RGVHCC Manic Monday Mixer
2022-05-02 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Reyna’s BBQ, 812 W Expressway 83, Weslaco, TX, 78596, United States
The RGV Hispanic Chamber hosts their monthly Manic Monday Mixer on May 2 with appetizers and beverages. Meet and greet chamber members and network with new prospective members who wish to use the benefits that the RGVHCC offers.
Register online.

Jailbreak Beach Escape
2022-05-07 08:00 | TX
The Jailbreak Beach Escape on May 7 has become a South Padre Island tradition. Each May, thousands of runners conquer the 5k course covering 20 challenging obstacles on the beaches of South Padre. Following is a Texas-sized beach party at Clayton’s Beach Bar.
Register online.

Alligator Sanctuary Anniversary
2022-05-07 08:00 - 17:00 | South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary, 6801 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island, TX, 78597, United States
Join the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary on May 7 to celebrate the third anniversary of the Alligator Sanctuary.
Learn all about the biology of an American alligator and the Alligator Sanctuary through our educational “Gator Talks.”
Afterwards, see the feeding of Big Padre, the center’s 12.5-foot alligator. The center will have cake, cookies and refreshments while supplies last.
Free admission all day.

McAllen Business Power Network Showcase
2022-05-10 11:30 | McAllen Chamber of Commerce, 1200 Ash Ave., McAllen, TX, 78501, United States
The McAllen Chamber of Commerce hosts its Business Power Network Showcase May 10 at the chamber. Promote your business, connect with other chamber members and develop new leads at no cost all while enjoying lunch.
Attendees must call in advance to reserve a seat due to limited seating. Contact Andrea to reserve your spot at 956-682-2871.

Elements of Business Planning Workshop
2022-05-10 14:00 - 16:00 | Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, 118 Paseo del Prado, Edinburg, 78539, United States
The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation hosts the free Elements of Business Planning workshop May 10. This session teaches businesses the key principles and concepts to implement effective business planning. Business resources will also be available to assist and answer any questions.
The EEDC holds this event in collaboration with UTRGV Entrepreneurship & Commercialization Center, UTRGV Small Business Development Center, U.S. Small Business Administration, and Edinburg Chamber of Commerce.
RSVP to economicdevelopment@cityofedinburg.com.

Civics Bee Competition
2022-05-11 18:00 - 20:30 | Brownsville Events Center, 1 Events Center Blvd., Brownsville, TX, United States
The National Civics Bee comes to Brownsville on May 11 at the Brownsville Events Center. Students will be competing to be the named the first Brownsville #NationalCivicsBee champion.
Share your support and cheer on finalists as they compete for national acclaim and cash prizes.
Finalists are:

Dayanna Rodriguez Ceja, IDEA Owassa
Kate Aleman, Stillman Middle School
Jared Calderon, South Texas Preparatory Academy
Seanah Mireles, IDEA San Benito
Christopher Zendejas, Oliveira Middle School
Susan Perez, Faulk Middle School

About the Bee:
The Brownsville Civics Bee is one of six inaugural National Civics Bee competitions promoted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. More than 400 local middle school students participated in a first-round essay competition sharing their ideas on how to use civics to solve a problem in our community. Judges selected the top 10 student essays to advance to the final round: a live quiz event that will test student’s civics knowledge.
The National Civics Bee is presented by the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, with support from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
This event is free and open to the community.

Business Over Breakfast
2022-05-12 08:30 - 09:30 | Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce, 311 E. Tyler Ave., Harlingen, TX, 78550, United States
The Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce presents Dr. Alan Francis as guest speaker for Business Over Breakfast on May 12. The assistant professor of the Department of Neuroscience at UTRGV will discuss the importance of mental health awareness.

Farm to Table Dinner 2022 | IDEA Public Schools
2022-05-12 18:30 - 22:00 | Brownsville Market Square, 1150 Market Square Street, Brownsville, TX, 78520, United States
Join IDEA Public Schools on May 12 as it celebrates 22 years of IDEA’s commitment to the Rio Grande Valley with its inaugural Farm to Table Dinner.
The night will be filled with inspiring stories and a silent auction. Following is a dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients prepared by renowned Chef Larry Delgado, winner of Beat Bobby Flay 2021.
All funds raised will support graduating seniors and alumni with scholarships on their journey to and through college.
RSVP online.

