The Del Rio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce held their first monthly membership meeting of the year at city hall on Thursday January 11th. The City of Del Rio sponsored January’s meeting and gave a small presentation of the citywide projects that were completed during the previous year.
City Manager Henry Arredondo highlighting several projects during his presentation stated that the city repaved 16.1 miles of roads throughout the city. The Civic Center received a new roof and improvements to its landscape. New sidewalks were built on North Main Street and over 8,000 feet of new gas pipes were installed throughout town.
“Our main objective is to provide basic services (to the city)” said City Mayor Robert Garza.
According to Arredondo the city is preparing to renovate the Paul Poag Theatre and the San Felipe Creek this year.
Attendees enjoyed light refreshments. Door prize winners include Alejandra Calderon owner of Classic Cuts, The Hair Studio, Raphael Garza and City of Del Rio worker Margie Montez.

Miss Beatriz Villarreal was born and raised in Del Rio, part of the graduating class of 2016. While in high school she was an active member of the Health Science Club, Student Council, the debate team, UIL persuasive speaking, senior editor of the literary magazine, drama club and became CTE Pharmacy Technician Nationally certified. She was accepted to the University of Texas at San Antonio to study biology. After a year at UTSA she realized that she didn’t want to be a doctor and realized her passion for public relations. Beatriz is currently attending South West Texas Junior College and later wants to transfer to the University of North Texas to major in journalism with a concentration in public relations.​

Dr. Sogunro joins VVRMC from Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio where she was honing her skills as a surgeon. She covers the full spectrum of general surgery but specializes in breast cancer surgery, colon surgery and endocrine (thyroid and parathyroid) surgery.  “I will be ready to see new patients starting August 1st,” she said.
Dr. Sogunro is well traveled. She was born in Nigeria, moved to Edmonton, Alberta as a young child and then went to high school in Connecticut. She attended Medical School in Blacksburg, Virginia and completed her residency in Ohio.
Her love of science and her desire to help people be well drove her to medicine. “I love anatomy,” she said, “I love discovering new things. I want to help people feel better.”

​Falcon International Bank was the site of an exciting and enjoyable monthly membership meeting.   A Fiesta theme welcomed everyone to the festive event.  First order of business was the election of new Board of Directors whose terms are up every odd year.  New Board Directors for 2017-2019 include Director of Finance Alida Helgerman, Director of Small Business and Development George De Leon,  Director of Membership Roxanna Soto, Director of Cultural Events Jaime Chapa and Director of Health Issues Elaine Trevino. They were installed by Justice of the Peace Tony Faz and welcomed by Board Vice President Carlos Ayala, Secretary Dora Alcala, Treasurer Mariana Zuniga, Director of International Affairs Roberto “Bobby” Fernandez, and Director of Education Gregorio Arrambide.
 As everyone waited at times impatiently for the ballot results, guest speaker  Val Verde County Clerk Generossa “Janie Ramon” gave a brief overview of the various operations conduction at the County Clerk’s office.  Ms. Ramon also briefed everyone on the upcoming election and noted she had brought sample ballots. Ms. Dora updated and encouraged everyone on the various IGNC Fiesta de Amistad activities.     
 Special thanks to Ms. Silvia Garcia and Associates of Falcon International Bank for hosting the meeting and providing the antojitos which included delightful tapatios, mouth watering tamales, and a wide array of traditional fiesta foods. We invite you to visit Falcon International Bank with a Northside location on Amistad Blvd and main branch on South Main. They have for banking features such as Snapshot Deposits, Free Business checking and a special Valet Banking Card which you can turn off and on as you need for fraud protection, spending control or other business uses. If you would like to host a membership meeting, please contact Director of Membership Roxanne Soto at 830-774-2328.