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TEXAS
GLOBAL LEARNING
District expands IB programs to all schools
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Sports
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TEXAS
Read about McAllens Rio Grande Valley Vipers, 2010 and 2013 NBA Development League Champions, plus other local athletic teams at livability.com/mcallen/tx/activities.
GLOBAL LEARNING
District expands IB programs to all schools
Index
MORE ON MCALLEN Go to the links below for more articles and photos about McAllens business climate, recreation, food, schools, health care, culture and more. TOP EMPLOYERS livability.com/mcallen/tx/ business DEMOGRAPHICS livability.com/mcallen/tx/ facts SCHOOLS livability.com/mcallen/tx/ schools HEALTH CARE livability.com/mcallen/tx/ health NEIGHBORHOODS livability.com/mcallen/tx/ living ATTRACTIONS livability.com/mcallen/tx/ attractions FOOD livability.com/mcallen/tx/ food
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M c A llen
CONTENTS
4 Welcome to McAllen
An introduction to the community
Things to Do
8 Attraction New Nest for Creativity
Incubator hatches ideas and enriches the local arts scene
2 Local Flavor 1 McAllens Food Scene Heats Up 14 Arts & Culture Heres Your To-Do List 6 Sports & Recreation 1 A Growing Playground
McAllen
TEXAS
2014 edITIOn
VOlUme 12
Living
McAllen ISD expands International Baccalaureate programs
31 Community Profile
Business
40
40 Small Companies Small Businesses, Big Opportunities 5 Chamber Report 4 Whats the Big Idea?
47 Economic Profile
12
On The Cover McAllen Creative Incubator Photo by Wendy Jo OBarr
LivA B i L i T Y. C O M /M C A L L E N
Located on Main Street in McAllens Arts District, The Three Graces was created by artist Mick Reber. The 15-foot-tall sculpture, made of steel and weighing about 3,000 pounds, represents the graces of faith, hope and charity.
MCALLEN
At A GLAnce
McAllen, Texas
A QuiCK, COMPREHENSivE OvERviEW OF WHATS gREAT ABOuT THE COMMuNiTY
Cultural diversity, progressive business practices and a booming economy best characterize McAllen, which is one of the fastest growing metros in Texas and part of one of the fastest growing MSAs in the U.S. A location just five miles from the U.S.-Mexico border and close to Reynosa, Mexicos large population has made it a magnet for retail, international trade, tourism and manufacturing. ABUnDAnt LIVInG McAllens economic mix means tangible benefits for residents beyond a strong job market. They take their picks among diverse shopping and dining options that include hundreds of national brands and unique, independent retailers. The resulting tax base means the city can offer first-rate amenities such as a massive, state-of-the-art library; in-town bus service; awesome parks; and hiking and biking trails that are enjoyed year round, thanks to a desirable warm climate. With all this and much more, McAllen also consistently ranks among cities with the lowest cost of living in the U.S. GReAt FoR BUsIness McAllen is good for business, big and small. More than 100 Fortune 500 companies have a presence within the McAllen MSA, while the city also has been recognized recently by CNNMoney among its Best Places to Launch a Small Business. Key factors bringing expansions and entrepreneurs are an excellent quality of life, numerous advanced medical facilities, a comprehensive financial services community, demonstrated logistics advantages to reach existing and new markets, and a mostly young, bicultural and bilingual population. Read on to discover why McAllen is one of Americas best places to live.
Rio
281
HIDALGO
Edinburg
83
Gra nde Mission
7 77
McAllen
Pharr Weslaco
281 83
Harlingen rlin ng
77 7 7 28 281 81 8
UNITED S STATES
Reynosa R os s sa
Rio Grande d
MEXICO
Rio Bravo
LocAtIon
McAllen is in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, situated just 70 miles west of the Gulf of Mexico. McAllen is the largest city in Hidalgo County.
McAllen
POPULATION
TIMe Zone
Central
AnnUAL RAInFALL
23
National Average: 30
AccOlade
No. 2 Best City for Future Job Growth - Forbes
LivA B i L i T Y. C O M /M C A L L E N
THIngs TO DO
McAllens must-do attractions, activities and dining
Check out the massive new McAllen Public Library for a variety of family-friendly activities. The library has more than 30,000 childrens books and audiotapes, many of which are bilingual. The library frequently hosts programs for children, adults and teens.
