C.J's Farewell Letter

Dear Members and Friends of the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce,

It is bittersweet moment for me to write this letter, As I bid farewell to my role as Vice President after five incredibly rewarding years with the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce I am filled with a profound sense of humbled gratitude. Serving alongside, the GMCC team (past and current): Brenda, Jennifer, Candace, Priscilla, & Valeria, the GMCC Board of Directors, everyone with the City of Mission, MEDC and dedicated partners; and having witnessed the growth and success of our vibrant and thriving business community has been an honor beyond words. Together, we faced challenges, celebrated milestones, and forged lasting relationships that have enriched me both professionally and personal. The memories created and the victoires we've achieved will forever hold a special place in my heart. I am confident that the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce will continue to thrive, and I eagerly anticipate the continued prosperity of this remarkable organization and the great city of Mission. 

Although I am parting from the organization, I will not be far, as I have recently accepted the President position for the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce, I look forward to this new chapter and am excited to continue to make a positive community impact. I also hope to continue my relationship with the GMCC & the City of Mission and work collaboratively on projects in the future. Once again, I am incredibly grateful for my time with the GMCC, and I Thank you all for an unforgettable journey – it has truly been a rewarding highlight of my professional career.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Carlos "C.J." Sanchez

New hotels will be a catalyst for more development around the Mission Event Center

Article by: Rio Grande Guardian

MISSION, Texas – Ocean Gate Hospitality, the City of Mission, and Mission Economic Development Corporation broke ground on two new hotels.

Ocean Gate, a McAllen-based family business, will begin constructing a new Avid and Candlewood Suites, a dual-brand hotel under the IHG umbrella, in January. Two months later, it will begin construction on a Residence Inn by Marriott. Both will sit on four acres of prime real estate just south of the Mission Event Center. 

Each facility will feature 110 rooms, adding a total of 220 beds to the 603 currently available across eight hotels in Mission. That accounts for a 36 percent increase in the city’s available lodging.

Ocean Gate is a leading developer in the hospitality industry in the Rio Grande Valley. Nitin Kasan, the company’s operations manager, said his company was making a nearly $25 million investment in the two hotels.

“We are thrilled to contribute to the growth and development of Mission,” Kasan said. “These hotels not only reflect our commitment to providing exceptional hospitality across Texas but also serve as a catalyst for economic prosperity in the region.”

Teclo Garcia, CEO of Mission EDC, said the economic impact of the two hotels extends way beyond lodging. He noted they are projected to create 40 new permanent jobs in Mission. 

“They’re economic multipliers,” Garcia said. “Visitors staying there will generate more hotel occupancy tax, elevate Mission’s profile as a destination city, and have direct and indirect impact on the local economy by dining, shopping and spending their dollars in Mission.”

In a posting on social media later, Garcia said he expects the two new hotels will be a catalyst for more developments on the event center campus.

“So pleased to have two new hotels breaking ground in Mission – right next to the Event Center – bringing hundreds of new rooms to market with an estimated $25 million investment,” Garcia said.

“Thank you, Mr. Kasan and Ocean Gate for bringing a Residence Inn by Marriott and a dual brand IHG (Avid & Candlewood Suites) and (for) making significant contributions to community groups in the city. We expect these hotels to be catalysts for new development in the Event Center area.”

Garcia said the hotels follow other recent major Mission retail announcements such as Olive Garden, Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply, IHOP, Harbor Freight Tools, Schlotzsky’s, Burlington Stores, Inc. Starbucks, Planet Fitness and Wing Barn, LC among others. 

“Very grateful to the Mission EDC board for the vision and leadership that makes this possible.”

Among the speakers at the event were Mission Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza, Mission EDC Vice President Jose G. Vargas, Kasan, Brenda Enriquez, president of Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce, and Kristi Collier, president and CEO of Welcome Home RGV. 

Collier said: “I love it when people go all in on their commitment to their community. I had the pleasure of attending the groundbreaking ceremony for not one, but two hotels coming soon to the Mission Event Center district. What a win for our region. Congratulations to Ocean Gate Hospitality, the Kasan family, and the City of Mission.”

Aside from being strategically located next to the event center, the two new hotels will also be built without internal meeting spaces to bolster the City of Mission’s ability to draw more trade shows, conferences and other events to the Mission Event Center.

Hotel manager Omar Guevara said: ““Thank you Teclo and Mission EDC for your leadership on these amazing investments in Mission! Thank you to all city leaders and our Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce. What’s next?”

Gerlach Wins Mission City Council Special Election for Seat #3

Article by: Texas Border Business

The special election for the Mission City Council’s third seat occurred on Saturday, December 9. Marissa Ortega Gerlach emerged victorious, securing 50.12% of the votes in a competitive four-candidate race. Voter turnout could have been higher, with only 6.49% of eligible voters in Mission casting their ballots.

Ortega-Gerlach will take over for Abiel Flores, who resigned the seat to run for the 464th State District Court.

Dr. Esmeralda Adame Leads Nonprofit in Major Blanket Drive

Article by: Texas Border Business

At the center of community service and leadership, the Persistence and Adversity Foundation stands out, led by its dedicated Executive Director, Dr. Esmeralda Adame. Founded in 2020, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization has embarked on a mission to spread warmth and uplift communities through various initiatives, including mentoring, investing in communities, leadership programs, time management, and goal setting.

