The 84th Texas Legislative session was a successful one in that very important legislation did pass that will have a positive impact on most Texans. Representative Nevarez, introduced by long time friend BFCU CEO Maria J. Martinez, noted one very controversial bill that passed (and had caused death threats to him personally) was the Open Carry Bill. Legislation passed to allow Open Carry of handguns with a concealed licensed permit and proof of proficiency, but also allows private business to prohibit licensed individuals from carrying guns on their premises. Also passed is allowing college students in Texas to carry guns on campus for protection, provided they meet the Open Carry law requirements. Also passed was $840 billion for Border Security adding 250 DPS troopers. Funding of $1.5 Billion for public education and funding increases for Child Protective Services passed. Business owners will also be glad to know that $2.6 billion in business franchise tax reductions and $1.2 billion in property tax relief legislation also passed. Representative Nevarez was recognized by President Gutierrez for keeping everyone current during the legislative session with ads in the local newspaper and media. Vice President Dora Alcala presented Representative Poncho Nevarez with a Certificate of Appreciation for his presentation. Director of Membership Reyna Diaz also introduced new member IGNC with Mary Mota, Joe & Tina Martinez, and Dora Alcala accepting the new membership plaque. Consulado de Guatemala representative Laura Rojas also invited everyone to the September 15 of Guatemala’s Independence Day celebration. Membership announcements also had Andrew Scarbo introducing Doc Holliday’s spirited beverage Bee Breeze with a sampling for all as they enjoyed wonderful refreshments coordinated by Alida Helgerman of BFCU. DRHCC also thanks Dave Galindo of Del Rio Buzz for the wonderful photos of the event.
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A beautiful day was in store for the official open house of the Guatemalan Consulate located at 106 Foster Drive. Guatemalan Consul Jorge Archila welcomed everyone to the celebration, introduced Vice Consul Karla Orellana and all staff and outlined the services provided by the permanent office in Del Rio. Services available include issuing passports from Guatemala, identification cards, birth certificates for minors, marriage licenses, funeral registrations and other official documentation. The Consulate office also provide protection services for Guatemalan citizens and helps address any needs they have. Vice President Dora Alcala noted the Consulate provides wonderful and much needed services in this community. She also expressed that Del Rio is fortunate to have TWO Consulate offices (the Mexican Consulate and the Guatemalan Consulate) to provide the needed services. The Guatemalan Consulate in Del Rio is one of only three Guatemalan Consulates in the State of Texas. Houston has the main office and another office is located in McAllen. Dora also presented Consul Archila commemorative Certificate of Appreciation depicting the twin Eagles located at the Amistad Bridge, a landmark in this community. Consul Archila also thanked the community for the warm welcome they have received since they first opened their doors a few months ago. Consul Archila distributed Guatemalan gift bags to all in attendance. President Carmen Gutierrez also took the opportunity to present a New Membership Plaque to Michael Calderon of High Performance Roofing and General Contracting. Michael mentioned that he is a fourth generation small business owner and in business since 2007. At High Performance Roofing & G.C., we take care to provide our customers high quality services personalized for their unique needs. We are available to take your order 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Personalized and custom services provided include building, remodeling, roofing, tiling, granite, painting, concrete, window tint, and design. No job is too big or too small. Commercial and Non Commercial work welcome. Call Michael Calderon 830-488-1872 or stop by 202 W. Rodriguez. Wonderful refreshments and a tour of the Guatemalan Consulate offices followed. Special thanks to Joe & Tina Martinez and MBM Communications for providing canopy covers, City Councilwoman Liz Elizalde, Mexican Vice Consul Briseño, City Manager Henry Arredondo (who announced the new airline service), and all our members and friends for gracing us with your presence. We appreciate you! Rezoning of elementary school campuses was a hot topic of discussion at the last DRHCC Monthly Membership meeting hosted by SFDRCISD. Dr. Carlos H. Rios noted that over time various elementary schools were experiencing overcrowding due to population growth. SFDRCISD faced with these