Natural Attractions
Museum
Shopping
Baseball
EXpeRIence nAtURe
Enjoy McAllens wildlife havens, which include Quinta Mazatlan, a sanctuary for birds, plants and other wildlife; Valley Nature Center, the oldest nature center in the area; and Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, home to record numbers of bird and butterfly species.
SHop In StYLe
McAllens La Plaza Mall draws more than 18 million visitors each year as the main shopping spot for Rio Grande Valley residents. Comprising 1.2 million square feet, the mall has more than 150 retailers and several restaurants in its recently renovated food court.
MCALLEN
THInGs To Do
Stay in Luxury
Book a stay at the historic Renaissance Casa de Palmas, conveniently located within walking distance from downtown and only 2 miles from La Plaza Mall. The hotel offers a free shuttle to and from the nearby airport.
Entertainment
Professional Sports
Concerts
Ice Skating
LivA B i L i T Y. C O M /M C A L L E N
THInGs To Do
The McAllen Creative Incubator, located in a former library, includes several art studios, as well as a gallery, a paint lab and the Idea Lab. The McAllen Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Incubator, which showcases exhibits and offers art classes to students of all ages and skill levels.
MCALLEN
Creativity
T
Arts incUbator grows artists, innovators and cUltUral offerings
he McAllen Creative Incubator moved early in 2013, taking residence in what used to be the citys public library at 601 N. Main St. The location certainly fits, situated amidst the Arts District Business Center, the Art Village on Main and several galleries.
We have several spaces and common areas the artists can use to teach, make exhibitions, and hold their performances or workshops. Since we moved into the [former] library, weve gotten really positive feedback from the community and the local artists, Gonzalez says. ARt CLAsses At tHe IncUBAtoR Painter Karen Norberg, a tenant, teaches classes at the McAllen Creative Incubator. Were really excited about our new digs, she says. Theres a variety of art, all the way from photography to violin lessons to choir to, of course, the artists who are painting and teaching painting and drawing classes all the time.
LivA B i L i T Y. C O M /M C A L L E N
The Creative Incubator is actually right in the middle of the art district, says Ivan Gonzalez, director of art development for the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. We have at least another five or six galleries nearby, so we all share the same concept of hosting artists so they can exhibit their work. Whats more, the building has roughly double the room of the Incubators former location. The City of McAllen and the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, which runs the Incubator, spent more than $200,000 to gut the old library; replace carpet and lighting; and build studios, paint labs, workshop and classroom areas, gallery spaces, and performance and event venues.
Painter Alma Casso works on her latest creations at the McAllen Creative Incubator, where she teaches art classes and rents studio space. Casso also assists with special events at the Incubator, such as craft parties.
The McAllen Creative Incubator s revolving art exhibits are free and open to the public throughout the year.
The intention of the Mini Maker Faire is to nurture innovation. It is about people inventing. It has a lot of very positive energy people sharing excitement about what they are doing and that excitement gets transferred to the attendees.
EDUARDo MILLet, ViCE PREsidENT OF bUsiNEss dEVELOPmENT FOR THE MCALLEN CHambER OF COmmERCE
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MCALLEN
Art Village on Main covers 30,000 square feet and includes four buildings that include art galleries, studios and restaurants. The village also hosts McAllens First Friday Art Walks from September to May.
Classes for both children and adults are a big draw, among them a Wine & Design class for which painting supplies are provided and students bring their own snacks and beverages. Were really trying to promote our wonderful new space; were so proud of it, Norberg says. McALLen MInI MAKeR FAIRe Another exciting aspect of the larger space is the opportunity to hold events such as the Mini Maker Faire, a showcase of local innovation and invention that brought 50 makers and 700 attendees to the McAllen Creative Incubator in June 2013. Many of the participants had been working with the Chambers Inventors & Entrepreneurs Network, and the event celebrated their accomplishments.
