VBR

Lunch & Learn: Weathering a Financial Emergency
2021-07-29 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, 1600 University Blvd., Brownsville, TX, 78520, United States
Join the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce and BBVA for a financial education workshop July 29. Financial experts will provide information, tips and resources to help you with your everyday finances and long-term financial goals.
In this workshop, participants will:

Understand the risks small businesses may face during a financial emergency.
Prepare for financial emergencies by creating a personalized plan.
Seek out and access resources provided specifically for small businesses.

This event is free and open to the community.
Register online.

E-Commerce Roadmap: Strategic Selling II
2021-07-27 14:00 - 16:00 | Online, TX, United States
The “E-Commerce Roadmap: Strategic Selling II” online training July 27 assists any small business owner who is searching for the proper tips and tools to participate successfully in electronic commerce.
Session Topics:

Selling on social media
Determining your social media audience
Defining engaging social content
Understanding marketing automation

Register online.

Chamber Connect +: 84th Anniversary Celebration
2021-07-27 10:00 - 11:00 | Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, 1600 University Blvd., Brownsville, TX, 78520, United States
The Brownsville Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 84th anniversary as an incorporated nonprofit on July 27 with Chamber Connect +.
Join the chamber to learn more about its history. Get to know what your local chamber of commerce can do for you and your business.
Attendees will learn how to:

take advantage of membership benefits
join a committee
stay connected with the members-only online portal
set up a membership profile

This event is free and open to the public.
Register online.

The HR Process
2021-07-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Webinar
The HR Process webinar on July 21 covers the appropriate steps to take when planning for human resources in a small business. This includes what each step entails and its importance.
The UTRGV SBDC presents this webinar with promotional support from local chambers of commerce. These include Brownsville, Greater Mission, RGV Hispanic and San Benito.
Register online.

Mental Health Festival
2021-07-17 13:00 - 17:00 | Mural Lane, 101 South 17th Street, McAllen, TX, 78501, United States
The Mental Health Festival by Mental Monarchs takes place July 17 with activities for the entire family. The event includes live music, pop-up shops, butterfly parade, a farmers market and children’s activities. A best-dressed doggy pageant also takes place at 3 p.m.

Health Wellness Seminar
2021-07-17 | South Texas Heart System Health Clinics, 500 East Ridge Road, McAllen, TX, 78503, United States
Sarah Koudouzian
Ready to commit to a healthy lifestyle? Join South Texas Health System to hear from celebrity personal trainer and author Sarah Koudiuzian at this seminar July 17. The seminar takes place in two sessions, one in person and another on Zoom. The live program includes a special exercise routine and a live cooking demonstration, as well as a mini health expo.
The live session one takes place 10-11 a.m., while in-person and Zoom is 1-2:30 p.m.
Registration is required for in-person sessions.

Food Park Unplugged
2021-07-16 20:00 - 22:00 | McAllen Food Park, 10 N. Broadway, McAllen, 78501, United States
Food Park Unplugged takes place July 16 at McAllen Food Park. Every third Friday of the month, enjoy the sounds of local crooners while feasting on dishes by Food Truck chefs. Take a stroll and do some shopping from local craft and collectibles vendors. This event is family- and pet-friendly.
Free admission into the park.

Business Over Breakfast - Dr. Stephen Robinson
2021-07-15 08:30 - 09:30 | Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce, 311 E. Tyler Ave., Harlingen, TX, 78550, United States
The Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce is back for Business Over Breakfast July 15. This month’s guest speaker is Dr. Stephen Robinson with Culture of Life Ministries.
Attendees must RSVP for the event to attend.
For more information or to RSVP, email lcampbell@harlingen.com or call 956-423-5440.

SBA Federal Contracting Series: Federal HUBZone Program + Texas HUB Program Certification
2021-07-14 14:00 - 15:30 | Zoom
As part of the Federal Contracting Series, the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce collaborates with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the UTRGV Procurement Technical Assistance Center for the Federal HUBZone Certification Program + Texas HUB Program Certification webinar July 14.
The federal government uses special programs to help small businesses win at least at 23 percent of all federal contracting dollars each year.
To help provide a level playing field for small businesses located in a HUBZone area the government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that participate in the Federal HUBZone Programs.
The government’s goal is to award at least three percent of all contracting dollars to HUBZone-certified small businesses each year. The presenters will also cover the Texas HUB Program certification.
Discover and learn:

If government contracting is for you.
The benefits for being a certified firm.
If you qualify for the program.
If you are in a designated area.
Steps on how to do business with the federal government.

