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!