Este 4 de julio

Fecha importante para EUA, motivo por el cual habra muchos festejos y ofertas para celebrar su Dia de la Independencia. Nos han llamado personas preguntando si el comercio estara abierto, Claro que si!!! estara abierto y con muchisismas ofertas , tiendas con verdaderos precios especiales esperandolos con las puertas abiertas.
Tambien uno de los puntos de los festejos, sera en el Archer Park que iniciara a las 9 de la mañana y terminan con la tradicional lluvia de cohetes en el Parque Municipal de McAllen (1200 Tamarack) a las 9 de la noche...

Los esperamos!!!

UTPA coming to McAllen

McAllen will soon be home to the University of Texas Pan American, McAllen leaders announced, with the opening of the UTPA McAllen Teaching Site. Read more at http://tr.im/qc7D.

El Empleo y la Economía en McAllen

La Cámara de Comercio de McAllen está trabajando con más de 1,750 miembros para mejorar la economía del Sur de Texas. Estamos trabajando para mantener y atraer trabajos e inversión a nuestra ciudad para la expansión y el crecimiento de la misma. La Cámara representa negocios en la ciudad de McAllen y todo el sur de Texas. Un ejemplo de esto es que McAllen fue la única cuidad en la zona metropolitana que aumento en empleo y producción durante el primer cuatrimestre del año presente. Esto y más información de sobre la economía y el empleo en nuestra ciudad en la página http://tinyurl.com/m6j49a.

The American Legion Department of Texas Convention was here...

Just finished servicing another convention, this time it was, The American Legion Department of Texas http://www.txlegion.org/home/ togeather with the American Legion Auxilliary group. http://www.legion-aux.org/ These groups came down to McAllen located in south Texas for their annual meeting. They had a good time and enjoyed being here at our city and were pleased with the atmosphere of the new McAllen Convention Center. You got to check this place out if you haven't done so yet: http://www.mcallenconventioncenter.net/

*Time go get ready for our next convention, which start next week, on the first week of July, Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO), this is going to be an interesting one. http://www.taso.org/

Par-tay!

Hey Y'all,
There's gonna be a party and everyone's invited!! Saturday - July 4th - Independence Day - All day. Come out and join the festivities as McAllen celebrates our Nation's 233rd Birthday.
The fun starts early, so no lazing around in the sack. Roll your patoozies out of bed, eat a hardy breakfast and head over to Archer Park (101 N. Broadway). The celebration begins at 8:15 with a Patriotic Program, a heartwarming ceremony that celebrates our Independence. Keynote Address will be by James A. McNair, American Legion Department of Texas Commander.
After the program, head down Main Street and stake out a piece of sidewalk and get ready for the 81st Annual Fourth of July Parade. This year's theme is "Saluting Everyday Heros." The parade begins at Jackson and Main and ends at Archer Park. Dignitaries, floats, antique cars, and marching groups make up just part of the 140+ units featured.
Now, you can wander back to Archer Park for an afternoon of fun activities including music, food & refreshment booths, games, arts & crafts and a special performance by Deborah Case Dance Studio. All of this lasts until 3:00 pm.
Now, it's decision time. Do you (A) head back to your own back yard and rev up the grill and load it with your favorite choice of meat (I prefer fajitas), add a stack of tortillas, pico de gallo, rice, beans, potato salad, cole slaw and something cold to wash it all down, or (B) head straight to Municipal Park for the Kiddie Carnival from 3:00 - 9:00 pm (More food booths available). Either way, don't forget to swing by the Municipal Pool (1921 N. Bicentennial) for the 31st Annual Aquafest Water Show which starts at 6:30pm. Put the kiddos in their swimsuits and let them meet Goldie & Gus, enter the splash contest, relays and coin toss. (Mom, they'll be clean & cool and you won't have the hassle of the Saturday night bath). After Aquafest, don't call it a night quite yet. The Concert in the Sky Fourth of July fireworks display is set to begin at 9:00pm at the Municipal Park (2100 Tamarack). Don't forget to tune your radios into Entravision Radio station on your FM dial and BMP Radio stations on the AM dial for a medley of patriotic music that will accompany the fireworks display.
I hope everyone has a safe and happy Fourth of July. Remember, Buckle up, don't drink and drive, and if you choose to use firecrackers, do so safely. Happy Birthday U.S.A.

American Legion of Texas Annual Convention is happening right now!

