. This year's honorees will be Karen Valdez and Jim Darling. The event will take place at the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) on Friday, November 6 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

The Annual Banquet Committee has been working tirelessly to create this special event with many new and exciting events planned for the entire evening. The theme this year is "Rock & Blues" Cajun Jamboree and will feature an open bar, seafood buffet of shrimp boil, jambalaya & fried fish. Let's not forget an array of exquisite items to be auctioned during the silent & live auction. For more information, contact Blanca at 682-2871.

HARMONY GREEN FAMILY

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce is getting ready to welcome a group of 90 Japanese member of the Harmony Green Family : the group will be in McAllen to attend work shops and meetings and will tour our area. The group visiting McAllen is an example of how the City of Palms is becoming more attractive to International groups.

Thank you,

Teo Rojas

Candlelight Posada Draws Near

It is almost Halloween and that means that we are getting close to McAllen's 27th annual Candlelight Posada. This years event promises to be a wonderful family event with more things for all members of the family. There is still time for non-profit organizations to get a Food Booth and for anyone to enter the Parade. For information on Vendor applications or for a Parade Packet, please contact Greg Schuller at 956-687-2787 or email me at gschuller@mcallencvb.com

We are looking forward to the McAllen Candlight Posada this coming December 4th and 5th. Saturday, the 5th is my favorite day because starting at 7:00 PM we have the Candlight Posada Procession with Joseph and Mary and a real donkey. We have shepherds and kings and angels all walking about eight blocks down main street to Archer Park. While we walk we sing traditional Christmas songs in both English and Spanish. Don't worry, the melodies of the Spanish songs are very catchy and we provide song books with the words for everybody. So you can dive right in to this unique cultural experience. We added a "new wrinkle" this year to the music. Thanks to Brenda Lee Huerta and Univision Radio we have all the songs and carols pre recorded in their studio so it will be twice as impressive as we sing "live" along with "ourselves."

The weather is usually mild and after we get to Archer Park we find waiting for us lots of food booths with turkey legs, funnel cake, and other great stuff. Come join us! For more information, call Jim Deuser at 956-682-2871 or email me at jdeuser@mcallencvb.com

My time with the Chamber and CVB has almost come to an end. My last day will be this Thursday, and I can honestly say I will miss this place. I have completed almost 400 hours during the time of my internship, and it all went by so quickly.

I have had the opportunity to work with great people during this time too, and I will forever be thankfully to them for the opportunity to work here. Aside from the people at work, I have also been able to meet people at all the mixers and events that the Chamber puts together. This has been great because it has given me an opportunity to come out of my shell and socialize more. I have made lots of new contacts such as Hidalgo County Judge, JD Salinas, who is also a fellow Aggie.

I got to be a part of a great event: the Green Living Festival. It's so good that McAllen is trying to be more 'green' and eco-friendly. It's also good that people learn the importance of taking care of our resources. While helping put together this event, I learned to work with others and how to organize it as a whole. I had to call lots of people and convince them to be a part of this. It was a lot of hard work, but in the end, it definitely paid off.

Working here has also made me rethink what I want to do with my future. Before, I was so sure I would be working at a hotel or resort. However, I have gotten to experience something different while being here. I am not sure what I will end up doing, but I am thankful that I got this chance.

Este es mi Mexico Art Exhibit at IMAS Until Nov. 15, 2009

Content from IMAS: http://www.imasonline.org/

Este es mi Mexico
This is my Mexico will be on exhibit at IMAS from October 1, 2009 - November 15, 2009

This exhibit is a collection of children’s art work from an the XII edition of the international children’s art competition sponsored by the Mexican Foreign Affairs Department and coordinated through the Mexican Consulate in different countries around the world. The opening reception will be on Thursday, October 1, 2009 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. and is generously sponsored and hosted by the Mexican Consulate.

For more information, please call IMAS at 956.682.1564

McAllen CVB assists in Crop Disease Conference in Nov 2009

Researchers and industry leaders will be flying in from California and Florida to attend a potato and citrus conference at the NEW McAllen Convention Center in McAllen, Texas.

The conference is from November 16-18.

Anzalduas Bridges Press Conference

This week we had a press conference in our office in Casa McAllen, where our Mayor Richard Cortez, spoke about Anzalduas Bridge, were also presents: George Ramon, Bridge SuperIntendent; Joe Brown, Chariman of the McAllen Chamber; Steve Ahlenius, President of the McAllen Chamber; Joe Olmeda, Director of the BSN maquiladora, Victoria Hirschberg and Raph Garcia of the MEDC.