What we do here is entrepreneurial activism, says Eduardo Millet, vice president of business development for the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, referring to the Incubators mission to help people act on their ideas. The intention of the Mini Maker Faire is to nurture innovation. It is about people inventing. It has a lot of very positive energy people sharing excitement about what they are doing and that excitement gets transferred to the attendees. The venue was the perfect place to hold the first annual Mini Maker Faire, as it is brimming with the creativity of local artists and grounded by the support of Chamber initiatives such as the Idea Lab and Collaboration Space, which provide guidance and tools for bringing ideas along a path to market.
Its a great venue, Millet says. Any event that has to do with innovation will flourish because of the creative energy that is already there. by Carol Cowan by staff photographer Wendy Jo OBarr and senior photographer Jeff Adkins
THINGS TO
DO
New Nes
MCALLEN
Gonzalez, director art district, says We have several Ivan spaces and McAllen Chamber of art development areas the artists common for the can use to of Commerce at least another exhibitions . We have , and hold their teach, make so we all share five or six galleries nearby, workshops. Since we movedperformances or artists so they the same concept of library, weve into the [former] hosting gotten can from the communityreally positive feedback Whats more, exhibit their work. the building and the local double the Gonzalez says. has roughly artists, room former location. of the Incubators ART CLASSES The City of AT THE INCUBATO Chamber of McAllen and the McAllen Painter Karen R Commerce Norberg, a , which runs Incubator, spent classes at the tenant, teaches the McAllen Creative the old library; more than $200,000 Were really to gut replace carpet excited about Incubator. and build studios, she says. Theres and lighting; our new digs, paint labs, and classroom from photograph a variety of art, all workshop the way y to violin performance areas, gallery spaces, to, of course, and the artists wholessons to choir and event venues. and teaching painting and are painting all the time. drawing classes
S he McAllen Creative Incubat residence in or moved early what used to in 2013, taking 601 N. Main be the citys District Busines St. The location certainly public library at s Center, the Art Village fits, situated amidst the on Main and Arts The Creative several galleries Incubator is in the middle . actually right of the
ARTS INCU BATOR GROW INNOVATO S ARTIS RS AND CULT URAL OFFE TS, RING
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SAHADIs
Dont let Sahadis humble exterior fool you. The owners pride themselves on carefully crafted Mediterranean dishes, and the food lives up to the billing. Bonus: Wine tastings. Catch up with Sahadis on Facebook to find dates and times, as well as a full menu.
Asian
GenGHIs GRILL
One of Americas fastestgrowing restaurant trends has come to McAllen. Genghis Grill is a build-your-own stir-fry joint with plenty of taste to match its boisterous personality. You pick your ingredients. They cook them. Your taste buds win.
Not feeling particularly international? Try some good ole American fare at the Corner Bakery Caf, where they dont just bake bread they fill it with all sorts of things to make your mouth happy. Or go to the Pub Steakhouse, pictured, which has a promising tagline: Youre going to love the food here. Tex-Mex and Mexican
Irish
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MCALLEN
Fromage Bistro is bringing a little France to the Rio Grande Valley. Its menu is ambitious, its food is exquisite, and its presentation is among the most refined in McAllen. Fromage doesnt just serve high-end food; from ambiance to service, it serves high-end dining experiences.
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A Smithsonian Affiliate, the International Museum of Art and Science covers more than 50,000 square feet.
TAKE iN THE BEST OF MCALLENS ARTS AND ENTERTAiNMENT SCENE The City of Palms has grown into a cultural haven for the Rio Grande Valley. With a wealth of historic landmarks, a growing number of live music options, and numerous opportunities to experience the visual arts, McAllen locals and visitors have never had more ways to experience its amazing American culture.
Chamber of Commerce Support Festivals
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MCALLEN
Historic Sites
The Museum of South Texas History tells the regions story through a collection of exhibits that feature fossils, Spanish colonial treasure, ancient tools and other artifacts from the area.
EnJoY A peRFoRMAnce
The 17th Street Entertainment District in downtown McAllen overflows with lounges, restaurants and clubs. For live music, visit The Old Ice House or Cine El Rey, which opened in 1947 and today functions as a music and performance venue, plus showcases Spanish and English independent films. The citys diverse culture influences much of the music performed by the Valley Symphony Orchestra & Chorale. The Symphony was established in 1952 with the Chorale joining later, in 1984. Similarly, the South Texas Lyric Opera brings the fine art of opera to the Rio Grande Valley with a yearly slate of productions and an annual opera gala, and Rio Grande Valley Broadway brings popular stage shows to town, such as Disneys Beauty and the Beast and Monty Pythons Spamalot. Continue reading about McAllens fun attractions at livability.com/mcallen/ tx/things-to-do.