Bill West, Department Adjutant and Secretary Paula Raney of the Department of Texas American Legion are extraordinary people!!!!

I have the highest amount of respect and admiration for these hard-working individuals!

The American Legion Convention has had an amazing amount of people!!!

This group is a great group!!!!

The New RGV Film Commission Website

Are you a fan of independent films? Want to support the film industry in the Rio Grande Valley? Check out the new RGV Film Commission website at: http://rgvfilmcommission.com/ and provide your support for the industry while establishing networking opportunities.

The Winner!!

Well, I survived Father's Day weekend and the crowds at La Plaza Mall doing their last minute shopping!! We had a lovely dinner at Cheddar's on Sunday evening. I think everyone must have had the same idea because I had never seen so many people in one restaurant before!! Even with the high volume of people their service was fast and the staff was very friendly. If you have not eaten at Cheddar's, I highly recommend you stop by and sample their menu. I had their Hawaiian Chicken Salad and it was scrumptious! They have delicious food at very reasonable prices....do check it out!!

Valley Symphony Orchestra Receives MAC Grant

Greg Schuller, Cultural Arts Director for the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and Director of the McAllen Arts Council; Mayra Brown, Chair of the McAllen Arts Council; Monica Folk, Executive Director of the Valley Symphony Orchestra and Karen Herrera, Director of Fine Arts for the McAllen Independent School District.

McAllen- the future is bright!

Fortunately for those of us who live here, McAllen has been hit a lot less hard that most places by the economic downturn. Here's a great story that shows that, once again, McAllen is on top! go to http://tinyurl.com/m6j49a.

Sister Cities Association

On Thursday 25, 2009 the National Sister Cities Association in Monterrey to conduct its monthly meeting in Santiago Nuevo Leon, where the Board of Directores will have changed, leaving Dr. Aida Villalón (santiaguense) as the new president and my (Silvia Garza) as Treasurer.

This will give me more opportunities to be in contact with the various mayors of Monterrey and its metropolitan area, as well as with government officials.

Interest in the McAllen International Travel Show scheduled for next January 8th and 9th, 2010 has been pretty dramatic. It's normal for previous exhibitors to register - they get their invitations earlier than "new" prospects. About 80% of our exhibitors return each year. But just a week or so after sending out invitations nationwide, we've already received commitments from a number of new exhibitors. Frequently we get requests for invitations due to word-of-mouth promotion of our Travel Show. As one long time exhibitor put it "we are cutting back on shows this coming year, but yours is one we wouldn't miss." The show features exhibitors from Canada to Mexico and everyplace in between. Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas and Mexico each have dozens of booths with Arkansas, New Mexico, Nebraska and Kansas also well represented. Eight or more cruise lines will have booths along with numberous travel and tour companies who offer discounted trips at the show. Cruise lines and other "destinations" also offer free special presentations in comfortable meeting rooms adjacent to the exhibit hall. Admission to the show, which features live entertainment throughout the day, is free to the public. Exhibitors pay $450 for corners and $400 for interior booths - some of which are still available. For more information, contact Jim Deuser at the Chamber at 9456-682-2871 or via email at jdeuser@mcallencvb.com.

Visita a McAllen

El dia de ayer estuvimos Silvia y Yo en McAllen y fue un gusto ver a nuestros compañeros, el motivo de la visita,, una entrevista con Neo Canales del canal 12 en donde la platica fue breve pero muy concreta referente a los servicios de Casa McAllen. Tambien estuvimos conNancy Millar Vice President/Director del CVB, con ella dimos un recorrido por diferentes areas de McAllen en donde nos mostraba el gran crecimiento y desarrollo que ha tenido McAllen ultimamente,,,recorrimos la calle 10th y Trenton en donde cada vez hay mas tiendas nuevas...

Saludos a todos y que tengan un excelente martes!!!!

kayaking in McAllen and Mexico

Who likes to kayak? Here's an adventure for you! Los Caminos del Rio Presents the opportunity to kayak in Mexico.
If you're interested in being part of a historic event, here's what you need to know and how to kayak in Mexico's oldest kayaking race. Go to http://tinyurl.com/lf4xb7.

Lest We Forget

June 14th found me at Liberty Park in San Juan for the city's Flag Day ceremonies. While there, I overheard mention of the Veterans War Memorial of Texas. http://www.mcallen.net/veterans/default.aspx . Having just celebrated Memorial Day, it being Flag Day, and with the 4th of July approaching, I decided this past weekend was a good time to go and check it out.

