by media | Aug 30, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases, News
Pharr EDC and the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce to Host The Hub Job Fair on Wednesday, September 1st from 9 am to 1 pm at the Pepe Salinas Civic Center
The Pharr Economic Development Corporation in partnership with The Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce, and Workforce Solutions will host a job fair featuring over 40 employers. The Hub Job Fair will take place from 9 am to 1 pm on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at the Pepe Salinas Civic Center (1011 W. Kelly Ave) in Pharr. There is NO FEE or registration required to attend.
“The Pharr EDC is proud to work together with our local employers, and partners at Workforce Solutions to host this event as we aim to keep our workforce growing,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “With over 40 employers looking to fill positions in their businesses, there will be many opportunities for employment,” he added.
Employers in the areas of healthcare, government, education, construction, oil field, transportation, retail, customer service, restaurant chains, and more will be available to answer any questions, accept job applications, and conduct on-site interviews. The event is FREE and pre-registration is not required to attend. Applicants are reminded to come prepared with resumes and other documents necessary to apply.
All media and the public are invited to attend. Masks are recommended.
DETAILS
WHAT: The Hub Job Fair
WHEN: Wednesday, September 1, 2021, from 9 am – 1 pm
WHERE: Pepe Salinas Civic Center (1011 W. Kelly Ave., Pharr, TX 78577)
by media | Aug 24, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases, News
Pharr Mayor Hernandez, CPRIT Oversight Committee Member, Announces $2.5 Million Cancer Research Grant to UTRGV
In his capacity representing Pharr, the Rio Grande Valley, and the medical community of Texas, Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., as a member of the Oversight Committee of the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), is proud to announce that CPRIT has awarded funding in the amount of $2.5 million to The University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) for an Integrated Cancer Research Core Facility, the only specialized facility of its kind within 250 miles.
“This is very exciting news for the Rio Grande Valley and Texas,” said Hernandez. “This grant award further solidifies UTRGV’s fairly young medical school’s significant and emerging role as a leader in cancer research, and will provide researchers with countless opportunities for innovation and creativity to examine cutting-edge and breakthrough treatments for cancer patients,” Hernandez continued.
“As a community, we value the medical advancements that are being made here in our backyard, that are studying medical issues specific to our local demographics and informing the greater medical community-at-large,” Hernandez added. “I am honored to be contributing to the significance of this moment as a member of CPRIT’s oversight committee, as a medical professional, and as a leader in our South Texas community,” said Hernandez. “Many lives will be impacted by the medical research at this Integrated Research facility, and we should all be proud of UTRGV on this notable accomplishment and for being competitive among the most reputable medical schools in all areas of medical research,” Hernandez added.
According to CPRIT, the grant award process is “extremely competitive,” explained Wayne Roberts, CPRIT’s Chief Executive Officer. Roberts added, “Receiving such a significant grant as a new institution is a tribute to the UT Rio Grande Valley’s developing role in fast-tracking cancer research in the Valley and Texas.”
This grant award from CPRIT is timely, as UTRGV has just announced the creation of its new Cancer and Surgery Center, with oncology advisory services provided by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, according to a news release issued by the university yesterday. The Integrated Cancer Research Core Facility funded by CPRIT will likely inform and work alongside the new Cancer and Surgery Center as it advances cutting-edge research and clinical treatment services.
“UTRGV is committed to expanding medical care and conducting relevant research for the Rio Grande Valley community, and this CPRIT award will allow us to continue to fulfill our mission by helping us create an Integrated Cancer Research Core Facility,” UTRGV President Guy Bailey said. “I thank Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez and the City of Pharr for their continued support of UTRGV and our School of Medicine, and everyone who helped our university obtain this impactful grant,” added Bailey.
“I knew in 2007, when I first coauthored legislation creating the CPRIT, that it would have a huge impact on our state,” said Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. “CPRIT’s grant confirms the prestige and impact that UTRGV has in our community,” added Lucio. “Not only is UTRGV a powerhouse for South Texas, but it will also now be known as a powerhouse for cancer research, further enabling those in our community, state, and nation to seek and receive the care and the much-needed help they deserve,” Lucio stated.
