Business to Botana Builds Relationships

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Business to Botana Builds Relationships

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Gisela Muzquiz and Michael Salas represented Muzquiz Security Systems, where they were holding a free raffle for a doorbell video kit with installation.
Gisela Muzquiz and Michael Salas represented Muzquiz Security Systems, where they were holding a free raffle for a doorbell video kit with installation.

Brownsville event makes connections for public and businesses

The Brownsville Events Center became a business showcase as the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Business to Botana Expo Sept. 27. More than 50 companies were represented in what was described as a networking event for the business community.

“We are excited to welcome the community to explore and discover the varying businesses in attendance,” said Esmy Villarreal, Brownsville Chamber president and CEO. “The goal is to create a platform for networking between the business community and residents to establish strong and lasting relationships.”

Valley Grocers, represented by Ilse Gonzoñez, is a locally owned food distribution company getting ready to celebrate 100 years in business.
Valley Grocers, represented by Ilse Gonzoñez, is a locally owned food distribution company getting ready to celebrate 100 years in business.

Banks, hotels, medical facilities and service companies were among the businesses that participated with booths filled with information and giveaways for visitors. The chamber offered door prizes and raffles.

Later in the day the event shifted to shine the spotlight on Brownsville restaurants during the Botana Expo. Visitors were invited to sample signature dishes from more than 20 food industry businesses.

Attendees also had an opportunity to hear from Alale Allal, regional export finance manager for the Office of International Trade for the Small Business Administration. He discussed the State Trade Expansion Program grants and the export financial programs available through the SBA.

Some booths, like this one for Storage Depo, were colorfully decorated and offered giveaways for visitors. Pictured are Flor Herrera and Jonah Canales.

George Cox is a veteran journalist with more than 30 years experience as a newspaper writer and editor. A Corpus Christi native, he started his career as a reporter for The Brownsville Herald after graduating from Sam Houston State University with a degree in journalism. He later worked on newspapers in Laredo and Corpus Christi as well as northern California. George returned to the Valley in 1996 as editor of The Brownsville Herald and in 2001 moved to Harlingen as editor of the Valley Morning Star. He also held the position of editor and general manager for the Coastal Current, a weekly entertainment magazine with Valleywide distribution. George retired from full-time journalism in 2015 to work as a freelance writer and legal document editor. He continues to live in Harlingen where he and his wife Katherine co-founded Rio Grande Valley Therapy Pets, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising public awareness of the benefits of therapy pets and assisting people and their pets to become registered therapy pet teams.

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