tough challenges were forced to give up some specialized rooms for art and science labs and use them as additional classrooms, request waivers from the Texas Education Agency, address increase problems with traffic safety, while focusing on student achievement. Two key initiatives were also implemented: 1) to reduce the number of non-resident students and 2) reduce the number of students assigned to campuses outside of their residential zones by limiting the number of transfer requests. Statistical data showed that the difficult decision of rezoning would also need to take place to address population growth and safety of students, particularly at Garfield and Buena Vista Elementary schools. In addition future plans recommended by a Citizens’ Committee include building two additional elementary schools with a K-6 environment and repurposing San Felipe Middle School as a 6-8 STEM Magnet School. Upcoming changes included a "blended academy with a focus on career counseling" for 8-12 at risk students, early College High School, Career and Technology Education Center, and Laughlin Elementary Magnet School. You may have already seen some improvements at RAM Stadium and construction ongoing at the Del Rio Freshman School addition of air-conditioned concession/restroom facilities. Also presented were the changes to the former Del Rio High School building on Griner Street. This facility will be the SFDRCISD Student Activity Center and administrative center with a capacity for over 500 guests in a state of the art facility. Dr. Rios also mentioned that the decision for campus rezoning is not a school board decision and is left to the discretion of the Superintendent by the State to avoid political influences. Dr. Rios also introduced his administrative cabinet. This was a very informative presentation with many photos to support vision of "Building Success for the Future." The membership meeting was also an opportunity for our members to introduce new staff. Andrew Scarbo of Doc Holliday’s introduced Eva Solis as the new marketing manager. Del Rio City Manager Henry Arredondo introduced the new Economic Development Director Oriana Fernandez. Thank you Del Rio community for your awesome support. Knowing that all this money is being invested in our community makes it extra sweet and special!!!! Thank you GOLD sponsors: IBC, Roman Allstate, SWTJC & Rio Grande College, Judge Victor R. Garcia, Silver Eagle Distributors. Also, to everyone who purchased a table reservation -- our Silver Sponsors, gracias for paying a little extra. Mayor Garza and our guest speakers, Councilman Ray Lopez from San Antonio, Congressman Will Hurd, Hector Barreto from the Latino Coalition (our Member Host) and Miguel Gutierrez for delivering such inspiring and motivating words to our community. Oh WOW -- Happy Balloons did a great job with the gold/black/silver décor. Beautiful, elegant, and most importantly affordable. So many fine folks who helped, our Member Mr. Nañez did the sound for the bands, Mr. Rodriguez from Banquetes Rodrigues, Leo Cumbias and brother at the bar, Silver Eagle with ice cold beer and ice buckets, Dave Galindo, Del Rio Police Department and everyone including our Board Directors, who lent a hand. Our scholarship committee comprised of Delia Ramirez, Director of Education (RGC), Alida Helgerman (BFCU), Leslie Herrera (TCB), Janie Garcia (HEB), and Michelle Guajardo (also our event’s emcee), did a great job with the scholarship drive and planning the presentation. Having our guest speakers along with SWTJC Derek Sandoval and SRSU Rio Grande College Dr. Paul Sorrels present the Certificates of Scholarship made it memorable for the recipients. This year’s recipients include Daniela Velazco, Wendy Maldonado, Mariana Solorio, Emmanuel B. Odin, Briana L. Rubio, Dezirae K. Cardenas, and Niko Leonardo Hernandez. Remember that this scholarship requires community participation through DRHCC events. Special thanks to Dave Galindo of Del Rio Buzz for posting photos of the event on his website. To all who attended, you were an awesome and happy bunch. Looks like everyone had an enjoyable time. It was fast and fun. Beat the Clock was the theme of the third annual Speed Networking event held at Doc Holliday’s in May. Members and guests had just a few minutes to sell their product or services to each other as they moved around the club, guided by announcer Carmen Gutierrez. Participants were challenged to be the BEST MARKETERS by making eye contact, using positive body language, using their name in the sales pitch, wearing their brand or logo, being knowledgeable about their product or service, to listen politely without interrupting, standing up straight to project confidence, managing their food and drinks, smiling, and most importantly, to work on building relationships.
