by media | Feb 14, 2019 | Information, Media Releases
Pharr and PSJA ISD Host 2019 Lunar New Year Festival
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr, the Pharr Economic Development Corporation, the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD), and the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) held a joint celebration for the 2019 Lunar New Year Festival, celebrating the Year of the Hog. Considered the most important holiday in China, the Chinese New Year is celebrated throughout the country with festivals, special traditions, and food. The festival, which was held at PSJA Southwest Early College High School attracted students from throughout the district and community, helping to provide an understanding and knowledge of the Chinese culture.
“Events like these are crucial to expanding our student’s worldview and broadening their understanding of other languages, cultures, and traditions,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “The City of Pharr is proud to participate and support this culturally-immersive event which helps students further understand the Chinese culture,” he continued. “Additionally, this type of cultural immersion prepares our students to be globally competitive in an internationally driven workforce,” he added.
PSJA ISD has a renowned Dual Language Enrichment Program, which has become a model for local, state, and national educators. As such, they are one of the only, if not the only, district in the Rio Grande Valley to offer a Mandarin Chinese Program. A program such as this one exposes students to cultural events, foods, traditions, and many other aspects of the culture, adding a more in-depth understanding of a culture than just language acquisition.
“As a globally competitive economy, it is crucial that we work with our students and educators to develop the skills, knowledge, and languages that will benefit economic development for future generations,” said Victor Perez, Pharr EDC Executive Director and PSJA ISD School Board Member. “We are thankful to the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) and the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) your continuous support,” he added.
The festival was attended by hundreds of local community members, students, and officials. A vibrant celebration including traditional Chinese customs such as food, music, calligraphy, martial arts, songs, clothing, and a dragon dance was showcased throughout the evening of festivities.
by media | Feb 14, 2019 | Media Releases
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Thursday, February 7, 2019, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
Pharr Proclaims February 5-8, 2019, as Lunar New Year Festival and International Week
The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation proclaiming the week of February 5-8, 2019, as Lunar New Year Festival and International Week.
The City of Pharr, the Pharr Economic Development Corporation, the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD), and the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) are joining forces to host a joint celebration for the 2019 Lunar New Year Festival as part of the district’s Mandarin Chinese Program. The Chinese New Year is considered the most important holiday in China. The festival helps to further engage students understanding and knowledge of the Chinese culture.
“We are thankful to the city of Pharr for your partnership, resources, and support that you provided to make this event a success,” said Jennifer Burden, Dean of Instruction at PSJA ISD – Southwest Early College High School. “We were excited to receive a grant through the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley from the U.S. Department of Education to support undergraduate international studies and foreign languages, as a result, we have enjoyed weeklong workshops focusing on different countries and their cultures and look forward to ending our Multicultural/International Week with the celebration of the Lunar New Year Festival,” continued Burden.
City Proclaims March 2 as Children’s Advocacy Center of Hidalgo County Day
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation designating March 2, 2019, as Children’s Advocacy Center of Hidalgo County Day. The center also is known as Estrella’s House, is one of 800 Children’s Advocacy Centers nationwide, one of 71 certified Children’s Advocacy Centers in Texas and the first child-focused facility and community-based program of its kind in Hidalgo County, servicing child abuse victims age 2 – 17 years of age.
The center works to reduce the emotional trauma to child abuse victims, which supports the prevention of child abuse through community education and promotes the effective prosecution of those who perpetrate crimes against children. Jesus Sanchez, Executive Director, accepted the proclamation on behalf of the organization and stated, “We are often the first stop for children who have been suspected of abuse or neglect, our goal is to restore the lives of children through healing and justice. Last year we saw 1,618 abused children, 149 from the city of Pharr.” “We are thankful to the city of Pharr, the Pharr Police Department, and investigators for your continued support,” he said.
Sanchez announced that in order to raise awareness and funds for the organization, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hidalgo County, is hosting their Annual Vinos Wine Extravaganza at the Embassy Suites McAllen Convention Center on Saturday, March 2, 2019 from 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm, featuring delicious food provided by local restaurants, fine wines and amazing entertainment by Premier Showband Satellite and The Renaissance Rockers
by media | Nov 30, 2018 | Media Releases
Pharr Selects Alex Meade as City Manager
Pharr, Texas – At its regular meeting held on October 15, 2018, the Pharr city commission approved the advertising of an employment opportunity for a city manager after the resignation of former city manager, Juan Guerra. The city commission also authorized Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. to negotiate and enter into city manager employment agreements. Deputy City Manager Ed Wylie was appointed interim city manager until the permanent position was filled.
