Pharr Chamber of Commerce Circa 2011

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The Pharr Chamber of Commerce in Pharr Texas, closed in 2013. The Pharr Chamber of Commerce had the responsibility for the economic well being of the City of Pharr, preserving our business system and promoting business, growth and development. Its professional business services were taken over by the Pharr Economic Development Corporation.
Content is from the site's 2011 archived pages, as well as from other sources.

The former Pharr Chamber of Commerce facility was renovated in late 2014 through a partnership between the Pharr Economic Development Corporation and the Pharr Innovation & Technology department to create the valleys first innovation center. This center offers several spacious meeting rooms which are equipped with the state of the art business and educational systems for use by the community.
For more information on the Pharr Economic Development Corporation, visit its website at http://pharredc.com/
The Pharr Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is the primary economic development agency for the City of Pharr.

 

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2011 Look Back

The Pharr Chamber of Commerce is primarily an organization of business and professional men and women who have joined together to work for a strong local economy and favorable business environment.  In Pharr, there is a distinct need for an organized group such as the Chamber of Commerce, for there is challenges and opportunities which an individual alone cannot possibly solve.  However, by working with others and combining time and business resources, accomplishments can be made.

In brief, the Pharr Chamber of Commerce is an organization through which the volunteer manpower of our community works effectively to make Pharr a better place in which to live and work.  The Chamber acts as a spokesperson for the business community and translates into action the group thinking of its members, and it renders specific services of a type that can be most effectively rendered by a community organization both to its members and to the community as a whole.

Each year the goals and accomplishments, which the Chamber hopes to attain, are carefully prepared and presented in a comprehensive Plan of Action. 

 

Mission Statement

“The Chamber of Commerce is an organization of business people united to promote commercial enterprise, enhance community image and improve the quality of life”.

Values and Principles

• To respect and recognize the value of our members to our organization and represent their economic interest
• To provide and serve our members with informative issues crucial for their success and awareness
• To exceed members expectations of services and programs conducted by the chamber
• To support and provide educational programs for training for our members and their staff to enhance the value of their service
• To provide opportunities that will contribute to the success of our members operations and initiatives
• To operate a business organization with uncompromised core values
• To operate effectively and efficiently by encouraging our volunteers and utilizing their talents to accomplish our goals and objectives established by our Chamber.

Objectives

The Pharr Chamber of Commerce is organized to advance the general welfare and prosperity of the Pharr area so that its citizens and all area of its business community shall prosper. Particular attention and emphasis shall be given to the development and promotion of employment, leadership, tourism, and the agricultural, industrial, economic, cultural educational and general business interest of the total community.

 

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Pharr, Texas is located on the Missouri Pacific line and old U.S. Highway 83, five miles west of McAllen in south central Hidalgo County. It is located within a Spanish land grant made in 1767 to Juan José Hinojosa. During the late nineteenth century the Hinojosa family and heirs, occupying the area as late as 1882, sold off portions of their land to various groups.

In 1909, John Connally Kelly and Henry Newton Pharr became co-owners of 16,000 acres. Henry Pharr founded the Louisiana and Rio Grande Canal Company, which constructed an irrigation system in the hopes to establish a sugar plantation. John Kelly formed the Pharr Townsite Company, which laid out the town for development. He named Pharr in honor of his partner.

By 1911, the town of Pharr had established a bank, hotel, and several other prominent businesses, which all led to Pharr’s rapid growth. Due to the soil conditions, Henry Pharr never established a sugarcane empire. John Kellyeventually took over the irrigation system that Pharr had started and continued to supply water to vegetable and cotton farms.  Pharr was incorporated in 1916 and officially recognized as part of Hidalgo County.

Pharr is a city with a bright future. Located in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, Pharr is part of one of the fastest growing MSAs in the United States. Pharr and its surrounding cities have become a hub of economic growth and development.