Do-It-Yourself Pottery
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A Growing Playground
PLANS TAKE SHAPE FOR MANY NEW RECREATiON FACiLiTiES McAllens long list of outdoor opportunities golf, hiking, biking, birding and fishing, among others is expanding, with several new facilities on the way.
Coming Soon
Nearly 20 courses grace the McAllen area. One notable venue is Palm View Golf Course, an 18-hole public facility often used for tournaments. Among private courses, one top attraction is McAllen Country Club, where tree-lined fairways and small greens provide a challenge.
SnaPsHOT
All of my familys special events were hosted at the MCC from bat mitzvahs to graduation brunches. The service is beyond great. [The McAllen Country Club is a] great place to grow up, swim, work out, play golf and hang out with friends or family.
LAURen BeRGeR oF AUstIn, TX, on McALLen CoUntRY CLUB, YELP REViEW
McAllen Country Clu b s clubhouse includes five dining roo ms, a fitness center, two pro shops and more.
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MCALLEN
Hikers and bikers enjoy plenty of trails on the east and west sides of town, including the Retama Village Park Trail , Westside Park Trail and Las Palmas Park Trail. Visiting cyclists are welcome to meet up with Team McAllen Cycling, a bike club thats been active in the city for more than 25 years.
City Parks
The Quinta Mazatlan mansion in McAllen, built in the 1930s, is now an urban sanctuary that includes dozens of species of birds, as well as butterflies, plants and gardens. The facility offer guided tours, educational programs for kids and adults, and hosts special events. See more photos of McAllens top spots at livability.com/mcallen/tx/photos-video.
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lIVIng
Schools, health care and neighborhoods in McAllen
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MCALLEN
The 123,000-square-foot McAllen Public Library, also known as the New Main Library, is the largest single-floor library in the U.S. The library won first place in the International Interior Design Associations 2012 Library Interior Design Competition. Check out more photos of McAllens most popular attractions and destinations at livability.com/mcallen/tx/photos-video.
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LIVInG
Global
A
Learning
22
MCALLEN
Students at Francisca Alvarez Elementary in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme do research on their iPads.
The academically rigorous International Baccalaureate programs encourage students to take a globally informed view in all of their studies, adopt international perspectives, appreciate cultural diversity, and develop original and critical-thinking skills along with a passion for lifelong learning. IB graduates can also earn college credit, with public universities in Texas granting at least 24 credit hours for a student with an IB Diploma. McAllen ISD, with funding and support from the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, chose IB after considering several different programs to give students an advanced, competitive edge. Since the McAllen ISD opened the IB Diploma Programme for 11th and 12th grade students at Lamar Academy in 2001, it has become an IB district, with many of its elementary school campuses adopting the Primary Years Programme and five of seven middle schools adopting the Middle Years Programme. Today, the programs 99.4 percent diploma success rate makes it one of the premier programs in the world.
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International Baccalaureate students in a theater class at Lamar Academy learn to use make-up to create special effects.
Pecan Boulevard
Miracle Mile
Lamar Academy IB Coordinator Marissa Sarabando says its a model catching on throughout the region, as well. Along with growth in our district, at least three other IB programs have been developed in neighboring communities and school districts, Sarabando says. The merits of an IB education are evident in the Rio Grande Valley region. BAcK to ScHooL Lamar Academy 11th grade IB history teacher Samuel Friedman says the programs standards are tough, and he should know. Friedman graduated from the program in 2005 and returned to his alma mater in fall 2013 to teach. He credits the programs rigor as the best part of taking IB classes.
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MCALLEN
Its very nice to teach at a school where, by and large, kids want to be there.
