VBR

Let’s Talk Business - Marketing Essentials for your Business
2023-03-17 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | SBA Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office , 2422 E. Tyler Ave., Suite E, Harlingen, TX, 78550, United States
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s “Marketing Essentials for your Business” workshop on March 17 helps entrepreneurs distinguish their business from the competition and reach ideal customers.
Marketing is a topic many entrepreneurs ponder as they begin shaping their business ideas. Marketing is a solution-driven process that benefits both the customer and the business owner. While advertising is important, it is only a single component to the entire marketing process. A marketing plan is the blueprint of strategies to help you win and retain customers.
Considered the heart of your business, a marketing plan includes detailed information about your business location, prices of products and services, promotional methods, and the product itself.
Webinar Topics Include:

Essentials of a marketing plan
Segmentation and target markets
Setting achievable marketing objectives
Business positioning and branding
Promotional Strategies (digital and traditional marketing)
Internet and social media marketing
Measuring your marketing efforts success

Register online.

Social Media for Small Businesses: Tips & Trends for 2023
2023-03-15 14:00 - 16:00 | Rio Bank Office Tower, 701 E. Expressway 83, McAllen, TX, United States
Do you use social media for your small business? Learn how social media can impact your company with UTRGV SBDC’s “Social Media for Small Businesses: Tips & Trends for 2023” on March 15.
While not every business owner uses social media to connect with customers or build brand awareness, those that do benefit greatly from its free tools.
This in-person workshop shares best practices as well as tips and tools to stay engaged with your target market and build a following, plus much more.
Session highlights:

Brand awareness
Social media benefits
Social media tips & trends
Social media best practices

This in-person session is hosted by the UTRGV SBDC and presented by Monarch International Design, Inc.
Register online.

Link Up: Speed Networking
2023-03-14 11:30 - 13:00 | McAllen Chamber of Commerce, 1200 Ash Ave., McAllen, TX, 78501, United States
“Link Up: Speed Networking” on March 14 is geared towards McAllen Chamber of Commerce members and gives attendees the opportunity to promote their business, develop new leads and create new professional contacts.
Light lunch will be provided. Seating is limited.
To reserve your spot, contact Andrea de la Garza.

McAllen Chamber Speaker Series: Gabrielle G. Espino
2023-03-14 08:00 - 17:00 | McAllen Chamber of Commerce, 1200 Ash Ave., McAllen, TX, 78501, United States
Join the McAllen Chamber of Commerce for its Speaker Series on March 23 with Gabrielle G. Espino giving a general understanding of credit, its different types and how small businesses can use it.
The Speaker Series is offered to all chamber members at no additional cost. Fee for non-members is $15.
To RSVP, contact Retention Specialist Mariela Hinojosa.

Exploring Nature Writing: Wonder in Wildflowers
2023-03-11 14:00 - 16:30 | Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Drive, McAllen, TX, 78503, United States
Explore Nature Writing Outdoors with Quinta Mazatlan Educational Specialist Taylor Zavala, on March 11. (photo Taylor L. Zavala)
In celebration of National Plant A Flower Day, Quinta Mazatlán invites the public to explore and share a connection with nature through its writing class, Exploring Nature Writing: Wonder in Wildflowers, on March 11. Evaluate relationships with the natural world, engage in stories, learn new creative tools to enhance writing, and explore techniques to tune in to the world around us before our imaginations are set off to play.
This class’s theme centers around ‘National Plant A Flower Day’ which was created to build awareness towards the species which could use a little more love as we shift into the Spring season. Flowers are as much a part of our culture and traditions as they are the natural world, carrying stories, messages and wishes.
Class fee per person is $3 with advance registration preferred via quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com.

SPI Coffee & Conversation
2023-03-09 09:00 - 10:00 | Padre Island Brewing Company, 3400 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX, 78597, United States
Join the South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce March 9 for “Coffee and Conversation” at Padre Island Brewing Co. Guest speaker is Scott Vandenburg of Origins Recovery Center. Get to know the center and what services it provides, benefits to the community and more.

Hats Off to Women of Distinction Dinner & Expo 2023
2023-03-08 18:30 - 20:30 | Mission Event Center, 200 South Shary Road, Mission, TX, 78572, United States
The Hats Off to Women of Distinction Dinner & Expo on March 8 is a gathering of business women to “celebrate” their successes, shop, network and learn how SBA can assist in the creation or expansion of their businesses all while modeling the latest “Kentucky Derby Hat” fashions.
Tickets are $50. Reserved tables of eight are $600 each.
Tickets are available online.
To purchase a reserved table, vendor table or for sponsorship information, contact the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Manic Monday Mixer
2023-03-06 17:30 - 19:30 | Tony’s Grill, 1901 Club de Amistad, Weslaco, TX, 78596, United States
The RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosts its Manic Monday Mixer on March 6, providing a networking event for business people to gather over appetizers and beverages while they mingle and create new business leads.
The Manic Monday Mixers have helped the RGVHCC members create many business contacts from throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Anyone donating a door prize gets an extra opportunity to talk about their business.
Contact the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for more information.