Watermelon Festival & Cook-off
2022-05-14 15:00 - 23:00 | Alamo Downtown Central Park, 800 E. Main Street, Alamo, TX, United States
The 10th annual Watermelon Festival & Cook-off takes place May 14 from 3-11 p.m. in Alamo. This family-friendly event will have entertainment for everyone to enjoy.
Festival offerings include:

Beer Garden
Food Vendors
Carnival Rides
Arts and Crafts
Musical Line-up
Free Watermelon Slices
State-Sanctioned Cook-off

Exploring Your Market
2022-05-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Online, TX, United States
Who are your potential customers?
Before launching or growing a business, it is important to identify your target market and new market segments.
Is there a demand or growing demand for your product or service? Who is buying or selling something similar? All these questions and more must be studied to make key business decisions in your small business.
Webinar highlights

The importance of market research
Tools to conduct market research
Small businesses and their target markets
Relevant industry trends and what they mean
Competitors and how small businesses compare
Quantifying market research for business decisions

This session is presented by a business advisor with the UTRGV Small Business Development Center.
This session is hosted by the UTRGV Small Business Development Center with promotional support by the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce, Rio Grande City Economic Development Corporation, Rio Grande City Public Library, San Benito Chamber of Commerce, and Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center.
Register online.

Chamber Connect +
2022-05-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, 1600 University Blvd., Brownsville, TX, 78520, United States
Join the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce May 23 for Chamber Connect + to learn more about what the chamber of commerce can do for you. Members can also receive a refresher on membership benefits.
Learn how to:

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

Register online.

Social Media for Small Businesses: Tips & Trends for 2022
2022-05-24 10:00 - 12:00 | Online, TX, United States
Do you use social media for your small business?
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.
“Social Media for Small Businesses: Tips & Trends for 2022” shares best practices, as well as tips and tools, to stay engaged with your target market and build a following, plus more.
Learn about the following:

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

This webinar is presented by Patty Rojas with Monarch International Design.
Hosted by the UTRGV SBDC with promotional support by the BBVA Foundation, Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce, Palmview Chamber of Commerce, Rio Grande City Greater Chamber of Commerce, RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, San Benito Chamber of Commerce, and Starr County Industrial Foundation.
Register online.

SPI Pre-Summer Contacts and Cocktails
2022-05-24 17:30 - 19:00 | Holiday Inn Resort SPI, 100 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX, United States
Join the South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce and Holiday Inn Resort SPI for Pre-Summer Contacts & Cocktails May 24.
Before the busy summer season starts, enjoy a little down time with hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and networking.

Small Business Emergency Preparedness
2022-05-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Online, TX, United States
Join UTRGV SBDC online as it hosts “Small Business Emergency Preparedness” May 25. The session provides information and valuable resources to help plan and protect businesses for emergency situations.
From workplace disruptions to natural and man-made disasters, as a small business owner, you should be ready for anything. Unexpected events can quickly interrupt your business putting you and your employees at risk. If you are not prepared, your business could shut down forever.
Webinar speaker is Deirdre Pattillo, project manager for Employer Services at the UTSA SBDC Center for Government Contracting.
Providing promotional support is the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce, Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce, Rio Grande City Economic Development Corporation, Rio Grande City Public Library, South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce, and Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center.
Register online.

Lunch & Learn Idea Development Speaker Series
2022-05-25 12:00 - 13:30 | UTRGV CIC, 307 E. Railroad Street, Weslaco, TX, United States
The Center for Innovation and Commercialization will offer the second installment of its new Lunch & Learn Idea Development Speaker Series on May 25, free of charge. Speakers are CIC Administrative Coordinator Esther Ballesteros and CIC Program Manager Stephanie Mendez. All UTRGV students, faculty, staff, alumni and the RGV community are welcome.
The Lunch & Learn Idea Development Speaker Series is for aspiring business owners or entrepreneurs. You do not have to be a business major or have business experience to attend. This speaker series follows the Wendy Kennedy’s “So What? Who Cares? Why You?” commercialization methodology where participants will learn how to identify the pain and priority points of the problem they are trying to solve through a guided venture case study selected by the speakers. This hands-on, team approach session provides a peek into the business planning processes one needs to create a solid foundation to any new venture.
Ballesteros and Mendez each hold an MBA from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and are certified trainers and coaches of the “So What? Who Cares? Why You?” methodology and Kauffman FastTrac.
Attendees can expect a box lunch and refreshments. A brief 15-20 minute tour of the facility is available to anyone wanting to learn more about available co-working space memberships, office space, meeting, and conference rooms for their future events at the CIC.
Seating is limited. Register online.

Good Day McAllen Luncheon
2022-06-02 11:30 - 13:00 | DoubleTree Suites by Hilton, 1800 S 2nd Street, McAllen, TX, 78503, United States
Join the McAllen Chamber of Commerce for its Good Day McAllen Luncheon on June 2. Emcees will be Jim Darling and Tony Forina.
Attendees will have a chance to win a $1,500 cash prize. Doors open and a lunch buffet begins at 11:30 a.m.
This event is sponsored by The College of Health Care Professionals. Admission is $25 per person.
RSVP by calling the chamber at 956-682-2871.