“I am pleased CPRIT made this award to UTRGV,” said Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa. “Our legislative delegation has been meeting with CPRIT leadership advocating for financial support to expand our cancer treatment infrastructure in South Texas,” he added. “An important step in our efforts included the appointment of Dr. Hernandez to the CPRIT Board,” stated Hinojosa. “He understands the needs of our communities and is a strong voice for our region,” he continued. “Working together, we will ensure that Valley residents with cancer have access to top-notch researchers, facilities, and doctors available to them during their battle,” added Hinojosa.
Hernandez was appointed to the CPRIT’s Oversight Committee in February 2020 by Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.
“I am honored to serve and represent our community and Texas as a member of CPRIT’s Oversight Committee, and I want to acknowledge and thank State Senators Eddie Lucio, Jr., and Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa for believing in me and for their support in promoting my appointment,” Hernandez said. “Together, and along with CPRIT and now UTRGV, we are advancing scientific knowledge and contributing to life-saving prevention and treatment services for cancer patients,” Hernandez ended.
COURTESY FORWARD
View the full text of CPRIT’s grant announcement at:
https://www.cprit.state.tx.us/news-events/articles/cancer-prevention-research-institute-of-texas-awards-25-million-to-ut-rio-grande-valley/
by media | Aug 18, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
City to Make Special Pharr Hub Phestival Announcement on 8/18 at 12 pm following Signing Ceremony
Pharr city officials will make a special announcement regarding one of the city’s biggest events, the Pharr Hub Phestival. The announcement will be made immediately following the Signing Ceremony for the Police and Fire Unions Collective Bargaining Agreement at 12 pm, on the Second Floor of Pharr City Hall (118 S. Cage Blvd., 2nd Floor).
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and Pharr city officials are excited to announce the lineup of events, including musical entertainment, for this year’s festival which is themed “Country Boots & Tejano Roots.” Hub Phest will take place in downtown Pharr starting at 1 pm on Saturday, September 18, 2021, 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.
“The City of Pharr is thrilled to once again bring back our beloved annual Pharr Hub Phestival and we look forward to a successful event,” said Mayor Hernandez. “There will be plenty of activities, music, and entertainment for our Pharr families and local communities to enjoy,” he added. “Everyone is invited to join us for the festivities, remember to bring your family, your friends, your lawn chairs, and join us on Saturday, September 18 for Pharr Hub Phest!”
Hub Phest is a family-friendly festival full of fun and entertainment. Features this year will include carnival rides, food booths, live music, and much, much more! For more information about the event visit WWW.HUBPHEST.COM.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Pharr Hub Phestival Musical Line Up Announcement
WHEN: Wednesday, August 18, 2021
WHERE: Second Floor of Pharr City Hall (118 S. Cage Blvd., 2nd Floor)
by media | Aug 17, 2021 | Featured News, Information, Media Releases
Pharr to Host Signing Ceremony for Police and Fire Unions Collective Bargaining Agreements on Wed., 8/18 @ 12 pm
The City of Pharr will host a Signing Ceremony for the Police and Fire Unions Collective Bargaining Agreements. The event will take place at 12 pm on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, on the Second Floor of Pharr City Hall (118 S. Cage Blvd).
The City of Pharr successfully negotiated collective bargaining contracts with both Fire and Police Unions last month. After a two-year carryover of existing contracts, the negotiations concluded within a day of each other and resulted in 3-year contracts with each entity, incremental pay increases, and organizational modifications.
“We are proud of the diligent work and efforts of all stakeholders who came together to make these agreements a success,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “These changes will positively impact our Pharr Police and Fire Department personnel and ensure the continued safety, security, and protection of our Pharr residents,” he added. “The dedication of our personnel is greatly appreciated!”