At the end of the day, make that impression today that will have this person contact you tomorrow. Music by DJ Sergio Diaz played fun tunes that helped set a relaxed atmosphere as participants were stopped periodically to dance their stress away. Wonderful fajitas and tacos al pastor were served at the beginning of the event to make sure “hunger’ would not be a distraction. Judges awarded Best Individual Marketer to Elida Chavira of Speedy Cash (our 2014 Winner) and Best Group Marketing to Gilbert Mercado and Money Concepts staff. The participants themselves also chose Elida Chavira of Speedy Cash as the Best Marketer. If you have not met this dynamic young lady, you must stop by Speedy Cash on Veterans Blvd (across from the Civic Center) to find out more about her successful marketing skills. We had an abundance of door prizes which included wine, overnight stay at Holiday Inn in Eagle Pass, $250.00 Business radio promotion from MBM Radio, and a wide variety of promotional products from our members – Gracias! In a very special way, we also thank our sponsors for making this event possible: West Central Net, Pacheco Worldwide Automotive, Money Concepts, DJ Sergio Diaz, Brown Nissan and Doc Holliday’s. Thank you to Dave Galindo of Del Rio Buzz for the wonderful photos you can download from www.delriobuzz.com. A beautiful day for a beautiful venue in which DRHCC members and guests celebrated the opening of the exciting new ballroom; Imperium Events. Alberto Ramon and family and Antonieta Sanchez and family joined Maggie Roman and Allstate Professionals Stephanie Soto, Jose Martinez, Robert Bacon and Blanca Patiño-Coronado in cutting the official blue ribbon. Dora Alcala, DRHCC Vice President chaired the event, noting the luxurious and spacious areas which include private dressing rooms and two bar areas. Affordable luxury just a few minutes west of Del Rio on US 90 W. It was also a wonderful opportunity to showcase the various types of assistance provided by the third largest personal lines insurer in the United States… The Allstate Corporation. In addition to personal lines of property and casualty insurance, that are provided by Allstate agents such as Maggie Roman in Del Rio. Allstate offers financial planning for long term care and more.
Understanding the demographics of Del Rio and Eagle Pass, both communities on the border, helps us to identify areas to concentrate on for growth. Angeles Ortega, Information Services Specialist of the U.S. Census Bureau, shared many important statistics regarding population, ethnicities, education, housing, income levels, and more of residents and citizens in Val Verde and Maverick counties, with the DRHCC membership and guests. This data obtained from the Census Bureau website can be used in applying for grants, planning a marketing strategy, and even for determining where to locate your business. This information can be used by local elected government leaders to plan for economic growth. The Census Bureau serves as the leading source of quality data about the nation’s people and economy ... a comprehensive study of the United States’ social and economic conditions. Ms. Ortega noted the Census Bureau works year long, conducting surveys, providing training to small businesses and organizations, and conducting the population census every ten years. You can obtain information at www.census.gov or calling Angeles.Ortega.Moore@Census.Gov. Office: 720-962-3872. DRHCC also presented membership plaques to Antonieta Sanchez of Imperius Events and Skip Baker of Mr. Gatti’s. The Amistad Ambassadors were also officially introduced at the meeting. The Amistad Ambassadors assist at ribbon cuttings and other DRHCC events. DRHCC membership meetings are open to the public and held on the 2nd Thursday of every month at different members locations. DRHCC gratefully acknowledges and thanks Ms. Sylvia Owens and the staff of Texas Community Bank for hosting the meeting and providing super, wonderful refreshments for networking before and after the meeting. We also thank Dave Galindo of Del Rio Buzz for excellent photo shots of the event which can be downloaded from Dave’s website: www.delriobuzz.com. The décor was outstanding. Red balloons and a Valentine’s theme welcomed all who attended this year’s DRHCC Valentine’s Business Social.
