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Pharr City Leaders Meet with Members of Congress in Washington, D.C. to Discuss Priorities

Pharr City Leaders Meet with Members of Congress in Washington, D.C. to Discuss Priorities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020
   *Photo Courtesy of Senator John Cornyn’s Office
Pictured at a meeting in Senator Cornyn’s Office is (l to r): Hollis Rutledge, U.S. Senator John Cornyn, Pharr Director of External Affairs Cynthia Garza-Reyes, City Commissioner Daniel Chavez, and Public Affairs Liaison Michael Vargas. 
Pharr, Texas – Pharr city leaders visited with members of Congress in Washington, D.C. last week to discuss priorities and funding for Pharr, the Pharr International Bridge, and regional projects. 

City Commissioner Daniel Chavez, Director of External Affairs Cynthia Garza-Reyes, and Public Affairs Liaison Michael Vargas represented the City of Pharr during the trip.

“Under my leadership, the City of Pharr has taken a proactive approach to policy and funding solutions by actively meeting with members of Congress to enhance relationships and direct communication with leaders and staff as the city continues to advocate for Pharr families and regional projects for the Rio Grande Valley,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “By fostering positive-working partnerships directly with our representatives on both sides of the aisle, the City of Pharr has been able to accomplish great support and partnerships as we all work together to advance the future of Pharr and the Rio Grande Valley,” added Hernandez. “Our goal is to ensure that Pharr continues to thrive and especially with the passing of USMCA, we want to ensure that we are aware of potential changes that could affect business and trade and commerce in our city and region,” he stated. 

The Pharr delegation met with several key members of Congress and staff including U.S. Senator John Cornyn, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, Congressman Vicent Gonzalez, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, U.S. Congressman Filemon Vela, the Legislative Director for U.S. Congressman Michael Conaway, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul,  members from the Office of U.S. Congressman John “Judge” Carter and leaders from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). 

While meeting with Senator Cornyn, the delegation discussed the importance of USMCA in relation to cross-border trade and its effect on the Pharr International Bridge, as well as Sen. Cornyn’s Protecting American’s Food and Agriculture Act, which has passed the Senate and is on the President’s desk awaiting his signature. This legislationwould ensure the safe and secure trade of agricultural goods across our nation’s borders by authorizing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to hire additional inspectors to fully staff America’s airports, seaports and land ports of entry. The Pharr International Bridge and surrounding regional ports of entry would all benefit from this legislation. 

“I always appreciate my friends from Pharr keeping me abreast of what’s happening in their community.  It was a great meeting focused on binational trade with Mexico, and I was proud to highlight my bill that has passed the Senate to authorize CBP to hire additional inspectors to fully staff our ports of entry,” said Senator Cornyn. 

The delegation also discussed job creation and trade with Senator Ted Cruz.

“It’s always a pleasure to meet with the City of Pharr Leadership,” Sen. Cruz said. “My number priority from day one in the Senate has been jobs because that’s the number one priority of Texans all across our great state. I was proud to support the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which is a win for Texas farmers, ranchers, manufactures, and businesses. The Pharr International Bridge is no exception and, as the number one port of entry for produce, it will only be strengthened under this agreement. I appreciate the leadership of Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez and the Pharr city council members and community leaders and I will continue working to ensure our trade agreements benefit Texas and put American jobs first.”

Congressman Filemon Vela welcomed the delegation as they met to discuss border trade and the importance of the Pharr International Bridge to the Texas and National economies. 

“The Pharr bridge is a critical line of commerce between the United States and Mexico.  As one of the most traveled commercialized bridges in the country, the men and women who operate the Pharr bridge help feed the nation.  It’s always a pleasure meeting with City of Pharr leaders to discuss how we can ensure that this vital line of trade continues to operate so that commerce runs smoothly and safely,” said Congressman Filemon Vela. 

Meeting with Congressman Gonzalez, the group met to cover key priority issues for the city and region. 

“When Pharr thrives, the United States thrives,” said Congressman Vicente Gonzalez. “As a key international gateway, the city of Pharr plays a crucial role in economic development for South Texas. I will continue to advocate for the city of Pharr as it takes bold and innovative steps to improve its infrastructure, expand investment, make cross-border commerce more efficient, and bring more high-paying jobs to our region.”

Among the many other items discussed with leaders were transportation, technology, public safety, and continued talks regarding future possible pilot programs that could benefit the city.
Pharr delegation meets with U.S. Senator John Cornyn.
Pharr delegation meets with U.S.Senator Ted Cruz. 

Pharr Officials to Host Press Conference Announcing HUB Phestival Musical Acts and Activities TODAY, Mon. 3/2 @ 4:30 pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Pharr, Texas – Pharr city officials will host a press conference to make an announcement regarding the city’s biggest annual celebration,  the Pharr Hub Phestival. The press conference will be held immediately following the Pharr City Commission meeting at 4:30 pm on Monday, March 2, 2020, at the Pharr City Commission Meeting Room located in Pharr City Hall (118 S. Cage Blvd., 2nd Floor).

Special guest and radio personality JoJo from KTEX will be joining city leaders to announce the exciting lineup for this year’s festival which is themed “Country Boots/Tejano Roots.” HubPhest will take place in downtown Pharr on Saturday, April 4, 2020, and is FREE for all attendees before 5 pm, and only $5 admission after 5 pm. All you can ride carnival wristbands will be sold for $5.