Weslaco Networking Lunch Mob
2023-03-01 11:30 - 13:00 | TBA
Join the Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce for it monthly Networking Lunch Mob on March 1. The event provides an opportunity to network with other business community members and support a local restaurant. Everyone pays for his/her own lunch.
Register online to receive event location and instructions.

RGVHCC RGV Vipers Game Networking Mixer
2023-02-28 17:30 - 19:00 | Bert Ogden Arena, 4900 S I-69 C, Edinburg, TX, United States
The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosts a Vipers game networking mixer prior to the game on Feb. 28. This is a networking event where business people gather for appetizers and beverages while they mingle and create new business leads.
Mixers have helped the RGVHCC members create many business contacts from throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Door prizes are always a big draw. Anyone donating a door prize gets an extra opportunity to talk about their business. Plenty of business cards are recommended.
This event is free for current RGVHCC members.
Register online.

CEO Round Table
2023-02-28 09:00 - 10:00 | South Texas Health Systems Heart Hospital, 500 E Ridge Road, McAllen, TX, 78503, United States
Join the McAllen Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 28 for a candid discussion surrounding the future of business and a recap of the McAllen Day in Austin event.
After the discussion, guests will receive a private tour of the STHS facilities.
Seating is limited, RSVP with the chamber.

Heros with Hearts 5K
2023-02-25 07:30 | South Texas Health System Heart, 1900 South D Street, McAllen, TX, 78503, United States
To commemorate American Heart Month and promote heart-healthy behavior, South Texas Health System Heart invites the public to take part in its Heroes with Heart 5K on Feb. 25.
This year’s run is dedicated to the Valley’s own Heroes with Heart veterans who have survived and thrived in their battle with heart disease. All proceeds benefit local charities.
Registration deadline is noon on Feb. 24. Visit the run website for fees, age categories and more information.

Business Registration: Filing Requirements for Starting a Business
2023-02-24 09:00 - 11:00 | SBA Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office , 2422 E. Tyler Ave., Suite E, Harlingen, TX, 78550, United States
The U.S. Small Business Administration recognizes that supporting entrepreneurship is a team effort. “Business Registration: Filing Requirements for Starting a Business” is the fourth workshop in a series of 12 specifically developed with the local entrepreneur in mind. The 12-part series addresses a variety of subjects and connects participants with experts from federal, state and local business resources.
The most common and the simplest form of business is the sole proprietorship. If the business is conducted under an assumed name, then an assumed name certificate (commonly referred to as a DBA) should be filed with the office of the county clerk in the county where a business premise is maintained.
The need for a state tax ID number ties directly to whether your business must pay state taxes. Texas imposes a 6.25 percent state sales and use tax on all retail sales, leases and rentals of most goods as well as taxable services.
This session presented by Texas State Comptroller of Public Accounts and the Cameron County Clerk’s Office and will provide information on the importance of business registration and the filing requirements for starting a business.
Discover and Learn:

Your responsibilities as a tax payer, and if you are required to file
Seller and Purchaser responsibilities, collection and remittance of tax and reporting periods
Records requirements and how to keep accurate records
Resale and Exemption certificates, the use of each and how to complete the form
The importance of an assumed name certificate
Duration of each certificate and fees
What to do if you close your business

For more information, contact Veronica Z. Ortega.

SPI Market Days
2023-02-24 - 2023-02-26 | SPI Convention Center, 7355 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX, 78597, United States
Visit the SPI Convention Center Jan 21-23 and Feb. 25-27 for SPI Market Days. Enjoy live music while exploring the different treasures from vendors from all over the world. Items include art, gourmet food, custom creations, fashion and beauty, home and garden decor, cosmetics, local activities, jewelry, tools, health products, pet merchandise and more.
Food truck will be serving breakfast and lunch,
Admission is $1, parking is free.

Alamo Small Business Workshop
2023-02-23 12:00 - 13:00 | Alamo EDC, 715 E. Business 83, Alamo, TX, 78516, United States
The Alamo Economic Development Corporation hosts a free workshop on Feb. 23 about the EDC’s small business programs such as the Small Business Grant Program, Micro-Loan Program and Revolving Loan Fund. The UTRGV-Small Business Development Center will also be on hand to provide information on services provided by SBDC.
For more information, contact Rafael Tapia at rtapia@alamotexas.org or 956-787-6622.