The memorial is situated on approx. 4-acres of land at the intersection of 29th & Galveston (Nof Exw. 83 & E. of the Convention Center). The memorial was established in the early 90's to honor the 1.3 million Americans killed or listed as Missing in Action in all wars and conflicts of this Nation. Several areas of the site are under or awaiting development, dependant upon funding. The first thing you see as you approach the memorial are flagpoles, lots of flagpoles. 84 to be exact. When completed, there will be 105. The circular arrangement of flags is known as the Organizational Guardians and recognizes financial backers. Within this circle is the memorial complex. The center point of which will be a 12,000+ sq.ft. building with a 105 foot granite obelisk extending from the floor upward through the roof. Radiating off this central hub are five plazas: WWII, Korea, Vietnam and the All Wars plazas are in place. Construction has yet to begin on the WWI plaza. Each of these plazas and the pathways between them are laid with concrete pavers, some inscribed with the name of an honored veteran. 160 granite walls (9' 6" x 7') are located throughout the complex as well as a number of bronze statues. The walls and statues chronicle the events of each war as well as additional historical facts.

As I wondered from plaza to plaza reading about the battles and the lives lost, a number of thoughts crossed my mind. WWI: my grandfather's war and how few of that generation are left. WWII: the war in both my father and my uncle (my mom's brother) served. Korea: so much more than just the inspiration for M*A*S*H. Vietnam: the war of MY generation. The War on Terror: Today.

On July 4th, our Nation will mark it's 233rd birthday. It too started with a battle, a battle for Independence. From that time till today, there have been a number of battles remembered at this site. So, between the parades and pachangas, fajitas and fireworks, take some time to go visit the Veterans War Memorial of Texas. Stop and read the names inscribed on the pavers at your feet. Let your gaze travel upward to one of the many flags and honor it. Reflect on our Nation's history etched in granite. Finally, say a Prayer of Thanks to all the members of our Armed Forces who have dedicated their lives to make this the greatest nation on Earth. "GOD BLESS AMERICA"

STAYCATION

Varias ciudades del valle de Rio Grande se unieron para crear y promocionar un programa llamado STAYCATIONS. El objetivo del programa es incentivar la economía local invitando a las familias a visitar otras ciudades del valle y hospedarse allí el fin de semana. Esto sería de gran ventaja para los participantes pues aprovecharían los precios de descuento en lugares de atracción, hoteles y restaurantes participantes. McAllen, entre otras 6 ciudades del valle, participara en este programa. ¡Así que vengan a visitar McAllen!


Para más información sobre STAYCATIONS favor de comunicarse al teléfono (956) 682-2871 o entrar a la página www.vacationrgv.com

Mountain Biking

“Pedal faster, don’t hit the tree, watch out for the cactus, turn right…QUICK!” These are just a few things running through my mind as I am participating in one of my favorite hobbies, mountain biking. I love the adrenaline rush, having to make quick decisions, and the exercise that the sport provides. McAllen has some great trails for biking. For road bikers, there is the hike and bike trail on 2nd street. If you are interested in trying mountain biking, venture out to the Mission hike and bike trail on S. Conway which has an asphalt-covered trail as well as numerous dirt bike trails that will challenge you physically and mentally. Live life on the edge…give mountain biking a try!

It's Father's Day Weekend!

This Sunday will be Father's day and most people, if they are like me, will be doing some last minute shopping for the special people in their lives. When it comes to shopping McAllen has many choices to choose from. There is our Mall which has added many new stores in the last year and my favorite is the newest shopping center near Trenton & 10th. After all the gifts are bought and wrapped nicely, then comes the choice of where to go for dinner. The list of possibilities are endless......with all the new restaurants in McAllen the choice will be difficult to make. Maybe we can take Dad out to lunch and dinner! Stay tuned for next Friday to find out which restaurant won!

For those of you that are Dad's, Have a very Happy Father's Day!!

La Marina Restaurant and Grill

Have you been to one of McAllen's newest restaurants? I am talking about La Marina Restaurant located on 7001 North 10th street in McAllen. This new area of McAllen offers a variety of new busness and great places to eat. I had the most wonderful salmon dish prepared like I had never tasted before. Try this place you will like it and go back again.

