Social Confidential

udge Jorge Zambrano welcomed supporters and community leaders during a campaign mixer held at Santa Fe Steakhouse & Cantina, where guests gathered to show their support for his candidacy for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2, Place 1.

The evening brought together local judges, elected officials, attorneys, and community members, creating a lively atmosphere centered on public service and civic engagement. The event highlighted strong local support for Zambrano as he prepares for the upcoming March election.

Zambrano was introduced by Veronica Bernal, who spoke about working with him early in his public service career. She described him as someone who listens, leads with respect, and remains deeply connected to the community he serves. Bernal noted that Zambrano’s commitment has always been rooted in giving back to the community that shaped him.

During his remarks, Judge Zambrano reflected on his 10 years of public service, beginning with his election to the PSJA school board at age 28. He shared how his work in education helped develop his passion for public service and his desire to create opportunities for local families and students.

He also spoke about his experience as a municipal judge, emphasizing fairness, accessibility, and respect as guiding principles for his work. Zambrano described the justice of the peace court as “the people’s court” and stressed the importance of being approachable and responsive to the community.

As the evening concluded, Zambrano thanked attendees for their continued support and reminded them that early voting begins on February 17, with Election Day on March 3. He expressed appreciation for the strong turnout, noting that the encouragement and community presence meant a great deal to him. View the photo gallery by Social Confidential.

The post Inside Judge Jorge Zambrano’s Campaign Mixer at Santa Fe Steakhouse appeared first on Social Confidential.

Social Confidential

City of McAllen leaders, including McAllen I.S.D., South Texas College, UTRGV, South Texas Health System and others, in partnership with the McAllen Chamber of Commerce are in Austin today (February 16, 2023) to advocate for issues important to the entire McAllen community. Legislative issues include funding for infrastructure, transportation, education, health care, economic development and expansion of the Anzalduas International Bridge are among the issues City of McAllen, business, education, health and community leaders will be lobbying for.

The post City of McAllen, Partners Lead Advocacy Efforts in Austin appeared first on Social Confidential.

Social Confidential

By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez

Texas Regional Bank today celebrated all its employees, those who are in front of the public. They did it extraordinarily, with a ceremony that included a municipal proclamation read by the mayor of McAllen, Javier Villalobos. Senior executives of the bank were present, supporting this recognition of the frontline team.

The post Frontline Team Celebration and Proclamation at Texas Regional Bank appeared first on Social Confidential.

Social Confidential

A delegation from McAllen headed by Mayor Javier Villalobos visited Apodaca recently to formalize the Sister City Relationship with Apodaca, Nuevo Leon and McAllen, Texas by the signing of a Sister City Agreement by City of Apodaca’s Mayor Cesar Garza Villarreal and McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. Through this agreement, both cities have been joined in a long-term mutual partnership of collaboration and support in the promotion of business, trade & investments, educational exchanges, cultural exchanges, tourism promotion and exchange of good practices. 

The post McAllen & Apodaca Formalized Sister City Agreement  appeared first on Social Confidential.

Social Confidential

Special To Texas Border Business

Hidalgo County Judge Cortez spoke eloquently during a meeting where leaders met to find a solution. He said, “We have a disproportionate percentage of people in poverty in Hidalgo County when you compare it to the percentage of Texas or the United States as a whole.” He continued, “We have created a prosperity task force to look into the complex issues of poverty.”

The post Judge Cortez, in motion to create a Prosperity Task Force to fight poverty  appeared first on Social Confidential.

Social Confidential

It’s been eighteen years since Edwards Abstract and Title Co. first launched the State of Real Estate Forum. And since then, the Forum has continued to grow and welcome real estate industry professionals, business owners, city and county officials as well as builders and developers. Anyone who is interested and wants to learn first-hand regarding the state, local and national economies, makes it a point to attend the State of Real Estate Forum

On Thursday, March 10^th, the 18^th Annual State of Real Estate Forum welcomed over 350 guests who attended live at the McAllen Convention Center Ballroom. Others watched via live stream made available on Zoom as they experienced the presentations made by Dr. Ted C. Jones, Ph.D., national economist and Sr. Vice President with national title insurance underwriter, Stewart Title. Dr. Jones’ analytics covers a wide range of topics and information that is filled with up-to-the-minute demographics and pertinent statistics. Pedro Alvarez, Pharr District Engineer with the Texas Department of Transportation outlined the various projects currently underway in the region. With the growth of the Valley, TXDOT is investing millions of dollars in highway improvements.

The post Edwards Abstract Real Estate Forum Draws Record Attendance appeared first on Social Confidential.

Social Confidential

By Renee Rodriguez-Betancourt

If words can express all these humbling emotions I’m feeling these past few days after such a successful event I’d be in tears.

My vision beautifully came to life. My purpose and intent for this intimate gathering of diverse women of all races and backgrounds was to bring them together and humbly say thank you for their support and impact that each had in my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all who made “Damas Con Ganas” event a huge success! It would not have been possible without all those who contributed to this event. A heartfelt thank you to my staff Melissa Cuadra-Flores Karissa Gutierrez Treviño Jacqueline Inks, my amazing friend Brenda Ybarra, my dear friends Norma Guevara and Omar Guevara, my colleague and friend Marla Cuellar and everyone women who was in attendance! Last but not least thank you to the women who inspired me over the decades and changed our world for the better like my beautiful, wise and strong Mama! Stay tune for our second annual “Damas Con Ganas” event !!!! #echaleganasmija

The post Second Annual “Damas Con Ganas” event! #echaleganasmija appeared first on Social Confidential.

Social Confidential

The celebration of the 8^th Annual “A Season of Hope Arts Festival”, at McAllen’s Art Village on Main was a success.

The festivity brought joy to many, and City Commissioner Seby Haddad participated in the lighting of the Christmas Tree.  Music and caroling was provided by students from the Creative Arts Studio. 

Proceeds from the professional artists’ application fee and the selected artists’ booth fees provide scholarships for twelve students. Twelve high school and six middle school students will each be awarded a scholarship in one of the following six categories:  drawing, mixed media, painting, printmaking, photography & digital art, and 3-D.  On Friday December 3^rd, artwork created by McAllen ISD students was on display. Year after year, the Cantu family has brought this wonderful celebration that brings the community together.

The post The 8th Annual “A Season of Hope Arts Festival” Celebrated Education and the Art appeared first on Social Confidential.

Social Confidential

After years and dedicated work of many municipal, state, and federal leaders, the agreement to accept a Full Cargo Donation Acceptance for the Anzalduas bridge is a reality. At a cost of $49.9 million (which will be paid for by state and local funds) the project will bring in more trade revenue and traffic to the Anzalduas Bridge. According to Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, “The Pharr bridge, does $35 billion a year in trade with Mexico, and now with Anzalduas Bridge coming on board, that trade would only increase.”

This project is all bout expansion, not competition among Rio Grande Valley cities. It gives Mexico the opportunity to get their products to the United States through various ports, allowing for more expedited travel to their final destinations.

The post Anzalduas Bridge Signed the Full Cargo Donation Acceptance Agreement appeared first on Social Confidential.

Social Confidential

McALLEN, Texas – Ms. Jennifer Han became a state finalist for Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year (only finalist from RGV) on Aug. 20. Prior to that, she was named Regional Elementary Teacher of the Year (Aug. 12) and McAllen ISD District Elementary Teacher of the Year (May 2021).  

Han is now in her 14th year of teaching and is also a robotics team coach. She is a product of McAllen ISD, having graduated from McAllen Memorial High in 2003.

The post McAllen ISD educator becomes 2022 State Elementary Teacher of Year appeared first on Social Confidential.