C on Lo n c ec al ti B ng us Y in o e u ss W N ith ew s

Volume II, Issue 5 www.valleybusinessreport.com January 2011

HHooooppiinngg IItt UUpp!!

eveloping world-class basketball players for the is the goal of the RGV Vipers. While doing that, Dthe Vipers won the NBA Development League Champi - onship, topped League attendance charts, and saw Coach named D-League Coach of the Year. Guess what's the hottest ticket in the Valley and priced for family fun? See page 5

January 2011 • Valley Business Report 3 Executive Summary New Scenery in the New Year

On very rare occasions in the etc. The scenery has definitely changed. we see snow. We all remember Christmas morning of We all asked for a boost to our local economy and 2004. What a sight! Kids of all ages played in ½” to 2” we got it. Sure, with growth comes growing pains and of snow. It was a fabulous two days. now we’re forced to sharpen our pencils to maximize While we definitely don’t want the blizzard condi - the business opportunities at hand. Personally, I see the tions that the upper Midwest and the northeast saw last Rio Grande Valley bouncing back from the recession month, but enough to make a little snowman in the and having a phenomenal year. front yard would be welcomed by most of us. I’m not predicting a 1st quarter record comeback It’s all about a change of scenery - something new or that the road will be easy, but I do believe from ob - and different. For many, that’s a major reason some of serving recent business activities and talking to many our neighbors from Mexico have moved to . local leaders that the Rio Grande Valley will see tremen - The Rio Grande Valley has new residents, new businesses dous growth in 2011. Certain industries and businesses exactly defined, positive days are ahead. - which has provided a boost to our local economy. may not see the boost until late spring / early summer, Change can be good. Embracing and smiling about Of course, this flight of residents and businesses but all indicators I study and persons I trust for their this change in scenery can be as positive as fresh took on a new level a few months ago as violence economic wisdom say, “it’s coming.” cookies during the holidays at grandma’s house. Just stepped up even more in northern Mexico. The move The new scenery that our friends in Monterrey are ask my niece and nephew. is on and 2011 brings new benefits and at the same time helping create is two-fold. This fresh and brighter en - - adversities. New commercial investments and devel - vironment for their families and businesses is a win- Todd Breland opments have begun, residential lot sales are up, homes win situation. The RGV offers business opportunity General Manager are being purchased, stores and hotels were especially and residential advantages unlike any other market in Valley Business Report crowded for holiday shopping, grade school enrollment the U.S. [email protected] has drastically increased, additional traffic issues exist, While our economic future is not picture perfect or 956 310 8953 4 Valley Business Report • January 2011

Contents Valley Business Report Staff Executive Summary ...... 3 Editor Eileen Mattei Vipers Are Hooping it Up ...... 5 [email protected] General Manager Harlingen Country Club ...... 8 Todd Breland [email protected] Texas Mutual ...... 10 Marketing Consultant Cori Thomas IDEA Schools ...... 11 [email protected] Production Art Director Burton McCumber & Cortez ...... 13 Sharon Campbell [email protected] Sister MDs ...... 15 Website Design : Valley IT Solutions

Linda McKenna ...... 16 Philosophy We are a pro-business publication providing in-depth perspectives on business Laguna Vista Convenience ...... 18 trends and creating a forum in which business leaders can exchange ideas and information affecting the local community’s economy. Bridges of Hidalgo County ...... 19 Letters to the Editor Letters of 300 words or less should be e-mailed to editorial@valleybusinessre - Coaching Cortez/Payton ...... 21 port.com with the subject line: Letter to the Editor. Please include your full name and city of residence. Wetlands Education ...... 22 © 2011 Valley Business Report is published by VBR Media, L.L.C. Office: 956-310-8953 El Valle Book Review ...... 23 P.O. Box 2332 Mission, Texas 78573 Cover photo by provided by the Rio Grande Vipers organization. January 2011 • Valley Business Report 5 Hooping It Up in the Valley