Register online.

Mission Lions Market Days
2021-07-10 11:00 - 14:00, 2021-06-12 11:00 - 14:00 | Mission Market Square, 200 West Tom Landry, Mission, TX, 78572, United States
Join friends and neighbors for Mission Lions Market Days July 10. The market includes arts and crafts, antiques, jewelry, clothing, food and music. Free community bingo is also part of the event.
The market takes place every month on the second Saturday.

Women Empowering Women - Bonnie Villarreal
2021-07-08 12:00 - 13:00 | Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce, 311 E. Tyler Ave., Harlingen, TX, 78550, United States
The Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce presents “Women Empowering Women” July 8 with Dr. Bonnie Villarreal, co-owner of Rio Vista Dentistry.
Attendees must RSVP to attend.
Email lcampbell@harlingen.com or call 956-423-5440.

SBA Federal Contracting Series: Women-Owned Small Business Program + PTAC Services
2021-07-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom
As part of the Federal Contracting Series, the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce collaborates with the U.S. Small Business Administration for the Women-Owned Small Business Program online workshop July 7.
The federal government’s goal is to award at least five percent of all federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses each year.
At this workshop, attendees will learn about the Woman-Owned Small Business and the Economically Disadvantaged Woman Owned Small Business Program. They will also receive information on the benefits of being a WOSB certified firm.
In addition, attendees will learn about WOSB’s application process and if they qualify for the programs.
If your business is owned and controlled by a woman, and you have a product or service you can sell to the federal government, and you want to take advantage of federal contracting opportunities, then this workshop is for you. This is a no-cost informational session.
Register online.

Coffee With the President
2021-07-05 07:30 - 08:30 | Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce, 311 E. Tyler Ave., Harlingen, TX, 78550, United States
Harlingen Chamber’s Javier De Leon has a personal face-to-face sit-down with members of the community July 5 at 7:30 a.m. De Leon will talk about what the Harlingen Chamber offers. Attendees an also learn of some of the chamber’s initiatives and how to properly utilize chamber membership.
This event is open to the entire community and is free.

Texas Cook’ Em: High Steaks
2021-07-04 | Ebony Hills Golf Course, 300 W. Palm Drive, Edinburg, TX, United States
Texas Cook’ Em: High Steaks makes its return July 4 in Edinburg, complete with vendors, live music, car show, a children’s fun area and its state championship barbecue competition. The event is free.
Texas Cook’Em is one of Texas’s biggest BBQ purse, awarding $16,000 to the winners. Competitors battle it out to cook the best chicken, ribs, pork brisket and rib-eye for money and bragging rights.
A performance by Def Leggend, a tribute to Def Leppard, will kick-off the free concert. At sunset, a fireworks display will commence, followed by the performance of American Country Award winner Easton Corbin.

San Benito Resaca Fest 2021
2021-07-03 16:00 - 23:00 | W.H. Heavin Memorial Park, 705 N. Bowie Street, San Benito, TX, United States
The 13th annual San Benito Resacafest is a family-friendly day of food, craft vendors, games and family activities July 3. An evening concert under the stars and a fireworks display cap off the evening.
Resacafest supports the City of San Benito’s efforts to boost tourism by promoting the city’s unique history through family-friendly cultural events and programming.
Admission is free.

McAllen Independence Day Celebration
2021-07-03 | Archer Park, 101 North Main Street, McAllen, TX, United States
The McAllen Independence Day Celebration takes place July 3 with an early morning patriotic program. Immediately following is the Main Street Parade and then the family-friendly Freedom Festival at Archer Park. Music, food and games will be some of the highlights of the event.
Independence Day 4K Run
The Independence Day 4K Run starts at 7 a.m. The City of McAllen Parks and Recreation Department has partnered with Team Red White and Blue, a national veterans’ organization whose mission it is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity. The race, which is just under 2.5 miles, is open to anyone ages 7 years and up. The event takes place at McAllen Municipal Park, 1921 North Bicentennial Boulevard, with the race starting and ending at the park.
The registration fee is $20. The first 300 runners will also receive a runner’s shirt and a finisher medal. All proceeds from the race will benefit the local chapter of Team RWB.
To learn more or to register for the race, visit www.mcallenparks.net or call the City of McAllen Parks Department at 956-681-3333.
More Event Activities
Other activities scheduled for the day include the Patriotic Program, which will begin at 8 a.m. from Archer Park, located at 101 North Main Street. Immediately following is the Main Street Parade which will run along Main Street from Houston Avenue to Beech Avenue. Attendees can then enjoy the festivities at Freedom Festival at Archer Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring classic family fun, music, food and games.
Later in the day, from 6-10 p.m. Municipal Park is the site for food, live music and entertainment. Starting at 9 p.m., the Concert in the Sky fireworks extravaganza will go live from Municipal Park.
The public can listen to the fireworks set to patriotic music by tuning in to 710-AM KURV. The fireworks will also broadcast live on MCN 1300 on Spectrum Cable for McAllen residents and at mcallen.net. The public may also view via the McAllen mobile 3-1-1 app or over the air antenna channel 57.1 KAZH-LP.
The McAllen Independence Day Celebration is presented by H-E-B. Other sponsors include Lack’s, Driscoll Health Plan, Driscoll Health System, Reliant, Stripes Laredo Taco Company and Clark Chevrolet.