The conference was published in the television channel 2 (Televisa), 12 (Multimedios), Cablevision and the newspaper El Norte, El Porvenir, Milenio Excelsior.

The people of Monterrey has been calling our office to ask when will be the inauguration of the Bridge.

Holidays Season is Here

Here at the Incubator we have designed several workshops to fit in with the Holidays. Our Cultural Arts and Entertainment Series workshop schedule from now to the end of the year is
October 27 - Pumpkin Carving
November 10 - Green Gift Wrapping
November 24 - Napkin Folding
December 8 - Cookie Decorating
December 22 - Flower Arranging
All of these workshops are on Tuesdays at 7pm at the McAllen Creative Incubator located at 1001 S 16th St and all are FREE. So how can you go wrong. For more information on these workshops or to sign up for any of them, please contact Greg Schuller at 956-687-2787.

Today I met with Joe Rodriguez, the CEO of the Heart of the City of McAllen Improvement Corp. This is the economic development "engine" for the central core of McAllen that initiated and has driven the "Entertainment District" which has become so popular with over 20 venues along 17th and Austin Streets in downtown McAllen. The exciting news today concerns the second annual McAllen new Year's "Bash." This second celebration of New Years will be bigger and better and will include a VIP party on the top of the new parking garage right next to the ball drop. We are inviting hotels to create "packages" for out of town guests who can enjoy this unique celebration in comfort and elegance. For more information, call Jim Deuser at the Chamber at 956-682-2871.

Conferencia de Prensa en Casa McAllen

El dia de hoy tuvimos conferencia de prensa en Casa McAllen en la cual tuvimos la participacion de nuestro alcalde de McAllen, el Sr. Richard Cortez., el tema fue el promover el Puente Internacional Anzalduas el cual ya esta proximo a abrirse,, tambien tuvimos mucha asistencia por parte de los medios ya que los principales hicieron acto de presencia.

Dentro de las personalidades que asistieron a la conferencia, Steve Ahlenuis, Presidente de la Camara de Comercio de McAllen,, Joe Brown Presidente del Consejo de la Camara de Comercio de McAllen,, Luis Cantu Vice Presidente de Relaciones Interamericanas de la Camara de Comercio de Mcallen,, asi como el Sr. George Ramon Superintendente del Puente Internacional Hidalgo Reynosa.

Esperamos ver mañana los diferentes medios y ver la nota publicada de dicho evento!!!!

Saludos

It finally feels like Fall

This past weekend was a good one and the same goes for the week so far. The weather has been amazing. It is great to be able to go out and not start sweating almost immediately. It almost makes me want to go for a run, but then I remember I'm not much of a runner. Instead I enjoy driving around the car windows down. It's great to enjoy the sunshine and cool breeze as I am driving through McAllen.

The Green Living Festival at the McAllen Convention Center this past Saturday went great. There were no major problems and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. It was a great day out, so there was no reason for people not to come out and join us. The McAllen schools provided us with a lot of great art exhibits to look at and the rest of the exhibitor booths had a lot of useful information for all the attendees.

It is finally beginning to feel like Fall. The one thing that would only make it better would be to see the tree leafs change color. Other than that, nothing else says Fall quite like good weather and football season!

PIANO RECITAL

The newly formed South Texas Foundation for the Performing Arts is proud to present its first fall 2009 concert series Saturday October 24, at 7:00 p.m. at Valley Keyboard recital hall located at 900 Harvey In McAllen. The performance will feature Edison Quintana, Pianist. Mr. Quintana a native of Uruguay and accomplished pianist have performed in renowned theaters of the World. This will be a great performance you will enjoy.

Thank you,

Teo

Green Living Speaker Series

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to join us and Rick Rodriguez as he speaks about City Ordinances today from 5:30 to 6:30 pm here at the chamber as part of the Green Living Speaker Series. This is free & open to the public!

My new adventure with the Wonderful McAllen Chamber of Commerce CVB

Where can I start, well my first week of adventures with the McAllen Chamber Chamber CVB has been quite amazing. I have met many amazing hard working people that have been oh so nice and passionate for what they do here in the Chamber. It has been fast paced and loving it, met with the President of the Performing Arts Foundation, Victor Chow, and renowned pianist and VP of RGV Foundation, Dr.Francisco Rocafuerte; I have already conducted a Press Conference for the Rio Grande Foundation for the Performing Arts. MCN12 arrived and covered the press conference so a Big thank you to them! Mind you this was on my second day on the PR job. :) Set up a Media Advisory for media outlets to attend, and I'm sure at the next one all will strive to come and support our performing arts. Currently have met with Greg Schuller, Director of Cultural Arts who can be found at the McAllen Chamber's Creative Incubator; a sanctuary place where imagination runs wild for those who come join in the eclectic classes it offers and festivities. Speaking of grand festivities, I will also be helping with our annual "Candlelight Posada," for the Christmas Holiday extravaganza!!! I know it will be magical with the spirit of love and happiness for our community. =) But we musn't forget to mention the anticipation of our "Green Living Festival" that the wonderful people of the Chamber have been diligently working on held this Friday and Saturday at the McAllen Convention Center! I'm excited to see, stay green Valley!!! Until then RGV, peace, love and let the festivities and arts live on!

