Greater Mission Chamber Champions Ambassador Program Relaunch Recruitment Meeting Announced



MISSION, TX - The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the relaunch of its Chamber Champions Ambassador Program with a special Recruitment Meeting on Wednesday, September 25th, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The event will be held at The Bungalows on Shary, located at 3700 Plantation Grove Blvd, Mission, Texas.

This relaunch of the Chamber Champions Ambassador Program provides a renewed opportunity for members to become active champions of their community. Attendees will have the chance to network, build connections, and promote their businesses within the vibrant Mission community. Light refreshments and hors d'oeuvres will be served while participants learn about how this revitalized ambassador program can support their business growth.

Vanessa Nichole Hernandez, Vice President of Membership Development at the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce, expressed her excitement about the program’s relaunch: “We are excited to relaunch the Chamber Champions Ambassador Program and invite our members to join us for this important meeting. This program offers a unique platform to engage with the community, enhance your business connections, and support local growth. We encourage all member representatives to attend and explore the benefits of becoming a Chamber Champion.”

All interested members are encouraged to RSVP by emailing Candace Rodriguez, Communications Director, at candace@missionchamber.com.

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce Hosts Successful Buenas Tardes Luncheon: State of Education

MISSION, TX - August 14, 2024 — The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted the recent Buenas Tardes Luncheon: State of Education, a pivotal event that brought together local leaders to discuss the critical importance of strengthening the community through enhanced education and financial literacy. Texas National Bank was the proud sponsor. 

The luncheon, held at the Mission Event Center, provided a platform for meaningful discussions on how collective efforts can lead to improved educational outcomes and the promotion of financial literacy within the community. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with key stakeholders, gain valuable insights, and explore collaborative approaches to fostering community development through education.

The esteemed panel featured prominent figures in the education and financial sectors, including:

-Michael J. Williamson, Executive Vice President of Commercial Lending at Texas National Bank

-Ana D. Gonzalez, Executive Director of Teach for America Rio Grande Valley

-Dr. Cris Valdez, Interim Superintendent of Mission CISD

-Dr. Daniel P. King, Executive Director of the Region One Education Service Center

The program discussion was skillfully moderated by Maria Leonard, Director of Social Impact and Sustainability at UTRGV Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

"The annual State of Education luncheon was a powerful reminder of the collective impact we can achieve when we come together as a community," said Brenda Enriquez, President & CEO of the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce. "Bringing educational programs to the business community is a part of our Mission. We are proud to highlight these important conversations and look forward to continuing our work in encouraging growth, collaboration, and financial empowerment in our community. Tomorrow’s healthy economy is impacted on what we do today.”

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce is committed to promote collaboration and highlighting the vital role of education in driving community development. The Buenas Tardes State of Education luncheon was a significant occasion for connecting leaders, sharing knowledge, and reinforcing the community's dedication to creating a brighter future for all.

For more information about upcoming events and initiatives, please visit www.missionchamber.com.

Dip-It by Pilar Donates $10,000 to the Mission Boys and Girls Club

Article by: Texas Border Business

In a heartwarming display of generosity, Dip-It by Pilar has significantly contributed to the Mission Boys and Girls Club, donating $10,000 to support its programs and initiatives. This act of giving back, celebrated by the local community and its leaders, represents more than just a financial contribution—it symbolizes the deep-rooted commitment of local businesses to the welfare of their city.

Richard Hernandez, the President of the Mission Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), is at the heart of this celebration. Having led the organization for two years, Hernandez firmly believes in the power of community and the importance of businesses playing an active role in giving back. During a recent interview, he expressed his excitement about the donation: “We’re very excited when we partner with the community to help them establish their business. One of the things that we ask from them is to be good neighbors and give back to the community that helps them get started.”

Dip It by Pilar, a Mission-based manufacturer of plant-based dips, donated $5,000 to the organization after receiving a matching $5,000 donation from Mission EDC, resulting in a combined donation of $10,000. Scooter’s Coffee, which opened its first location in Mission in October 2023, also donated $1,000. The $10,000 donation from Dip It by Pilar demonstrates the attitude of promoting local businesses. Founded by Pilar Gonzalez, the company has grown from a small business venture into a successful brand, aided by support from the Mission Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and its Ruby Red Ventures program. This program is designed to nurture innovative small businesses in the City of Mission by providing resources and guidance. Thanks to this support, Gonzalez expanded her company, now selling its products in hundreds of H-E-B and Spec’s stores across Texas.

