Pharr Celebrates 2024 State of the City Address Themed: “IMPACT”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr held its annual State of the City Address themed “IMPACT” on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at the Pharr Events Center.
The Master of Ceremonies and Keynote Speaker was Dr. Milton Louis Gonzalez, a distinguished educator, TEDx presenter, and multi-talented professional, serving as a podcaster, life coach, psychotherapist, and an international motivational teacher affiliated with the esteemed John C. Maxwell team.
This year’s theme, “IMPACT,” highlighted Pharr’s incredible commitment and the great strides the city has made over the past few years to make a lasting impact of change for citizens and the community.
“Sometimes, we may not see nor understand the Big picture, but each action we take is making a significant impact in contributing to making an improvement in the lives of our Pharr families, who we hold at the core of every decision we make,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. in his opening remarks. “Let us ask ourselves what is the impact we are making, and what is the legacy that we leave behind,” he added.
Mayor Hernandez proudly announced that the state of the City of Pharr is meaningful, intentional, and making a significant impact on Pharr families and our future.
He began his address by highlighting some of the major long-term, multi-year projects the city has taken on including transportation, the Pharr Bridge Expansion, Pharr Connect, drainage, Pharr EMS, the Baldrige Award, quality of life, educational partnerships, and workforce/business opportunities.
While reflecting on and discussing the great strides of success the city had in 2023, Mayor Hernandez covered topics including international trade and commerce, the Pharr International Bridge, strategic partnerships, the Pharr EDC Foundation, transportation, financial growth, public safety initiatives, educational collaborations, advancements and partnerships in health, legislative efforts, transportation expansions, drainage improvements, city services, city events, and infrastructure developments.
Continuing tradition, Hernandez ended his address by awarding the “Mayor Leo “Polo” Palacios Service Award,” bestowed annually on an individual who embodies the spirit of the award’s namesake. This year’s recipient was Felix Chavez, Jr., the owner of Junior’s Supermarket, which has been in business in Pharr for over 43 years.
Each year, the City of Pharr donates excess funds raised from the State of the City event funded by sponsor donations to nonprofit or community organizations that are working to improve conditions and the quality of life of families in Pharr and the surrounding areas.
Mayor Hernandez presented two local nonprofit organizations each with a $5,000 donation. The Capable Kids Foundation and the Pharr American Legion Post #101 were recognized.
The event concluded with the final award—the Team Pharr Award, which was presented to the Office of Strategic Excellence (OSE) led by OSE Director Melanie Cano, a small, three-person team that works toward enhancing city operations and efficiency. Under its leadership, the City of Pharr earned the prestigious Governor’s Award for Performance Excellence.
Mayor Hernandez concluded his address by stating, ” It is up to us to do our part to leave the world a little better than we found it, to make an IMPACT with the gifts, talents, and opportunities which we have been blessed.” He added, “So, I leave you with this question – what is the IMPACT you are making today, and what is YOUR legacy that you’ll leave behind?”
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
City of Pharr Invites Community to 115th Birthday Celebration TODAY, THURS 1/18 @ 5 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is thrilled to extend a warm invitation to the entire community to join us in celebrating our 115th birthday! This FREE event promises an evening of fun, music, activities, games, and more, as we come together to commemorate this significant milestone in the city’s history.
Our birthday celebration is TODAY, Thursday, January 18, 2024, at Downtown Park (118 S. Cage Blvd) from 5 to 7 pm.
“We are excited to celebrate our City of Pharr’s 115 birthday,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “The entire community is welcome to join us for a fun evening of festivities and exciting family activities,” he continued. “We hope to see you there!”
Celebrate 115 years of community spirit with birthday cake and piñatas hosted by Pharr city leaders and departments.
The entire community is invited to participate and make this celebration a memorable one. It’s an opportunity for neighbors, friends, and families to come together and share in the joy of Pharr’s rich history.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr 115th Birthday Celebration
WHEN: Thursday, January 18, 2024 from 5 pm – 7 pm
WHERE: Downtown Park (118 S. Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577)
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
All media is invited to attend to cover the event. Please call (956) 310-2139 or email [email protected] with the name of the representative attending to confirm your media outlet’s attendance.
Pharr to Host State of the City Address on Thursday, January 18th @ 11 am
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2024
Pharr, Texas – Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission are proud to announce that the city will host its annual State of the City Address onThursday, January 18, 2024, from 11 am until 1:00 pm at the Pharr Events Center (3000 N. Cage Blvd.). The event will also be broadcast on SOMOS el Valle (Ch. 5.3 or Cable 1241), the city’s YouTube channel (@cityofpharr6058), and on the city’s Facebook page (@cityofpharr) via Facebook LIVE.
“We are achieving exceptional accomplishments for our citizens by continuing to work collaboratively with our Team of Pharr leaders, employees, partners, and community members,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “As part of our annual State of the City Address, we will spotlight the profound IMPACT our team achieved for Pharr, as well as the accolades, projects, and endeavors we accomplished in 2023,” he added. “We invite you to watch the Pharr State of the City Address on SOMOS el Valle (Ch. 5.3 or Cable 1241), our YouTube channel, or Facebook LIVE,” Hernandez continued.