By Eileen Mattei

When the Rio Grande Valley Vipers clinched the NBA Development League Championship in April 2010, that marked the first time a Valley team had captured a national professional championship. The basketball team’s storybook season included having new coach Chris Finch named D-League Coach of the Year, Vipers player named the D-League’s Most Valuable Player and five Vipers being called to NBA teams. Finch and his entire staff were selected to lead the Western Conference All-Stars in the 2010 D-league All-Star game. The icing on this sports cake is fan support. Avid Vipers fans pushed the Vipers to the top of the D-League attendance charts last season, averaging above 4,700 per game in a testament to a great fan experience. “It’s a very exciting sport. I go as often as I can,” said fan Kristi Collier, publisher of the plus the Viper and Lone Star Bank mascots roaming RGV Vipers owner Alonzo Cantu stood next to Winter Texan directory Welcome Home RGV. Having the crowd. The big crowd pleaser is the Big Screen Vipers star Craig Winder after his team won the the D-League gives Winter Texans a bit of home in which spotlights fans who are asked to flex their NBA Development League 2010 Championship the Valley, she added. “Basketball is as popular in muscles, smile or kiss their honey. game. (courtesy RGV Vipers Organiation ) their homes up north as football is here.” Actually the prospect of entertaining Winter Texans and local residents was one reason Alonzo Cantu bought controlling interest in the Vipers which has also five local, minority owners, including two bank presidents. “I thought it was good idea for the Valley to have more things to do. It’s good for the kids, too,” Cantu said, a few days after 4,400 kids from 19 school districts attended a Vipers game. “It was a great event. Some of the kids had not had an experience like that before.” Cantu mentioned several Vipers games have been televised nationally on ESPN and Versus, and each time the telecast brought positive exposure to the Valley. “The Rockets have been easy to work with. They come and practice in the fall and played two NBA games here,” he added. Nonetheless, Cantu admitted his investment will be even more enjoyable once it breaks even as the team grows in popularity. A Vipers game combines affordable family fun and the opportunity to watch great athletes playing fast-paced, professional level basketball. Twenty percent of current NBA players have come through D-League teams. Local sponsors banners circle State Farm Arena. Entertainment abounds--the Snake Charmers dance team who are trained by a former Dallas cheerleader captain, youth acrobatic and dance groups, multiple audience challenges, 6 Valley Business Report • January 2011

As one of the NBA’s official minor league teams, the Vipers began playing in the Hidalgo arena in 2007. Despite expectations the Vipers would become a affiliate, the club began their second season as a farm team for the Houston Rockets and New Orleans Hornets. Then the Rockets realized the value of having their own development team, according to Jonah Goldberg, Vipers’ Director of Communications. Now the Rockets decide what young players—often fresh out of college—come to the Vipers. (A few have been selected from walk-in tryouts held in Houston and the Valley.) The Vipers team is trained in the Rockets’ offense and Rockets’ defense. The NBA team controls the coaching and the training. In emergencies the Rockets can turn to the Vipers for a player already versed in Rockets’ way with a ball. Coach Chris Finch, who in the past took his European teams to the playoffs 12 times in 13 seasons and won eight championships, is glad to back in the U.S. and developing young talent for the Rockets. “That’s what it’s about,” said Finch: the Vipers exist to strengthen the Rockets’ chances of taking the NBA championship. After an hour- long practice on game day, Finch had reviewed edited videos from the previous day’s game with Basketball fans, jammed to the rafters at State Farm Arena, watched the RG Vipers capture the National NBA Development League Championship in 2010. (courtesy)

the team. “We do a lot of video work. The modern athlete responds more to the visual,” he said. After looking at what the team did right and what they need to work on, the coaches go over how to counter the other team’s plays and personalities. Finch faces a tough challenge this season, more or less starting from zero with only two players re - turning from last season’s 11-man roster. “The first thing to do is solidify everyone’s trust in each other. You are very interdependent. It’s about building the culture, reshaping the team every year,” he said, coping with the fact that players move around during the season. “We deal with players as human beings,” not as the position they play. “They under - stand we are looking out for their best interests, but working to a higher purpose, winning a championship for the Rockets. You can’t change the philosophy along the way, but you can alter to use strengths and weaknesses. We try to stay as flexible as possi - ble.” “We have the potential to be good. We’re not where we want to be yet,” Finch concluded. Finch works with two experienced assistant coaches, and Jai Steadman, and athletic trainer Joe January 2011 • Valley Business Report 7

