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!
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
City of Pharr Partnering with AirLift 5 Texas to Make Special Santa Delivery at DHR Health
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2023
Pharr, Texas – While Santa traditionally travels by a reindeer-drawn sleigh, this year he is set to travel via the AirLift 5 Texas helicopter to visit patients at DHR Health. AirLift 5 Texas is ecstatic to partner with the City of Pharr’s public safety teams to assist Santa with his travels.
“This Christmas visit will be extra special and we are thankful to our partners at AirLift 5 Texas for joining us on this special mission,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “We can’t wait to see the excitement and joy as Santa and our Pharr team spread holiday cheer at DHR,” he added.
For three years now, the City of Pharr’s EMS, Police, Fire, and Public Safety Communications departments have come together to bring their ‘blue Santa’ to visit children at local hospitals and bring them gifts during the holiday season. This year, they’ll be joined by the AirLift 5 Texas team who will be giving Santa a lift to DHR Health.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Capture the AirLift 5 Texas aircraft landing and safely deliver Santa to the hospital to visit with patients along with the City of Pharr’s public safety teams.
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. *Flight time is projected and could change or be canceled due to weather or a call for response to a critical incident transport.
WHERE: DHR Health (5501 S. McColl Rd, Edinburg)
*Aircraft will land on hospital’s helipad located on east side of hospital off of McColl Rd.
About Air Methods
SkyLife is a program of Air Methods (airmethods.com), the nation’s leading air medical service, delivering lifesaving care to more than 100,000 people every year. With over 40 years of air medical experience, Air Methods is the preferred partner for hospitals and one of the largest community-based providers of air medical services. Air Methods’ fleet of owned, leased, or maintained aircraft features approximately 400 helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. Air Methods Ascend is the company’s clinical education program, allowing critical care nurses and paramedics best-in-class training opportunities using high-fidelity manikins, virtual reality, and cadaver labs.
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, December 18, 2023, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
City Proclaims December 18, 2023 as Arbor Day
The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring December 18, 2023, as “Arbor Day” in the City of Pharr. The City of Pharr recognizes the value of trees as they contribute to our environment, provide clean air to breathe, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community. All residents are urged to support the efforts to protect our trees and woodlands and plant trees to promote the well-being of this and future generations. Hanna Marble, Urban Ecologist for Pharr Parks and Recreation accepted the proclamation. “This proclamation celebrates the immense benefits and purpose of having trees in an urban setting such as at our local businesses, parks, or at home in your backyard – trees are essential,” Marble said.
The City of Pharr Hosts the 2023 RGV Coastal Expo
The Pharr City Commission received an update on the successful 2023 RGV Coastal Expo which the city hosted in early December. RGV Coastal Expo is a field trip opportunity for children in grades 1 – 6 across the valley to come and learn about coastal ecology and outdoor adventure. This event is held in partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. UTRGV students who are interested in environmental sciences, conservation, and wildlife biology could also use this as an opportunity to learn about the outreach that people with careers in these fields do. Most importantly, this event allows students the opportunity to get in tune with their natural surroundings.
Pharr EMS Announces Vial of Life Program
During the City of Pharr Commission Meeting, Pharr EMS announced the launch of the Vial of Life Program. This kit will be critical in getting help to people who might have difficulty communicating during an emergency and helps first responders identify the patient’s age, medical history, and the medications they take. All one has to do is fill out the Vial of Life form, secure it inside the provided vial, and place it inside their refrigerator. The kit also includes a sticker to display on your front door. To request a kit, or for more information, call Pharr EMS at (956) 402-2100.
Featured Event: 2024 Ball Drop- Sunday, December 31, 2023, from 8:30 pm to 12 am
RGV the countdown is on!
It’s the BIGGEST end-of-the-year party and YOU’RE invited! Ring in the New Year at the City of Pharr with the ONLY Ball Drop in the region!
Join us in Downtown Pharr for an unforgettable night filled with a one-of-a-kind DRONE SHOW, photo opportunities, and exclusive party favors!
We are also excited to welcome back THE SPAZMATICS for our special end-of-the-year concert with light-up wristbands!
Admission is FREE! The party kicks off at 8:30 pm in Downtown Pharr, and meet us at midnight for the ball drop and firework show!
Sunday, December 31, 2023
8:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Pharr Downtown Park
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
City of Pharr Plans 2nd Annual Ball Drop Celebration to Countdown to the New Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2023
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr joyfully invites the community to join us in ringing in the New Year at our second annual Ball Drop Celebration! This exciting event promises an unforgettable night of music, festivities, food, and a spectacular countdown to 2024.
Ball Drop 2024 takes place Sunday, December 31, 2023, at Downtown Park (118 S. Cage Blvd) starting at 8:30 PM until Midnight. Admission to this event is FREE.
The Spazmatics take center stage at 9:00 PM. Known for their high-energy performances and iconic ’80s covers, The Spazmatics are guaranteed to add an electrifying soundtrack to your New Year’s Eve festivities.
In addition to the majestic ball drop, experience a one-of-a-kind drone show, confetti cannons, fireworks, exclusive party favors, and other NYE surprises!
“What an exciting year it has been for the City of Pharr,” exclaimed Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “We hope to celebrate the night and ring in the new year with our Pharr families,” he added. “We will have plenty of fun family activities and events throughout the evening, everyone is invited to join us as we countdown to 2024!”
Ring in the New Year in style with the City of Pharr! Gather with friends, family, and the entire community as we count down together to welcome the promising year ahead. The Ball Drop 2024 will be livestreamed on the City of Pharr’s Facebook page!
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr’s Ball Drop 2024
WHEN: Sunday, December 31, 2023 @ 8 PM – Midnight
WHERE: Downtown Park (118 S. Cage Blvd)