Dr. Adame, who also plays a crucial role in promoting female Hispanic participation in STEM fields, is now spearheading the foundation’s fourth annual blanket drive. This initiative, which has previously collected and distributed over 5,000 blankets to various organizations and communities in need, reflects the foundation’s commitment to tangible acts of kindness and support.

This year, the foundation has set an ambitious goal to collect 1,000 blankets. These blankets, toothbrushes, and other essentials will be distributed to multiple beneficiaries, including the Housing Authority in the Pharr and San Juan area, various children’s advocacy centers, and the Mission Veterans Post. The drive, beginning on December 1st and continuing until December 30th, represents a critical community engagement and generosity period.

Dr. Adame emphasizes the importance of new donations, a policy adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure safety and hygiene. To facilitate this large-scale collection, the foundation has established several drop-off locations, partnering with local businesses and organizations such as: 

Collection hubs: 

1. The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce

2. Taqueria Oviedo

3 Mission Hospital

4 McAllen EDC

5 Valley Plastics & Recycling 

6 CL Scales

7 Pharr EDC

8 SAMES engineering 

9 Mission EDC

This collaborative effort extends beyond the collection, with Dr. Adame and her board members actively participating in delivering these items. The foundation’s network and community engagement have been instrumental in achieving its goals each year, with a steady increase in collected items showcasing the community’s growing support and the foundation’s expanding impact.

In an inspiring display of community spirit, local businesses, including the McAllen Coca-Cola office, have joined the cause, collecting blankets from employees and demonstrating the power of collective action.

For those looking to participate or contribute, Dr. Adame remains a reachable and central figure in this endeavor, welcoming donations and support to meet and hopefully exceed this year’s target. Her leadership and the foundation’s activities underscore the importance of community solidarity and the impact of combined efforts in addressing local needs.

As the Persistence and Adversity Foundation grows and reaches new milestones, it stands as a hope. It demonstrates the power of persistence in overcoming adversity, one blanket, a toothbrush, and a pair of socks at a time. For more information, visit https://www.persistenceinadversity.com/ or call 956-458-9279. 

Overflowing with gratitude for the incredible community spirit that made the 28th Annual Mission Community Health and Wellness Fair a truly remarkable success! 🌟 A heartfelt thank you to each and every person who contributed to this impactful event.

A special shout-out to our invaluable partner, Mission Regional Medical Center, for their continuous collaboration and generosity in providing free lab services and various screenings for the well-being of our community.

The success of this event wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support of our dedicated vendors, compassionate medical personnel, generous sponsors, and the selfless volunteers from Leadership Mission and our Winter Texan community. Your commitment to the greater mission of health and wellness has left an indelible mark on our community.

A profound thank you also goes out to our hardworking staff, whose dedication and tireless efforts behind the scenes ensured smooth operations and a positive experience for all attendees.

As we reflect on the success of this year's fair, we eagerly anticipate the promise of future events, knowing that our collective efforts will continue to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of our community. Here's to the spirit of collaboration, unity, and a healthier future for us all!

🎄✨ Celebrating a magical Friday at Discover Mission's Holiday Market! 🌟 Our record-breaking crowd lit up the season with joy on December 1st. 🌈 From homemade crafts to delicious snacks, our diverse vendors made it unforgettable. 🎁 Santa spread cheer, and thanks to Mission PD, the Grinch couldn't dampen our spirit! 🎅🏻💚 Huge gratitude to all vendors, visitors, and staff who made this festive market a reality!

Thrilled to celebrate a momentous occasion with XO Physical Therapy as they break ground on their cutting-edge aquatic treatment center in Mission, TX! This marks their second location in the city, and we're excited to witness their continued growth and success. Here's to enhancing wellness and making waves in rehabilitation!

🎉¡Felicidades Stripes! 🌟 What a spectacular fiesta at the grand opening of your newest location on La Homa! 🎊 The energy, the excitement, and the smiles were contagious. Here's to a vibrant future filled with success, community, and endless joy. 🥳 Your presence is a true asset, and we can't wait to see the positive impact you'll continue to make. ¡Mucho éxito siempre!

Cheers to a new chapter for Mission, TX! 🎉🏨 Excited to congratulate OceanGate Hospitality on the ribbon cutting ceremony marking the beginning of a $25 million investment in our community. The Residence Inn by Marriott and Avid/Candlewood Suites will soon grace our city, offering guests close proximity to shopping, dining, and unforgettable experiences at the Mission Event Center. Here's to growth, hospitality, and the vibrant future ahead! 

Thrilled to welcome Dr. Arturo Torices to the Mission Regional Medical Center family! 🌟 The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce joined in celebrating his arrival at the hospital's holiday mixer. Here's to a future of compassionate care and community impact together. 

Extending a heartfelt appreciation to all the wonderful members who joined us this morning at the Mission Chamber of Commerce's Member Appreciation Breakfast! 🌟 

A warm applause for the incredible performances by the Leo Marcell Elementary Choir and Band, as well as the Sharyland High Mariachi, who truly dazzled us with their Christmas Carols and performances. 

A special mention to those who generously contributed to the Persistence in Adversity Foundation's Blanket Drive – your support makes a significant difference. 

Our sincere thanks go to Coffee Zone for catering the event, treating us to a spread of delicious delights, and to Scooters Coffee for providing the perfect brew to start our day.

As we savor the festive spirit, let's remember the joy of giving and community. Wishing everyone a safe, joyous holiday season filled with warmth and merriment. Merry Christmas!