Pilar Gonzalez’s journey with Dip-It by Pilar began with a simple idea and a passion for creating delicious, unique dips. With determination and the right support, Gonzalez’s business flourished. She participated in the Ruby Red Ventures program, where she was awarded twice and gained thousands in funding. Her success was further cemented when she secured $15,000 and a second-place finish in H-E-B’s Primo Picks Quest for Texas Best food product competition in 2014.

Reflecting on her journey, Gonzalez shared her belief in the importance of community and support networks. “To reach my full potential and achieve my goals, I needed to surround myself with people who could help elevate my business and take it to the next level,” she explained. This sense of gratitude and a desire to give back inspired Gonzalez to donate to the Boys and Girls Club.

The Mission Boys and Girls Club is a cornerstone of the community, providing a safe and nurturing environment for thousands of school-aged children. The club offers a variety of programs, including sports, arts and crafts, and computer training, all aimed at fostering growth and learning in a supportive setting.

Richard Hernandez, who previously served as the president of the Boys and Girls Club of Mission, Texas, for six years, spoke about the club’s impact on the community. “We try to provide a safe environment so they can grow and learn through sports, arts and crafts, and more. After school, they can come to the Boys and Girls Clubs, where people will help them with their homework and keep them safe,” Hernandez noted.

The donation from Dip-It by Pilar will help sustain these vital programs, ensuring that the club remains a haven and a place of growth for young people in Mission.

The partnership between Dip-It by Pilar, MEDC, and the Mission Boys and Girls Club models how businesses can thrive with the right support and, in turn, support their communities. While at the Boys and Girls Club, Hernandez witnessed the leadership of the late mayor Beto Salinas facilitating a merger with the city, making the Boys and Girls Club the first in Texas to be integrated directly with a city government. This integration became a model for other cities, such as Pharr, Edinburg, Harlingen, and Weslaco, demonstrating how collaboration can benefit organizations and the community.

The success stories from MEDC’s Ruby Red Ventures program, including that of Pilar Gonzalez, illustrate the potential for small businesses to drive economic growth and job creation while also contributing to the social fabric of their communities. By nurturing innovative ideas and providing the necessary support, MEDC has helped businesses like Dip-It by Pilar reach new heights, proving that local economic development goes hand in hand with community development.

As the community of Mission, Texas gathers to celebrate this generous donation, there is a palpable sense of optimism for the future. Hernandez expressed his gratitude to the citizens of Mission, highlighting the city’s rich history and culture. “They live in a great community rich in history and culture, and we are very proud to be part of this city,” he said.

We’re excited to reflect on the incredible success of today's Buenas Tardes Luncheon: State of Education! 🎓✨ This event brought together some of our community’s most influential leaders for an in-depth discussion on the essential role that education and financial literacy play in driving the growth and prosperity of Mission.

Our esteemed panelists, including Michael J. Williamson from Texas National Bank, Ana D. Gonzalez from Teach for America Rio Grande Valley, Dr. Cris Valdez from Mission CISD, and Dr. Daniel P. King from the Region One Education Service Center, provided valuable insights into how we can collectively work towards enhancing educational outcomes and promoting financial literacy across our community. Their expertise and dedication to education truly inspired everyone in attendance.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our moderator, Maria Leonard from UTRGV’s Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship, for expertly guiding the conversation and ensuring a meaningful exchange of ideas. We’d also like to extend our deepest gratitude to all who attended and contributed to the success of this event.

We couldn’t have made this happen without the generous support of our sponsors, especially our Title Sponsor: Texas National Bank, whose commitment to our community is unmatched. Thank you for your continued partnership and dedication to our mission of fostering growth and collaboration in Mission.



Together, we’re laying the groundwork for a brighter, more prosperous future for all. Let’s keep the momentum going as we continue to prioritize education and financial literacy as cornerstones of our community’s development. 🌟

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce congratulates Sharyland ISD on their groundbreaking ceremony for the new STEPS Transition Program! This remarkable initiative is dedicated to serving students with disabilities aged 18-22, providing them with essential skills for life, education, communication, and independent living. 

