Oct/Nov 2009 Adelante Newsletter

HARLINGEN HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HONORS CHANCELLOR OF UT SYSTEM

The Harlingen Hispanic Chamber of COmmerce helda a banquet on Sept. 3, 2009 in honor of The University of Texad System Chancellor, Dr. Francisco G. Cigarroa.

Community leaders and dignitaries from across the Valley gathered at the Rancho Viejo Resort and Country Club, as the Harlingen Hispanic Chamber presented Dr. Cigarroa with their most prestigious award, the "Person of Honor".

The Person of Honor recognition is given to individuals who portray great leadership, innovation, and are an inspiration to all.

During his speech, Dr. Cigarroa kept his focus on the importance of education. He stated that no matter what our country's current situation is, it is important to keep higher education at the forefront.

Dr. Cigarroa, a nationally renowned pediatric and transplant surgeon was previously the president of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He is the first Hispanic in the continental United States to lead a health science university. Dr. Cigarroa has played such a critical role in the growth and development of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and the Regional Academic Health Centers in the Rio Grande Valley.

HHCC ANNUAL GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING & INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

The Harlingen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce held it's Annual General Membership Meeting & Installation of Officers on Thursday, September 24, 2009 at the Best Western Casa Villa Suites in Harlingen. Hispanic Chamber President, Nat Lopez, gave a year in review of the programs and events sponsored and coordinated by the HHCC. A special presentation was also given by the U.S. Census Bureau. THe newly elected board of directors and officers were sworn in by Honorable Judge Laura Betancourt, Cameron County Court at Law No. 2.

The newly elected officers are: Chairman-Lyle Garza, PSI; Chair Elect-Sergio Contreras, AT&T; Secretary-Brenda Amaya, Keller Williams Realty;Parliamentarian-Frank Puente, Jr., Puente Roofing; V/C Legislative & Governmental Affairs-Tony De La Rosa, Prudential, Cummins & Balli Realtors; V/C Women's Issues-Paula Gonzalez, Silpada Designs; V/C Health & Education-Albert Salinas, Texas Insurance Service Center; V/C Economic Development-Jim Solis, Solis & Robles LLC. They currently join board members Ronnie Garcia, Connie Salas, and Kori Marra.

Outgoing Chairman, Frank Puente, Jr. was presented with a Certificate of Recognition from newly installed Chairman Lyle Garza. Two special awards were also presented at the meeting for "Embajador of the Year" given to Gloria Casas and "Volunteer of the Year" given to Connie Salas. Congratulations to you both!

10TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

Our 10th Annual Golf Tournament was held at the Treasure Hills Golf Club on October 2, 2009. It was a great turnout again this year with everyone participating and enjoying great weather, networking, goody bags, refreshments and delicious BBQ dinner. Proceeds from the golf tournament benefit the HHCC's membership and community development programs.

We would like to thank the following for their support!

Double Eagle Sponsor: Valley Morning Star | Eagle Sponsor: L&F Distributors, Bargain Book, Texas Gas Service Co. | Birdie Sponsor: Long Chilton LLP, First Community Bank, Valley International Airport, Cricket Communication | Par Sponsor: Texas Insurance Service Center, Solis & Robles LLC | Hole Sponsor: Magic Valley Electric Cooperative, South Texas Emergency Care Foundation, Frost Bank, Harlingen Family Dentistry, Valley Federal Credit Union, Trinity Funeral Home | Donations & Door Prizes: Academy Sports & Outdoors, L&F Distributors, Big Red/7-Up, Treasure Hills Golf Club, Country Inn & Suites, Collission Stop, Time Warner Cable, Golden Palms, Tony De La Rosa, Valley Federal Credit Union, SafeGuard Insurance, HEB, MTL Mortgage, Trinity Funeral Home, RE/MAX Lone Star, Montalvo Insurance Agency, Gulf Aviation, Juan & Connie Salas, A&M Nursing Services, Brenda Amaya, Valley Coca Cola, Cricket Communications, Hi-Tech Embroidery, Dave's Weight Club | Hole In One: Golf Ala Cart

A very special THANK YOU to our golf committee and volunteers. Your hard work and efforts are greatly appreciated and we thank you for all you have done. A big thank you to all the teams that participated and the businesses that sponsored them!

Congratulation to the Tournament Winners!

First Place: Ronnie Garcia, Robert Rivas, Nelo Muniz, Louie Cerillo | Second Place: Johnny Cabrera, Leo Araguz, Michael Collins, Mario Guerra | Third Place: Henry Cabrera, Robert Vargas, Ibrahim Zakari, Rick Galvan. Congratulations Oliver Alvarez for winning the Closest to the Pin contest and Juan Elizondo for wining the Longest Drive contest.

HHCC HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

Join us for a great time, great food and refreshments, and great networking on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 from 10 am - 3 pm.

NEW & RENEWED MEMBERS - MAY 2009-OCTOBER 2009

May

AT&T - Corporate Partner

Bargain Book

Collision Stop, LLC

Accion Texas, Inc.

Tony De la Rosa

Harlingen Family Dentistry - Corporate Partner

START Center

Magic Valley Electric Cooperative

June

"F" Street Dairy Bar & Deli

Medical Thrid Party Resources

Hino Gas Sales, Inc.

Coldwell Banker Impact Properties

Harlingen Country Club

Country Inn & Suites

Back To Action Physical Therapy

Benton Consulting

Valley Baptist Health System - Corporate Partner

1st Advantage Mortgage LLC

Best Western Casa Villa Suites

America's Best Value Inn

Wal-Mart - Corporate Partner

Wal-Mart Brownsville - Corporate Partner

RGVision *

Ronald McDonald House Charities

RGV Apartment Association

Frost Bank Alamo Branch

Angels of Mercy Home Health LLC

Adams & Graham LLP

July

Juan & Connie Salas

Peacock Custom Kitchens, Inc.

Allstar Office Solutions

Azael Gomez

AG III Contractors LLC *

Kelly Services

La Playa Mexican Cafe

Ruthie Ewers

Gastroenterology Consultants of South Texas

Digital Communications

Dave's Weight Club

Joe Cardenas

Vamonos Travel

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

August

J&R Copiers

Spectrum Medical Supply

Valley Baptist Ambulatory Surgery Center *

Selene's Hair Studio *

United Health Care Services

Texas State Technical College

South Motion Gymnastics *

Sunshine Motors

Eric Muniz *

Martin & Maria Garza

Mason & Company

Valley View Primary Home Care *

Dolores G. Zarate *

Casa Rama Bed & Breakfast

Agado Bail Bonds *

Valley Beauty Supply *

September

J.M. Lozano *

Tony Gutierrez *

Valley International Christian Center

CameronWorks

Ed Carey Dr. Family Medical Center

Lone Star National Bank - Corporate Partner

Valley Center for Sleep & Lung Disorder *

The Business Deal *

John Wood *

Gloria Casas

PSI

ML Services *

Gloria G. Canales Mexican Folklore Dance School

Desi Martinez *

Oakridge Apartments

Time Warner Cable

Bicycle World

Bloomer's

Harlingen Community Development Corp.

David Sanchez *

Action Aces *

Gail Thomason *

Dish Network * - Corporate Partner

October

Su Clinica Familiar

Hino Electric Power Co.

United Healthcare Group * - Corporate Partner

Envoy Mortgage

Valley Baptist Health Plans

Harlingen Family Medicine

Nemecio E. Lopez, Jr. Attorney at Law

Simply Sites RGV *

Action Kids Physical Therapy *

Emigar International

Elite Promotions *

* Denotes new member