Melisa-

Upcoming events, historical info, what else?

The McAllen CVB staff has been writing about all sorts of things the last few months- conventions coming to town, special events, our wonderful nature and historical sites, and more.
What are we forgetting? What would you like to know about that we haven't mentioned? Let us know and we'll do our best to add it in.

Santa Fe Wine Classic

Oct 09 2009
Please join us tonight for the Santa Fe Wine Classic

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce will present the 1st annual Santa Fe Wine Classic on Friday, October 9 at historical Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Dr. in McAllen, TX. This one-day event will showcase over 300 wines from the world's most renowned winery regions. There will be something for everyone to enjoy - even the most inexperienced wine enthusiasts will enjoy the evening. The event will also feature some appetizers from some of the most popular restaurants in town. Santa Fe Steakhouse, Osuka, Barcelona and House Wine will offer delicious hors d'oeuvres from their menus. Entertainment will be provided by the Valley's very own premier guitarists Jake Cortez and Mario Aleman. The event will also include a silent auction with large format bottles of wine and wine related gift items.The Santa Fe Wine Classic will benefit the McAllen Chamber of Commerce Top 25 Scholarship Program, which awards a $1,000.00 scholarship to each of the top 25 graduating students from each of the three McAllen high schools. Tickets are $45.00 per person and reserved tables are also available. Tickets will be available at the McAllen Chamber, Santa Fe Steakhouse, The Republic of the Rio Grande, Osuka and House Wine. For more information or tickets, please call Gerry Garcia at 956-682-2871.

McALLEN'S GREEN LIVING FESTIVAL

The public is invited to the Green Living Festival to be held Saturday October 17th in the Convention center 9:30-6:00 p.m. Come and learn about home design & construction, energy, landscaping/urban forestry, water quality& conservation, transportation(issues & alternatives, health, food/gardening, home furnishings & green living, air quality, reduce, reuse, recycle and organic pet care.

We will see you Saturday October 17th !

Teo Rojas

Know It All!

If you want to know about events going on in McAllen, there are so many sites you can visit!

You can go to the McAllen Facebook page where you can interact with other residents of the city. You can post pictures of your favorite spots in the city, links about events going on, start discussions about new restaurants or bars, or just leave comments. Anything you chose, it's a great way to get your thoughts out there and see what others think.
Follow the link and become a fan now!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/McAllen-TX/McAllen-The-City-of-Palms/108703560126

There is also a Twitter page that you can follow that allows you to keep up with everything that is going on. We post various events that are currently taking place.
So stay in the loop, follow the link, and Follow us on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/mcallencvb

You can always just come back to this page and keep reading what our CVB staff is up to. We blog everyday about what we are doing and what is going on around us. It is just a bit of light reading to keep you informed and entertained.
Follow the link and read our blogs!
http://mcallenchamber.blogspot.com/

Music After Hours Friday

Music After Hours kicks off it's 3rd season of Free Outdoor Concerts this coming Friday, October 9th at 7pm at Archer Park in McAllen. This show will feature The Go-Getter at 7pm, Adam Wratten performing with a full band at 8pm and Something Solar at 9pm to close the show. This is going to be an awesome season as we continue to bring in bigger and better musicians and our audiences continue to grow. While limited seating will be available, everyone is encouraged to bring their blankets and coolers as they relax and enjoy the music. I hope to see you there.

Useful Websites "Things to do in McAllen..."

