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.