The STEPS Program represents a significant step forward in fostering inclusivity and support within our community. We look forward to seeing the incredible impact this program will have on the lives of these students and the broader Mission area. Together, we are building a brighter future for all.

Congratulations to HOTWORX on their Grand Opening! 🎉

We had the pleasure of celebrating the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for HOTWORX on Shary Road. We are thrilled to welcome this innovative fitness studio to our beautiful City of Mission! 🌟

A special congratulations to the Salinas family for their incredible accomplishment. Your dedication and vision have brought an exciting new fitness option to our community, and we couldn't be more proud to have you here.

Welcome to Mission, HOTWORX!

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce congratulates the Mission Housing Authority on the groundbreaking ceremony for the Anacua Village Apartments! 🏢✨

Construction is already underway across from the Mission Police Station, thanks to $40 million in housing tax credits awarded in 2023 and 2024.

These 3-4 story apartments will offer affordable housing, with rents set approximately 20% below market rates, making them accessible for the families we serve.

We look forward to seeing this incredible project come to life, bringing much-needed affordable housing to our community!

Thank you to everyone who attended our Membership Mixer at Bubba's 33 in McAllen! It was an incredible evening filled with meaningful connections, productive conversations, and a shared commitment to fostering collaboration within our community. Events like these are more than just gatherings—they're opportunities for us to come together, exchange ideas, and build the strong, supportive network that drives our collective success.

Stay tuned for more ways to connect and contribute with the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce. Let's keep the momentum going! 

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to congratulate the City of Mission on the grand opening of the new Public Safety Building! We were proud to join the community in celebrating this milestone with a ribbon cutting and push-in ceremony. 

This state-of-the-art facility, designed to serve both our fire and police departments, is more than just a building—it's a symbol of our city’s commitment to safety, progress, and innovation. Equipped with advanced dormitories, cutting-edge training facilities, and a host of other essential resources, the Public Safety Building stands ready to support our first responders as they continue to protect and serve the Mission community. 

We look forward to the positive impact this incredible facility will have on our city for years to come.

Mission, we had a blast at the grand ribbon-cutting ceremony for Taquero Mucho! 🎊✨ Nestled at 3501 N Conway Ave, where Conway meets 3 Mile Road, this new taco hotspot is quickly becoming a go-to for mouthwatering, authentic tacos.

The day was filled with excitement and joy as our community came together to welcome Taquero Mucho. Friends, family, and taco enthusiasts gathered to meet the wonderful team behind this new gem and enjoy some of the best tacos in town.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us in supporting local businesses and making this ribbon-cutting a memorable event. Let’s keep the love going for Taquero Mucho!

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce extends its heartfelt congratulations to Jo-nic Bloom Studio and founder Audrey Munoz on the successful ribbon cutting for their organization! 🌟 We are immensely proud to celebrate this significant achievement with you and to recognize the tremendous impact you are making in our community.

We are particularly honored to note the special congressional recognition you received from Senator Ted Cruz's office, a well-deserved acknowledgment of your dedication and hard work. Jo-nic Bloom’s commitment to offering free resources to expecting mothers in our community is truly commendable. Your efforts not only support new families but also contribute to the overall well-being of Mission.

As you continue on this remarkable journey, the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce is here to support you every step of the way. We are excited to witness your continued success and the lasting positive influence Jo-nic Bloom will have on the lives of many.

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Mission EDC, were thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of ExtraSpace Storage with a ribbon-cutting ceremony! This $7 million investment is a testament to the growth and vitality of our community. With over 750 climate-controlled storage units, ExtraSpace Storage is not just a facility; it’s a valuable asset to Mission, providing secure, modern storage solutions for our residents and businesses.

We look forward to seeing the positive impact this state-of-the-art facility will have on our local economy, and we’re excited to see how this partnership will continue to strengthen the ties that bind us all together. Here’s to growth, innovation, and a bright future for Mission! 

Hey Mission! We're now on TikTok and would love to promote your business! Follow us on our TikTok page @DiscoverMissionTx and email us a Mission business to candace@missionchamber.com so we may schedule a visit!

Our first TikTok video has over 60k views and counting. This is an excellent way to promote your services while encouraging tourists to #DiscoverMission.