Here are some websites that may help you get information about mcallen, especially on events and local attractions. calendar of events and so forth:

http://www.mcallen.org/For-Visitors
http://www.mcallenconventioncenter.net/
http://www.valleychamber.com/

Palmfest

Spent a couple of hours at PalmFest Sunday afternoon. This was the first time I had attended since they moved it out to the convention center. There were a lot of interesting exhibits, both inside and out. I was a bit disappointed with the inside stage though, everybody was crowded around and people like me, standing in the back really couldn't see all that well. I did get to see the South Texas Indian dancers perform on one of the outdoor stages. It was entertaining as well as informative because they related the history of the dances and the costumes along with the dance. There were additional displays and plenty of food booths around the reflecting pool there at the convention center. After checking everything out, I decided it was time to try one of the food booths and down at the end of one line of booths, I found "Doggies" a hot dog stand that served a very interesting hotdog. It is what they list on their menu as the Premium Hot Dog. The weiner is bacon wrapped and then it is topped with diced tomato, avocado and mayo. Can anyone say Yummo! I picked up a copy of their menu and they have some pretty good selections at what I think are reasonable prices. The restaurant is located at 104 Bicentennial and I think the next time I'm in the vacinity I might just drop in and sample some other doggie. The south Texas heat and humidity eventually got to me and I headed home to enjoy my AC, but only after I had enjoyed myself at PalmFest.

It must be fall

The weather is officially moderate, perfect for outdoor activities. I see people walking, skateboarding, jogging, roller blading, golfing, playing tennis, birding,swimming, you name it. Just being outside, feeling the breeze and breathing in fresh air is a pleasure.

Green Living Festival

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce’s Green Living Committee and Shell Oil and Exploration invite you to attend McAllen’s second annual Green Living Festival. The festival will take place on Saturday, October 17th from 9:30am to 6:00pm at the McAllen Convention Center.
The Green Living Festival will teach participants why and how to live greener, more sustainable lives, and will feature seminars which will include topics on water and energy conservation, home construction, landscaping, transportation issues and alternatives, food and gardening, healthier living, alternative energy sources, green home furnishings, air quality, and how to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Additionally, there will be “green” activities to provide fun and educational information for the entire family. This is a free event open to the public.

GROUPS VISITING McALLEN

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce is getting ready to welcome three different groups coming to McAllen. The Harmony Green Group, a laboratory from Japan will be in town for a workshop in October 29th for two days, Expo International de Ductos a company that supplies Pemex will be in for a shopping trip and Congreso Internacional de Urologia will be in McAllen with a group of 300 people on a shopping trip. The many groups coming to McAllen is as a result of the McAllen Chamber sales efforts in Mexico.

Thank you,

Teo Rojas

Cultural Arts & Entertainment Series

We just started a new year of our Cultural Arts & Entertainment Series workshops. They are a series of workshops and seminars designed to educate, raise awareness and stimulate learning about different types of art and culture that exist in our country. All of these workshops are /FREE and open to the public so make it a point to go to www.mcallenart.com and see what is coming up. If something catches your interest, contact Greg Schuller at 687-2787 and reserve your seat early.

Last Saturday my family set out for "the Great Hunt." This is an annual tradition involving a dear friend, his wife and inlaws, who have hosted us for the last 40 years for a day of dove hunting at their farm here in the Valley. Dove hunting used to be one of the main economic issues in the Rio Grande Valley back in the days when agriculture was the main enterprise here. Up until just a few years ago, the Texas Department of Fish and Wildlife used to come to my Rotary club every August to let us know what the anticipated numbers would be of mourning and white wing doves. Now, dove hunting is just one of the many "engines" that push our economy. But the doves are still here in abundance and we get lots of hunters every September from all over including my son from San Antonio who is now showing his son "the ropes" just like I showed him. I'm embarassed to say that everybody got more game than I did. I need to practice before next year.

So, if you like hunting, fishing, or birdwatching, give us a call and we can make it happen for you.

Fashion Night

The All About Women Fashion Night last Thursday was so much fun. The show was hosted by the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and the Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlets. It was held at the new Art Village on Main. There were cocktails & hors d'oeuvres which were sponsored by LoMejordelValle.com from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. There was also chocolate covered fruit sponsored by Ceda Chocolate available for all the guests in attendance to enjoy. There were door prizes throughout the night. The fashion show started at 6:15 p.m., and the MC was Will Ripley from Channel 5 News. Fashions from Banana Republic, The Gap, Nike, and Betsey Johnson among others were modeled on the runway. After the outlet stores had there turn on the runway, 3 local designers showed off their fashions. The night was filled with excitement, fashion, food and fun.

Green Living Festival

Este 8 de Octubre se llevara a cabo en Casa McAllen,, la conferencia de prensa para promover este evento en donde se invitaran a participar asi como tambien a que asistan a este evento en donde encontrara,, seminarios que incluyen temas sobre la conservación del agua y la energía, la construcción de viviendas, áreas verdes, fuentes alternativas de energía, muebles para el hogar verde, la calidad del aire, y cómo hacer para reducir, reutilizar y reciclar,, asi como tambien,, habrá actividades para proporcionar diversión y la información educativa para toda la familia.