Quarterly Report with the Chamber President
2022-06-06 08:30 - 09:30 | 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 June 6. De Leon will talk about what the Harlingen Chamber offers, some of its initiatives and how to properly utilize chamber membership.
This event is open to the entire community and is free.

"Sizzling in the Tropics" BBQ Cook-off
2022-06-11 17:30 | McAllen Municipal Park, 1921 North Bicentennial Blvd., McAllen, TX, United States
The 10th annual “Sizzling in the Tropics” BBQ Cook-off takes place June 11 at McAllen Municipal Park. Attendees can enjoy great BBQ cooked by Valley BBQ teams. Winners will be chosen for best brisket, pulled pork, chicken wings, pork ribs, pan de campo and beans.
Sponsored by H-E-B, the City of McAllen and L&F Distributors
Contact Gerry for more information at 956-682-2871.

McAllen Chamber Power Network
2022-06-14 11:30 - 13:00 | McAllen Chamber of Commerce, 1200 Ash Ave., McAllen, TX, 78501, United States
The McAllen Chamber of Commerce hosts its next Business Power Network Showcase for chamber members on June 14. Promote your business, connect with other chamber members and develop new leads at no cost over lunch.
You must call in advance to reserve a seat due to limited seating. Contact Andrea to reserve your spot at 956-682-2871.

Women of Distinction Awards Dinner
2022-06-15 18:00 - 21:00 | Mission Event Center, 200 South Shary Road, Mission, TX, 78572, United States
The RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosts the 2022 Women of Distinction Awards Dinner at the Mission Event Center on June 15.
This event is a celebration of women who have excelled throughout their careers while also being involved in community building. Categories are Health, Education, Government, Entrepreneur, Professional, Rising Star, Arts and Entertainment, Humanitarian, and Military.
Tickets are $50. Reserved tables of eight are $600.
Tickets are available online or by calling the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Amazing Animals
2022-06-16 18:30 - 20:30 | Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Drive, McAllen, TX, 78503, United States
Alejandro Millan, director of Contacto Animal
Take the opportunity to learn and explore at a live animal show on June 16th at Quinta Mazatlán. The interactive and bilingual demonstration by Contacto Animal USA features all kinds of animals from parrots, lizards, snakes and frogs.
Alejandro Millan, director of Contacto Animal, will talk about the unique traits and natural abilities of the animals. Millan was born in Mexico City; he discovered his love and passions towards animals while working at a theme park. After a couple of years, Millan moved to the city of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon where he graduated with bachelors in biology and started working with animals in various city parks. Eventually, he initiated his own business, and today he is the director and founder of Contacto Animal USA. The show was created to entertain and educate people on different animal species. Contacto Animal USA also provides presentations on topics regarding conservation, management and environmental education.
Thursday Night Lives take place Thursday evenings June 2 to Aug. 18 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sponsors are South Texas Health Systems Children and Freels Orthodontics. The park admission is $3 per person which includes the program; children ages 2 and under are free.
Pre-purchase tickets are available at quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com.

Building 'N' BBQ
2022-06-23 17:30 - 19:30 | Smokin’ Moon BBQ, 617 W Polk Ave., Pharr, TX, 78577, United States
Building ‘N’ BBQ on June 23 helps disseminate information and educate local contractors on the upcoming construction opportunities on the $92-million UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center going up on the corner of North Jackson Road and East Pecan Blvd./495.
This is an opportunity to meet the prime contractor Vaughn Construction and network with project management.
This event is open to the community.
Register online.

Reptile Adventures with Danny Conner
2022-06-23 18:30 - 20:30 | Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Drive, McAllen, TX, 78503, United States
Danny Conner with Spartacus the Snapping Turtle.
Bring the family for a live Reptile Adventure with Danny Conner on June 23 at Quinta Mazatlan. Among the stars of the show are Juanita, a reticulated python; “Spartacus”, a 100-year-old alligator snapping turtle; and “Atlas,” a granite python.
Conner is the owner of Reptile Adventures. He has been keeping and caring for reptiles for more than 30 years and has a unique background blend of education, science and theater. Conner educates, entertains and fascinates crowds of all ages as he shares his love, knowledge and respect for these amazing animals. Conner is well respected, and is often an expert source among his colleague and other reptile professionals. He is known for his passion, his diverse and impressive collection, and for his general love of all animals, especially the cold-blooded kind.
Thursday Night Live takes place every Thursday evening in the summer through August from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Series sponsors are South Texas Health Systems Children’s and Freels Orthodontics.
Park admission is $3 for everyone, ages 2 and under are free.
For more information, call Quinta Mazatlán. To purchase tickets, visit quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com.