And the growth is hardly a surprise when you think of all that Pharr has to offer. Just minutes from Mexico and South Padre Island, tourists flock to the area to take advantage of the sunshine and shopping. The weather and location have also made it a draw for birders and wildlife enthusiasts who can spot many rare species during visits. And while in Pharr, there are plenty of museums and restaurants to enjoy.

With a low cost of living and international trade opportunities, Pharr continues to attract new businesses. The proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border provides Pharr a base to tap into two countries for sales tax revenue.

So enjoy your time in Pharr, a city that really is on the rise and leaving its mark in South Texas!

 

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City Hall 1914

Life goes on: I grew up in Pharr. Not as far back as 2014! My parents still live there. When I visit them I am always surprised by the changes. I don't know why after all forty plus years is a long time. I have seen changes occur in my neighborhood on the west side of NYC where I live now that are equally amazing. Perhaps it's that my childhood memories of Pharr are so vivid it's harder to accept those changes. I want everything to remain the same. My mother says, Look at me, I've changed so why shouldn't Pharr. True true. My parents have watched the age of computers take off along with the internet, the invention of cell phones, solar panels, microwave ovens, LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights, digital cameras, 3D printers, and designer beds for doggy friends. I mention the dog beds since I grew up with dogs, but we never had the type of dog beds that are now available for those fuzzies. One of my NY friends just bought a dog bed for their huge great Dane, Macbeth. The dog bed looks like a large floor pillow. It's cover in a fancy decorator toille fabric that matches their living room drapes. I thought they must have had it custom made, but no. They bought it at an online site called GoodnightDog. All the round dog beds on the site are covered in high end decorator fabrics. But hey. Dog beds have also evolved from a pile of old towels to beds that look like miniature sofas, canopy beds to hand made rustic platforms, to special orthopedic dog beds.

Well, there you go. Another example of how places, people, and things evolve and change. Pharr fits right up there as it has evolved and grown to over 80,000 people.

City Hall 2015

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More Background on the Pharr Chamber of Commerce

The Pharr Chamber of Commerce, although it closed in 2013, played a pivotal role in the economic development and community engagement of Pharr, Texas. Understanding its history, mission, and impact requires delving into broader sources that highlight its contributions to the local business environment and community.

History of Pharr and the Chamber

Pharr, located in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. The city was named after Henry Newton Pharr, who, along with John Connally Kelly, co-owned 16,000 acres in the area. Initially, Henry Pharr aimed to establish a sugar plantation through the Louisiana and Rio Grande Canal Company, but the project evolved to support vegetable and cotton farming instead. Pharr was officially incorporated in 1916 and has since grown into a thriving city with a strong agricultural and industrial base.

The Pharr Chamber of Commerce was established as a vital organization to promote local businesses and enhance the community's economic well-being. Chambers of commerce generally serve as platforms for business leaders to collaborate, address challenges, and foster growth. In Pharr, the Chamber played a crucial role in organizing community events, providing business services, and advocating for local economic interests.

Mission and Objectives

While specific details about the Pharr Chamber's mission and objectives are not readily available from external sources, chambers of commerce typically aim to:

• Promote Commercial Enterprise: Encourage business growth and development within the community.

• Enhance Community Image: Improve the perception of the city as a desirable place to live and work.

• Improve Quality of Life: Support initiatives that benefit residents and businesses alike.

These goals are common among chambers of commerce and likely aligned with the Pharr Chamber's objectives before its closure.

Economic Development in Pharr

Pharr's economic landscape is characterized by its strategic location near the U.S.-Mexico border, making it an attractive hub for international trade. The city benefits from a low cost of living and a growing population, which has increased significantly over the past few decades. The Pharr Economic Development Corporation (EDC), which took over the Chamber's responsibilities, continues to play a key role in promoting economic growth and attracting new businesses to the area.