Thank you,

Teo Rojas]
McAllen Chamber of Commerce

On Tuesday, July 7th there's an opportunity to visit historic Quinta Mazatlan, see some great birds, and learn how to save money in the hotel business - all while using environmentally friendsly products. The event is our monthly meeting of the Hospitality Forum and our speaker is noted environmentalist, Patricia Griffin, CEO of the "Green Hotels Association of America. Patricias's presentation is sub-titled "Saving Money! Crunching Costs! Gaining Guests! and Stop Throwing Money away!" In attendance will be exhibitors from vendors that offer environmentally friendly products useful in hotels like paint, cleaning agents, carpeting, energy etc. We are meeting at Quinta Mazatlan - just because we can! We are excited to have this important conversation in a venue that is devoted to the preservation of our environment, especially the wonderful creatures of the Rio Grande Valley. For more information call Jim Deuser at the Chamber at 956-682-2871 or email him at jdeuser@mcallencvb.com

Great Outdoors Nature Series

Looking for something to do tonight? Quinta Mazatlan has its great speaker series every Thursday evening. You'll get a wonderul presentation, plus the opportunity to relax in the largest adobe structure of South Texas, all for just $3. Plus- there's a fun gift shop, too!

The State of U.S. Business in Mexico

The Monterrey Division of American Chamber of Commerce of Mexico invited me to attend to a breakfast presentation of "The State of U.S. Business in Mexico."

The Amcham asked us disseminates information to American citizens who want to do business in Mexico, this remains the second most important trading partner of United States and has all necessary resources to make your business successful.

Within economic projections, there is talk that the inflation rate of 4.3% is in Mexico this year 2009 will drop in 2010 to 3.8% which will allow Mexicans to have greater purchasing power.

Dance Conservatory of McAllen Recieves 2009 MAC Grant

Dance Conservatory of McAllen is one of the 2009-2010 recipients of the McAllen Arts Council.

From left are Greg Schuller, Cultural Arts Director of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and Director of the McAllen Arts Council; Mayra Brown, Chair of the McAllen Arts Council and Sam Montezco, Dance Instructor for the Dance Conservatory of McAllen.

Casa McAllen en Serigrafika

Casa McAllen estara presente en la Exposición Internacional de la Industria de la Serigrafika, los dias 18, 19 y 20 de junio en Cintermex, en donde repartiremos nuestra Guia para Visitantes de McAllen a los asistentes de esta expo.
Tambien les comento que la gente ya a comenzado a preguntar por la tarjeta de descuentos asi como por cupones para la temporada de verano!!!
Estaremos al pendiente para informarles las fechas exactas en las que se abrira la franquicia nuevamente a 300 dlls.

Que tengan un excelente martes....

State Firemen & Fire Marshal's Association of Texas Annual Convention in McAllen - June 2009

State Firemen & Fire Marshal's Association of Texas held their 2009 Annual Convention at the New McAllen Convention Center.

McAllen received 700 people (fire fighters, fire marshal's, etc.)

We were truly blessed to have this great event and wonderful people in "THE CITY OF PALMS!"

On Broadway in McAllen with "Annie"

Last week , I had the opportunity to attend an exclusive, On Broadway in McAllen show, "Annie." Click the following link and have a taste of what I saw or as close as it gets to this original musical: Here is a clip of tommorow: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yop62wQH498&feature=related

http://www.mcallenconventioncenter.net/showcase/auditorium.aspx

It was performed at one our Civic Center in downtown McAllen, the auditorium was really nice and catered for the occassion. Click the site above and get the details. There many events of the same caliber that come to the Civic Center Auditorium and to the new McAllen Convention Center. http://www.mcallenconventioncenter.net/default.aspx

Think of McAllen for your next visit, you find all the entertainment you need.

McAllen y sus Atracciones

La buena fama que McAllen ha estado gozando por mucho tiempo se está reforzando en gran parte por su gran actividad comercial, cultural y de entretenimiento, esta fama rápidamente se está propagando hacia otra partes de Texas así como al sur de la frontera como Reynosa, Monterrey y otros Estados de México.

En el área de comercio, McAllen cuenta con modernos malls y centros comerciales donde los clientes locales y turistas pueden realizar sus compras en un ambiente de comodidad y seguridad, los comerciantes proveen seguridad en sus locales y estacionamientos en adición a la vigilancia que ofrece el departamento de policía de McAllen donde se establecen modernos módulos de seguridad movibles y que refuerzan la imagen de McAllen como una ciudad donde la seguridad de sus ciudadanos es una prioridad.