SAMUeL FRIeDMAn, LamaR ACadEmy 11TH GRadE IB HisTORy TEaCHER
Friedman says IB students bring an eagerness to dig deeper into subjects, allowing him to focus on teaching the useful side of history. Knowing his students will do the background reading and other work he assigns gives them more time in the classroom to explore and analyze events far beyond traditional instruction. I always knew it would be the kind of place Id like to work, Friedman says. Its very nice to teach at a school where, by and large, kids want to be there. Appreciation for the program extends to many of Friedmans peers. A series of McAllen ISD IB graduates participated in a video now on the districts website. In it, they thank the district for providing the program and credit it for their success at colleges including the University of Texas, Carnegie Mellon University and Harvard University. by Kristi Stephens Walker by staff photographer Wendy Jo OBarr
LIVING
Global L
A
MCALLEN BACC ALAU ISD INCR EASES INTE RNAT REAT E PROG RAMS IN AREA IONA L SCHOOLS decade
after becomi district to produce ng the first South Texas International Programme Baccalaureate school graduates, District aims Diploma McAllen Indepen to bring the dent programs to all of its schools School by 2014.
earning
Students at Francisca Alvarez Elementar in the Internation Years Programm al Baccalaureate Primaryy e do research on their iPads.
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MCALLEN
The academica lly rigorous Baccalaureate Internation programs encourage al a globally informed view in all of students to take international their studies, perspective adopt s, appreciate and develop cultural diversity, original and critical-thin with a passion king skills along for IB graduates lifelong learning. can also earn public universitie college s in Texas granting credit, with credit hours for a at least McAllen ISD, student with an IB Diploma.24 with funding McAllen Chamber and of Commerce support from the Economic Developm and ent Corporatio the McAllen considering n, chose IB several different after students an programs to advanced, Since the McAllen competitive edge. give ISD Programme for 11th and opened the IB Diploma 12th grade students Academy in 2001, it has at Lamar become an many of its IB district, with elementary school Primary Years Programme campuses adopting the schools adopting and five of seven middle the Middle Today, the programs Years Programm e. 99.4 percent rate makes it one of the diploma success premier programs in the world.
L I VA B I L I T Y. C O M /M CALLEN
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LIVING: EdUcation
MCALLEN SCHOOLS EQuiP STuDENTS FOR COLLEgE AND CAREERS In McAllen, exciting news in higher education adds to an excellent public school system known for major investments in technology and college preparatory programs.
Charter School
IDeA AcADeMY
IDEA Academy, an innovative public charter school, offers a fully scaled curriculum for students in kindergarten, first, second and sixth grades. The school, which opened in McAllen in 2012, will eventually add more grades, each with approximately 110 students. While the school is public, students must apply to fill the 460 available spots. To prepare its students to be collegiate scholars, IDEA provides the International Baccalaureate curriculum as well as the Road to College program, which begins in the sixth grade. Higher Education
One of four high schools in the McAllen ISD, McAllen High School serves more than 2,200 students in grades 9-12. Public Schools
Interactive Education
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MCALLEN
South Texas College is a very good college to attend for the fact that the classes are not too big, so there is more one-on-one between teachers and students. The tuition is inexpensive compared to other universities. Last, the professors are very helpful; they want you to succeed.
GeRARDo FRoM EDInBURG, TX on SoUtH TeXAs CoLLeGe, TaKEN FROm CaPPEX.COm
Campus of Opportunity
South Texas College offers more than 100 associate degree and certificate programs.
All three comprehensive high schools listed in Newsweeks Americas Best High Schools, proven most effective in turning out college-ready graduates! Our graduates earned more than 17,000 college credit hours while in high school, saving families about $15.6 million in tuition! Our graduates earned about $23 million in scholarships! Many earn associate degrees up to 70 college hours! Many begin college ranked as sophomores or juniors! District produces state champions students and adults. District part of National League of Innovative Schools and Texas High Performing Schools Consortium. Home of Texas award-winning district Texas Outstanding School Board of the Year highest award! Superintendent named Top 5 State Finalist, TASA Superintendent of the Year! District ranked national Best Communities for Music Education! Home of 19 regional or state Teacher of the Year awards in 23 years! District awarded Texas Comptroller Gold Leadership Circle Award. District earned Standard & Poors highest rating of AAA to refunding bonds. District awarded 18th Annual Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award.
LIVING: Health
FOuR QuALiTY HOSPiTALS SERvE VALLEY RESiDENTS McAllens four main health-care centers, plus the McAllen Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic, help residents achieve and maintain healthy bodies and minds.
