(Weslaco, TX) – The Rio Grande Council, Boy Scouts of America held the “2012 Rio Bravo District Leadership Gala” , on Thursday, May 3, 2012, at Jose’s Cafecito Courtyard in Weslaco’s Historic Villa de Cortez Building. Hernan Gonzalez, Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco, Executive Director, and Terry Barbee, retired Weslaco Businessman, were honored as this year’s recipients of the “Centennial Leadership Award,” which was presented at this benefit dinner.

The “Leadership Award” has been designated by the Rio Grande Council of the Boy Scouts of America as an award to recognize a civic, community, or business leader who demonstrates patriotism, leadership, and service at a local, state, or national level. The candidates must also provide service and support to the character development of youth within the Rio Grande Valley. Past honorees include Mayor Mike Wise, Neal O. Simmons, and Monsignor Gustavo Barrera.

Funds raised for this event will support the Boy Scouts of America in the Rio Grande Valley. For more information on becoming a sponsor, please contact Juan Cruz at 956-423-0250 at juan.cruz@scouting.org.

On May 24, 2012, Alfresco Weslaco – Jazz on the Street will feature a long standing Rio Grande Valley band – Noe Pro and the Band. Head quartered in McAllen, Texas, the band still toursthrough out the United States and Mexico. This will be the eleventh in a series of Jazz & Art events held in Downtown Weslaco. Fine artists from around the Valley will showcase their work in the ART TENT. So come and Jazz up Texas Blvd Thursday April 26th!

Click link to read full story in THE MONITOR

Story by Elizabeth Findell, The Monitor

WESLACO—The Weslaco Economic Development Corporation and Chamber of Commerce moved into palatial new digs on the south side of city hall this week after a more than $1 million renovation, but to corporation Director Hernan Gonzalez, some of the magic is in the little details.

For one thing, he found a local artist to transform the unattractive yellow fire hydrant on the front lawn into a parrot. For another, the vaulted ceiling of the entryway recalls a classic train station.

“Seeing people’s expressions” is the best part, he said. “This really has wow factor.”

The corporation and the chamber both moved out of their previous location at 301 W. Railroad St. last year when the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council relocated there from McAllen, and have been in temporary spaces since then. The new facility will now house both entities and serve as a visitors’ center.

The development corporation took out a $1.3 million loan to renovate the 12,000 square feet of shell space, according to Gonzalez.

The final tab included $109,902 paid for construction project management, $68,931 for doors and windows, $245,179 for finishes including tiling and the suspended acoustical ceiling, and $355,813 for mechanical, plumbing and electrical updates.

The corporation also spent $41,960 for audio and video installations in the building, $50,000 for landscaping and $5,100 for new signage.

Some $9,711 went to purchasing and installing seven new flags to fly in front of the building between the City Hall and Visitors’ Center entrances. The flags represent entities that have had sovereignty over the region at various points: Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Republic of the Rio Grande, the Confederate States and the United States.

Some corporation board members initially questioned the wisdom of flying a Confederate flag in front of City Hall, but after some debate members unanimously approved its inclusion.

Inside, the building has a wall of pamphlets and visitor information, life-sized bronze sculptures of children playing, large conference and board rooms, historic photos of Weslaco on the walls and other artistic features.

“It’s kind of a one-stop shop,” Gonzalez said of having the corporation, the chamber and city services all under one roof.

Still, the eventual plan is not for the corporation to make a permanent home in the building, but to move east—as it has from its previous locations—and let the facility likely become an event center.

“I think we’ll move east again within three to five years,” Gonzalez said. “Every time we’ve done this, it spurs development.”

CLICK LINK TO STORY IN THE MONITOR

The Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco
Contact: Alicia Aguilar
Address: 305 W. Railroad Phone: 956-969-0838
Weslaco, TX 78596 Website: www.weslaconow.com

February 15, 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alfresco Weslaco Postponed
WESLACO – Alfresco Weslaco – Jazz on the Street will be postponing Thursday evening’s event due to weather conditions. The event will be held on Thursday February 23 on Texas Blvd.

Alfresco Weslaco is an event held outdoors with live music, food and art. Alicia Aguilar with the Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco said the National Weather Service predicts an 80% chance of rain with significant rainfall. “It is better to be safe than sorry. Valley weather changes and I’m sure next week will be beautiful. Of course we welcome the rain, the drought affects the economy and we are hopeful this rain helps us get over this hump,” Aguilar said.

The purpose of Alfresco Weslaco – Jazz on the Street is to market and promote Weslaco as a community where people want to live and do business in. The plan is to use jazz and art as a foundation for 100% occupancy of the Central Business District.

Today, location decisions for both business and where people want to live is, in large part, driven by the viability of a community. What differentiates one community from another? That is where the arts and culture come into play.

The objective is to bring people into the heart of the city for an evening of relaxation and a soft sell of the opportunities and advantages that Weslaco offers.
Weslaco is alive, doing well, and open for business. Alfresco Weslaco – Jazz on the Street demonstrates all three. Weslaco’s economy is diverse and expanding.