Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
Pharr EDC Wins 2025 Workforce Excellence Award from Texas Economic Development Council
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2025
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is proud to announce that it has earned top honors from the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC), receiving the prestigious 2025 Workforce Excellence Award at the TEDC Mid-Year Conference held June 19th in Rockwall, Texas.
Each year, TEDC recognizes communities across the state for their exceptional efforts in workforce development. The awards highlight programs that demonstrate innovation, collaboration, measurable results, and long-term impact. Pharr was selected as the winner in the population category of 40,001 to 100,000, joining other top-performing cities and regions from across Texas.
The Pharr EDC stood out for its efforts to address critical healthcare workforce shortages through a high-impact initiative under the High Demand Job Training (HDJT) Program. In partnership with Rio Grande Valley College and the Lower Rio Grande Valley Workforce Development Board, the EDC helped launch a training project that targeted underserved populations and supported local healthcare employers.
The project leveraged local economic development funds and matched them with funding from the Texas Workforce Commission to train approximately 50 eligible students in high-demand healthcare fields. These included Vocational Nursing, Pharmacy Technician, and Medical Assistant programs.
“We are honored to be recognized for tackling workforce challenges with bold, innovative solutions,” said Pharr City Commissioner Ricardo Medina, who also serves on the Pharr EDC Board of Directors. “By tapping into the potential of our people and creating pathways to opportunity, we are building a workforce that is ready to grow with Pharr.”
Key goals of the project included expanding access to healthcare training, strengthening the talent pipeline for regional employers, and building long-term training capacity through upgraded infrastructure and instructor support.
“This award is a testament to the hard work of our Pharr EDC team and our shared commitment to creating real economic and workforce opportunities,” said Victor Perez, President/CEO of the Pharr EDC. “I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to our partners who believed in this project and worked with us to bring it to life,” added Perez. “We are proud to serve our community and continue building a stronger future for Pharr.”
The TEDC is the largest statewide association of economic development professionals in the country, with more than 1,050 members. Its Workforce Excellence Awards are considered one of the most significant recognitions of local workforce innovation and leadership in Texas.
To learn more about the Pharr Economic Development Corporation and its workforce initiatives, visit www.pharredc.com.
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
MEDIA ADVISORY – Celebrate Pharr’s Independence Day Festival with Spectacular Fireworks and Country Star Trey Gonzalez, Fri., 7/4 @ 7 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, JUNE 16, 2025
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is thrilled to invite the public to its 2025 Independence Day Festival, a patriotic evening packed with fun, music, food, and fireworks!
The celebration will take place on Friday, July 4, 2025, from 7 PM to 11 PM at the Allen & William Arnold City/School Park located at 615 W. Eldora Rd., Pharr, TX 78577.
This year’s festivities will feature live performances by Scared the Crow, Midnight Run, and headliner Trey Gonzalez! It’s all followed by a breathtaking fireworks show lighting up the Pharr sky at 10:30 PM.
Families can also enjoy a variety of attractions, including carnival rides, a petting zoo, local vendors, and delicious food.
The Independence Day Festival is free and open to the public. The City of Pharr encourages everyone to bring their friends and families to enjoy an evening of entertainment and celebration in honor of our nation’s independence.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr Independence Day Festival
WHEN: Friday, July 4, 2025, from 7 PM to 11 PM
WHERE: Allen & William Arnold City/School Park (615 W. Eldora Rd., Pharr, TX 78577)
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
City of Pharr Offering 4-Week Summer Paid Internships for High School and College Students
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2025
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is excited to announce the return of the Pharr Initiative Summer Internship Program, a dynamic 4-week paid internship program designed to provide high school juniors and seniors, as well as college freshmen and sophomores, with an immersive experience in municipal operations.
This internship offers an opportunity for individuals to explore their interests, gain hands-on experience, and make connections within local government.
Interns will have the opportunity to work across a range of city departments, including but not limited to administration, public works, human resources, media, IT, and more.
Internships begin July 7th and run through August 1st. The deadline to apply is June 23, 2025.
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, June 2, 2025, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
City Commission Declares June as Alzheimer’s Brain Awareness Month
The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring June 2025 as Alzheimer’s Brain Awareness Month in the City of Pharr. The proclamation brings attention to Alzheimer’s disease, which affects over 7 million Americans, including more than 459,000 Texans. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the fifth among the elderly. The proclamation honors the individuals, families, and professionals impacted by Alzheimer’s and recognizes the advocacy efforts led by the Alzheimer’s Association. Maxine Viera and Laura Karam, Chairperson of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s for the Upper Valley, attended the meeting to accept the proclamation, along with Pharr Public Health Director Niko Tapangan, MPH, RS. “I am proud to recognize the City of Pharr for your unwavering commitment to the fight against Alzheimer’s disease,” said Karam. “Our goal is to continue to raise awareness, advocate for research, and fight for a future where my children and your children do not succumb to this cruel disease,” she added. In addition, Viera highlighted the organization’s continued efforts to promote early diagnosis, giving patients a greater chance to benefit from available treatments. “Last year, when I stood before you, we had only one approved treatment,” she shared. “This year, we now have two, along with a promising new blood test that can help diagnose the disease even earlier, giving hope to patients and families.” Viera and Karam presented a plaque to Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez and the Pharr City Commission in appreciation of their support. They also encouraged the public to register for this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2025. To sign up or learn more visit https://bit.ly/3FDXD3Q.