McALLen MeDIcAL CenteR
McAllen Medical Center is the Upper Valleys lead trauma center, with a focus on neurological and orthopedic care, evidenced by the hospitals certifications as a Primary Stroke Center and a Bone and Joint Center of Excellence. The 441-bed hospital is also home to the Valleys only transplant center, a new pediatric unit, a dedicated oncology unit and a familyfocused birthing center with an advanced Newborn Intensive Care Unit just steps away. Physicians and staff are among the best in the country. A respected health-care institution for more than 70 years, McAllen Medical Center is recognized as having established benchmarks for success. McAllen Medical Centers parent company, Universal Health Services, Inc., is one of the nations largest health-care management companies. More than 600 physicians representing over 50 specialties are members of the medical staff. The Advanced Level III Trauma Center, South Texas Transplant Center, Certified Bone and Joint Center for Orthopedic Care, Accredited Chest Pain Center, Certified Primary Stroke Center and the Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit are among the services offered.
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fasT facT
McAllen is home to more than 10 health-care clinics, including urgent care centers.
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MCALLEN
COmmUnITy PROfIle
etHnIcItY
20% 33% White Black 1% 15% 47% 12% Hispanic Other
cost oF LIVInG
$42,408
Median Household Income
$124,891
Median Home Price
$652
72% Median Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment
AGE
19 and Under 20-54 55 and Over
(percentages based on the total = 277,584)
TRAnspoRtAtIon
Median Travel Time to Work
TeMpeRAtURe
January Average Low July Average High
96 76
16.61 minutes
Closest Airport: McAllen-Miller International Airport
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July High
National High
South Texas Finest Gift Store Offers Gifts From Around the World
4300 N. 10th St. Ste. C McAllen, TX 78504 (956) 686-1264 ohkays@aol.com Look for us on Facebook!
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MCALLEN
McAllens International Museum of Art and Science features revolving art and science exhibits, as well as permanent collections, including these stained glass windows. The pieces on display are part of the Sacred Visions: Stained Glass Windows from the Louis Comfort Tiffany Studios exhibit. Dr. Lawrence and Esperanza Gelman permanently loaned the works to IMAS. Browse through more photos that showcase McAllens diverse cultural attractions at livability.com/mcallen/tx/photos-video.
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bUsIness
Info on McAllens top employers, jobs and success stories
The 1.2 million-square-foot La Plaza Mall is a major shopping and dining destination with retailers such as Dillards, Abercrombie & Fitch, Express and Macys, and a newly remodeled and expanded food court with restaurants such as Villa Pizza, Green Leaves, Beyond Great and Little Tokyo. The malls sister shopping center, Palms Crossing, is less than a mile away. See more images of the McAllen community at livability.com/mcallen/tx/photos-video.
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BUsIness: overview
BuSiNESS LiFE iN MCALLEN SHOWS NO SigN OF SLOWiNg DOWN McAllen continues to prove its prowess as a healthy place for business and a desirable location for leading retail and manufacturing industries.
Business Advantages Retail
A key McAllen transportation advantage is McAllen-Miller International Airport, particularly its nonstop service between McAllen and Mexico City via Aeromar. Introduced in March 2013, the service has already grown.
Find out more about McAllens business climate and workforce at livability. com/mcallen/tx/business.
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The 18.5-acre McAllen Convention Center complex draws businesses and travelers to the area, with its 60,000-square-foot, column-free exhibit hall, more than 25,000 square feet of meeting space and up to 16 breakout rooms. Since opening in 2007, the Convention Center has had an economic benefit of more than $40 million for McAllen businesses.
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MCALLEN
Business Spotlight
NIU URBAn LIVInG
NIU Urban Living provides residential and commercial design services to the McAllen area. NIU offers interior and exterior design, window treatments and textiles, and solutions for sleep. www.liveniu.com
OH KAYs
Oh Kays offers fine gifts such as glassware and home dcor items, suitable for most special occasions. The store carries popular brands like MacKenzieChilds and Mary Rose Young, and also has bridal gifts. www.ohkaysmcallen.com
CARAts JeweLRY
Carats Jewelry is a fine jewelry retailer that also sells home dcor items and gifts from all over the world. Jewelry pieces available at Carats include those by well-known designers such as Roberto Coin, Missoni and Mikimoto, among others. www.caratsfj.com
BUsIness
Family Ties
Originally opened on South Main Street in 1926, The Man Shop is now located across from La Plaza Mall. The family-owned shop sells suits, dress pants, shirts, ties and accessories, and also offers custom alterations.