Freedom Celebration Mixer Presented by Texas Regional Bank
2021-07-01 17:00 - 19:30 | Texas Regional Bank – Brownsville, 3450 Pablo Kisel Blvd., Brownsville, TX, 78526, United States
The Brownsville Chamber of Commerce hosts the return of the Freedom Celebration Mixer Presented by Texas Regional Bank July 1 at 5 p.m. Join the chamber for live music, food, snacks and drinks. Network with colleagues and friends.
Members of the chamber can register for $20 and nonmembers may register for $25 per person.
Register online.

Harlingen Chamber New Member Orientation
2021-06-30 11:00 - 12:00 | Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce, 311 E. Tyler Ave., Harlingen, TX, 78550, United States
The Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce invites all new members to New Member Orientation June 30. Members will receive a full run-down of member benefits and learn all about the vast network they are part of.
Register online.

2021-06-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Webinar
The “Payroll Compliance” webinar on June 23 sheds light for business owners on the compliance requirements of payroll.
Are you planning to hire employees? Hiring employees involves more than just signing a paycheck. Before hiring employees, business owners must understand and prepare for the additional obligations that come with being an employer.
Webinar Highlights:

Steps to meeting general state and federal requirements
Laws and types of payroll taxes business owners must pay
Contact information for the different agencies that govern payroll taxes
Helpful resources

This webinar is presented by a business and HR advisor with the UTRGV Small Business Development Center.
Register online.

WOSB Certification and Ascent Program for Women
2021-06-22 12:00 | TX
Join this webinar June 22, covering SBA’s Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting program application process. Presenter Cecilia Orozco of SBA also discusses the latest changes to the WOSB/EDWOSB certification process. Participants will explore how to optimize and successfully complete the application on the new portal, beta.certify.sba.gov.
The webinar will also provide information on the new innovative web-platform “Ascent” for women-owned small business owners and entrepreneurs looking to start, grow, expand or recover their business.
Topics include:

Special Guest – PTAC (Resources Overview)
Beta.certify.gov
DUNS/NICS CODES
Walk-through of WOSB/EDWOSB application process
Ascent program

Register online.

The Data Behind Social Media
2021-06-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Webinar
“The Data Behind Social Media” webinar on June 22 informs small business owners how to effectively use social media analytics to attract a target audience and build a winning marketing campaign. Optimizing an online presence will help entice, retain and enthuse customers as well as generate revenue for the company. Learn how social media analytics can benefit any small business.
Workshop Highlights:

Understand how to use social media analytics.
Grow your business with data-driven decisions.
Reach your target audience with simple tools.

Patty Rojas of Monarch International presents the webinar as the last installment of the Mastering Marketing & Social Media series.
This webinar is hosted by the UTRGV SBDC with promotional support by the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce, Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce, Palmview Chamber of Commerce, Rio Grande City Greater Chamber of Commerce, Rio Grande City Public Library, San Benito Chamber of Commerce, South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce, and Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center.

Register online.

SBA's HUBZone Certification Program
2021-06-18 14:00 - 15:30 | Microsoft Teams
Join the U.S. Small Business Administration online to learn about the HUBZone program certification June 18.
This program is designed to promote economic development and employment growth for small businesses located in economically distressed areas.
In this webinar session, small businesses will learn about the program requirements, benefits and application process. They will also learn about additional resources the SBA offers to help small businesses start, grow, expand and recover.
Attendees will learn:

What is the HUBZone Program Certification.
Requirements for the program.
Benefits and the application process.
The steps to apply for the HUBZone Program.