Resendez. The Vipers employ 10 in the front office plus four interns. The Vipers are active and visible off court, par - ticipating in blood drives and school events. “All of our guys have been really great about getting into the community,” as part of the NBA Cares theme, Cantu said. The team runs the Hoops against Hunger program, taking the contribution of four cans of food in lieu of a game ticket. It has hosted the Skills USA opener, Pink for a Purpose, South Texas Hoopsters, Winter Texan and other theme nights. The Vipers operate under an innovative affiliate model that allows other NBA teams to offer contracts to Vipers players. The NBA D-League Showcase scheduled for South Padre Island January 10-13 ex - poses young players to general managers and scouts from the 30 NBA teams. Each team plays twice. Scouts for overseas teams are there also. After three years with a D-League team, players often decide to give up on the NBA dream and take a big contract with a team in China, Europe or like Craig Winder, Craig Winder's 3-point shot wrapped up the Vipers' Championship game. Offered a lucrative overseas in Australia. contract, he now plays for an Australian team. (courtesy) Basketball fans can watch every Vipers game live on NBA Futurecast at www.nba.com/dleague or, on January 12, catch the game on Versus. The best choice of all is to show up at State Farm Arena on game night and be well-entertained.

Dedicated Vipers fans gave the team the best atten - dance record in the D-League last season. (courtesy) 8 Valley Business Report • January 2011 Country Club Turns Good Employees Into Great Ones

By Eileen Mattei

For Tom Bloemendaal, finding good em - ployees is the million dollar challenge. “Mediocrity is not acceptable. We fight that every day,” said the general manager of Harlingen County Club. “For what we try to provide here, you almost have to have worked outside the Valley to have a reference point for the level of quality, service and style we expect.” When Bloemendaal took over the facility four years ago, the hospitality industry pro - fessional applied what he learned early on in his career: take long-term employees and make them your biggest assets. Bloe - mendaal’s approach is to tell staff, “You know things that I will never know. There’s only one reason we’re here: to take care of

Harlingen Country Club manager Tom Bloemendaal and longtime employee Espie Whitis show off the patio of the newly-reopened club. (Mattei)