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MCALLEN
Small Businesses,
OPPORTUnITIes
McAllen offers an ideal location with special programs, livability and more
BIg
mall business is big-time in McAllen. Studies prove it in rankings and numbers, and small business owners themselves testify to it through bottom lines and longevity. For many reasons, McAllen offers the ideal location for smaller companies and entrepreneurs.
McAllen is a better quality-of-life city, says Neil Westerman, third-generation owner of The Man Shop and Man Shop Shoes. We have a healthy manufacturing business here, and that helps the economy. We also have a lot of Winter Texans, snowbirds who come down from the north each winter. RAnKInG HIGH McAllens rich climate for small business is partly borne out in a 2012 survey by The Business Journals. McAllen-Edinburg ranked fifth in the publications list of cities in the South with the healthiest small-business climates. The metropolitan area received top 5 rankings in four out of six categories, including top rankings for one-year growth in concentration and one-year growth in small businesses.
Neil Westerman, third-generation owner of The Man Shop and Man Shop Shoes
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The Man Shop has helped McAllen men look and feel their best for more than 85 years by offering top brands, such as Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Michael Kors, and tailoring each garment to fit perfectly.
We want every business to succeed, and we are here to help our members make money. Small businesses are what keep our economy thriving.
BLAncA CARDenAs, ViCE PREsidENT OF mEmbERsHiP sERViCEs FOR THE MCALLEN CHambER OF COmmERCE
Findings such as these dont surprise the staff at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, which uses several programs to help small businesses thrive and offers assistance to startups. The majority of our members are small businesses, at least 75-80 percent, says Blanca Cardenas, the Chambers Vice President of Membership Services. We want every business to succeed, and we are here to help our members make money. Small businesses are what keep our economy thriving. One program the chamber has implemented is Innovation Grants, awarded each year to businesses that create new and innovative ideas. Were always striving for new innovations, Cardenas says, and weve had some real success
stories out of that. The Chamber also has small business grants and a program known as the I&E Network, designed to help Chamber-member inventors and entrepreneurs exchange ideas with other members. Its great because youre connecting with the right people, Cardenas says. Other Chamber programs and innovations include the Idea Lab, where members and nonmembers can exchange business ideas; mobile apps for displaying coupons for area retailers and restaurants; a scanning game allowing members to share virtual business cards through QR codes; and Business Power Network, a sort of speed-dating activity that allows members to network.
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Former New Orleans resident Maurice Welton opened an Edible Arrangements store in McAllen in 2007. Due to his success, he won a Top 5 Small Business Award from the McAllen Chamber of Commerce in 2012. Welton now owns three additional Edible Arrangement sstores in other Texas cities and employs more than 15 people.
KnowInG tHe CUstoMeRs The success of small businesses in McAllen can also come down to just plain good business sense by owners. The Man Shop, for instance, has been offering topnotch mens clothing and service since Westermans grandfather, Adolf Westerman, opened the store in 1926. We get so much competition from all these big-box stores, so really the only way to separate us is on our service and knowing the customers, Westerman says. Its key to know the area, and we do. Another example of savvy entrepreneurship in the area is Maurice Welton, franchise owner of Edible Arrangements in McAllen and in three additional locations in other cities. He received a Top 5 Small Business Award in 2012 from the Chamber. by John McBryde by staff photographer Wendy Jo OBarr
BUSINESS
BIG
MCALLEN OFFE SPECIAL PROG RS AN IDEA L LOCA TION RAMS, LIVAB ILITY AND WITH MORE
TIES
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Originally opened on South Man Shop is now located Main Street in 1926, The The family-ow across from La Plaza Mall. ned ties and accessorie shop sells suits, dress pants, s, and also shirts, offers custom alterations .