Jumpstart Career Expo
2023-02-22 09:30 - 13:30 | McAllen Convention Center, 700 Convention Center Boulevard, McAllen, TX, United States
The largest career expo in the Rio Grande Valley takes place Feb. 22 where job seekers can connect with more than 150 employers offering more than 6,500 jobs. Industries include health care, government, construction, hospitality, retail, administrative support and more.
This event is free and open to the public.

Link Up: Speed Networking
2023-02-21 11:30 - 13:00 | McAllen Chamber of Commerce, 1200 Ash Ave., McAllen, TX, 78501, United States
The McAllen Chamber of Commerce presents “Link Up: Speed Networking” on Feb. 21 for chamber members to promote their business, develop new leads and create new professional contacts.
Light lunch will be provided. Seating is limited.
To reserve your spot, contact Retention Specialist Mariela Hinojosa at 956-682-2871 or email mhinojosa@mcallenchamber.com.

Charro Days Mixer Presented by Texas Regional Bank
2023-02-17 17:00 - 19:30 | Texas Regional Bank – Brownsville, 3450 Pablo Kisel Blvd., Brownsville, TX, 78526, United States
The Brownsville Chamber of Commerce and Texas Regional Bank celebrate in the spirit of Charro Days on Feb. 17. The event kicks off the week-long festivities happening in Brownsville.
Get your Charro’s costumes ready and be sure to warm up your voice for the annual grito contest. The evening includes food, Mexican snacks, and music and performances throughout the night.
Brownsville Chamber member tickets are $25; $40 for non-members. Register online.
For more information, contact the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce.

Second Annual Winter Texan Casino Day
2023-02-17 11:30 - 15:00 | Region One Service Center, 1900 W. Schunior Street, Edinburg, TX, United States
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce hosts its second annual Winter Texan Casino Day on Feb. 17 at the Region One Service Center from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. More than 300 Winter Texans from across the Rio Grande Valley attend the annual event.
With the purchase of a $7 ticket, attendees can expect live music from DRAFT Music, complimentary lunch, casino games and prizes.
Tickets can be purchased at the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce or by calling 956-383-4974.

2023 AAF-Rio Grande Valley American Advertising Awards Gala Weekend
2023-02-17 - 2023-02-19 | Courtyard Marriott South Padre Island, 6700 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island, 78597
Join the American Advertising Federation – Rio Grande Valley for a fun-filled weekend at the Courtyard Marriott on South Padre Island from Feb. 17-19. The highlight of the weekend is the 2023 AAF-RGV American Advertising Awards celebrating the excellence in Rio Grande Valley advertising. It will take place on Saturday evening, Feb. 18.
The AAF-Rio Grande Valley American Advertising Awards celebrate the excellence in RGV advertising. Gold, Silver and Bronze awards go to local advertising and marketing organizations for work that ran during 2022. In addition, recognition will go to Best of Show, Best of Print, Best of Digital and Best of Film/Video.
The American Advertising Awards is one of the industry’s largest creative competitions, attracting nearly 35,000 professional and student entries each year through local club competitions.
The mission of the American Advertising Awards is to recognize and reward the spirit of creative excellence in advertising.
Tickets for the awards ceremony are $100 and are available online.
The Courtyard Marriott South Padre Island is offering room rates of $120 per night. A reservation code will be sent upon awards ticket purchase.

Rotary Shrimp Fest of South Texas Inc.
2023-02-11 17:00 - 21:00 | Casa de Amistad, 1204 Fair Park Blvd., Harlingen, TX, 78550, United States
The Rotary Clubs of Harlingen and San Benito host their 27th Shrimp Fest and Fundraiser on Feb. 11. The evening features gulf shrimp, a silent auction, beer garden, raffles and live music by the “Band”itos. Drive-thru will be available for pick-up. Tickets can be purchased online, at the door or from your favorite Rotarian.
Net proceeds from this fundraiser will be distributed among different scholarships, charities and for the betterment of the community.

Girls Night Out Bingo
2023-02-10 18:00 - 23:00 | Children’s Museum of Brownsville, 501 E Ringgold Street #5 Dean Porter, Brownsville, TX, 78520, United States
Girl’s Night Out Bingo is back on Feb. 10 at the Children’s Museum of Brownsville. Ladies, get your team together plan your dazzling theme and get ready for a night full of fun.
The evening includes costumes prizes, cocktails, dancing and bingo.
Reserve a table online.

