by media | Mar 2, 2021 | Featured News, Information, Media Releases
Pharr EDC Foundation Launches, Founding Board Members Inaugurated
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Economic Development Corporation (EDC) in partnership with the City of Pharr, is proud to announce that they have launched the newly created Pharr EDC Foundation and recently held an induction ceremony welcoming the Founding Board of Directors.
As the City of Pharr’s economic development arm, the Pharr EDC has always focused its efforts on creating direct pipelines for students, post-secondary education workforce development, entrepreneurship, and business development. These efforts will further be expanded through the Pharr EDC Foundation, with a special focus on education.
“This is an exciting moment for the Pharr EDC and something we have been working towards,” said Victor Perez, Executive Director of the Pharr EDC during the ceremony. “The Pharr EDC Foundation, through the dedication and assistance of its board members, plans to focus its efforts on providing scholarships, internship opportunities, and financial literacy education to students within the City of Pharr,” added Perez.
The foundation advisory board includes President, Victor Perez who is the Executive Director of the Pharr EDC; Vice-President Reynaldo Perez who is an Adjunct Professor at Vanguard Academy and South Texas College; and Treasurer, Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., Mayor of Pharr.
During the ceremony, the Founding Board of Directors were administered the oath of office by Pharr City Commissioner Dr. Ramiro Caballero.
Founding Board Members of the Pharr EDC Foundation take the oath of office administered by City Commissioner Dr. Ramiro Caballero during the Inauguration Ceremony.
The Pharr EDC Foundation Founding Board of Directors are Felix Chavez, Jr., President/Owner of Junior’s Supermarket, Edna De Saro, Executive VP & Marketing Director of Lone Star National Bank, Veronica Gonzales, VP of Governmental & Community Relations for UTRGV, Hans Humphrey, New Projects Director for CIL, Sara Lozano, Dean of Business, Public Safety, and Technology for South Texas College, Jerry Maddox, Owner of Fazoli’s Pharr, Dorian Madrigal, General Sales Manager for CAPA, Tony Martinez, Managing Member of Primo Trading Services, Alex Meade, Vice President of Economic Development & Public Finance for Texas Regional Bank, Dr. Annabelle Palomo, CEO/School Director of RGV College, Johnny Rodriguez, Director of Public Relations for Bert Ogden Auto, and Robert Tudor, Owner of Rapid Transport, United Truck Parts, and Dura Trucks. Stuart I.R. Haniff, MHA who is the Chief Executive Officer for The Food Bank RGV will serve as an Advisor to the Board.
As distinguished business owners, entrepreneurs, and career professionals, the Pharr EDC Foundation Founding Board Director’s expertise and business acumen will play a critical role in shaping the educational and economic future of students in Pharr.
“Through the Pharr EDC Foundation, we hope to foster relationships within our community to expand educational and workforce opportunities for students and individuals within Pharr, while supporting our economic growth,” said Mayor and Pharr EDC Foundation Treasurer, Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Education is a critical key to workforce development and we are committed to advancing and supporting our future workforce by providing them with scholarships, internships, and resources, to set them on the path to success,” continued Hernandez.
The Pharr EDC Foundation is committed to supporting Pharr students’ achieve their educational and career dreams by helping them pay for college at all levels, whether it is for a trade or technical degree or a four-year university.
Pharr City Commissioners present the Pharr EDC Foundation with a $500,000 check for student scholarships (L to R): Commissioners Bobby Carrillo, Daniel Chavez, Ricardo Medina, Eleazar Guajardo, Itza Flores, Dr. Ramiro Caballero, Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and Victor Perez, Pharr EDC Executive Director.
As part of this commitment, the Pharr City Commission presented the Pharr EDC Foundation with a $500,000 check during the ceremony. Mayor Hernandez announced during his remarks that funding for the foundation will come from revenues generated by the Pharr International Bridge and through fundraising efforts by the board.
The Pharr EDC Foundation plans to launch its website in the coming months, and scholarship applications will be made available shortly thereafter.
by media | Feb 25, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
Pharr EDC to Hold Inauguration Ceremony Celebrating New Foundation and Board TOMORROW, Thurs., 2/25 @ 6 pm
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Economic Development Corporation (EDC) in partnership with the City of Pharr, is proud to announce that they will be hosting an Inauguration Ceremony to celebrate the new Pharr EDC Foundation and the induction of the Founding Board of Directors. The event will take place at 6 pm TOMORROW, Thursday, February 25 at the Pharr Economic Development Corporation (1215 S. Cage Blvd.) in Pharr.