Family Ties
Neil Westerma n, third-gene owner of The ration Man Shop and Man Shop Shoes
L I VA B I L I
T Y. CO M /M
CALLEN
DIGItAL MAGAZIne
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LivA B i L i T Y. C O M /M C A L L E N
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ecOnOmIc PROfIle
TAXes
21% 8% 54% 17% City Sales and Use Tax 1,999500 2,9992,000 3,000+
2% 0%
County Sales Tax
Top EMpLoYeRs
McAllen Independent School District, Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District University of Texas Pan American, McAllen Medical Center The City of McAllen, Rio Grande Regional Hospital, South Texas College
eDUcAtIon LeVeL
High School Graduate Associate Degree Bachelors Degree Masters Degree
6.25%
State Sales Tax
8.25%
Total Sales Tax
ScoRecARD
HoUseHoLD IncoMe
$200,000+ 1,077 $100,000-199,999 $99,999 and Under
5,349
TRAnspoRtAtIon
$3.6B
Annual Retail Sales
$358M
Annual Hotel and Food Sales
15,161
Total Number of Firms
35,239
Ad Index
36 CASTLE HOSPITALITY 39 CITY OF MCALLEN PUBLIC INFO OFFICE 28 DOCTORS HOSPITAL AT RENAISSANCE 44 DUNAMI STUDIO 30 FAMILY PHYSICIANS CLINIC 44 INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM OF ART & SCIENCE 44 MCALLEN COUNTRY CLUB 46 MCALLEN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 47 MCALLEN HERITAGE CENTER 27 MCALLEN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 1 MCALLEN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 31 OH KAYS! 17 QUINTA MAZATLAN 44 REDHORSE LABOR C4 RIO GRANDE REGIONAL HOSPITAL 45 SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE C1-C2 SOUTH TEXAS HEALTH SYSTEM 44 THE MAILING STORE C3 VALLEY CARE CLINIC
McAllen TEXAS
Editor | Lisa Battles Contributing Writers | Marc Acton, Carol Cowan, Kevin Litwin, John McBryde, Braxton Shoop, Kristi Stephens Walker Content Coordinator | Jessica Walker Boehm Staff Writer | Kevin Litwin Proofreading Manager | Raven Petty Content Operations | Kate Swanson, Lauren Zimmerman Lead Designer | Jake Shores Senior Graphic Designers | Stacey Allis, Laura Gallagher, Kris Sexton, Vikki Williams Graphic Designers | Jackie Ciulla, Lindsey Higgins, Kacey Passmore, Matt West Creative Technology Analyst | Becca Ary Lead Photographer | Wendy Jo OBarr Senior Photographers | Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord Staff Photographers | Michael Conti, Wendy Jo OBarr, Frank Ordoez, Michael Tedesco Color Imaging Technician | Alison Hunter Integrated Media Manager | Seth Israelsen Advertising Production/ Sales Manager | Katie Middendorf Sales Support Coordinator | Christina Morgan Ad Traffic Assistants | Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan Web Project Manager | David Day Digital Project Manager | Jill Ridenour Digital Products Designer | Erica Lampley Web Developer I | Nels Noseworthy Web Designer II | Richard Stevens Chairman | Greg Thurman President/Publisher | Bob Schwartzman Executive Vice President | Ray Langen Senior V.P./Sales | Todd Potter, Jarek Swekosky Senior V.P./Client Development | Jeff Heefner Senior V.P./Operations | Casey Hester Senior V.P./Digital | Michael Barber V.P./Content Operations | Natasha Lorens Creative Services Director | Christina Carden Photography Director | Jeffrey S. Otto Web Creative Director | Allison Davis Controller | Chris Dudley Senior Accountant | Lisa Owens Accounts Payable Coordinator | Maria McFarland Accounts Receivable Coordinator | Diana Iafrate, Becca Sweitzer IT Director | Daniel Cantrell Database Director | Debbie Woksa Executive Secretary | Kristy Giles Human Resources Manager | Peggy Blake
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Livability McAllen, TX is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at info@jnlcom.com. For more information, contact: McAllen Chamber of Commerce 1200 Ash Ave. McAllen, TX 78505 Phone: (956) 682-2871 Fax: (956) 687-2917 www.mcallenchamber.com Visit Livability: McAllen, Texas online at livability.com/mcallen Copyright 2013 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. Member The Association of Magazine Media Member Custom Content Council Member McAllen Chamber of Commerce
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