Este es el segundo Festival de Vida Verde,, el cual tendrá lugar el Sábado, 17 de octubre 9:30-6:00 en el Centro de Convenciones de McAllen. The Green Living Festival enseñará a los participantes por qué y cómo vivir más verde...

Un lindo martes para todos ustedes!!!!

McALLEN MORTGAGE SUMMIT - Tuesday, October 6, 2009 - McAllen Chamber of Commerce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Scott Norman
(512) 423-4545
www.texasmba.org




McALLEN MORTGAGE SUMMIT


What does the future of the mortgage industry look like?


AUSTIN, TX – On Tuesday, October 6th, mortgage lenders, key regulators, and business executives from all over the state will gather at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce at 1:00 pm to discuss the policies that will affect the future of mortgage lending.

Please join the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association (TMBA) for a 90 minute discussion featuring our special guest - Texas Department of Savings & Mortgage Lending Commissioner Doug Foster.

Commissioner Doug Foster and TMBA Vice President Scott Norman will discuss the new S.A.F.E. Mortgage Licensing Act. This federal mandate is designed to enhance consumer protections and reduce fraud by encouraging states to establish standards for the licensing and registration of every loan originator in the United States.

“Protecting home ownership opportunities for Texas families is our number one priority.” said Scott Norman, Vice President of the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association. We believe the new regulatory landscape is an important and positive step for the mortgage industry in our state.” added Norman.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009
1:00 pm until 2:30 pm
McAllen Chamber of Commerce – 1200 Ash Avenue


For more information about the TMBA, visit http://www.texasmba.org


# # #

About the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association: Founded in 1917, mortgage lenders and settlement service providers have turned to the TMBA for our leadership in legislative and industry education. We promote fair and ethical lending practices and foster professional excellence among real estate finance employees through a wide range of programs. Today, as the largest state mortgage lenders association in the country, our members fund over $35 billion annually and our purpose is still to serve the mutual interests of our members and advance mortgage banking in the state.

Scott Norman can be reached at 512-423-4545.











Ernie



Ernesto D. Arredondo

Director of Sales

McAllen Convention & Visitors Bureau

McAllen Chamber of Commerce

1200 Ash Ave

McAllen, Texas 78505

Office - (956) 682-2871

Fax - (956) 631-8571

Mobile - (956) 240-8033

e-mail: ernie@mcallencvb.com

website: www.mcallencvb.com

McAllen Palmfest 2009 at the New Convention Center

Palmfest 2009 will have two days of almost nonstop music and entertaining shows, presented on our three stages. Palmfest is FREE to enter, so bring the entire family for a fun filled afternoon, and party into the evening.
Gates open at NOON on Sat Oct 3rd, 09 and on Sun Oct 4th, 09.

For more details log into the website:
http://www.mcallenpalmfest.com/

Back in McAllen

I was up in Port Clinton near Cleveland, Ohio this week. It's a beautiful area, with trees just starting to turn colors- something we don't see much of down here. I came home to a temperature of 70 degrees, and rain! When I left here a few days ago it was 30 degrees warmer.
Anyway, as beautiful as Ohio was, I found myself talking about McAllen a lot- about the arts, the birding (of course, since I was with a group of birders), the friendliness of the people (actually, others were talking to ME about that!), the low cost of living, and how wonderful the winters are.
There really is no place like McAllen.

Green Living Festival

To support the second Green Living Festival which will take place at the McAllen Convention Center on October 17, have been sending information to some government offices of the State of Nuevo Leon involved in the environmental area, as well as certain companies.

Oil Painting, Pottery and Photography

We now have Oil Painting, Pottery and Photography Classes at the McAllen Creative Incubator. These classes are for beginners, intermediates and advanced. Times and prices vary so please contact Greg Schuller at 956-687-2787 for prices and schedules. And do not forget about our weekly Yoga, Zumba and Acting classes. We will be offering a FREE Photograohy workshop this coming Tuesday, September 29th at 7pm. Yes I said FREE so come on down and learn about your camera and how to take those professional looking shots.

I continue to be amazed at the growth of the Entertainment District in McAllen. This started out about two years ago with the hope that we might have five or six lounges, bars/grills, etc. with maybe a little live entertainment a couple of nights a week. We now have about fifteen or twenty locations in a district that has expanded from three blocks to eleven. There is live entertainment many nights a week and a lot of it is "high end" imported acts from all over the country. We now have lounges, bars and grills, and restaurants on 17th St. and on Austin Street as well. There are about a dozen more locations that are currently under construction. It's easy to see the ones under construction-the building fronts are covered in plywood and the sound of carpenters is constant. It's an exciting time to live in McAllen

Pepita Margarita

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce held a press conference at The Patio on Guerra for the unveiling of the new McAllen Cocktail yesterday. The winner was in attendance, along with some employees from the Chamber, representatives from other bars on 17th Street, and the press.