The City of Pharr will highlight and showcase its 2023 endeavors including city projects, economic development growth, legislative efforts, infrastructure developments, public safety initiatives, partnerships, quality-of-life enhancements, and more. The City of Pharr has accomplished a lot during the year, and there is much to celebrate!
All media is invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Pharr State of the City Address
WHEN: Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 11 am until 1:00 pm
WHERE: Pharr Events Center (3000 N. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX, 78577)
City of Pharr Hires C.J. Sanchez as Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce President
C.J. Sanchez, President
Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, JANUARY 8, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr and the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce (GPCC) are pleased to announce that Carlos Javier “C.J.” Sanchez has been hired as the new GPCC President.
“C.J. is a wonderful addition to our Pharr team! With his wealth of knowledge and experience in the business community, we know he will do an exceptional job working to promote our local Pharr businesses and community,” said City Manager Dr. Jonathan B. Flores.
A highly accomplished young professional hailing from Edinburg, Texas, C.J. graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies, and a double Minor in Business Spanish and Mass Communication, laying a strong foundation for his career. C.J.’s passion for leadership and community development led him to serve as the Executive Director of the Hidalgo County Bar Association & Hidalgo County Bar Foundation for eight years, where he played a crucial role in promoting legal advocacy and supporting the local legal community, and RGV community at large.
In 2018, C.J. assumed the role of Vice President at the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce, a position he held for 5 years, with great dedication. His strategic vision and leadership have significantly contributed to the growth and prosperity of the business community in the Greater Mission area.
C.J. is deeply committed to education and actively involved in philanthropic endeavors. He has served as a member of Teach for America’s Gala Fundraising Committee and is currently serving on Village in the Valley’s (VIVA) Gala Fundraising Committee, where he works collaboratively to help raise funds and support educational initiatives and projects that serve the RGV community. Additionally, he was recently voted to serve as a Regional Board Member for IDEA Public Schools.
Beyond his professional and philanthropic pursuits, C.J. is an entrepreneur at heart. He is the proud owner of ShakeExpress Edinburg, a growing all-natural juice & protein shake bar that offers delicious and nutritious shakes, fresh juices, smoothies, acai bowls, overnight oats, and much more, to the local community. C.J.’s dedication to business and community service showcases his versatility and commitment to positively impacting the lives of those around him.
Through his various roles and endeavors, C.J. has consistently demonstrated his passion for helping others, community development, education, and entrepreneurship. He continues to be an inspiring figure in the Rio Grande Valley and a driving force behind initiatives that uplift and empower individuals and businesses in the region.
“I would like to thank Dr. Flores, Mayor Hernandez, and the City of Pharr for this exciting opportunity to lead the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce and its amazing business partners,” stated Mr. Sanchez. “This will be a wonderful partnership and I look forward to working closely with the Pharr business community and leaders to provide resources, expand opportunities, and lead our Pharr businesses to success,” he added.
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
City Takes It’s Time Texas Community Challenge Pledge
The City of Pharr has pledged to participate in the eight-week It’s Time Texas Community Challenge competition which starts January 8th and runs through March 3rd. Texans across the state are taking the pledge to compete and earn points by eating healthy, being active, and staying hydrated. Participants can track their progress by downloading the FREE Community Challenge mobile app while earning points for themselves, their organization, and their local community. The Community Challenge provides a fun, safe space for Texans to start small and take the first steps towards a healthier lifestyle. The City of Pharr has proudly won the medium-size category for six consecutive years and looks forward to re-taking the challenge. Vanessa Soto, Pharr Special Events Manager thanked the Pharr City Commission for taking the pledge and encouraged the community to register to participate by downloading the FREE app on the app store to participate in this year’s challenge.
Featured Event: ZUMBATHON – Monday, January 8, 2024 at 5:30 pm, The HUB Parking Lot
City of Pharr Celebrates New Year’s Eve with Record Breaking Crowd
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr rang in New Year’s Eve with a record-breaking 8,447 attendees (compared to 6,000 last year) who enjoyed a night of family fun, live music, and a spectacular drone show at the second annual NYE Ball Drop.
“Team Pharr delivered an exceptional family-friendly New Year’s Eve event that was interactive, fun, and captivating for all attendees,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “A crowd favorite and highlight of the night was watching as the Pharr skyline was illuminated with a spectacular one-of-a-kind drone show,” added Hernandez.
Attendees sang along and danced all night long to a legendary performance by 80’s themed favorite, The Spazmatics. The evening also included a laser show, the city’s first-ever drone show, photo ops, food vendors, and a grand fireworks finale.
Also, a first, and major hit of the evening, were the synchronized light-up wristbands that attendees received.
“We always try to find ways to engage our attendees and keep the ambiance festive,” said Mayor Hernandez. “This year, attendees really enjoyed the synchronized wristbands, which are similar to those you now get at concerts,” he added. “It was fun to see everyone light up as they sang along and danced to the music,” he said.
This year’s event was a great success and the City of Pharr had a great time ringing in 2024 surrounded by thousands of our citizens and neighbors! Thank you to everyone who attended and we hope you can join us again next year. May the coming year bring you prosperity, love, and endless possibilities. Happy New Year!
