By: Adolfo A. Lopez and Marco I. Kidder | August 17, 2022 MISSION, TEXAS  –  This past year, the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) hosted a Business Accelerator Bootcamp in an effort to strengthen and improve local businesses’ resiliency to economic impacts like those of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Mission Economic Resiliency, Innovation, and Training (M.E.R.I.T.) Project was just one of the many relief programs initiated by the U.S. government to help businesses adapt to economic changes and improve employment opportunities for local businesses. Through the efforts of the GMCC and the City of Mission, $125,000 were granted to

Funding college expenses for children remains one of the biggest savings goals for many adults. 529s are one of the most effective education savings plans due to the flexibility and important tax advantages they provide. But like any investment vehicle, there are important considerations you should keep in mind. Here are five facts about 529 plans you should know as you consider your options. Fact #1 – The tax benefits are significant 529 plans are similar in structure to Roth IRAs. You make contributions using after-tax dollars. In more than half of all states, state income tax deductions or credits

If you’ve ever spent time working through your estate plan, you know how important it is to select and update your beneficiaries. Failing to do so can result in costly mistakes – for you and your loved ones. Here are five common mistakes that can easily be avoided with a bit of proactive planning: Mistake #1 – Not naming a beneficiary on all accounts. Ensure you have beneficiary designations on all of your retirement, investment and banking accounts, as well as your insurance policies. If you don’t name a beneficiary on one or more accounts, your estate becomes the beneficiary

The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) was created in 1942 by a group of industry leaders who shared a vision to expand the Texas produce industry. These industry pioneers understood that by working together they would be able to reap greater benefits, thus TIPA was formed to represent the business, economic, and political interests of Texas-grown fruits and vegetables. For more information, please visit their website https://texipa.org/ GMCC asked Dante Galeazzi, CEO/President of TIPA a few questions to gain better knowledge of TIPA.

Dear GMCC Member, It’s not too late to support a local Veteran nonprofit organization. The RGV Detachment of the Marine Corps League is hosting their inaugural Devil Dogleg Golf Tournament on September 16 at Shary Municipal Golf Course in Mission! Oh, and did we mention they are a member of the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce? Sponsor a team from your business, or better yet, they also a have number of sponsorship opportunities, so check out their event page! www.mclrgv.org/devildogleg

ADRIAN VILLARREAL PRESIDENT & CEO IBC BANK 1. How long have you been in business? IBC Bank has been serving the Hidalgo County community since 1990 with full service Commercial, International and Retail departments including a retail branch network of 29 locations throughout the County. 2. What is your business best known for? Our bank is best known for focusing on the needs of our customers by offering quality products and services such as Free Checking, a full array of electronic services and 7- Day Banking. Additionally, the bank is fully committed in supporting the communities we serve. 3. What

Many people want the American Dream, some have to sacrifice to achieve it. Such is the case of Juan Rafael Cano and his wife Sara. Both worked tirelessly and made many sacrifices to finally tell their story with pride. How I met them, it does not matter, what matters that I met them and got to know them during an interview at their headquarters of Cano & Sons Trucking Co. Their company has brought many opportunities for drivers, shop maintenance mechanics, and produce warehouse personnel. Juan Rafael and Sara needed one trailer truck, the only way to be able to give a