El aspecto cultural está ampliamente cubierto por varios patrocinadores de exposiciones culturales tales como las que auspicia el Consulado de México en sus instalaciones y en varias otras localidades de la ciudad, aquí se debe de reconocer la estrecha colaboración que existe entre la Cámara de Comercio de McAllen y el Consulado Mexicano en la realización de eventos en beneficio de la ciudadanía en general.

Tal vez el área de mas desarrollo sea la del entretenimiento, aparte de la gran cantidad de nuevos establecimientos tanto en el centro de McAllen como en los de otras áreas como los de la avenida Nolana y calle McColl por nombrar solo algunas, se cuenta también con la arena Dodge que es de fama internacional y donde se presentan artistas de primerísima calidad.

McAllen cuenta además con otra gran ventaja como centro turístico, aun los nuevos visitantes se pueden desplazar de un destino a otro con gran facilidad sin la inconveniencia de extraviarse en las numerosas autopistas típicas de las grandes urbes metropolitanas como Los Ángeles y San Antonio.

Music in the Air

Greetings,

A different kind of music was in the air last Thursday. I was at Quinta Mazatlan for the premier event in their Thursday Evening Family Explorations series. There was a free concert featuring Tish Hinojosa and her band. The program started a little after 7:00pm and went till 9:30pm. Born and raised in San Antonio and now spending her time between Austin, Texas and Hamburg, Germany, Tish's music crosses a number of borders - international, cultural, languages and musical genres. The music flowed from traditional Tex-Mex ballads to Country, Honky-Tonk to Ska. Each song was prefaced with the story of what inspired it. The lyrics were in both English and Spanish and even if I didn't understand the words, the music still moved me. For more information on Tish Hinojosa, check out her website http://www.mundotish.com/ .

Before the concert, I decided to just wander around Quinta Mazatlan (600 Sunset Ave.) and soak up some of the atmosphere. Quinta Mazatlan is one of the largest adobe homes in the state & was built in the 1930's by Jason Chilton Matthews and his wife, Marcia. In 1968 Frank and Marilyn Schultz purchased the 8-acre estate and buildings. In 1985, the Texas Historical Commission dedicated a Historical Marker, located at the front entrance to the building. The property, now under the stewardship of the City of McAllen's Parks and Recreation Department, has been expanded to 15 acres. Q. M. is also headquarters of the McAllen "Wing" of the World Birding Center, T.P.& W., US. F.W.S. The grounds, including the wooded meadow have been renovated with native trees and plants and attract a variety of birds and butterflies. Trails wind through the property leading you to water features and the stone amphitheater. Inside Quinta Mazatlan, you will find a gift shop, displays of Art, and a friendly staff, ready to answer your questions. For a complete list of programs and services available at Quinta Mazatlan, go to their website http://www.quintamazatlan.com/. You don't need a concert to come check out the sounds of nature, always playing at Q.M.

craigslist

Wikipedia defines craigslist as, “a centralized network of online communities, featuring free online classified advertisements– with sections devoted to jobs, housing, personals,
for sale, services, community, gigs, resumes, and discussions forums.” Here you can find anything and everything from people who have similar interests as you, to people who are looking for someone to sublease their apartment. All residents of the McAllen area are welcome to post items for sale and discussion topics on craigslist. Have you checked out McAllen’s Craig List? It is available in English and Spanish, and can be found at: http://mcallen.en.craigslist.org/

Annabell's Last Day :(

It's with great sadness that I must report that today is Annabell's last day with the Chamber. It's been fun working with her and assisting her with different projects. I will miss her dearly. If you have not said your goodbyes, please stop by her office and bid her farewell! We wish her much success in her future endeavors and we hope she does not forget to visit us down here in McAllen!

Staycations in McAllen

McAllen's got a couple of super summer Stay-cations! go to www.vacationrgv.com for info.

Mexico City to McAllen by Bus

Want to make an inexpensive trip Mexico City -McAllen, Texas? Estrella Blanca bus line offers executive-class, air-conditioned buses with fully reclining seats, courtesy meals and on-board stewardesses from Mexico City to McAllen leaving the D, F, every day at 5:45 a.m and 7':30p.m. and returning daily at 5:20 p.m... and 7:20 p.m. The round-trip fare is $1,856 pesos and the driving time is 14 hours each way. Once in Reynosa, you will have to go through customs and immigration and transfer to local transportation to cross the border into McAllen, which is 13 kilometers to the north.