“This is an exciting moment for the Pharr EDC and something we have been working towards,” said Victor Perez, Executive Director of the Pharr EDC. “The Pharr EDC Foundation, through the dedication and assistance of its board members, plans to focus its efforts on providing scholarships, internship opportunities, and financial literacy education to students within the City of Pharr,” added Perez.
As the City of Pharr’s economic development arm, the Pharr EDC has always focused its efforts on creating direct pipelines for students, post-secondary education workforce development, entrepreneurship, and business development. These efforts will further be expanded through the Pharr EDC Foundation, with a special focus on education.
“Through the Pharr EDC Foundation, we hope to foster relationships within our community to expand educational and workforce opportunities for students and individuals within Pharr, while supporting our economic growth,” said Mayor and Pharr EDC Board President, Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Education is a critical key to workforce development and we are committed to advancing and supporting our future workforce by providing them with scholarships, internships, and resources, to set them on the path to success,” continued Hernandez.
All media are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Pharr EDC to Hold Inauguration Ceremony Celebrating New Foundation and Board
WHEN: Thursday, February 25, 2021, at 6 pm
WHERE: Pharr Economic Development Corporation (1215 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577)
by media | Feb 18, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
City of Pharr to Hold Vaccination Clinic for Adult Daycare Clients TOMORROW, Friday 2/19 @ 9 am
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr and Hidalgo County Precinct 2 are partnering up to vaccinate clients from adult daycare centers located throughout the city. Over 850 vaccines will be administered at 9 am TOMORROW, Friday, February 19 at the Pharr Events Center (3000 N. Cage Blvd.) to individuals who have already pre-registered. This will be a closed point of distribution event.
“Our city and county leaders are working together to ensure that our elderly, who are most at-risk, have the opportunity to receive the coronavirus vaccination,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez. “The City of Pharr is proud to partner with Hidalgo County Precinct 2 and Commissioner Cantu to continue addressing this important population in our community,” added Hernandez.
Mayor Hernandez and Hidalgo County Precinct 2 Commissioner Eddie Cantu will hold a small press conference at 9 am sharp.
“Vaccinating our elderly population is our top priority right now for three reasons: (1) They are our most vulnerable; (2) Statistics show that they are most likely to die if infected; and (3) The elderly often get admitted into the hospital, which affects all of us,” said Commissioner Cantu. “If we can successfully vaccinate our elderly, death and hospital rates should drop by up to 80%,” he added.
We advise all media to arrive early to set up. Should you need more information regarding the event, please contact Michelle Lopez, Pharr Chief Communications Officer via email at [email protected].
All media are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr to Hold Vaccination Clinic for Adult Daycare Clients
WHEN: Friday, February 19, 2021, at 9:00 am
WHERE: Pharr Event Center (3000 N. Cage Blvd. Pharr, TX. 78577)
by media | Feb 18, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
City of Pharr and Vanguard Academy to Open Warming Shelter on THURSDAY, 2/18 at 7 pm
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is once again partnering with Vanguard Academy to open a Warming Shelter ahead of the inclement winter weather forecasted for this evening.
The shelter, located at the Vanguard Academy Gymnasium (1200 E. Kelly Ave.) in Pharr will open at 7 pm TONIGHT, Thursday, February 18, and will close at 10 am on Friday, February 19, 2021.
“While we are relieved to hear that ERCOT has authorized AEP Texas to restore power, we know that the process will take a while and encourage anyone in the city who is still without power to stay overnight at our warming shelter,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Temperatures are expected to drop and we want everyone to remain safe, healthy, and warm,” he added.
The City of Pharr will provide a cot to sleep. Those seeking shelter are encouraged to bring blankets, pillows, food/snacks, and any prescription medication they need. Pets are not allowed. Face masks are required. Space is limited and is on a first-come, first-served basis. COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place including screening for guests, temperature checks, expanded space to allow physical distancing, hygiene access, and increased sanitation guidelines.
While the restoration of electric services throughout the state is underway and Pharr citizens are expected to have their electrical service back soon, the city is asking those families without power or those in need of a warm place to make plans to stay at the shelter as temperatures are expected to drop this evening.
“We understand this has been a difficult situation for many in our community and we are glad to hear that services are being restored,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “At this moment, we join AEP Texas in asking that citizens who remain without power turn off electric systems to allow for a smooth transition as the grid is restored and those with power to practice energy conservation to help prevent new outages,” added Hernandez.
