Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce to host Small Business Resource Seminar



Mission, Texas - The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) is delighted to announce the highly anticipated 2024 Small Business Resource Seminar, scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 30th, at the prestigious Beto Salinas Conference Center located at 202 W. Tom Landry, Mission, Texas.

This comprehensive seminar, designed to empower small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, will offer a wealth of invaluable information and resources to enhance their business acumen and foster growth opportunities.

Attendees can expect to gain insights on a diverse range of topics including Business Permits, Business Law, CDS & Funding, Small Business Lending, Business Branding, Insurance, and much more.

In addition to the enriching sessions, participants will be treated to a complimentary Breakfast and Lunch, courtesy of GMCC.

Attendance to this exclusive event is complimentary for esteemed GMCC Members, while Non-Members can secure their participation for a nominal fee of $75.

To reserve your spot and take advantage of this unparalleled opportunity to expand your small business expertise and connect with fellow entrepreneurs, please visit https://members.missionchamber.com/events/details/small-business-resource-seminar-742 or contact 956-585-2727 for further details.

Don't miss out on this formal occasion to elevate your entrepreneurial journey. Secure your attendance today and join us in building a vibrant and prosperous small business community!

About Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce (GMCC)

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) is a leading advocate for business growth and prosperity in the Mission, TX area. Committed to supporting and empowering local businesses, GMCC offers a wide range of resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy initiatives to facilitate economic development and success. Learn more at https://www.missionchamber.com/.

AT&T Boosts Network Speeds for Mission 

Fiber Network Expansion, New 5G Cell Tower in Mission Will Help Give AT&T Customers Better Access to High-Speed Connections and Mobile Internet 

MISSION, May 1, 2024 

What’s the news? AT&T* has expanded its fiber and 5G networks in Mission giving residents, businesses and visitors a big boost in their connectivity. We’ve added new high-speed fiber infrastructure and a new cell tower to enhance the area’s fiber internet availability and wireless coverage and capacity, and help customers unlock the power of America’s Most Reliable 5G Network.1 

Why is this important? We know how important it is for our customers to stay connected. And AT&T 5G brings fast, reliable and secure connectivity to more than 290 million people in over 24,000 cities and towns nationwide, which now includes Mission. This helps Texas residents and businesses get the best possible experience over the AT&T network wherever they live, work and play. 

These enhancements also bring Band 14 spectrum to the area. Band 14 is nationwide, high-quality spectrum set aside by the government specifically for FirstNet®. We look at Band 14 as public safety’s VIP lane. In an emergency, this band – or lane – can be cleared and locked just for FirstNet subscribers. When not in use by FirstNet subscribers, AT&T customers can enjoy Band 14’s added coverage and capacity. 

AT&T’s fiber investment in Mission will make these ultra-fast connections available to more than 1200 residents in the following communities: Granada, Sevilla, El Jardin, East Los Nogales and West Los Nogales. 

The expanded network will give more customers access to super-fast internet speeds up to 5-Gigs.2 You can sign up to be notified when AT&T Fiber is available to your address through att.com/notifyme. 

AT&T is committed to connecting more Americans to reliable, high-speed broadband internet in several ways, including expanding and upgrading our network and offering a variety of flexible plans available at a great value, such as Access from AT&T which offers speeds up to 100Mbps.3 

AT&T Fiber, now delivering speeds of up to 5-Gigs1, is truly internet that upgrades everything. Offering consumers consistently fast speeds3 paired with network reliability, AT&T Fiber supports the powerfully interconnected home, work and family life. Our straightforward pricing eliminates annual contracts, data caps, equipment fees and price increases at 12 months, for all ActiveArmorSM24/7 proactive internet security is included with all plans and helps block malicious threats from ever reaching your devices.4 AT&T All-Fi is also included for a powerful connection you can rely on, including our best Wi-Fi, unlimited data and an easy app. 

Our commitment to Texas communities: From 2019 to 2023, we invested more than $12.6 billion in our wireless and wireline networks in Texas. These investments boost reliability, coverage, speed and overall performance for residents and their businesses. 

What people are saying: 

Norie Gonzalez Garza 

Mayor of Mission 

“Mission is a booming city of nearly 90,000 in one of the fastest growing regions in the United States. Continued investment in our communications network is critical to businesses and workers alike, especially as we continue to experience tremendous growth in residential and commercial development. AT&T’s continued commitment to invest in Mission is greatly welcomed.” 

Mario Barragan 

Director, External Affairs, AT&T Texas 

“Expanding our network coverage and capacity for local residents is a key part of our work to support Mission and Hidalgo County. Access to reliable, 5G service is just one example of AT&T’s ongoing commitment to this community and to our efforts to help close the digital divide in Mission and beyond.” 