Happy travels@

Summer is Here at McA2

The Incubator offers a wide variety of classes, workshop and concerts to give us all something to do on those long hot summer days and evenings. We offer Pottery, both Adult and Youth classes, Yoga and Creative Journaling, Acting and Drama Classes, Radio and Television Broadcast classes for youths and our Cultural Arts and Entertainment Series workshops every other Tuesday evening. So next time you say that there is nothing to do around here, check out the Incubator. If we do not offer it, we know where you can find it. You can find a complete listing of these events at www.mcallenart.com or you can contact me, Greg Schuller at gschuller@mcallencvb.com or call me at 687-2787.

Candidate for Mayor of Monterrey

Thursday morning will take place the Chamber of Industry (CAINTRA) board meeting, where the keynote speaker will be Fernando Larrazabal, candidate for Mayor of Monterrey by the Partido Accion Nacional, and his proposals are: the police command in the installation of eight delegations, one for each 150 thousand inhabitants; The establishment of a citizen of Public Works to set investment priorities, restoring the Rio La Silla, and so on.

The elections of the state of Nuevo Leon for Governor, Mayors, Senators, Federal and State representatives will be July 5 this year. The cities of Nuevo Leon to take new mayors are Monterrey, Guadalupe, Cadereyta and Garcia which ones are McAllen`s Sister Cities.

Green Living Speaker Series

The 2nd Tuesday of every month- that would be today- we have a Green Living Speaker Series here at the Chamber at 5:30. It's free, and tonight's topic is "Saving Water, Saving Energy in the Landscape." Everyone is invited!

Dia del Padre....Jun, 21

El dia del Padre ya se esta acercando y a Casa McAllen ya nos estan empezando hablar personas para preguntarnos sobre las ofertas en tiendas y hoteles para esta temporada,, ya las vacaciones estan tambien muy proximas y hasta ahora el tipo de cambio a estado estable, lo cual es un beneficio mas para el Regio que gusta de ir de compras a McAllen.

State Firemen and Fire Marshals' Association of Texas Convention Begin This Week!

Dear Reader,

McAllen is truly blessed to receive Texas' Bravest Volunteers!!! I am talking about the selfless Firemen and Fire Marshals' of Texas!!

Over 600 are on their way to McAllen for valuable training and much needed R&R.

Please help me in making their stay in McAllen a worthwhile one!!

Thanks!

Ernie Arredondo
Director of Sales
McAllen Convention & Visitors Bureau

Pretty warm weather today. Nice day to shop indoors and enjoy

La Ciudad Ideal

McAllen es una ciudad cosmopolita la cual está creciendo con rapidez. Contando con 72 plazas pequeñas y 5 plazas grandes como Pavellon, Las Tiendas, Trenton Mall , Palms Crossing que es la más nueva de las plazas y La Plaza Mall, por cierto la más grande. Aquí se encuentra desde zapatos, joyería y lo mejor de la moda. Además de tener el beneficio de estar a tan solo 13 millas de Reynosa y estar a cinco minutos de todo. Se puede encontrar más de 600 restaurantes desde comida rápida hasta comida gourmet. McAllen cuenta además con varias opciones para alojamiento, están desde los hoteles de 5 estrellas hasta cómodos y económicos moteles de cadenas nacionales que ofrecen comodidad y conveniencia al estar localizados la mayoría en el área céntrica de la ciudad.

While Strolling Through the Park...

Good Morning,

My name is Cheryl and I'm quietly keeping my finger(s) on McAllen's pulse. With everything happening in this great city, I'm thinking I might need more fingers.

Saturday evening, I strolled over to Archer Park (101 N. Broadway) and had a fantastic time laughing myself silly, while watching Kung Fu Panda. This movie was the first of season for McAllen Parks & Rec's Movies in the Park series. Each Saturday evening through July 25, there will be a different movie (except for July 4th) . There's no charge, so grab a blanket, pop up a bag of popcorn and come check out the action. You can find the entire movie schedule at http://www.mcallen.net/ .

I really like Archer Park. This 1-block park has been a fixture in McAllen since 1917. McAllen's first Mayor, Oliver Percy Archer (b1869 - d1930) deeded the land to the city for a park. The Park was named for him in 1933. The gazebo/bandstand that stands in the center of the park was dedicated in 1918 and at one point, the McAllen Public Library was housed in the basement. It is now home to the office of Keep McAllen Beautiful. (Public restrooms are also under the gazebo)

In front of the gazebo is the Texas Historical Marker, erected in 1981.

