The 4th of July is a significant date in our nation’s history. This day marks our independence as a sovereign nation, and we celebrate across the country with friends, family and acquaintances. This annual holiday brings people closer together and we all get to take part in rich American traditions. Whether its barbecue with faily or fireworks with our children these traditions help us mark this special occasion. Let us celebrate this 4th of July through the eyes of our youth. For the future belongs to the and they will continue to keep our great nations strong. Take a moment to remember the sights, the sounds and the smell of the 4th of July when we ourselves, were young. As youth, we would look up at our American flag with pride and sometimes wonder. The nation back then to us might have seemed relatively large and unknown through our young eyes, however today as adults we all have a better understanding of just what the rest our contry looks like. Because of our many experiences as adults, we not have the opportunity to share those positive experiences of our nation with our youth. We should make it a point this year to pass along some of our great 4th of July traditions with our children. More importantly, we have a real opportunity to keep our nation strong by planting seeds of positive American possibilities in our children. Let’s remember what it was like to see the 4th of July through our own youthful eyes and with that same mindset, let’s show our children how to enjoy all the 4th of July traditions. Let us pass along this positive significance of this day with our youth and continue to keep America strong. Happy 4th of July God Bless America City Council Woman Ernestina (Tina) Martinez Education:
1965 Graduate San Felipe High School • Student of Gemological Institute of America Employment History: 8 Years at JC Penney Del Rio as manager and merchandiser of the fine jewelry department. 12 years for Wood Jewelers • 14 Years Small Business Owner & Operator Frances Florist Shop 2022 elected as Councilwoman for Del Rio City Council At large Place C Professional Organizations: 2022 May Elected Councilwoman Place C at Large, Del Rio • 2022 Director San Felipe Board of Directors 2022 International Good Neighbor Council (IGNC) - Secretary. Current Fiesta de Amistad Parade Chair 2022 Del Rio HIspanic Chamber of Commerce Education Director • 2022 Del Rio Host Lions Club 2022 Retired Senior Volunteers Program (RSVP) , Catholic Charities • Life Member - VFW - Chaplain American GI Forum Women’s Auxiliary Chairwoman • Brown Plaza Association, Past President, Secretary and Treasurer Quad Counties Council , Past President • Former Councilwoman City of Del Rio Pct. 11, Served 8 years Past Member Operation Troop Family Support • Past Member Main Street Program Awards: 2002 Woman of the Year , Comite Cultural del Pueblo, Casa de La Cultura , Del Rio Past IGNC Fiesta de Amistad Parade Marshall with husband Joe, Mr. & Mrs. Amistad Personal: Widow of M/Sgt Jose (Joe) Martinez • Mother of 3 sons, a stepson and stepdaughter
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(LUBBOCK, TX) – The designation of future Interstate 27 (I-27) became official on Tuesday, March 15 as President Biden signed into law the appropriation bill. The designation recognizes the Ports-to-Plains Corridor from Laredo, Texas to Raton, New Mexico as an addition to the Interstate Highway System.
“I am very excited that the I-27 highway expansion project is now written into law with the passage of the FY22 omnibus appropriations bill,” said Henry Cuellar, U.S. Rep. for District 28. This designation will make Texas and New Mexico eligible for increased federal funding to complete the I-27 highway expansion project, creating economic growth, jobs, trade opportunities across those two states. The I-27 expansion will grow the Texas GDP by $17.2 billion and create 178,000 construction jobs. It will also add 17,000 long-term employment opportunities in the new I-27 corridor. With this project, Laredo will also become the only port of entry that has three corridors: I-35, I-69, I-27—a boon for our trade economy. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fund projects in south Texas that bring good-paying jobs and ease quality of life for my constituents.” “Establishing a four lane, federal highway for I-27 is a game-changer for our economy and quality of life in West Texas for decades to come and will strengthen our food security and energy independence for the entire country,” said Jodey Arrington, U.S. Rep. for District 19. “I had three big goals for a better and stronger West Texas when I took office in 2016 - get cotton back in the farm bill, secure the B-21 bomber at Dyess, and establish a federal highway for West Texas. I had a lot of help from colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and I’m humbled by the opportunities this will provide for generations of West Texans.” Receiving the future interstate designation is the first step to begin fundraising for the extension of I-27. As TxDOT’s feasibility study determined, the extension of I-27 impacts the state of Texas in improving the safety of the roads by reducing the annual crash rate by 21% and providing more access and opportunities for rural America. “I am ecstatic we received the future interstate designation for I-27 which will allow for the necessary infrastructure improvement to bring growth to our region and the state of Texas,” said Dan Pope, mayor for the City of Lubbock. “As with most momentous achievements, our thanks are due to many in their support of this project. From the Governor to our U.S. Senators and Representatives, as well as our State Representatives, this will be a changing moment in Texas for decades.” “This exciting news represents years of planning and collaboration by so many people,” said Ginger Nelson, mayor for the city of Amarillo. “The extension of I-27 is vital to our future growth.” “One of the most significant events of today was the inclusion of the designation of I-27 in the appropriation bill,” said Brenda Gunter, mayor for the city of San Angelo. “We are seeing a project that will have a significant impact on the Texas economy as well as our national GDP. The hard work and effort to accomplish this designation is finally paying off with a tremendous impact on the future of our region and the state of Texas. Thank you to all who have been a part of the process.” The Corridor represents three of the eight border crossings along the Texas-Mexico border: Laredo, Eagle Pass and Del Rio. As the next steps to fund and construct the extension of I-27 