AEP Texas also reminds all customers to unplug any electronic devices from the wall such as computers and televisions. Once power is restored, you should switch the devices back on gradually over the following 30-to-45 minutes. Taking this step will help prevent new outages as service is restored in your area.
The City of Pharr urges all citizens to continue conserving energy as crews work to restore the system and to stay safe as extreme winter weather is expected to drops temperatures this evening.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr and Vanguard Academy to Open Warming Shelter
WHEN: February 18 at 7 pm through Friday, February 19 at 10 am
WHERE: Vanguard Academy Gymnasium (1200 E. Kelly Ave. Pharr, TX 78577)
by media | Feb 17, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
Update on the Mental Health Unit and Special Response Team Call Out for Person in Crisis
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr Police Department provides this update regarding the Mental Health Unit and Special Response Team that responded to a crisis earlier today:
At 7:44 a.m., Pharr PD received a call regarding a disturbance at the 900 block of E. Lucas Street. Responding Officer found a 38-year-old male standing in the front doorway carrying a rifle. The subject proceeded to aim the weapon in the direction of the Responding Officer and fired at least once. The Officer retreated and was not injured. Further investigation revealed the Responding Officer’s squad car was struck in the radiator in the front of the vehicle. The subject’s wife was outside of the house when this occurred and was not injured. The subject then barricaded himself inside of his house.
The Pharr PD quickly responded with our Special Response Team (SRT), Negotiators, and the Criminal Investigations Unit. When officers learned the subject may be experiencing a major life crisis, our Mental Health Unit (MHU) responded to assist as well.
Our MHU officer, who is also a trained negotiator, was able to communicate with the subject for over 2 hours. It became evident the subject was in fact having an emotional and mental crisis so the MHU Officer continued to maintain the open line of communication. During the time the subject was barricaded, he fired a weapon, later discovered to be a shotgun, inside of his home multiple times causing only property damage.
At one point the MHU Officer gained enough of the subject’s confidence to agree to come outside on his own. Our SRT team tactically engaged the subject at the front of his home. When the subjected began to retreat inside of his home, a member of the SRT Team fired a less than lethal weapon striking the subject in his leg. When a can of tear gas spray was thrown into the home, the subject exited the home where he was apprehended without further incident. The subject was treated and transported for further evaluation.
It is important to note that the intent of the Pharr PD, with the creation of the MHU, is to first provide anyone in crisis the appropriate help and resources they need. An investigation is still ongoing and criminal charges are pending. Another vital part of our MHU is to work with and assist the Hidalgo County’s District Attorney’s Office to help identify defendants with mental health issues in order to properly prosecute and help provide mental health treatment and resources as needed.
“I am grateful that today’s dangerous situation resulted in a peaceful outcome where there were no serious injuries to any officers, the subject, or any citizens. Our Pharr police officers responded quickly and their professionalism was displayed and had a positive outcome,” said Pharr Police Chief Andy Harvey.
*Due to the sensitive medical nature of the call and subject, the name will not be released at this time.
by media | Feb 12, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
City of Pharr to Open Shelter in Response to Inclement Weather beginning TONIGHT, Friday, 2/12 at 7 pm
Pharr, Texas – In response to cold temperatures and expected freezing weather forecast for later this weekend into early next week, the City of Pharr is opening a severe weather shelter.
The shelter will open beginning at 7 pm TONIGHT, Friday, February 12, and will remain open through 10 am on Tuesday, February 16, 2021, at the Vanguard Academy Gymnasium located at 1200 E Kelly Ave, Pharr, TX 78577.
“The City of Pharr is proud to partner with Vanguard Academy to provide our citizens in need with a warm shelter during these extreme temperatures,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “We want to make sure that everyone who needs a warm and safe place to stay makes their way to our shelter,” he added. “Please make sure to plan accordingly as there is limited capacity,” continued Hernandez.
The City of Pharr will provide a cot to sleep. Those seeking shelter are encouraged to bring blankets, pillows, food/snacks, and any prescription medication they need. Pets are not allowed. Face masks are required. Space is limited and is on a first-come, first-served basis.
The temporary shelter spaces will meet COVID-19 safety protocols which call for COVID-19 screening for guests, temperature checks, expanded space to allow physical distancing, hygiene access and increased sanitation guidelines.
DETAILS
WHAT: Pharr to Open Shelter for those in need in Response to Forecasted Cold Weather
WHEN: TODAY, Friday, February 12, 2021, beginning at 7 pm through 10 am on Tuesday, February 16, 2021
WHERE: Vanguard Academy Gymnasium (1200 E Kelly Ave, Pharr, TX 78577)
