Scholarship Update

Thanks to all who participated in the Chamber scholarship events. Both the New Year’s Eve party at the San Antonio Bar and Grill, and the chicken plate sales during the Texas Independence Day Parade on March 2 were a huge success as over $4,000 was raised for scholarships going to graduating seniors in Alamo. Scholarships will be given in several areas. Students attending Memorial High School are eligible if they are a son or daughter of a military service man or women, son or daughter of a fireman, and a son or daughter of a policeman. Special scholarships are also awarded to students who drop out of high school and then return and plan to attend college. Applications can be obtained at the school from the student counselors. The chamber wants to thank Steve Larma owner of Tienda La Esquina for staying up all night grilling the 500 half chickens. Thank you, thank you, thank you to the many many others who contributed funds, helped in the preparation, served, and boxed up the chickens. And a special thank you to all who bought tickets.

Network Night

Miki McCarthy new Alamo EDC executive director was the honored guest at the March network night held at the Chamber of Commerce. City officials, AEDC board members, and 35 Chamber members were on hand to hear her plans for the city.

Parade

Another great time was had by all at the 2013 Texas Independence Day Parade on March 2. Next year the theme is “Circus.” Here are just a few pictures.

Winter Ranch was well represented with around 65 residents participating from Mickey Mouse, Donald, Goofy and of course the 101 Dalmatians. Well not quite 101. They took 1st in the Senior Division and in the All Around judging.

2nd in the Senior Division was won by Alamo Paradise Acres from left is Alyssa Elizondo, Miss RGV Jr Teen; Chantal Delgado, Miss Alamo Dutchess; Marlene Rich, Stephanie Larma, Miss Alamo and Samantha Lerma, Miss RGV Teen.

Accepting third place Senior Division, from Miss Alamo, Stephanie Lerma, is Herb Moering from Royal Palms Mobile Home Park

Alamo Rec-Veh Thanks City of Alamo

“Good Morning Alamo” (GMA) may become the newest slogan for the city, or at least for morning meetings. The phrase was introduced Feb. 27 by Alamo Rec & Veh Park resident Linda Hennrik during the regular coffee time, which included an appreciation program of the City of Alamo for the many things done for “Winter Texans,” which may number as many as 20,000 in the “Valley.”
City officials and Alamo Chamber of Commerce representatives attended the program, in which park manager Barb Hamel noted how much is done for them, the events in the city and the response to any problems that occur. After applauding the city, saying park people respect the city staff and its working together with the Chamber of Commerce, a number of those in the park spoke about how much they appreciated staying in Alamo each winter.
As a thank you, mementos were given to city officials and chamber representatives. Mayor Diana Martinez and Commissioners Trino Medina and Pilar Garza responded on behalf of the city along with former mayor Rudy Villarreal. Chairman Gloria Espinosa and office manager Carrol Moering spoke for the Alamo Chamber, which included the announcement that a new International Octoberfest event for Alamo will be held next fall on Oct. 19 for all residents.

Barb Hamel manager of Alamo Rec-Veh Park is seen here introducing City of Alamo officials and Chamber members.

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Bobbie Acosta owner of El Rancho Grande in San Juan received the Golden Plate in 2009. Bobbie also owns the El Dorado Restaurants in Alamo and Weslaco.
If you have an award or other type of recognition e-mail an attachment to alamotx.chamber@gmail.com with the details.
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Walk of Fame Inductees from Alamo

Members from area communities were recognized for their contributions during the Feb. 27, 2013 RGV Walk of Fame induction ceremony at the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo. Father Arturo Escobedo, nominated by the City of Alamo, and Carrol Moering, nominated by the Alamo Chamber of Commerce, received a souvenir brick with their names engraved on them. Permanent bricks are displayed in the walk on the north side of the State Farm Arena.

Presenting the souvenir bricks from Hidalgo Mayor Martin Cepeda, 2nd from left, flanked by city Councilmen, from left, Guillermo Ramirez, Pedro Fonseca and Gus Sanchez.

See more pictures of Chamber events on Facebook. Go to our web page and click on the Facebook icon. www.alamochamber.com Don’t forget to like us!

Livestock Show

March 9 RVG Live Stock show Chamber participants were Santa Ana, Goga Studios, and (not pictured) the Lawn Mower Hospital.

Soleil Health Fair

Food is prepared at the Soleil Health Fair on March 16. Soleil Rehabilitation Service specializes in speech therapy.

One of the participants at the Soleil health fair was The Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge. Displayed here are confiscated animal skins, shoes and other products that are illegal to buy.

Presentation of Grant from City

On March 19 at the regular meeting of the Alamo City Commission, Mayor Diana Martinez presented a 23,000 check to the Alamo Chamber of Commerce. The monies are given each year by the city to help with operating and promotional expenses. Board Treasurer, Keith Hackland accepted the check.

Keith Hackland displays the $23,000 check provided by the city for promotion of Alamo and its businesses. With him are, from left are Commissioners Robert De La Garza, Eleazar Escobedo, Keith Hackland, Mayor Diana Martinez, Commissioners Pilar Garza and Trino Medina.

Citizen of the Month

During each monthly City Commission meetings one citizen from the community is honored for their contributions to Alamo. They are the unsung amongst us. March 19 the city presented John Kautsch of Kautsch True Value with this award. John said, “I want to share this with my dad. He told me that I should get involved with the community.” This year marks the 80th year that the Kautsch family has been in business in Alamo.

From left is Commissioners, Robert De La Garza, Eleazar Escobedo, Pilar Garza, John Kautsch, Mayor Martinez, and Commissioner, Trino Medina