Teclo Garcia 

CEO, Mission Economic Development Corporation 

“Mission EDC is happy to partner with AT&T. We’re very appreciative of the investment in technology that AT&T is providing to Mission residents, and we welcome the opportunity to continue to work together.” 

Brenda Enriquez 

President and CEO, Mission Chamber of Commerce 

“At the Chamber of Commerce, we are committed to helping Mission’s businesses grow and thrive and to building a local economy that benefits all. We can’t do that here without robust and reliable wireless connections. Therefore, we greatly appreciate AT&T’s continued investment in our community.” 

Where can I find more information? Go here to learn more about how AT&T is supporting Texas. For more about the value FirstNet is bringing to public safety, check out FirstNet.com. 

And for the latest news on AT&T 5G, visit about.att.com/pages/5G. 

For more information and to check availability for all speed tiers of AT&T Fiber from 300 Mbps up to 5-Gigs, visit att.com/fiber. 

FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks and service marks of the First Responder Network Authority. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. 

*About AT&T 

We help more than 100 million U.S. families, friends and neighbors, plus nearly 2.5 million businesses, connect to greater possibility. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to our 5G wireless and multi-gig internet offerings today, we @ATT innovate to improve lives. For more information about AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), please visit us at about.att.com. Investors can learn more at investors.att.com. 

Woman’s University Opens New Outreach Center in Mission

Empowering Women and Fostering Education in Texas

Article by: Texas Border Business

On April 18, 2024, Texas Woman’s University (TWU) celebrated the grand opening of its new outreach center located in the Center for Education and Economic Development (CEED) in Mission, Texas. This strategic move will recruit students from the Rio Grande Valley and support the region’s women-owned businesses.

The new outreach office at 801 Bryan Road opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3 p.m. The event was a formal inauguration and a significant step towards making higher education and entrepreneurial resources more accessible in the Valley.

Dr. Javier Flores, Vice President for Enrollment Management at Texas Woman’s University, expressed enthusiasm about the center’s dual mission. “We are thrilled to be in a position to help Rio Grande Valley students explore higher education opportunities elsewhere in Texas while at the same time helping women entrepreneurs in the valley be more successful,” he stated.

With existing Denton, Dallas, and Houston campuses, TWU’s extension in Mission is particularly focused on easing the admissions process. Prospective students can find guidance on enrollment, financial aid, scholarships, and transferring, among other critical matters.

Moreover, the outreach office collaborates with the university’s Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership and its Center for Women Entrepreneurs. This partnership aims to provide free business advising, networking opportunities, training, and funding to women-owned businesses throughout the Valley.

Shannon Mantaro, the Executive Director and Chief Officer of the Jane Nelson Institute, highlighted the importance of this collaboration: “The Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership at TWU is thrilled to collaborate with the enrollment office to empower women in the Rio Grande Valley with the essential resources for launching or growing their businesses.”

One of the significant upcoming initiatives includes launching a free 12-week program called AccelerateHER. This program is designed for women-owned startups and aims to provide early-stage entrepreneurs with the resources and education necessary to scale their businesses successfully.

The event also stressed the local impact of TWU’s efforts. Dr. Javier Flores shared a personal narrative about the project’s inception, emphasizing the importance of public education and leadership development in transforming lives.

Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza of Mission, Texas, expressed her enthusiasm during the opening ceremony of Texas Women’s University, highlighting the event’s significance for the city of Mission and the surrounding region. She noted that Texas Woman’s University, established in 1901 by the Texas Legislature, is a prestigious institution with a long history. Mayor Gonzalez expressed her pride and humility in Mission being chosen as the university’s location. She emphasized the importance of the university not only for women, who make up over 80% of the enrollment but also for men, as the university is inclusive.

Mayor Gonzalez underscored the role of education as a crucial equalizer in society, contributing to both improved educational outcomes and economic development, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life in the area. She concluded by offering her congratulations, reaffirming the city council’s commitment to support and foster partnerships with higher education institutions, and extending her gratitude to all involved.

Establishing the outreach center is expected to forge stronger connections between TWU and the Rio Grande Valley, fostering educational advancement and economic growth in the region. This new venture is a demonstration of TWU’s commitment to not only educating future leaders but also actively participating in community development.

With the city council’s backing and the enthusiastic participation of local and university leaders, the outreach center is poised to become a key player in the educational and economic landscape of Mission, Texas, and beyond.

Join us in celebrating #SmallBusinessWeek and the heartbeat of our community! ❤️ Small businesses aren't just places to shop; they're the lifeblood of Mission, TX, embodying the spirit of entrepreneurship and community connection.

When you support a small business, you're not just making a purchase; you're investing in a dream, supporting a family, and strengthening the fabric of our community. Plus, don't miss out on our $5 'Shop Local' t-shirts, available at our Visitor's Center: 202 W. Tom Landry, Mission, TX. Let's make every day Small Business Day!