HubPhest is a family-friendly festival full of fun and entertainment. Features this year will include an IBCA-sanctioned Barbecue Cookoff, food booths, a carnival, petting zoo, dock dogs, and much, much more!

All media are invited to attend. 

DETAILS
WHAT:  Pharr Hub Phestival Press Conference Announcement
WHEN:  Monday, March 2, 2020, at 4:30 pm 
WHERE: Pharr City Hall, 2nd Floor (118 S. Cage) 
Pharr to Host Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Traveler Produce TODAY, Thursday 2/20 @3:30 pm

Pharr to Host Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Traveler Produce TODAY, Thursday 2/20 @3:30 pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pharr, Texas – City of Pharr officials and the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of Traveler Produce’s newest facility – Eagle Cold Storage.  

The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be held at 3:30 pm TODAY, Thursday, February 20, 2020, at Eagle Cold Storage in the Pharr Produce Park (10701 S. International Drive) in Pharr.

Known for its expansive reach, Traveler Produce works diligently to provide quality produce to all parts of the United States. Please join us to welcome them to Pharr, TX, the hub of international trade in the Rio Grande Valley! 

All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT:  Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Traveler Produce’s Eagle Cold Storage
WHEN:  Thursday, February 20, 2020, at 3:30 pm
WHERE: 10701 S. International Dr., Pharr, Texas
Mayor Hernandez Takes Oath of Office as Newly Appointed Member of the CPRIT Oversight Committee

Mayor Hernandez Takes Oath of Office as Newly Appointed Member of the CPRIT Oversight Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020
Pharr, Texas – Pharr Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez was officially administered the oath of office this morning by Presiding Officer Donald “Dee Margo” as he joined colleagues for his first meeting at the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) Oversight Committee in Austin.

“I am honored to be a part of this committee and am especially proud to join my colleagues as we lead the statewide effort to cure cancer,” said Hernandez. “With my background as a pediatric surgeon, I will continue to advocate and push for efforts that will advance our fight against cancer,” he continued. “We are entrusted with a very important task and I am here to do my part to ensure that we are investing our resources, research, and funding into viable solutions that will enhance the quality of life for all Texans,” he added. “I thank Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick for his trust in me and look forward to serving our Texas families and children in this new role.”

Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick appointed Hernandez to the Oversight Committee last week. Hernandez is now one of nine Texans who serve on the oversight committee, comprised of appointees by the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The oversight committee guides the programs and services for the CPRIT, who awards grants for cancer-related research and the delivery of cancer prevention programs and services.
The CPRIT was established in 2007 by Texas voters who approved and authorized investing $3 billion in bonds to fund groundbreaking cancer research and prevention programs and services. CPRIT’s mission is dedicated to finding a cure for cancer, and it strives to position Texas as a leader in cancer research and prevention by collaborating with a variety of public and private entities, community organizations, universities and academic health institutions, government entities, and others who are committed to fighting cancer and finding a cure. On November 5, 2019, Texas voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment to reauthorize CPRIT and provide an additional $3 billion for a total $6 billion investment in cancer research and prevention.
 
CPRIT is the state agency mandated to Create and expedite innovation in the area of cancer research and in the area of cancer research and in enhancing the potential for a medical or scientific breakthrough in the prevention of cancer and cures for cancer; Attract, create, or expand research capabilities of public or private institutions of higher education and other public or private entities that will promote a substantial increase in cancer research and in the creation of high-quality new jobs in this state; andDevelop and implement the Texas Cancer Plan.Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 102.002
Governor Appoints Anali Alanis to the TMRS Board of Trustees

Governor Appoints Anali Alanis to the TMRS Board of Trustees

GOVERNOR APPOINTS ANALI ALANIS TO THE
TEXAS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM BOARD OF TRUSTEES
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: February 14, 2020

Contact: Bill Wallace
Director of Communications
512-225-3722
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Anali Alanis of Pharr,
Texas, to the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) Board
of Trustees for a term ending February 1, 2021. She will replace
Jim Jeffers, who retired in January. The six-member Board of
Trustees oversee TMRS, the agency that provides retirement
benefit plans for the employees of 889 Texas cities.

Mrs. Alanis is an Assistant City Manager for the City of Pharr. She has over a decade of successful municipal experience. As an Assistant City Manager, she coordinates the policies and programs of a number of city departments, including Police, Fire, Innovation & Technology, Human Resources, and others.
Mrs. Alanis is the President of the Rio Grande Valley Human Resources Consortium and a member of the International City/County Management Association. She received an Associate of Arts in Business Administration, a Bachelor of Applied Technology Management from South Texas College in McAllen, and a Master of Public Affairs from The University of Texas ─ Rio Grande Valley. She is a member of the Texas Municipal Human Resources Association, the International Public Management Association for Human Resources, the Society of Human Resources Management, the Texas Chapter of the Public Risk Management Association, and the National Society of Leadership and Success. TMRS is a statewide multi-employer retirement plan which invests a $31 billion trust fund and manages retirement benefits for more than 175,300 current and former municipal employees.
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