Register online.

Creating a Capability Statement That Gets Noticed
2021-06-17 12:00 | Zoom
Join the SBA Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office online June 17 as they discuss how you can create an effective capability statement to help your business gain a competitive edge in the government contracting market.
Attendees will learn about the following:

What is a Capability Statement?
What key components make an effective Capability Statement?
How are Capability Statements used in government contracting?
And more

Register online.

Despierta Brownsville: The Effects of the Real Estate Market on Brownsville
2021-06-17 08:00 - 09:30 | Don Chucho Tacos y Tequilas, 814 Paredes Line Road, Brownsville, TX, 78521, United States
The Brownsville Chamber of Commerce invites the community to participate in “The Effects of the Real Estate Market on Brownsville” June 17 at Don Chucho Tacos y Tequilas.
Guest speakers include:

David Ramirez, chief executive officer, Brownsville/SPI Board of Realtors
Nick Mitchell-Bennett, executive director, cdcb | Come Dream. Come Build.
Bruno Zavaleta, broker and owner, Zavaleta Realty, LLC

Moderator for the event is Benjamin Pena, partner at Burton McCumber & Longoria LLP.
This year, the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce’s Despierta Brownsville series will tackle community issues impacting the City of Brownsville. Sponsor Don Chuco Tacos y Tequilas will be providing complimentary breakfast and coffee for all in attendance.
CDC social distancing protocols and face masks are recommended.
Attendees may submit their questions and comments online.
Register online.

E-Commerce Roadmap: Getting Your Business Online
2021-06-15 15:00 - 17:00 | Webinar
What tools do you need to get your business online? Are you interested in launching an online business? Do you want to grow your existing business through online sales? “E-Commerce Roadmap: Getting Your Business Online” June 15 is assists any small business owner who is searching for the proper tools in electronic commerce.
Topics include:

Overview of electronic commerce
Technical requirements to launching an e-commerce strategy or business
Review of e-commerce platforms & online marketplaces
Engagement in social selling

Webinar host is the UTRGV SBDC. The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce, RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce provide promotional support.
Register online.

Harlingen Business Over Breakfast - David Luna
2021-06-10 08:30 - 09:30 | Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce, 311 E. Tyler Ave., Harlingen, TX, 78550, United States
The Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce hosts Business Over Breakfast June 10 with keynote speaker Dr. David Luna.
Dr. Luna will discuss the importance of hurricane preparedness. The Red Cross will also present tips and strategies on how to prepare for these storms, including emergency preparedness kits with necessary supplies and making a plan in case of an evacuation.
This event is free.
For more information, contact the chamber.

Women Empowering Women
2021-06-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce, 311 E. Tyler Ave., Harlingen, TX, 78550, United States
The Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce presents “Women Empowering Women” June 3 with HCISD Superintendent Alicia Noyola.

Financing Options for your Business: A Lender Panel Discussion
2021-05-28 09:00 - 11:00 | Microsoft Teams
SBA’s “Financing Options for your Business: A Lender Panel Discussion” includes a panel of participating SBA lenders and microlenders answering questions and providing information on how to apply and the requirements for a business loan.
Money is the lifeline of any business and securing financing is a major factor. Many entrepreneurs find the task daunting and don’t even know where to begin.
Discover and Learn:

Basic requirements and eligibility
The difference between a conventional loan and an SBA guaranteed loan
The five C’s of credit
Criteria used to evaluate loan proposals

Register online.
For more information, contact Veronica Z. Ortega.

Legendary Businesswomen’s Luncheon
2021-05-27 11:30 - 13:30 | Embassy Suites by Hilton, 800 Convention Center Blvd., McAllen, TX, 78501, United States
The McAllen Chamber of Commerce’s All About Women Committee hosts the annual Legendary Businesswomen’s Luncheon May 27. The event will honor McAllen attorney Katie Klein, co-owner of Dairy Queen restaurants Laurie Lozano and Dr. Fredericka Borland.
Naxi Lopez of The Monitor will interview each honoree about their experiences as they developed their business careers.
Embassy Suites McAllen will serve lunch. The cost to attend the event is $35 for chamber members or $50 for non-members. Sponsorships and reserved tables are available.
The City of McAllen, Annette and John David Franz, Linebarger Attorneys at Law, Rio Grande Regional Hospital and Embassy Suites by Hilton McAllen serve as event sponsors.
For more information or to make a reservation, contact Gerry Garcia.