Tucked behind the gazebo is the Internatioal Friendship Fountaian, which was presented to the City in 1989 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sister-city relationship between McAllen and Irapuato, Guanajato, Mexico. A nearby plaque commenorates the event.

I guess what impresses me most about Archer Park isn't so much what is there, but what isn't. No picnic tables - there are benches, no bar-b-cue pits or pavilions, no gaudily painted playground equipment. It retains the charm of a town square from the era in which it was built.

So if you have a chance, come stroll down one of the two concrete walkways running diagonally across the park, sit a spell on a bench, and let your mind wander back to a quieter chapter in McAllen's past.

South Padre Island

Howdy! My name is Jeramie Heflin and I am the new intern here at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. I am a senior at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX…A WHOOP, and I am majoring in business management. Upon graduation in the spring of 2010, I plan on going to graduate school to obtain a master’s degree in human resource management. I enjoy photography, travelling and experiencing other cultures, mountain biking, volleyball, swimming, and being with family and friends. In fact, it is so wonderful that I will be home in McAllen this summer with my family; we have so much fun together. One of the great things about living in the Valley is how close we are to South Padre Island (it is only about an hour and a half drive). Everyone in my family, especially my dad, loves to fish. Last weekend I got the opportunity to go fishing with my parents in the Laguna Madre Bay, and here is a picture of me with the Redfish I caught:
Needless to say, it was a big fish, and took some work to reel it in to the boat. This weekend I will also be returning to South Padre Island to spend some time with out of town family members and I am sooooooooo excited. I don't know if I will catch another "Big Red," but I do know that it will be a great weekend. I love South Padre Island!!!!

A Friday at the Office

It's a beautiful day in McAllen today. What's even more exciting is that it's Friday!! I'm ready for the weekend. The plan for today is to organize our file room upstairs. We hope we can get it all done by the end of the day. It's interesting going through the files and seeing the various projects we have done throughout the years. Well, with a new fiscal year quickly approaching it will be interesting to see what new projects lie ahead for us for the upcoming year!

Saving Water & Saving Energy

If you're trying to figure out how you can starting living a "green" lifestyle, you should check out the Green Living Speaker Series next week.

Next Tuesday, June 9th, Barbara Storz from Texas A&M University, will discuss Saving Water and Saving Energy in the Landscape. These helpful hints will help steer us in the right direction when trying to save money as well as save the environment.

The Green Living Speaker Series is held once a month at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce FREE of charge at 5:30pm. Send me a comment if you need more info. Hope to see you there!

CAINTRA and Sister Cities

At the meeting of the Chamber of Industry (CAINTRA) the keynote speaker was Luis Armando Salazar, Director Nafinsa in Coahuila State, with the theme "Support Program for the Revitalization of Pop Business exposing the contents of this program, which is aimed in particular at shops and services in general across the country. This program is defined by the time May 15 to August 15 this year to support enterprises of the economic damage suffered during the period of absence from work (1st to May 5).

Moreover, I attended the monthly meeting of the National Association of Sister Cities, where the keynote speaker was Inq. Laura Cantu, Manager of Environmental Engineering System for Handling and Processing of Organic Waste (SIMEPRODE), who gave an explanation on the processing and reuse waste gas emanating (methane) that transform into electric power, which is used in the Nuevo Leon State government building and some municipalities.

McAllen Arts Council Awards Grants

The McAllen Arts Council awarded 8 grants of $1,000 each today, June 3rd, at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. The winning applicants were the South Texas Symphony Orchestra, South Texas Indian Dancers, Dance Conservatory of McAllen, McAllen Memorial High School Art Department, McAllen Town Band, Irma Burr, Dignan and the McAllen Creative Incubator. We highly encourage individuals and organizations to apply for these grants. Look for the next round of grants early next year.

Sincerely,

Greg Schuller
Cultural Arts Director
McAllen Chamber of Commerce
(956) 687-2787
gschuller@mcallencvb.com
www.mcallenart.com

CAINTRA and Sister Cities

At the meeting of the Chamber of Industry (CAINTRA) the keynote speaker was Luis Armando Salazar, Director Nafinsa in Coahuila State, with the theme "Support Program for the Revitalization of Pop Business exposing the contents of this program, which is aimed in particular at shops and services in general across the country. He also said, of which there are two credits, their nature and amounts. This program is defined by the time May 15 to August 15 this year to support enterprises of the economic damage suffered during the period of absence from work "Influenza" (1st to May 5).