Pharr Recognizes June 6, 2025 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day
The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring June 6, 2025, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day. The proclamation raises awareness of the devastating impact of gun violence and supports efforts to promote public safety and responsible gun ownership. Gun violence continues to take a toll on communities across the country, with more than 125 lives lost and over 260 people injured daily in the United States. Wearing orange has become a powerful symbol of the value of human life and a unified call to action for safer communities. Rebecca Obregon and members of the Rio Grande Valley chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America accepted the proclamation and thanked the Pharr City Commission for their support. “This year for Wear Orange Day, we are focused on not only raising awareness but on many actionable steps we can take to protect our families and communities,” said Obregon. She also invited the public to attend an event that the chapter will be hosting at CommonSpace in McAllen on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 6 PM – 9 PM. Wearing orange has become a powerful symbol of the value of human life and a unified call to action for safer communities. For more information, visit wearorange.org.
Pharr City Commission Approves Board Appointments and Reappointments
The Pharr City Commission approved resolutions to appoint and reappoint members to several city boards whose terms are set to expire in June 2025. For the Pharr Memorial Library Board, current members Anita Vela and Delia Soza expressed their interest in continuing to serve and were reappointed. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board saw the reappointment of Hector Trevino, Mario Lizcano, and Rudy Beltran, with Rolando Galvan appointed as a new member. In addition, the Commission reappointed Rolando Perez, Jessica Trevino, and Laura M. De La Garza to the Keep Pharr Beautiful Board. The City thanks these dedicated individuals for their continued service and commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Pharr residents.
Featured Events:
Pharr Aquatic Center Splash-A-Palooza – Monday, June 9, 2025, from 12 PM to 5 PM
The Splash is Coming!
Get ready, Pharr! The Pharr Aquatic Center opens for the summer on June 9th, and we’re kicking things off with Splash-A-Palooza 2025!
Date: Monday, June 9, 2025
Time: 12 PM – 5 PM
Location: Pharr Aquatic Center (1000 S. Fir St., Pharr, TX 78577)
Join us for a day packed with:
Kayak races
Live DJ
Cannonball competition
Water balloon fights
Raffles & more!
FREE entry for the first 100 attendees!
Only $3 for kids & $5 for adults
Let the summer fun begin!
Cody’s Birthday Bash & Block Party – Friday, June 13, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 8 PM
You’re invited to Cody’s Birthday Bash & Block Party!
Celebrate with us and enjoy an evening full of music, food, raffles, and family fun — and best of all, it’s FREE!
Date: Friday, June 13, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 8 PM
Location: Pharr City Hall (118 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577)
Don’t miss the party of the year with our favorite raccoon, Cody!
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
Pharr EDC to Host Groundbreaking for From Mexico Cold Storage Warehouse
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, JUNE 2, 2025
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) will host a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the From Mexico Cold Storage Warehouse, a major investment in the city’s thriving produce and logistics sector.
The event will take place at 10 AM on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the Pharr Produce District (10701 S. Palm, Lot #27, Pharr, TX 78577).
With over 23 years of experience, Member Construction brings industry-leading expertise in building advanced cold storage facilities that meet the highest standards in food safety, temperature control, and operational efficiency. The new facility will feature 10 high-efficiency loading docks and temperature-controlled storage, designed to support growing demand in cross-border produce distribution and strengthen Pharr’s strategic position in U.S.–Mexico trade.
“This groundbreaking highlights Pharr’s continued growth as a hub for international logistics and commerce,” said Victor Perez, President/CEO of the Pharr EDC. “This new facility will bring innovation, efficiency, and opportunity to our Produce District, and we are proud to welcome From Mexico as a valued partner to our thriving city as we continue to invest in cold storage infrastructure,” Perez added.
All media are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Groundbreaking for the From Mexico Cold Storage Warehouse
WHEN: Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 10 AM
WHERE: Pharr Produce District (10701 S. Palm, Lot #27, Pharr, TX 78577)
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
City of Pharr to Host Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Pharr Connect Innovation Center
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2025
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is proud to announce the grand opening of the Pharr Connect Innovation Center with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 2:00 PM. The event will take place at the new facility located at 104 W. Polk, Pharr, TX 78577.
The official program and ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin at 2:30 PM, followed by guided facility tours from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This celebration marks a significant milestone for the City of Pharr as it unveils the brand-new facility for the growing operations of Pharr Connect.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the facility, interact with members of the Pharr Connect Innovation team, and learn more about the services that the Pharr Connect Innovation Center offers.
The public and media are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Pharr Connect Innovation Center Ribbon Cutting
WHEN: Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 2:00 PM
WHERE: Pharr Connect Innovation Center (104 W. Polk, Pharr, TX 78577)