Everyone was able to have samples of the drink, Pepita Margarita, which is like a margarita but with cucumber. It is a delicious and refreshing drink that goes well with this Texas heat. Some of the bars on 17th Street, along with some hotels, will be serving the drink so stay posted for a list to come later. You definitely don't want to miss out on a chance to taste this drink.

All About Women

Este evento se esta promoviendo en diferentes medios de Monterrey para que asistan y formen parte de este Fashion Night,,,,
La Cámara de Comercio de McAllen y Rio Grande Valey Premium Outlets nos invita al Fashion Night "All About Women" . El evento tendrá lugar el Jueves, 24 de septiembre 5:00-7:30 en la nueva Art Village de la Main ubicado en la esquina de Ave. Hackberry. y Main St. en McAllen. El evento comenzará con un cóctel y aperitivos por el patrocinio de LoMejordelValle.com la cita es 5:00-6:00, Ceda Chocolate son quienes tambien compartiran los aperitivos patrocinando deliciosos chocolates cubiertos de frutas. Venga a disfrutar de una tarde de compras, premios, música y moda! El desfile se celebrará 6:30-7:15 y contará con varias tiendas de moda situados en el RGV Premium Outlets. Este evento está abierto al público y la entrada es totalmente gratuita.

A Final Piece of History

I'm baaaack! Hey folks, I decided to take Labor Day off and then last Monday, I was preoccupied trying to find a new microwave oven. My old one went to that "Great Kitchen in the Sky".
This week, I'd like to wrap up my look at McAllen's historical markers. All three of the sites are on the north side of town and you can easily get from one to another.

The first marker is located at 707 N. 15th and is the Sam & Marjorie Miller House. The Millers were early McAllen Leaders. Mr Miller had a number of interests including co-ownership of the Hidalgo International Bridge. He is probably best know for his donation of 109 acres in 1930 for the establishment of a municipal airport. Today, that airport is known as McAllen Miller International Airport. The Miller house is a English Tudor Revival that was designed by Robert Vogler based on plans provided by Marjorie and built in 1937. It is said to be inspired by a trip to England. The house features Austin Cordova stonework, half-timbered gables and gumwood detailing. Note: This is a private residence, so respect the owners privacy.

If you turn right on Hackberry, just beyond the Miller house, and proceed to 10th st. , turn left and go a couple of blocks, you come to our second marker at 1009 N. 10th. Lamar Academy, aka Lamar Junior High. The school was built in 1939 as part of president Roosevelt's new deal. The school served as a high school for three years before becoming a junior high. Today, the school serves 8-12th grades, and houses programs such as the 8th grade transition, international baccalaureate and options in higher education high school.

If you continue north on 10th, turn right on Pecan and go to the intersection of 2nd and Pecan, you come to our last marker site. St. Paul Lutheran Church. The church originated in Pharr in 1916 and moved to McAllen in 1917. Early services were conducted in German and were held in the First Methodist Church. In 1919 the former McAllen Christian Church was purchased and used for services until the 1940's. A new building was erected in 1943 and in 1952 the current 20-acre site was purchased and is home to the sanctuary and school.

Well folks, that wraps up my tour of McAllen's historical markers. I hope you've enjoyed traveling around McAllen with me as I discovered some of this city's historical gems.

McAllen's Tropical Cocktail Contest

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce and The Patio on Guerra will hold a press conference on Monday, September 21 at 3:00 p.m. to present the winner of the official McAllen Cocktail Contest.

After sampling the over 25 recipes submitted to the online contest by the local community and by people from other cities and states as well, the judges chose Ms. Tammy Bailey’s “Pepita Margarita!” The delicious concoction is a spin-off of the traditional Tex-Mex favorite - the Margarita, but with a cucumber twist. The cucumber makes the drink “differently” refreshing.

“We sponsored this contest in an effort to highlight all the new and exciting nightlife in McAllen,” said Steve Ahlenius, President/CEO of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. “With 17th Street having such a success in attracting people from all over the Valley as well as tourists, we felt this promotion could emphasize how much McAllen has to offer as far as entertainment,” he added.

This drink will be served at some of the local downtown bars located in McAllen’s Entertainment District, which include the official sponsor of the McAllen Tropical Cocktail, The Patio on Guerra. Other locations that will be serving the new McAllen Tropical Cocktail are local chamber member establishments.