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Pharr to Host Signing Ceremony for the Police and Fire Unions Collective Bargaining Agreements
WHEN: Wednesday, August 18, 2021
WHERE: Pharr City Hall, 2nd Floor (118 S Cage Blvd)
by media | Aug 10, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce and City of Pharr Announce Miss Pharr Scholarship Pageant 2021
The Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce and City of Pharr are proud to announce the Miss Pharr Scholarship Pageant 2021. Two lucky winners will have the opportunity to earn the title of Miss Pharr and Miss Pharr Teen along with a scholarship. They will join the titleholders of the Miss Pharr Jr. Teen and Miss Pharr Pre-Teen in representing the city at events throughout the year. The pageant will take place at 6:00 pm on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at the Pepe Salinas Civic Center (1011 W. Kelly Ave. Pharr, TX 78577).
“The Miss Pharr Scholarship Pageant is a glamorous and exciting event that provides a great opportunity for young girls in the community to step out of their comfort zones, become involved in their community, represent their City, and build their self-confidence,” said Marcela Beas, President/CEO of the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to a great event featuring an amazing array of young ladies from throughout our community,” added Beas.
All girls interested in participating in the Miss Pharr Scholarship Pageant 2021 must be residents of Pharr and currently enrolled in school. Contestant categories include: Miss Pharr (18-21), Miss Pharr Teen (15-17), Miss Pharr Jr. Teen (13-14), and Miss Pharr Pre-Teen (10-12).
Pageant participants will be vying for the title of Miss Pharr and Miss Pharr Teen along with other exciting prize packages. The top prize is a $2,000 scholarship for Miss Pharr (18-21) winner and a $1,000 scholarship for the Miss Pharr Teen (15-17) winner. In addition to winning the scholarship grand prize, the Miss and Teen winners entry fee will be paid to the prestigious, 2021 Miss Rio Grande Valley and Miss Rio Grande Valley Teen USA Pageant. The winner of Miss RGV USA and Miss RGV Teen USA Pageants will go on to compete at the Miss Texas USA and Miss Teen Texas USA Pageants.
To register online visit https://pharr.jotform.com/211677090167054. All applications must be submitted on or before Wednesday, August 25, 2021. The entry fee to participate in the pageant is $150.00. Fees may be obtained from a sponsor, a group of sponsors, family, friends, or the contestant herself. Any donation from a business may be tax-deductible as an advertising expense. The deadline to submit the entry fee is August 25, 2021.
For additional information about the pageant, contact the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce at (956) 402-4240 or via email at [email protected].
by media | Jul 20, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases, News
Pharr Approves Labor Agreements with Fire and Police Unions
The City of Pharr has successfully negotiated collective bargaining contracts with both Fire and Police Unions. After a two-year carryover of existing contracts, the negotiations concluded within a day of each other and resulted in 3-year contracts with each entity, incremental pay increase, and organizational modifications.
“The Pharr Police Officers Association is proud to announce that after three hours of negotiation, we successfully reached an agreement regarding police labor improvements,” said Sgt. Danny Garcia, Treasurer of the Pharr Police Association. “We are proud of the collaborative efforts between Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, Pharr City Commissioners, city administration, and our police unions,” he said. “Through these negotiations, our Pharr Police personnel will now receive a 15% increase over the next 3 years; 7% in year 1, 4% in year 2, and 4% in year 3,” added. Sgt. Garcia.
“The Pharr Professional Firefighters Association extends its gratitude to Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, our City Commissioners, City Manager Ed Wylie, Assistant City Manager Anali Alanis, Finance Director Karla Saavedra, Attorney Representative Rebecca Hayward, and our Pharr Fire Department Administrative team,” said Michael Navarro, the President of the Fire Union. “The newly approved contract will consist of a 13% increase over the course of 3 years and includes modifications to the organizational chart which now includes battalion chief officers to the rank structure,” continued Navarro. “The Pharr Fire Department has expanded tremendously over the years, and we look forward to being a part of the continual growth these new terms will bring to our city and personnel,” Navarro stated. “These new additions will help to efficiently manage all our responding units and stations during emergency situations,” he said.
“The City of Pharr is pleased that we reached agreements so quickly,” said City Manager Ed Wylie. “The open-minded philosophy of both the union representatives and city administration made for a successful outcome for both the city and our first responders in the police and fire departments,” he continued. “These new agreements demonstrate how much the City of Pharr values its employees and are grateful for such excellent staff that continues to serve our citizens,” added Wylie.