these people. You tell me what I can do to for employees who were let go to get disaster make it better.” Members buy into the ap - unemployment coverage while some senior proach because beloved staff is appreciated. staff retired. Bloemendaal’s goals are lofty. “I’m In October 2010, when the new Harlingen here to establish an environment where peo - Country Club facility opened, Bloemendaal ple are happy. The employees are happy, had to deal with doubling the club staff. and when members write out their check The attrition rate for new hires is 9 out of for dues they are thinking it is the best 10, he noted bluntly. During the 60-day money they ever spent.” probationary period, it’s rare for an unsuit - In July 2008, Harlingen Country Club able hire to stick it out. “They just drift members voted to build a new clubhouse. away. I can usually tell if new people are Hurricane Dolly arrived two days later and going to fit in after 60 minutes by watching changed the scenario. The old, structural - how they handle themselves in this envi - ly-compromised clubhouse was demolished ronment.” There are generational and cultural and a modest modular facility took its place gaps to overcome as well. “When I ask peo - for the next two years. Club staff had to be ple with visible tattoos if they would mind reduced from 85 to 28, dropping banquet covering them at work, there is a disconnect. managers, locker room attendants, wait staff. Our members are at an age where body art “It was one of the hardest things I ever had is not appreciated.” to do,” Bloemendaal recalled. He arranged Since the majority of the club’s em - January 2011 • Valley Business Report 9 ployees have not been exposed to the level Existing country club employees are of service and style that Bloemendaal seeks, team oriented and expect new hires to meet he takes employees to observe operations their standards. “They want someone coming at major country clubs in San Antonio, in moving and grooving,” Bloemendaal ex - Houston and Dallas. The initial reaction is plained. “Everyone makes the same from incredulity when they look at luxurious the gratuity (pool.). The more efficient they buildings and the perfectly groomed staff, are as a group, the better each does. If Bloemendaal said. “They don’t see them - someone is not pulling their weight, it is selves in that manner. But they find out handled internally by staff. They know they are no different than those people. they are subsidizing the person who is not Harlingen Country Club brings the area’s architec - They are just as smart and as capable, but up to it.” Nonetheless, they are willing to ture to life. (courtesy) they don’t have the confidence. Nothing is take in an inexperienced person with a good more rewarding than to expose them to that attitude. according to Bloemendaal, who worked his and work to bring them up to that level. Harlingen Country Club never advertises way up, earning accreditations from Cornell, They reach the moment when they know positions. Instead, Bloemendaal finds staff Michigan State and Cal Poly along the way. they can do it. It’s very emotional, and it through TSTC’s Culinary Arts departments “You’re only as good as your worst server becomes contagious.” or through referrals from employees and that day. My good strong quality employees Good employees need an environment friends. Of course, if he is eating out and are mature professionals in the hospitality where they will be successful (and have a likes the service, he gives the server his industry who worked their way up.” compensation package that includes sick card with an invitation to come see the Striving for the perfect service environ - days, paid vacation and insurance). Often club. On the other hand, the club’s servers ment, Bloemendaal manages by walking that means shifting people around between frequently are given business cards and in - around. “You can’t tell what is going on in departments to get the right chemistry and vitations for employment by satisfied mem - your dining room or golf course by sitting avoid personality conflicts, the club manager bers who own restaurants. in your office.” said. The human element is key in hospitality, 10 Valley Business Report • January 2011 Safety Pays a Dividend