Here Come the Brides Luncheon
2022-06-25 11:30 - 13:30 | Weslaco Museum, 500 South Texas Blvd., Weslaco, TX, 78596 At this address, United States
The Weslaco Museum hosts the annual “Here Come the Brides Luncheon” presented by The Museum Guild on June 25. The luncheon will feature a presentation by Joe Vidales, discussing wedding styles through the years.
Purchase tickets for $25 at the museum or from guild members.

Brownsville Chamber Connect +
2022-06-27 14:00 - 15:00 | Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, 1600 University Blvd., Brownsville, TX, 78520, United States
Join the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce on June 27 at Chamber Connect + to learn about what your local chamber of commerce can do for you. Current members will also receive a refresher on membership benefits.
Attendees will learn how to:

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

This event if free and open to the community. Registration is available online.
For more information, contact the Brownsville Chamber.

Maximize Sales: Strategies and Tips
2022-06-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Online, TX, United States
Are you looking for ways to increase sales? Every business can benefit greatly from a strategic plan and the implementation of a strong sales approach. Identify what drives your sales and maximizes customer growth.
The “Maximize Sales: Strategies and Tips” online workshop on June 28 shares best practices, along with tips and tools to achieve your goals efficiently and effectively and for staying engaged with customers.
Learn about the following:

Overview of 7Ps of marketing
Sales strategy
Goal setting
Managing client accounts
Sales tips

This webinar is presented by Javier Martinez III with AUCTUS Business Advisory.
“Maximize Sales: Strategies and Tips” is hosted by the UTRGV SBDC with promotional support by area resource partners: BBVA Foundation, Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, Rio Grande City Greater Chamber of Commerce, RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, San Benito Chamber of Commerce, Starr County Industrial Foundation, and the Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center.
Register online.

Freedom Celebration Mixer Presented by Falcon Bank
2022-06-29 17:00 - 19:30 | Falcon Bank, 1805 N. Expressway 77, Brownsville, 78520
Falcon Bank and the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce host the Freedom Celebration Mixer on June 29 beginning at 5 p.m. The evening includes music, food and drinks, and networking while supporting a local non-profit organization.
Registration is $20 for Brownsville Chamber members, $25 for non-members.
Register online or contact the Brownsville Chamber.

Thursday Night Live: A Night of Magic in Nature
2022-06-30 18:30 - 20:30 | Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Drive, McAllen, TX, 78503, United States
Oscar Munoz
Magician Oscar Munoz visits Quinta Mazatlan for its Thursday Night Live on June 30. Munoz is an illusionist and motivational speaker, offering quality programs that are both educational and entertaining. His programs contain magic, music and educational messages for kids of all ages. Every presentation is created to motivate, energize and entertain. Munoz combines motivational themes with his award-winning stage act.
Muñoz possesses a doctorate in magic from the FFFF Fraternity in Batavia, NY. He brings more than 27 years of experience as a professional motivational speaker and master comedic magician. He is known throughout the state of Texas as the leading specialist in the field of educational and motivational magic shows for students of all ages and grade levels.
Come early for a walk on the trails or a picnic dinner under the trees. The park admission is $3 per person (ages 2 and under are free).
Pre-purchase tickets online at quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com.

Rio Grande City Freedom Fest
2022-07-02 | Basilio Villarreal Municipal Park, 1473 Stephen, Saenz Street, Rio Grande City, TX, 78582, United States
The Rio Grande City Freedom Fest presented by Grupo Solido takes place July 2 at the Basilio Villarreal Municipal Park. The event features live music, a car show, kiddie rides, a fireworks show and more.

Texas Cook’Em: High Steaks
2022-07-02 | Ebony Hills Golf Course, 300 W. Palm Drive, Edinburg, TX, United States
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and the City of Edinburg host the 16th annual Texas Cook’Em: High Steaks on July 2 at Ebony Hills Golf Course. Headliner for the event is Los Palominos with openers Red Not Chili Peppers, Draft, Explosion Tejana and more.
Texas Cook’Em is one of the state’s biggest BBQ purse, awarding $25,000 to winners. Competitors will battle it out on the grill to cook the best chicken, ribs, pork, brisket and rib-eye steak. Winners will take home money and a year’s work of bragging rights.
A portion of the event proceeds will benefit local veterans attending the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley with scholarships. Texas Cook’Em has distributed over $20,000 in scholarships locally.
This year’s festivities will begin at 10 a.m. Activities include live music, vendors, car show, a children’s fun zone and food.
Admission to the concert is free. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets.