After deliberation and review of interested applicants, Pharr has selected Alejandro “Alex” Meade as its new city manager. Meade carries a wealth of government and managerial experience, most notably serving as the first CEO for Mission Economic Development Corporation (EDC). During his tenure, Meade helped attract projects that offered significant job creation and capital investment in excess of $300 million and more than 1,000 jobs. Meade also established the Center for Education and Economic Development (CEED) in Mission, which fosters entrepreneurial and creative co-working, training opportunities, and workforce development. Meade implemented workforce development programs that have been recognized at the local, state and federal levels, and was the recipient of a special “Innovation Award” from the Progress Times newspaper’s annual citizenship awards.
Prior to his tenure with Mission EDC, Meade was principal at P3 Economics, wherein he consulted multiple communities across South Texas, providing strategic planning, site selection, and business development services. He also worked with communities, local officials, and business and industry leaders to develop strategies to create partnerships in response to challenges, and helped organizations access and negotiate funding from federal, state and local agencies. Meade has also been recognized for his leadership at the state level, having been recently appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas State Technical College System Board of Regents and previously appointed by Governor Abbott to the Texas Economic Development Corporation.
Meade boasts two master’s degrees – a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Public Administration (MPA). Meade is also certified as an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) and a Certified Public Manager (CPM). Meade plans to utilize the combination of financial expertise and public governance experience to help meet Pharr’s vision for responsible management and high-quality delivery of government services.
“Alex’s energy, experience, and innovative ideas are an ideal fit for Pharr,” noted Mayor Hernandez. “We look forward to having him implement our vision for growth and prosperity in Pharr, while looking out for the best interest of our constituents,” he added.
A true innovator, Meade plans to implement governing strategies, such as Lean Six Sigma, that are meant to streamline services, eliminate waste in governance, and increase operational efficiency. He also plans to help Pharr transition into a “smart city,” integrating information and communications technologies to improve the quality of government services and citizen welfare. Meade’s goals also include continuing to work to improve the quality of life for citizens and families and remaining focused on economic and workforce development.
“I am excited at this opportunity to help lead Pharr into the future and beyond, and look forward to fostering innovation, education, and overall opportunities for success for our community and its citizens, Meade stated. “I appreciate the support and confidence of the Mayor and commissioners, and I am ready to get to work,” he added.
The city will host a welcoming event for the community to meet and greet its new city manager. The community event will be held at 4:30 pm on Monday, December 10, 2018 at the Pharr Events Center (3000 N. Cage in Pharr). All media and the public are invited to attend.
by media | Nov 8, 2018 | Media Releases
Pharr, Texas – As part of its efforts to provide quality, family-fun events for the entire community to enjoy, and to honor the dedication of all members and Veterans of the United States armed services, the City of Pharr invites the public to join us at the annual Veterans Day festivities on Saturday, November 10, 2018, starting at 4 pm in downtown Pharr.
The festivities will begin with a Veterans Day Parade at 4:00 pm in downtown Pharr, followed by a fireworks launch at 6:15 pm from Liberty Middle School (1212 S. Fir), and end with a concert featuring Electroband at 7:00 pm at the American Legion Post #101 (417 S Cage Blvd.) in Pharr.
“Veterans Day is a time for our community to come together to honor the many brave men and women who have served in the armed forces to protect our freedom and our country,” said Mayor Hernandez. “On behalf of the entire Pharr City Commission, we invite the public, our citizens, and all our veterans to come and enjoy the festivities,” he continued.
This event is FREE and open to the public. All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr Veterans Day Parade, Fireworks, & Concert
WHEN: Saturday, November 10
Parade at 4:00 pm, Fireworks at 6:15 pm, and Concert at 7:00 pm
WHERE: Parade – Begins in downtown Pharr (near City Hall)
Fireworks – Liberty Middle School (1212 S. Fir)
Concert – American Legion Post #101 (417 S. Cage Blvd.)
by media | Nov 6, 2018 | Media Releases
Pharr, Texas – Amid a crowd of RGV College students, dignitaries, and partners, Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. and Dr. Annabelle Palomo, CEO of Rio Grande Valley College (RGV College) proudly announced that RGV College will now offer a new Associate Degree in Nursing LVN to RN Bridge Program. The Texas Board of Nursing granted the institution initial approval during its October 2018 Board meeting.
