​ The city of Seguin hosted the most recent meeting of The Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce which meets on a quarterly basis in different cities in the state.  Attending from Del Rio were Otila Gonzalez, President, and Paulo Pacheco, Parliamentarian.  The two day gathering consisted of one day of workshops, with the official meeting of the group taking up the second day.  Participants received training in the importance for employers to maintain Employee Eligibility Forms, I-9 forms for all employees;  Factors to consider for you and your business in the application of the Texas Open Carry Law; and Board of Directors and Staff responsibilities in running an effective Chamber Organization
 The TAMACC is an organization that provides legislative advocacy for the Hispanic business community in Texas and is the most active state Hispanic organization in the country.  TAMACC focuses on Legislative Advocacy, Procurement Programs, Training and Development of its members.
 The Annual Convention of the organization will be hosted by the city of El Paso on August 4,5,and 6, 2016.  El Paso has an ambitious program of activities, workshops, tours and more planned for attendees.  The convention is a great opportunity to promote your community and to learn about what other businesses throughout the state are successfully doing.  Let’s plan to attend.

​My name is Juan Gallegos and I was born and raised in Del Rio, TX.  I am a proud husband to Dariela Gallegos and a proud father of three sons.
    After having graduated from Del Rio High School in 1998, I earned my Associates in Management from Southwest Texas Junior College in 2006, followed by a Bachelor’s of Science in Management from Park University in 2013. 
    Professionally, I have worked in the financial industry with both Border Federal Credit Union and The Bank and Trust.  I have also worked with the City of Del Rio as Assistant Tax Assessor/Collector from 2008 through 2013 and as Utility Billing Supervisor from 2013 through 2014. 
   In January 2015, I began a new venture at Sul Ross Rio Grande Junior College as a Business Advisor for the Small Business Development Center.  Currently at this position, I help in assisting prospective entrepreneurs who are in the planning phases of starting their own businesses.  I am here to help from square one, including but not limited to research, business plans, all the way to a client’s grand opening! 
   As Director of Economic Development & Small Business for the Del Rio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, I bring with me an array of experience from financial, to management, to business experience. I have had the opportunity to meet with a large portion of the Del Rio business population, have reached out to many people at our events, and continue to grow my clientele list.  As a member of DRHCC, I am excited to make a difference in the city of Del Rio and help it continue to grow

​  ​ The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce held its monthly membership meeting at the SFDRCISD Administration Building on March 3, 2016. 
   A membership plaque was presented to Genaly’s Filipino Food to welcome this business to the Chamber.  Owners Genalyn and Rupert Harmon, spoke to the group about their business and thanked the chamber for its support.
   Belinda Reyes, a member of the board of directors of the Education Foundation, spoke about the work of the Foundation and the fund raising activities that the organization conducts to fund grants to teachers for student projects.  A sample of one of the various projects produced as a result of funding made available by the Foundation was shared with those in attendance.  The Foundation, is doing an excellent job of supporting teacher/student creativity to reach beyond the regular curriculum.  Those present at the meeting were invited to join in this endeavor that ultimately benefits everyone.
  School Superintendent Dr. Carlos Rios spoke of the many instructional and infrastructure projects in progress throughout the school district.  The different structures under construction and/or renovation have been carefully planned and designed to facilitate, enhance and promote the learning experiences of all students.  Students can qualify for dual credit courses and graduate high school with enough college credits to complete the first two years of their college careers and save the expense of two years of college! 
   To most families this represents one half of the cost of a college education!  Students who choose the world of work immediately after high school graduation are offered training in various business or trades skills to ready them for immediate integration into the work place.  Opportunities abound if students are up for the challenge.