begin, the economic benefit for the U.S. is the addition of 1.7 million jobs and a $287 billion increase in GDP along the Corridor. “The impact of this designation is tremendous as it allows for the enhancement of infrastructure for domestic and international markets, creates safer roads for leisure and business travels, and connects underrepresented communities throughout the Corridor with outside markets,” John Osborne, chairman of the board for Ports-to-Plains Alliance. “We would not be celebrating this historic moment without the support of Congressman Arrington and Cuellar and Congresswoman Granger, Senators Heinrich and Lujan, as well as our team of advocates at Hance Scarborough. We are grateful for their leadership and support of this project.” Ports-to-Plains Alliance Ports-to-Plains is a grassroots alliance of over 200 communities and businesses, including alliance partners Heartland Expressway and Theodore Roosevelt Expressway, whose mission is to advocate for a robust international transportation infrastructure to promote economic security and prosperity throughout North America’s energy and agricultural heartland including Mexico to Canada. Additional information on the Ports-to-Plains Alliance is available at http://www.portstoplains.com/. ### Carmen Gutierrez Past President of the Del Rio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce was recognized at TAMACC’s 2022 Women of Distinction Award Ceremony in Austin on June 17, 2022. Carmen’s nomination below was submitted by DRHCC Past Vice Chair Ms. Dora G. Alcala and Past President Ms. Otila Gonzalez. Joining Carmen at the table of of honor included her husband of 43 years Ruben C. Gutierrez Jr., son Ruben Gutierrez, cousin and San Antonio businessman Miguel Gutierrez and wife Maria, close family friend George LeGrande of San Antonio, Ms. Dora G. Alcala BFCU Board Vice Chair and Ms. Otila Gonzlaez, Vice Chair of the BFCU Supervisory Committee, President and CEO of the Border Federal Credit Union Maria J. Martinez and Val Verde County Surveyor Abner G. Martinez.
Carmen donates her time in volunteering to advance the quality of life in our community. She uses her professional background to help accomplish goals. One example is her tireless efforts to ensure ADA compliance at a local City of Del Rio public venue known as Historic Brown Plaza, located in the Hispanic neighborhood known as San Felipe. Brown Plaza is important as it is a center of cultural activities and annual celebrations throughout the year such as the Cinco De Mayo and 16 de Septiembre. Although these activities and celebrations attract a major part of the Del Rio and surrounding area population, it is not accessible to the hundreds of disabled veterans, elderly and children with physical limitations. Carmen researched FEMA and ADA Compliance regulations and made a presentation to the City Manager and after no results, approached the Del Rio City Council with photos and suggestions that would ensure compliance and most importantly provide physical access to those with mobility issues. The City of Del Rio is presently correcting this need by installing ADA Compliant access at Brown Plaza, all due to Carmen’s relentless efforts. Another example is utilizing her social capital in marketing the need to establish a Kids Art Center for children from all areas in Val Verde County. Her work on the Falcon Art Center Board of Directors will benefit the underserved in the barrio for the first time because of its location in the barrio. Carmen donates her time and skills in promoting the work of other non-profits such as Los Amigos del Cemeterio de la Loma de la Cruz which is responsible for documenting, maintaining and preserving the first Hispanic and Historic Cemetery in Del Rio by helping publish a book which documents the grids and history of the only cemetery to serve the Hispanic community until 1932 and was abandoned for 90 years. Despite her own physical limitations due to an accident in 2015, which caused her to have 9 surgical operations, Carmen actively volunteers in the community. Incredibly Carmen who was employed with U.S. Congressman Will Hurd at the time of the accident, returned to work in a wheelchair, followed by a walker, rollator, cane and finally some independent mobility. Currently Carmen serves as Board Chairwoman of the Border Federal Credit Union, volunteers with International Good Neighbor Council and is a volunteer with the Catholic Charities Retired Senior Volunteer Program with the Del Rio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Los Amigos de la Loma de la Cruz. Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) is a nonprofit 501C (6) organization created to promote business leadership, create economic opportunities and provide legislative advocacy for the Hispanic business community in Texas. The month of June is when we dedicate a day of the month to our fathers present or gone to their reward. I hope everyone had a good celebration on such an important day when we take time to honor our fathers in person or in the memories that they have left in our hearts. The foundation of a family normally consists of two parents who contribute to our upbringing, both of equal importance for the most part. When we lose one, the other must take up the full responsibilities for the upbringing of their children. Such was my case when at an early age our mother passed away and my father assumed the full responsibility for our upbringing. On Fathers Day and throughout the year I honor his memory for the nurturing and guidance that he gave us and I am so grateful for his love and his patience. He nurtured with kindness and he disciplined with compassion and firmness. Today I have two boys of my own and I have tried hard to pass on to them the teachings that I received from my father and my mother and I feel so blessed to see my sons thrive and demonstrate that they are responsible, fair and compassionate with their children. That is the greatest tribute that a father can hope to receive! Roberto is the Del Rio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Vice President. He is a lifelong resident of Del Rio and is married to Margot Fernandez. They are the proud parents of two sons, Roberto Jr. and Javier Fernandez and grandparents of four grandchildren. Roberto graduated from The University of Texas and worked for the San Felipe Del Rio C.I.S.D. for 38 years and retired as Superintendent of schools. He was also elected to the Del Rio City Council at the age of 24 and served for nine years. After retirement, he served two terms as Mayor of the City of Del Rio.
