As we close out 2025, we’re finalizing year-end reports, acknowledging sponsors and supporters, sharing our 2026 event schedule, and planning fishing locations for 2026. Our tentative 2026 On the Water event dates are included in this post. Veterans, Military, First Responders, and Volunteers interested in participating can email coastalbend@heroesonthewater.org. Registration is simple. Now would be a good time to get you on board. We also have Chapter Leadership Team positions open that require commitment, email us for position descriptions and responsibilities. We look forward to connecting with kayak fishing enthusiasts at the Texas Angler Depot Dec. 13th during their Kayak Poker Run Fishing Tournament raffle and awards ceremony (for more info on the tournament, contact Texas Angler Depot). We’ll be recruiting Volunteer Kayak Fishing Team Leaders and have volunteers available to answer questions. Visit our tent outside—or inside if it rains. PADDLE. FISH. HEAL. #HOWNation #veterans #military #firstresponders #volunteering #kayakfishingadventures #therapy #healing #bonding #brotherhood #camaraderie #sponsorshipopportunities #PaddleFishHeal

The McAllen Economic Development Corporation was honored to participate in the Sharyland Business Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, hosted by the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce , the City of Mission - Government , and Mission EDC. Our COO, Ralph Garcia, delivered remarks on behalf of the McAllen EDC and the McAllen Chamber of Commerce , emphasizing the importance of regional collaboration and the shared economic growth of our communities. This 175-acre development brings significant new value to the Anzalduas International crossing, creating modern industrial space to support companies navigating today’s evolving economic and policy environment—factors that have shaped the Rio Grande Valley’s growth for decades. Sharyland Business Park strengthens our region’s competitiveness by expanding opportunities for advanced manufacturing, logistics, and nearshoring-related investment. We also want to extend our sincere congratulations to the Killam Development team—led by Kliff Killam, Rolando Ortiz, and the entire RGV team—for their continued commitment to investing in our region. Their vision and leadership are helping drive transformative projects that elevate the economic future of the Rio Grande Valley. Congratulations again to our partners in Mission on this important milestone. The McAllen EDC looks forward to continued collaboration that supports job creation, innovation, and long-term prosperity across the RGV.

Starting in 2016, Mayors of the City of McAllen have signed on to the Mayors Monarch Pledge to help conserve the Monarch butterfly and other pollinators. This is the 5th year in a row we have achieved Leadership Circle status by accomplishing 8 or more action items that raise awareness and create habitat in our community. This year, some highlight results of the pledge were: - Giving out more than 2,900 native nectar and host plants - Hosting the 9th Annual Monarch Fest at Quinta Mazatlan - Planting more than 2,600 pollinator-friendly native plants in the city - Offering a wide variety of educational events, programs, and workshops - Contributing community science data on monarchs and pollinators You can read all about it at the following blog! cuefornature.wordpress.com/2025/11/28/mayors-monarch-pledge-2025-in-review/

Celebrating Manager Monday! 🎉 Nina's journey from Host to Key Hourly exemplifies dedication and growth. We're proud to have her leading our Front of House team. Share your congrats below! 👏 #TeamTexasRoadhouse #Leadership

🏅 The T.A.A.F. Member City of the Year Award (2025) was proudly presented to the City of McAllen Parks and Recreation Department in honor of T.A.A.F.’s 100th anniversary 🎉. This award recognizes the department’s exceptional dedication to promoting, supporting, and enhancing athletic programs for the community, as well as their long-standing partnership with the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation. 💛🏆

Congratulations to McAllen Parks and Recreation! The McAllen Chamber of Commerce is incredibly proud to congratulate the City of McAllen TX Parks and Recreation Department for their well-deserved recognition as the T.A.A.F. Member City of the Year for 2025 for the100th anniversary of the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation. This achievement reflects the unwavering dedication, vision, and hard work of the department’s leadership, staff, and entire team. Their continued commitment to promoting, supporting, and enhancing athletic programs has made a lasting impact on our community, fostering opportunities for residents of all ages to stay active, engaged, and connected. We are proud to be great partners including Visit McAllen which works directly with McAllen Parks and Recreation to bring outstanding tournaments to McAllen. Thank you, your excellence continues to elevate our city year after year!