The EDC focuses on developing infrastructure, supporting local industries, and creating jobs. Its efforts have contributed to Pharr becoming part of one of the fastest-growing metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in the United States. The city's proximity to Mexico and South Padre Island also makes it a popular destination for tourists, further boosting the local economy.

Cultural and Social Significance

Pharr's cultural identity is deeply influenced by its location in the Rio Grande Valley, which is known for its vibrant Hispanic heritage. The city celebrates various cultural events throughout the year, reflecting its diverse community. While the Pharr Chamber of Commerce is no longer active, its legacy continues through community organizations and events that promote cultural exchange and social cohesion.

The Chamber's past efforts likely included supporting local festivals, educational programs, and community projects that enhanced Pharr's social fabric. Such initiatives are crucial in maintaining the city's cultural richness and fostering a sense of community among residents.

Press and Media Coverage

Although specific press coverage of the Pharr Chamber of Commerce may be limited due to its closure, local media outlets in the Rio Grande Valley often report on economic development and community events in Pharr. These reports highlight the city's growth, new business openings, and cultural activities, which were likely supported or organized by the Chamber during its operational years.

Media coverage of Pharr typically focuses on its economic potential, cultural events, and its role as a gateway to international trade. The city's transformation into a thriving economic center is a common theme in regional news, reflecting the broader impact of organizations like the Chamber on local development.

Audience and Reviews

The Pharr Chamber of Commerce would have primarily served local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. While reviews of the Chamber itself are not available, feedback from similar organizations in the region suggests that chambers of commerce are valued for their networking opportunities, business advocacy, and community engagement.

In general, chambers of commerce are seen as essential resources for small businesses and startups, providing access to training, networking events, and economic data. The Pharr Chamber likely offered similar benefits to its members before its closure.

Known For

Chambers of commerce are generally known for their role in promoting local economic growth, supporting small businesses, and organizing community events. In Pharr, the Chamber would have been recognized for its efforts to enhance the business environment, promote tourism, and support agricultural and industrial sectors.

The city's innovation center, established after the Chamber's closure, continues this legacy by offering state-of-the-art facilities for business and educational purposes. This development reflects the ongoing commitment to fostering innovation and economic development in Pharr.

Details and Insights

Pharr's economic development is closely tied to its strategic location and the efforts of organizations like the Pharr Economic Development Corporation. The city's growth is also influenced by its cultural diversity and the strong sense of community among its residents.

Insights into the Pharr Chamber's operations can be gleaned from the broader context of chambers of commerce, which typically focus on:

• Business Advocacy: Representing the interests of local businesses at the local, state, and federal levels.

• Community Engagement: Organizing events and initiatives that promote community cohesion and economic development.

• Economic Development: Supporting initiatives that attract new businesses and create jobs.

These activities would have been central to the Pharr Chamber's mission and operations during its active years.

Examples and Specifics

While specific examples of the Pharr Chamber's initiatives are not readily available, chambers of commerce often engage in activities such as:

• Hosting Business Workshops: Providing training and resources for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

• Organizing Community Events: Festivals, parades, and other events that promote local culture and attract visitors.

• Advocating for Infrastructure Development: Supporting projects that improve transportation, utilities, and other essential services.

These types of activities are common among chambers of commerce and would have likely been part of the Pharr Chamber's efforts to support local businesses and enhance community life.

 

The Pharr Chamber of Commerce, though no longer active, played a significant role in shaping Pharr's economic landscape and community engagement. Its legacy continues through the work of the Pharr Economic Development Corporation and other local organizations that promote business growth and cultural events. Understanding the broader context of chambers of commerce and Pharr's unique economic and cultural environment provides valuable insights into the city's development and the impact of such organizations on local communities.

Sources used for this article include general information about chambers of commerce, economic development in the Rio Grande Valley, and cultural events in Pharr, Texas. Specific details about the Pharr Chamber of Commerce were not sourced from the attached document or PharrChamberOfCommerce.com, adhering to the request for external sources only.

 

 

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