Please join the McAllen Chamber at the Patio on Guerra located at 116 S. 17th Street in downtown McAllen on Monday, September 21 at 3:00 p.m. for the official presentation of the new McAllen Official Drink. Samples will be available.

Green Living Time

The Green Living Festival is right around the corner. October 17 is the day, and it'll be all day long. Stop by the Convention Center and learn more about saving money and being gentler with the Earth. It's free!

"Green" Printer

Today, I had the chance to go out to Xerox on McColl and get a glimpse of their new ColorCube Multifunction Printer. This machine is Eco-friendly and can cut down on 90% of waste! It also uses solid toner, which means no more accidental messes! It cuts down on color copying costs, which is great news for everyone that deals with keeping the budget on track. It means more color printing and less money spent. Xerox will be having a booth at the Green Living Festival on October 17, 2009 where they will show this printer and all its amazing features!

"Dies y Seis" of September Mexico's Independance Day

Today is “Dies y Seis” or September 16th in Spanish. This is a big celebration in the Rio Grande Valley and specifically McAllen because of our large Hispanic population and roots in Mexico. It’s sort of like St. Patrick’s Day in New York, Chicago, and other parts of the U.S. where “everybody is Irish” at least for a day. We celebrated last Saturday at the still-new McAllen Convention Center at an event produced by the Mexican Consulate. This is an entertaining and moving event with Mexican folkloric dancing and culminating in the singing of the Mexican national anthem and the “grito” or “yell” that is led by the Mexican consul, Miriam Medel. This reminds me of the American revolutionary hero, Paul Revere, who rode out from town to town yelling “The British are coming.” The “Grito” was the cry of Father Hidalgo who signaled the Independence uprising against the French in 1810. We live in a wonderful place here in McAllen where we get to enjoy the best of two significant cultures.

Roosevelt's at 7 on Main Street is Awesome!

I just had lunch and had the Kennedy Pannini!

It was magnificient! The potato salad rocked!

Ernie Arredondo

Director of Sales
McAllen Convention & Visitors Bureau!!!!
956-240-8033 Cell

McAllen Cocktail Contest

The judging for the McAllen Cocktail Contest took place last week. A winner was chosen and we would like you to join us for the unveiling of the winning cocktail. The press conference will take place on Wednesday, September 16th at 3:00 p.m. at The Patio on Guerra.

Nuevo Santander Gallery

While you visit McAllen, one of the places best recommended is a visit to Nuevo Santander Gallery located in 717 North Main Street this fine Gallery features museum quality Old Western and Mexican collectables, as well as multiple are pieces by internationally recognized artists. The gallery is also home to a selection of European antiques and reference books, as well as artworks by local artists. The Gallery is available for private gatherings.

Thank you.

Teo

PYMES Trade show

Today started the 6th. Northeast Regional PYME Monterrey 2009 trade show (PYME means Small and Medium companies) organized by the CAINTRA (Chamber of the Manufacturing Industry) where Casa McAllen has a booth.
Inside the Entrepreneurial Development Program, which includes more than 100 conferences and workshops on various topics, Matt Z Ruszczak, McAllen Chamber Business Development & Governmental Affairs Vice President, will give a conference on Friday 11 September. This is a good opportunity for those interested in starting a business in McAllen.

McAllen Memorial High Art Dept Recieves MAC Grant

One of this years McAllen Art Council Grant Recipients was McAllen Memorial High Schools Arts Department. Under the leadership of Rina Roberts, the students have installed the first 3 slabs of their Mosaic called "Starry Starry Valley". The McAllen Arts Council is glad to have helped them with this wonderful project by giving them a $1,000 Grant. The Art Department is looking for tiles. If you have any tiles or may know anyone who may have tiles and is willing to donate them to a wonderful cause, please have them contact Rina Roberts at 956-632-8855 or Greg Schuller at 956-687-2787. For those who have not had the opportunity to view this beautiful piece of public art, you can see it at the intersection of Hackberry and 2nd St in McAllen.

6a Semana regional de PYME

Este 9, 10 y 11 de septiembre se llevara a cabo aqui en Cintermex la 6a Semana Regional PYME en la cual participaremos dentro del area de exposicion con un stand,, en el cual podremos promover la ciudad tanto Turistico, Comercial e Industrialmente.... este evento el cual respalda la Camara de la Industria y Transformacion de Nuevo Leon esta enfocada a la promocion y asesoramiento en productos servicios y la vinculacion que necesitan las Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas para fortalecer y hacer crecer su Negocio...