 Join us for another GMCC Lunch & Learn series: I-9 Compliance! 🌟

📅 Date: May 15th, 2024

🕰️ Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

📍 Location: Mission CEED Building

🎉 Free for all GMCC members! Non-members: $15.

📧 RSVP to candace@missionchamber.com to secure your spot!

Join us for a crucial discussion on navigating I-9 forms! Learn about compliance, completion, and legal obligations from a seasoned attorney.

The City of Mission has proclaimed April 28 - May 4, 2024 as "Small Business Development Week and Discover Mission: Shop Local Week."

Since its inception, the City of Mission has been fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and business success. Mission’s local and national small businesses produce a record number of retail sales taxes ($24.4 million in 2022) and employ more than 35,000 residents that live within city limits. We thank the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce for everything they do to support small businesses!

What an unforgettable evening it was! We extend our heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you who graced us with your presence at the joint mixer hosted by IBC Bank and the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce. Your enthusiasm and energy truly made the event shine!

A special note of gratitude goes out to IBC Bank, whose unwavering support and investment in our Chamber exemplify the spirit of community collaboration. Having such an esteemed institution backing us up fills us with pride and motivation to continue striving for excellence in all that we do.

Gratitude Overflowing! A massive shoutout to all the fantastic folks who made our Lunch and Learn on Organizational Ethics an absolute blast! We couldn’t have asked for a better crowd! 🎉 Huge thanks to our incredible speakers, Dr. Ruben G. Flores, the mastermind behind our Operations Management and Public Administration programs, Laura E. Garcia, the Operations Management guru, and of course, Mr. Garcia who brought his unique flair to the discussion! ✨ From thought-provoking insights to laughter-filled moments, this session had it all! Let’s keep the ethical vibes going strong!

Gratitude overflowing for each and every one of you who graced us with your presence at this month's Discover Mission Shop Local Spring Market! 🌸 Your unwavering support not only uplifts our local businesses but also strengthens the vibrant tapestry of our community. It was heartwarming to see familiar faces and new friends come together to celebrate local talent and craftsmanship. Your enthusiasm and patronage fuel our mission to promote the essence of community and support local endeavors. Let’s continue this journey of solidarity and appreciation, nurturing the roots of our neighborhood. Stay tuned for more exciting events and opportunities to connect! Together, we thrive.

We’re still buzzing with gratitude after such an incredible turnout at the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce’s Meet and Greet Mixer! A heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you who took the time to come and welcome Vanessa Nichole Hernandez, our newest Vice President of Membership Development, with open arms and warm smiles. 🌟 Your presence truly made the event unforgettable!

Let's extend our warmest congratulations to Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply as they embark on an exciting journey with their Grand Opening in Mission, Texas! 🎉 From April 5th to April 7th, the vibrant Mission community is cordially invited to partake in a weekend brimming with joyous celebrations, exclusive promotions, and the chance to explore the diverse array of products and services offered by Murdoch’s. This auspicious occasion was inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, signifying Murdoch’s unwavering commitment to serving the community with excellence in both products and customer service.

Exciting news! The City of Mission & Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce hosted a groundbreaking ceremony this month for The Industrial Park at Anzalduas!

Developed by Union Design Developers, this project promises cutting-edge facilities and 6.3 million sq ft of industrial space, boosting economic growth in Mission, Texas.

Luis Rodrigo Castillo, Owner of Union Design Developers, expressed, "We are incredibly proud to break ground on The Industrial Park at Anzalduas, ushering in a new era of progress and prosperity for Mission, Texas."

With immense pleasure and on behalf of the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce, we joyously hosted the official opening of Little Dreamers Child Development Center! 

🎈✨ This establishment marked the commencement of a journey filled with wonder, happiness, and educational advancement.



🕒 Operating from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, Little Dreamers ensures a seamless flow of enriching experiences for all attendees.

Our team is constantly seeking ways to elevate our chamber’s impact! 🚀 Our Vice President of Membership Development, Vanessa Nichole Hernandez, and Visitor & Member Relations Associate, Priscilla Elizondo, recently attended the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives TCCE Spring Chamber Basics hosted by the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce in Grapevine, Texas. 💼📚 From honing the fundamentals to exploring new strategies, we’re committed to enhancing our chamber’s effectiveness. Stay tuned as we continue our journey of growth and improvement!

This month, our GMCC Tourism Director Jennifer Espinoza and Communications Director Candace Rodriguez attended the 2024 TTA Texas Travel Expo in Abilene, Texas. 

The TTA Texas Travel Expo is an annual trade show providing expo participants the opportunity to showcase their destination or attraction to Texas Travel Counselors as part of the Texas Travel Counselors Conference (TTCC) sponsored by the Texas Department of Transportation - Travel Information Division.

Our team had a blast promoting the City of Mission, TX - Government to Travel Counselors from all across the state!

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.