Will Wagner and the Ramada Inn staff spotlighted the wide array of delicious appetizers and finger foods available for a variety of catering needs. Artistically displayed in the center of the ballroom, the buffet table included stuffed mushrooms, sandwiches, Swedish meatballs, cheeses, and fresh fruit that surrounded a huge cascading bouquet of red balloons. Carlos Ayala assured spirited beverages provided by Silver Eagle Distributors,which included tantalizing margaritas and Ultra Michelob and more, were readily available. All this helped set the stage for the wonderful entertainment coordinated by Border Federal Credit Union CEO Maria Martinez, Marketing Director Alida Helgerman and the BFCU event committee. Everyone attired in RED participated in door prize drawings of wine baskets, chocolates, and even fun loving stuffed animals. Some folks even volunteered to “play” the follow the footsteps to my heart game, dancing and swaying all along the way. Networking was at an all time high as our membership and friends enjoyed a wonderful evening of festivities. Even Mario Mauricio of Eagle Pass Lucky Kickapoo Casino Hotel attended and donated a free room stay and Tshirts. We also thank DJ Barrios for the wonderful music, Dave Galindo of DEL RIO BUZZ, the Board of Directors and all the businesses for their awesome door prizes, and to our most gracious hosts: Border Federal Credit Union, Silver Eagle Distributors, and Ramada Inn of Del Rio. For additional information on hosting a business social, please contact the office at 830-488-7422. Colorful characters grand entrance at the January Membership meeting helped remind everyone of the January 6 Feast of the Three Kings.
After a brief introduction by DRHCC Public Relations Maggie Roman of the Three Wise Men or Magi from HEB, the meeting continued with the introduction of City of Del Rio’s City Manager Henry Arredondo. Mr. Arredondo noted obvious changes to the condition of the streets in Del Rio were ongoing and introduced Interim Public Works Director Alejandro Garcia, P.E. and City Engineer Robert Parker, P.E. to explain the changes. Mr. Garcia and Mr. Parker detailed the current water rehabilitation project commenced in May 2014 and that is ongoing in various parts of the City. The expected completion date is set for May 2015 with a contract value of over $6.7 million dollars. The sewer rehabilitation project areas were identified and is also scheduled for completion in August 2015 with a contract value of over $4.2 million dollars. Mr. Garcia noted that paving to “cover” these construction rehabilitation projects will be initiated once warmer weather arrives so that temperatures needed to ensure asphalt will adhere to the pavement are consistent. Mayor Robert Garza followed with an inspiring presentation. Mayor Garza talked about recent changes in the structure of City government. His goal has been and will continue to be increased transparency to the citizens as well as a more responsive City government. A good example is the city budget process. Department heads now appear before City Council to identify their needs and since the meetings are recorded for live or repeated broadcast, the citizens know where and how their tax dollars are being spent. Mayor Garza stated that while the traditional role of city government is to provide services to citizens in traditional areas – police fire, streets, water, sewer, garbage, public safety; he believe the City should have an expanded role. He noted his efforts in involving community participation as in reorganized committees for a total approach in the decisions that affect our community. In addition Mayor Garza spoke about aesthetics – improving the general appearance of our community, how supporting the arts and history will improve the quality of life, and working on securing airline service. Mayor Garza’s noted the importance of expanding revenue sources with annexation, raising bridge revenue, reducing operating costs, sale of electricity, and improving our convention center facilities in order to bring conventions. In addition, a focus on economic development with the priority of a Water District, strengthening our ties to Laughlin Air Force Base, improving intra and inter city bus service and a new bridge are only a few of the many tasks that are being addressed. Carmen Gutierrez noted that with these and many other objectives require the community’s support. We encourage you to view the meeting online at the City of Del Rio website or for additional information, contact Henry Arredondo, City Manager at 830-775-8558. Not even the really cold temperatures could keep folks away from the November Membership Meeting hosted by Sylvia Davila and Rachel Draeger of IBC. The Membership Meeting focused on the positive changes and growth of the Career and Technology Education (CTE) program at the Del Rio High School. Roger Gonzalez, CTE Director outlined various accomplishments and noted the increased levels of certification. Gonzalez announced a new $10 million CTE Center would most likely be built at the old North Heights school location. Gonzalez also stated that presently 4259 students are enrolled in the CTE program with programs starting as early as the 6th grade. A media presentation detailed the 13 Career Clusters. Gonzalez noted 947 students received Career Certifications in 2013-2014 school year. Student Ambassadors Reymundo Reyes and Carlos Dinkle spoke on their personal experiences with their respective programs. Cristina Zamarripa, DRHCC office assistant also shared her personal experiences and certification achieved while in the program. Gonzalez stated the success of this program is also due to the dedication of the instructors and the support of the local community. Rachel Draeger also shared some examples of how IBC is a strong community partner, participating and promoting various projects. Fellowship amid the DJ sounds of Sergio Diaz before and after the meeting created a networking and warm ambience. |
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