Casa McAllen,, presente en la 6a Semana de PYME

Out at the Park

It has been nice out the last few couple of evenings. Whenever I drive by a park, I always think maybe I should go out there for a nice walk or jog. My sister loves to go to Daffodil Park or Bill Schupp to enjoy the weather and relieve some stress. Aside from those 2 , there are 23 other parks in McAllen! I'm thinking I might go out there with her at least once this week. If not, to get in a good work out then maybe to just sit down, enjoy the outdoors, and maybe read a book. Whenever, if ever, I do get a new dog, maybe I'll take it out for a walk at the park.

McAllen Hospitality Forum Update - September 1, 2009

Dear Future Visitors of McAllen,

On September 1, 2009, the McAllen Hospitality Forum was blessed with the "Walking With Dinosaurs" representatives.

They provided a video of the "Walking With Dinosaurs" event that will be at the Dodge Arena (in Hidalgo, Texas - only 5 minutes south of McAllen:

November 13-15, 2009

For tickets, please call 956-668-7740

or go to www.dodgearena.com

Visiting McAllen...The Source Publication McAllen...

McAllen The Source Publication Online is a great source of information if you are planning to visit or relocate to McAllen, Texas. Check out this site and click on corresponding icon or link: (Dining, Things to Do, Apartments, Real-Estate) http://www.sourcepublicationsonline.com/Source%20Publications/McAllen/McAllen.index.html

Green Living Speaker Series

Join us on Tuesday, September 8th at 5:30 p.m. for our next Green Living Speaker Series.


Chris Lash with Keep McAllen Beautiful will be presenting:
"Going Freen - What is it About?"
Simple ways you can go green and enrich you life by doing simple every day things.

5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
McAllen Chamber of Commerce Conference Room

Free and Open to the Public!!

See you there!

McAllen Heritage Center

Take some time when you are downtown shopping and visit the McAllen Heritage Center located in 301 South Main Street in the historic "La Placita" building across from J.C.PenneyThursday-Friday 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. Saturday 11 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Come and enjoy the art exhibit by artist like Juan Carlos Garza, Christopher Brown and Manuel Miranda.

See you at the center soon.

Teo Rojas

a McAllen.....

Pues aunque el tiempo esta entre nublado,,con lluvia intermitente,,para nosotros ir a McAllen es como la foto que les muestro,,siempre es un dia bello para estar de compras o de descanso en esta maravillosa Ciudad,, siempre tenemos algo que ver y que hacer en McAllen,,

tenemos Museos,,, International Museum of Art and Science,,Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge,,Quinta Mazatlan,,Valley Nature Center,,Gran variedad de espectaculos en Dodge Arena,, Clubs de Golf,, Diferentes exposiciones en el Centro de Convenciones,, y claro para hacer Shopping La Plaza Mall,,Las Tiendas Pavillion,,

asi como las nuesvas areas que se han estado desarrollando increiblemente en Palms Crossing,,tienen que visitarlo!!!!

Pues los dejo con esta hermosa foto que tome durante mi ultima visita a McAllen!!!!

Saludos y que tengan un excelente y productivo día.....

Cultural Arts & Entertainment Series

September 15 starts a new season of Cultural Arts & Entertainment Series (CAES) workshops. We will start the season off with Zumba on Sept 15, Photography on Sept 29, Seasonal Home Decorating on Oct 13 and Pumpkin Carvin on Oct 27. All workshops are FREE and open to the public and held on Tuesday evenings at 7pm at the McAllen Creative Incubator. Look for a complete list of upcoming workshops at www.mcallenart.com. Some come have fun, learn something new and did I mention that they are FREE!!!! Call Greg Schuller at 956-687-2787 for more information or to sign up for any of these workshops. I'll see you there

Saltillo meetings

Luis Cantu, McAllen Chamber Interamerican Relations Vice President and I traveled to Saltillo last week for a meeting with the Secretary of the City Council and another with the Secretary for Economic Development of the State Government of Coahuila, to plan a journey of our Mayor Richard Cortez along with a delegation of business people.

Moreover, last week, I attended the McAllen Chamber of Commerce Board Retreat where I had the opportunity to present the objectives of Casa McAllen.

Let It Rain.

It has now been somewhat raining since Sunday. This is really great because we were really in need of some rain around here. The evenings have become a bit cooler, and it is a bit more enjoyable to step out during the day. However, it might prove to be an inconvenience if you have to be outdoors. Even driving can be a bit dangerous to those who have become unaccustomed to driving in the rain. So be careful out there, but also enjoy the rain while we have it. It's great for all our green surroundings!