Moreover, I attended the monthly meeting of the National Association of Sister Cities, where the keynote speaker was Ing. Laura Cantu, Manager of Environmental Engineering System for Handling and Processing of Organic Waste (SIMEPRODE), who gave an explanation on the processing and reuse waste gas emanating (methane) that transform into electric power, which is used in the Nuevo Leon State government building and some municipalities.

CAINTRA and Sister Cities

At the meeting of the Chamber of Industry (CAINTRA) the keynote speaker was Luis Armando Salazar, Director Nafinsa in Coahuila State, with the theme "Support Program for the Revitalization of Pop Business exposing the contents of this program, which is aimed in particular at shops and services in general across the country. He also said, of which there are two credits, their nature and amounts. This program is defined by the time May 15 to August 15 this year to support enterprises of the economic damage suffered during the period of absence from work "Influenza" (1st to May 5).

Moreover, I attended the monthly meeting of the National Association of Sister Cities, where the keynote speaker was Ing. Laura Cantu, Manager of Environmental Engineering System for Handling and Processing of Organic Waste (SIMEPRODE), who gave an explanation on the processing and reuse waste gas emanating (methane) that transform into electric power, which is used in the Nuevo Leon State government building and some municipalities.

Expo ARLAM

El pasado viernes 29 de mayo se llevo a cabo en Cintermex la Expo de ARLAM (Asociación de Representantes de Líneas Aéreas en Monterrey A.C.) en este evento participan 20 de las principales Líneas Aéreas representadas en Monterrey.
En dicho evento el Consulado Americano en Monterrey nos invito a participar en conjunto repartiendo folletería para promover nuestra Ciudad de McAllen, Tx.

Durante la expo asistieron Agencias de Viajes, Operadores Turísticos así como también el publico en general...

McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez speaks at McAllen CVB Forum

June 2, 2009

WOW!

McAllen's Chief of Police Victor Rodriguez provided the McAllen Convention & Visitors Bureau's Hospitality Forum an inspiring speech about how safe McAllen is compared to many Texas cities.

We should all be very proud of Chief Rodriguez and the McAllen Police Department.

Thanks!

Ernie Arredondo
Director of Sales
McAllen Convention & Visitors Bureau/Chamber of Commerce

SFFMA 133rd Annual Training Conference and Convention Plus Vacation in McAllen This Summer

Getting ready to host the State Fire Fighter and Fire Mashall Association of Texas this coming June 11-17, 2009 at the New McAllen Convention Center, check it out below: http://www.mcallenconventioncenter.net/

Here is the city that has a little bit of everything for every kind of group. It will cater to your convention group, just take a look at our city's highlights and things to do. http://www.mcallen.org/Visitors
http://southtexastourism.com/McAllen.html

Summer time in McAllen is a good time for everyone, the sun is always shining and the waves of hospitality always smooth and cheerful. Look forward on having you down here one of one of you visits or short stays. Even if it's for a local or what I like to call stay-here-and-vacation, you'll find that McAllen's attactions, shopping, restaurants, and it's warm hospitality; not to mention nearby/surrounding cities that offer other forms of entertainment. So if you are looking to for a stay for this summer, "Think McAllen."

Green McAllen

McAllen is green- literally! The unusual (for us) spring showers we've been having have really brought out the color of the city- and it's green! Our parks and lawns and other landscaping are so gorgeous! There are also a lot of trees and plants in bloom, so the city is sprinkled with oranges, yellows, reds and purples, too.

De Compras?

Así como todo árabe una vez en su vida debe ir a La Meca a orar, el Mexicano por lo menos una vez en su vida tiene que ir de compras a McAllen, Texas! En mi opinión el mejor lugar para ir de compras en todo E.U. Con tan solo ir a La Plaza Mall que es una de las plazas más grandes y más completas del país y la número uno por cierto. McAllen es una ciudad cosmopolita que siempre esta a la vanguardia, en donde hasta lo imaginable se puede encontrar. Como por ejemplo la tarta de toronja que es único de McAllen por ser un lugar trópico y con un clima increíble.