Danielle Rodriguez’s first job is the one she currently holds. Technically, Rodriguez’s initial job at the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce held a different title, but she views it as a continuation of the opportunities given to her by Esmeralda Villarreal, the chamber’s chief executive officer. Starting as an intern in college, Rodriguez has worked her way up, diligently, learning and growing in a rising career. She is today the Brownsville…
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The Casa de Nylon-turned-entrepreneurial resource center is nearing completion in downtown Brownsville. The 36,000-square-foot, two-story facility on east Adams Street should be open for business – and innovation – by the end of this month. It will be the largest facility of its kind south of San Antonio. The eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization is located just a few blocks from the Gateway International Bridge. The Brownsville Community Improvement…
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Esmeralda Villarreal spent 15 years in Brownsville’s hospitality business, watching and taking note of how her city attracted business travelers from far and wide. “I was mesmerized by how we were visited by so many travelers,” she said. Villarreal recalls that many were tied to the maquiladora industry or related investors in the border economy. Villarreal’s career goal during that time was to become a general manager at one of…
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In 1910, secretary of the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce Louis Cobolini championed the ambitious plan of a deepwater port for Brownsville. He insisted upon a major port and channel facility capable of handling ships from all over the world. Today, Cobolini’s vision has paid dividends as the port is now a major deepwater seaport along the U.S.-Mexico border. During the Port of Brownsville’s 85th anniversary reception Oct. 21, Brownsville Navigation…
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These are heady days for the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation as it incorporates emerging technology and the excitement of SpaceX at Boca Chica into a growing economy. The BCIC funds economic development and boosts quality of life projects. There’s plenty of that in Brownsville right now. Downtown improvements and a flurry of small businesses are seeing early successes and working to scale up operations. The BCIC is in the middle…
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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 &…
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Join the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce and BBVA April 20 for a virtual financial education workshop. In this workshop, financial experts provide information, tips and resources to help with everyday finances and long-term financial goals. In this workshop, participants will: Understand what a financial emergency is and how to prepare for it Understand the importance of having an emergency savings plan Learn tools and resources to develop and implement an…
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Businesses have through Sept. 24 to reserve exhibit space or become a sponsor for the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce’s 2013 Business to Botana Expo. Additionally, those registering through Sept. 5 will receive discounted early-bird registration. The expo takes place Sept. 24 from 3-7 p.m. at the Brownsville Events Center, 1 Event Center Blvd. Exhibitors have the opportunity to showcase their businesses and network with hundreds of fellow chamber members in a…
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Incoming Brownsville Chamber of Commerce Board Chairwoman Monica Garza welcomed an energetic crowd Oct. 18 to the Brownsville Events Center for the annual Leadership Luncheon. The event honors outgoing chamber board officers and incoming board officers. Brownsville Mayor Tony Martinez also spoke to the crowd on leadership. “A leader is well prepared, relentless in pursuit and emotionally stable (takes the drama out of decisions), while also possessing good character and…
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The Women’s Business Center of Cameron County and the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce are currently accepting applications for DreamBuilder Academy. The 12-module program is a step-by-step framework for starting a business. Throughout the program, participants learn if they should start a business and what a business plan is as well as how much it costs to start a business. Facilitated by small business consultant Luis Urquieta, DreamBuilder is designed specifically…
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