“Congratulations to RGV College, we are excited about this announcement that will offer students more opportunities to seek healthcare careers here in the Rio Grande Valley, while at the same time, helping to reduce the nursing shortage in acute care facilities in the Texas region and the Rio Grande Valley,” said Mayor Hernandez. “I know that our community and our region, as a whole, will greatly benefit from this exciting news and I cannot wait to see how it will impact our region in the future,” he continued.
The first cohort of thirty students is scheduled to begin classes in January 2019.
During her speech, Dr. Palomo thanked Mayor Hernandez, his staff, and the City of Pharr for their continued support and partnership in assisting RGV College as they prepared to apply before the Texas Board of Nursing.
“This was a long process and a project that took true partnership, foresight, and planning,” stated Dr. Palomo. “We are so thankful for the support of Mayor Hernandez and the City of Pharr and everyone who played a role in helping us make this dream a reality,” she added. “RGV College looks forward to providing more opportunities to our students and to help close the healthcare shortage gap of much needed medical personnel.”
Established in 2008, RGV College has become one of the most sought-after vocational schools in the Rio Grande Valley for its A+ grade level education. Programs currently offered at RGV College include Vocational Nursing, Nurse’s Aide, Pharmacy Technician, Medical Assistant, and Medical Billing & Coding Specialist. The Vocational Nursing Program boasts a 98% passing rate and the college, as a whole, has maintained the highest NCLEX pass rate in the Rio Grande Valley for the past three years. 
“The City of Pharr is proud to be the home of RGV College, and we are especially thankful to have them be a part of our community as we strive to provide higher education opportunities to our residents,” said Mayor Hernandez in closing.
by media | Nov 6, 2018 | Media Releases
Pharr, Texas – Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. joined Hidalgo County Judge Ramon Garcia, Weslaco Mayor David Suarez, and Donna Mayor Rick Morales at a meeting earlier today to formally establish the Hidalgo County Regional Foreign Trade Zone. At the meeting, the county judge and mayors signed an official certificate of formation, establishing the inaugural board of directors of the newly-formed regional foreign trade zone.
The City of Weslaco was originally granted authority for a General-Purpose Zone in the 1980’s. Earlier this year, the city submitted a request to reissue of the grant of authority to become part of the Hidalgo County Regional Foreign Trade Zone. The project was born out of discussions from several municipalities that had expressed an interest in joining forces to reap the benefits of the foreign trade zone designation under the auspices of one administrative entity. In the true spirit of regionalization and cooperation, the cities of Pharr, Weslaco, Donna, and Edinburg worked with Hidalgo County to establish the formation of the intercity partnership, the Hidalgo County Regional Foreign Trade Zone.
“International trade and commerce are vital to our national economy, and as leaders of border communities, we recognize the tremendous impact that our area can have, given the right tools, resources and opportunities for growth,” Mayor Hernandez stated. “By having the foresight to join forces and shift our focus to a regional perspective, we are taking the necessary steps for our communities to remain competitive in a global market,” he continued. “This Regional Foreign Trade Zone will provide numerous opportunities for economic development and investment in our communities, benefiting the entire region as a whole,” Hernandez added.
The Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Designation will streamline benefits for all companies which will endow them with the opportunity to compete on a level playing field with businesses throughout the nation in terms of decision making for production and investment. Additionally, the zone will promote activities involving domestic operations, facilitate and expedite trade, retain and create jobs, encourage investment, and boost international commerce. With this new foreign trade zone, the member communities will able to use the regional FTZ designation as an economic development tool within their respective cities while reaping the benefits of administration under the oversight of Hidalgo County.
Members of the Hidalgo County Regional Founding Board include:
Hidalgo County Chairman Judge Ramon Garcia
City of Pharr Vice Chair Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez
City of Weslaco Treasurer Mayor David Suarez
City of Edinburg Secretary Mayor Richard Molina
City of Donna Founding Board Member Mayor Rick Morales
City of Weslaco Founding Board Member Commissioner Letty Lopez
ABOUT FOREIGN TRADE ZONES
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A United States Foreign Trade Zone is a secure, geographical area authorized by the federal government, where commercial merchandise, both domestic and foreign, receives the same treatment by US Customs as if it were outside the commerce of the United States. Many firms use FTZs to defer the payment of duties and taxes, and in the case of re-export of cargo, avoid the applicable duties and taxes altogether as the merchandise was considered to have never entered the US consumption area. FTZs can be operated by both public and private entities.
