About Us

Accomplishments and Highlights

Below is just a glance at what your Harlingen Hispanic Chamber has done for you!

The Harlingen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s fiscal October 2005 to September 2006 was one of positive change, growth and development. In the past twelve months we worked on behalf of our members in the areas of Economic Development, Member Services, Education and Community Support.

In terms of Economic Development, the Chamber conducted a Business Retention and Expansion survey. The survey will allow us to develop a meaningful business development strategy in direct response to your input. Staff is currently compiling all responses to incorporate into an Executive Summary of the findings.

The HHCC was also part of the Interstate 37 Coalition and demonstrated our support of extending I-37 to South Texas. Work and committee meetings continue in this area.

Another initiative was the Harlingen First – a blue print for economic vitality. The chamber was an active member of the committee and has incorporated several aspects of the plan into our program of work.

In terms of Member Services, we offered eighteen Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening celebrations for our member businesses. We also offered thirteen Business After 5 Mixers, three ground breakings, and four receptions.

The HHCC continues to offer help for business start-ups, including business planning, market research assistance, and minority certification. We also offer advice on where to seek professional help for specific business issues.

The Harlingen Hispanic Chamber also held eleven Educational Seminars, with a variety of topics such as “Internet Marketing”, and “How to Do Business With Maquiladoras”. In addition, we were committee members for the Business Opportunities Conference held in August.

The Hispanic Chamber has a strong International Program. Part of this program is the promotion and development of the Free Trade Bridge on both sides of the border and the Free Trade Commerce Center. Our international program does not only reach to our neighbors to the south or north, but it reaches across oceans to China.

In terms of educational support in the community, we are on the Advisory Committee of the Harlingen CISD PEAKS After School Program and we partner with Texas State Technical College, University of Texas Brownsville, and the University of Texas Pan American.

The Chamber was also active within the Harlingen Community and continues to support local events such as the Winter Texan Fiesta, Blues on the Hill, RioFest, and recently the 16 de Septiembre “Grito” Celebration, to name a few.

In October, we held our 7th Annual Golf Tournament and to date it has been our most successful. We exceeded our goal in participants by having 129 players for the tournament.

Operationally, we continued to streamline and enhance our administrative processes and services, as well as strengthen member communications.

New promotional opportunities were introduced for our members. No matter what the size of a marketing budget, businesses can afford to take advantage of marketing communications offerings at the Chamber through our Adelante monthly newsletter, and special event sponsorships.

The HHCC, values the power of the Internet, and recognizes it to be our calling card for the world. We are committed to enhancing and strengthening our information and online services, for the benefit of our members and visitors alike. We are very excited to announce our redesigned website, with the great support and partnership of MPC Studios.

We are also proud to announce our 2007 Business Reference and Membership Directory will be distributed in November 2006. Thank you to all that advertised.

Our total Membership stands at 300 and continues to grow every day. New to our Corporate Partner Program are; Wal-Mart, Tichenor & Associates, MPC Studios, Inc., and Texas Visiting Nurse Service, which brings our Corporate Partner total to 20. Thank you all for your continued support in our mission to help small business do BIG BUSINESS.