As we spring into May, there is a sense of growth and wonder in the air. How fitting is it that we will very soon be celebrating nature’s magic of motherhood. As I look back to my own childhood, it was evident through the years that we celebrated Mother’s Day unlike any other holiday. Throughout the year there were holidays wherein my tio & tias could not make the journey home to be with family. However, everyone found their way home to be with my grandmother on Mother’s Day, even if only for a few hours to enjoy one meal together. The love and reverence we have for our mothers is one like no other. As we, mothers, prepare to celebrate our special day, I have a question for you: Do you love & revere yourself? The expectations & demands that are put on mothers today have evolved. Although we live in a world with more opportunities, that also brings more challenges. There are traditional moms. There are single moms. There are stay-at-home moms & working moms & moms going back to school There are grandmas being moms. There are moms of 12 and moms of 1. There are grieving moms. Regardless of which mom you are, you probably have at least one thing in common with every mom … you have probably asked yourself, at least once, “Am I doing this right?” We have the toughest job in the world – we are raising little humans. It is understandable to experience doubt, guilt & heartache along the way. Be reassured & encouraged today. Embrace the season you are in now, for seasons change and you will never get this day back. Make the most of the time you have with your children; the years are long, but the days are short. What my children seem to remember most were the little things, like the heart to heart talks while we drove to no particular destination with the music on. Choose your battles, like enjoying a family movie night even if the house isn’t spotless. Love your children; children should never have to earn our love, but rest in it. Above all, love yourself. ~ Happy Mother’s Day ~
On April 27, 2022, at Ramada Del Rio Ballroom, we hosted and event to celebrate and recognize the many contributions of these devoted and valued administrative professionals. The Del Rio Hispanic Chamber (DRHCC) held a recognition event for Women's Entrepreneurship Day at the Texas Community Bank Hall. Over the years, we have seen a rise in women entrepreneurs making headway and owning profitable businesses. Women’s Entrepreneurship Day recognizes this contribution and seeks to promote a more conducive environment for business women.
Del Rio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce participated in the 2022 Business Expo at the Whitehead Memorial Museum on March 24, 2022.
The Del Rio Hispanic Chamber (DRHCC) is honored to celebrate 15 years of service to its community. It started out as a few fellow citizens with a mission to bridge the gap between the Hispanic community and the business world. From advocating for local businesses, tourism, education, productive workforce, and much more, the DRHCC would not have reached this milestone without all those (both past and present) who have helped along the way.
We want to give a sincere thank you to each and every person who has participated in making this organization into what it has become today and we look forward to the years to come. Anything is possible when we work together for a better tomorrow! - Sergio Diaz On May 6, 2021, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency, U.S. Border Patrol Del Rio Sector, City Officials, Del Rio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Del Rio Chamber of Commerce, Governor of Estado de Coahuila de Zaragoza, Coahuila Economic Development Officials, Ciudad Acuña Mayor and other officials met to discuss border protection and economic development. Border authorities discussed a program called “se busca” a program designed to improve border protection. This bilateral meeting also served as an opportunity to discuss and provide an update of the progress of an initiative created by a promotional group, which the Del Rio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is a member of. The initiative is a bilateral strategy to promote the Acuña-Del Rio port of entry for more commercial traffic. Ing. Miguel Angel Riquelme Solis, Governor of the State of Coahuila de Zaragoza explained that there are plans for the construction of five loops that will address infrastructure issues and improve the accessibility to our area. This also strengthens the “Corredor Economico del Norte” for the benefit of the Ports-to-Plains.
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