The Importance of a Business Plan
2023-02-10 10:00 - 12:00 | SBA Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office , 2422 E. Tyler Ave., Suite E, Harlingen, TX, 78550, United States
“The Importance of a Business Plan” with the UTRGV Small Business Development Center on Feb. 10 provides information on the power of business planning and why it’s important to prepare a business plan.
A sound business plan will:

Define and focus on your business objective
Be an essential part of the loan application process
Be used to obtain advice from experts
Uncover omissions and/or weaknesses in the business idea and planning process
The key components of a business plan

A good business plan guides you through each stage of starting and managing your business. You’ll use it as a road map for how to structure, run, and grow your new business. It’s a way to think through the key elements of your business.
Business plans can help you get funding or bring on new business partners. Investors want to feel confident they’ll see a return on their investment.
This is the third workshop in a series of 12 from the U.S. Small Business Administration specifically developed with the local entrepreneur in mind. The 12-part series addresses a variety of subjects and connects participants with experts from federal, state and local business resources.
Register online.

Friday With The City: Revitalizing Downtown Brownsville
2023-02-10 08:00 - 09:30 | Brownsville Event Center, 1 Event Center, Brownsville, 78526, United States
The Brownsville Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Brownsville hosts Friday with the City on Feb. 10. During this session, attendees will learn of the great projects, restaurants and businesses in Downtown Brownsville.
Friday with the City is an initiative of the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Brownsville aimed at providing an update to the community about the growth, progress, and future of the city.
Submit your questions for the presenters online.
This event is free with an RSVP.

Quinta Mazatlan Valentines Concert
2023-02-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Drive, McAllen, TX, 78503, United States
Quinta Mazatlan presents an early Valentines Concert in the Park on Feb. 9 with Dos Voces, a contemporary classical duo. Guests may arrive prior to the 6 p.m. concert to take in the nature and birding trails through the woods.
Dos Voces’s Cecy and Bri have collaborated through the years as performers and music educators. As Dos Voces, they integrate their disciplines of voice, piano and guitar. Open to innovation and fun, the two explore the Bolero as well as Jazz, Soul and other contemporary genres.
Quinta Mazatlan reminds the public that, “Music is all around us, especially in nature. From babbling brooks to chirping birds, there is a symphony of sounds around us. Through music we can create deep connections with others, ourselves, and our natural world.”
Tickets are $7 per person and are available online at quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com.

Business Over Breakfast - Rolando Vela
2023-02-09 09:00 - 10:00 | Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce, 311 E. Tyler Ave., Harlingen, TX, 78550, United States
The Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce hosts Rolando Vela, assistant manager for Cameron County Drainage District #5, as keynote speaker for Business Over Breakfast on Feb. 9. This free event includes complimentary breakfast and networking.

1 Million Cups
2023-02-08 09:00 - 10:00 | McAllen Creative Incubator, 601 N Main Street, McAllen, TX, 78504, United States
One Million Cups provides a supportive, inclusive space for entrepreneurs and the community to gather and connect, where you can work through business challenges and identify opportunities.
Feb. 8’s edition of 1MC features Bella Beans Coffee and Top Notch Valet Trash Services presenting about their services.
1MC is free and open to the public.

Brownsville Chamber Connect +
2023-02-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, 1600 University Blvd., Brownsville, TX, 78520, United States
Join the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce team on Feb. 7 for Chamber Connect + to learn more about what the chamber can do for you. Whether you’re looking to learn more about what the local chamber of commerce can do for you, or you just need a refresher on your membership benefits, join us at Chamber Connect + to learn:

how to take advantage of your membership benefits
how to join a committee
how to maximize your investment of time and funds
how to stay connected with your members-only online portal
how to set up your membership profile

Chamber Connect + will help you grow your business and cultivate new business relationships.
Register online. This event is free and open to the community.
For more information, contact the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce.

RGV Hispanic Chamber Manic Monday Mixer
2023-02-06 17:30 - 19:30 | The Main Event, 500 N. Jackson Suite E, Pharr, TX, 778577, United States
The RGV Hispanic Chamber hosts its Manic Monday Mixer on Feb. 6 at Main Event, allowing business people gather to enjoy appetizers and beverages while they mingle and create new business leads.
The Manic Monday Mixers have helped the RGVHCC members create many business contacts from throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Door prizes are always a big draw. Anyone donating a door prize gets an extra opportunity to talk about their business. Plenty of business cards are recommended.
Register online.

Effective Communication Seminar
2023-02-03 08:30 - 10:00 | Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, 602 W University Drive, Edinburg, TX, 78539, United States
Join the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 3 for an informative seminar on Effective Communication presented by Sabrina Walker-Hernandez of Supporting World Hope.
Learn how Effective Communication can help your team improve their communication skills and build stronger relationships with others.
This workshop covers nonverbal communication, active listening and effective communication in different settings. This interactive workshop includes activities and exercises to practice and apply the skills learned.
This seminar is free from Edinburg Chamber members, $20 for non-members. RSVP is required.
