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.
by media | Jul 4, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases

NEWS – Pharr Resident Injured By Fireworks; Officials Remind Residents Fireworks Are Not Permitted In City
City of Pharr fire and EMS officials responded to a call of a fireworks accident involving an 8-year-old girl, resident from South Pharr. She was sent to McAllen Medical Center with serious head trauma due to a projectile from fireworks. This accident occurred this afternoon around 5 p.m.
Pharr officials remind the public that fireworks are not permitted in the city. Penalties are $200 to $1,000 dollars.
by media | Jul 2, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases

City of Pharr to Host Independence Day Festival at Jones Box Park on Sunday, July 4 @ 5pm
Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and City of Pharr officials are pleased to announce that the City of Pharr will host its annual Independence Day Festival on Sunday, July 4, 2021, at Jones Box Park (1201 W. Rosa LN.) from 5 pm to 9 pm.
The City of Pharr Independence Day Festival is free to the public and will include a variety of family-friendly activities and entertainment. There will be an array of tasty food vendors, a carnival, and plenty of events to keep everyone having a good time as we celebrate Independence Day.
The music lineup features performances by The Hernandez Brothers, Lauren Corzine, Soledad, and Steve Valdez. The evening will end with a spectacular fireworks show display starting at 9 pm.
Admission and parking are free, and we hope to see our Pharr families there. You won’t want to miss this celebration of our nation’s independence!
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr Independence Day Festival
WHEN: Sunday, July 4, 2021, from 5 pm to 9 pm
WHERE: Jones Box Park (1201 W. Rosa LN., Pharr, TX 78577)


by media | Jun 22, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases, News

Pharr Chamber Announces Marcela Beas as President/CEO
The Board of Directors of the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce announced today that it has selected Marcela Beas, M.B.A., as President/CEO. Beas previously served as interim President of the Chamber since 2020; prior to that, Beas was Membership Manager of the Chamber, where she managed the fulfillment of annual new membership sales and existing member retention targets and executed marketing initiatives to create brand advocacy and member growth for the Chamber.
Beas received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Marketing from St. Edward’s University and earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley. In her professional capacity, Beas has acquired a wealth of business and marketing experience in both the public and private sectors. Beas brings to the Chamber exceptional relationship-building skills critical to the growth of the Chamber, as well as experienced project management and market-intelligent and analytical solutions.
“The Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is elated with the announcement of our Executive Director. Marcela Beas brings innovative and positive ideas to support our Pharr Business Community. Her synergy is the key to continue the mission to keep Pharr moving forward,” said Mario Lizcano, DHR Health, Chairman of the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce.
“I am honored to have been entrusted by our Board of Directors to lead the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce at a time when our business community needs us the most. I am committed to fulfilling the Chamber’s mission and look forward to providing relevant services and resources that foster economic growth in our community,” said Beas.

Marcela Beas, M.B.A., Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce President/CEO