Getting a hotel property launched can be compared to bringing a village to life. Major hotel properties provide guests with food, security, entertainment, exercise facilities, connectivity, social events and of course, clean, comfortable rooms. When the Residence Inn by Marriott opened on Dec. 18 in Harlingen, staff in housekeeping and reception, for example, had been training for more than two weeks. The management team, on the other hand, had been…
“We’ve basically adapted to our customers,” said David Leahy, who owns Quips ’n Quotes with his wife Patty and parents Bruce and Susan Leahy. “Ten or 15 years ago, we didn’t have any fashion merchandise — no scarves, no sweaters. It was one of those deals where we’d bring a few items in, and the customers would say you need to bring in more.” That willingness to heed customers’ suggestions…
The Valley’s high proportion of young people includes very young people: infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Certain Valley businesses cater to that population, helping families keep their children clothed and entertained. Whether shopping for gifts for a friend’s newborn or playing beloved auntie and taking the tikes to the zoo for the day or searching for dress clothes for a wedding’s little ring bearer and flower girl, you will find what…
To boost its economy 30 years ago, the city of Hidalgo began passing out shopping flyers to drivers and pedestrians crossing the Hidalgo-McAllen International Bridge. Tourism spurs economic development and creates jobs, a fact that city leaders decided could transform their pass-through community into a destination with a vibrant reputation. The surge in tourists and the growth of city businesses did not happen overnight. But today Hidalgo hosts the Festival…
“It’s like a license to go have fun,” said Alan Stewart, of the “six-pack” course taught at Stewart Training Center. Stewart knows because he did it himself:. He passed the 56-hour course for the U.S. Coast Guard Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel or six-pack boat captain’s license, and began working as a fishing guide in the Laguna Madre. The license is required of captains who take aboard up to six…
For many of us, the holidays revolve around food, old favorites and new. The Valley now boasts a growing number of artisan food businesses: small establishments that turn out a limited amount of their savory treats. These very small (for now) businesses bring a professional consistency to fresh, flavorful foods that you love to eat, week after week. The food produced by these passionate connoisseurs can be found both at…
The ‘Going out of business’ signs hanging outside Tierra Dulce can make you feel sad about a business taking the agonizing step of closing down. Or not. “Don’t feel sorry for me,” said owner Jesse DeLeon. “You adapt to survive.” Once DeLeon assessed his company, which specializes in making rustic Mexican furniture and décor along with importing Mexican folk art, he realized that changes had to take place. His 10-year-old…
The work of skilled crafters blurs the line between art and craft. That pleasing merger of art and craft depends on the skills of the crafter/artist, the medium and the eye of the beholder. Local experts in mediums as varied as stone and silver, fiber and wood, antler and beads, are creating one-of-a-kind pieces. Across the Valley, you will find craft studios and boutiques specializing in handmade items ranging from…
“It is easy to overlook Mercedes,” Hernan Gonzalez told the board of the Mercedes Development Corp. Gonzalez admitted he himself knew little about the Queen City until he became executive director of the Development Corp. a year ago. Since then he has used the mantra, “Get noticed. Get considered. Get commitments” to move Mercedes up the ranks of Valley cities. “No one is going to go invest in Mercedes if…
Once fall arrives, Valley garden centers and nurseries give a collective sigh of relief. Cooler weather allows people to emerge from their homes, eager to work in their gardens and revive their landscapes. Newcomers have absorbed the lesson that summer is not the time to start a garden. For southernmost Texas, which is subtropical planting Zone 10, fall is the best time of year to plant trees, vegetables and flowering…