By Eileen Mattei by the State of Texas in 1991 to stabilize the company move forward is the safety committee, workers’ comp system with competitive rates with one representative from each department Getting a dividend check is sweet. It’s and guaranteed availability of insurance. Texas and the president,” Shah said. A staff member even sweeter when it comes from your workers’ Mutual, now a quasi-governmental corporation, can describe an issue that needs attention, and compensation insurance company in recognition continues to work to help companies reduce the owner is there to allocate dollars that help of your outstanding safety record. costs of on-the-job injuries and illnesses and resolve the issue. Texas Mutual Insurance Company, the to foster economic development through a “Our biggest challenge is to reduce the leading provider of Texas workers’ comp in - stable workers’ comp system. Policy holders DART rate to zero,” Shah said, “and we’re surance, last summer began distributing $100 are encouraged to take advantage of free serv - looking to do that.” OSHA uses DART (Days million to about 38,000 policy holders in ices that can improve safety programs and Away, Restrictions, and Transfers that result Texas, marking the twelfth years of dividends. safety records. Texas Mutual provides safety from workplace injuries) to compare companies Among the Valley companies which received videos, safety program evaluations and accident based on man-hours, industry hazards and dividends are those which are classified as prevention training materials from its resource number of employees. The goal is to have a high hazard because of the work they do: op - library. lower DART than the industry average, and erating machinery or working with sharp, “Dividends reward loyal policyholders All Star works to have its rate at zero. heavy or dangerous materials. Establishing who share Texas Mutual’s commitment to “We have taken a stand to strive for safety effective safety programs has not only won workplace safety,,” said David Wylie of Texas and environmental compliance. We've opened Valley companies significant rebates on their Mutual. The dividend recognizes a business’s our doors to EPA and OSHA and asked them premiums, but has led to reduced insurance progress in controlling claims costs and is to help make us the best,” Shah said. All Star premiums. based on claims loss history, achieving an ac - works toward continuous improvement. In Following years of skyrocketing workers ceptable loss ratio. Dividends are comprised fact, the company has been so successful in comp premiums, Texas Mutual was established of a retention component (over the years) and this area that it was presented with OSHA’sVPP an annual component. Merit Award. Under the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), All Star underwent a rigorous BeYOND INCeNTIVeS onsite evaluation by a team of safety and Dividends are certainly an incentive to health professionals that focused on hazard maintain a safety program, but they are not prevention and control; worksite analysis; the major reason to strive for a safer workplace, training; and management commitment and according to Nik Shah, owner of All Star Met - worker involvement. OSHA directives state als. “The major reason for a safety program is that “VPP participants are re-evaluated every that it changes the entire environment.” A pro- three to five years to remain in the programs. active approach to safety carries over into VPP participants are exempt from OSHA pro - workers’ personal lives and reinforces safety grammed inspections while they maintain their awareness. VPP status.” All Star’s Texas Mutual dividends are split “We realize we are also going to save on 50:50. Half goes to employees in the form of insurance, but that is a secondary aspect,” safety bonuses; the other half is used for safety Shah added. “The safer a workplace we are, program development. the better it is for everyone.” All Star Metals is a licensed ship recycler Wildcat Gas Well Testing, Inc., in Mission, and environmental remediation contractor. is accustomed to receiving dividends from The company was established in 2003 as a Texas Mutual. “It’s a pretty good amount; ship recycler and has taken apart vessels as it’s substantial,” said manager Jim Nelson. “I large as the aircraft carrier USS Cabot as well would say we’re in a higher risk business. But as numerous merchant marine freighters and we haven’t had accidents or any claims. Knock hundreds of barges. The company also provides on wood. Texas Mutual has online safety train - asbestos abatement and remediation and ing. It’s good stuff and we make use of it.” processes scrap metals. A ship recycling yard One of the company’s 40 employees is Rene is a high hazard workplace, but All Star with Solis, safety coordinator. 138 employees has a strong, effective and Dividends obviously don’t drive safety award-wining safety program. programs, but they are a tangible acknowl - “The biggest thing that has helped the edgment of achievement. January 2011 • Valley Business Report 11 Helping a Great IDEA Become Better

By Eileen Mattei

The 13 business people who serve on the IDEA Public Schools Board of Directors were chosen for their experience, talents and a deep commitment to improving student achievement and college readiness. They also believe in the goal of having 100 percent of IDEA students graduate from college. Chartered in 2000, founded and led by Tom Torkelson and JoAnn Gama, IDEA Publics Schools has grown to 16 campuses with 5,000 students and a waiting list of 13,000. The IDEA board meets in the No Excuses conference room at the Weslaco headquarters of the non-profit. “It’s a reminder of why we’re here,” said Board Chair David Merrill of Brownsville. Board service requires one of busy people’s most precious commodities: time. The IDEA board’s annual retreat spanned 2.5 days last summer. Board and committee meetings demand more time. Yet Merrill pointed out that a good strong board takes less time than an ineffective board. “When you’re dealing with top notch professionals, which David Merrill, Chair of IDEA Public School's Board of Directors, is proud of the IDEA's graduating I think we are, it goes faster. The board focuses on classes where every student goes on to college.. (Mattei ) governance instead of micro-managing. You get to talk 12 Valley Business Report • January 2011 about the really important things, the things that are going tremendous benefit to smooth operations. senior, accompanied by parents who may not speak English, to make difference. That’s a lot more effective and a lot Merrill listed a few of the assets that board members signs a letter of intent stating the college they will attend more fun,” said Merrill, who is branch manager and bring to the table: David Guerra of IBC,“with his really and graduate from. “We’re changing families and changing financial advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors. good eye for financials; CPA Bill Carrera and Brian Disque the future of the Valley.” The 2010 board retreat devoted almost a full day to of Lone Star National Bank who serve on the finance com - Board member Mike Rhodes and his wife Lori donated board governance. “What we are doing is setting policy. mittee; Eric Ziehe’s experience with commercial proper - 25 acres for the IDEA school in Mission and continue to The rule is to hire good managers and get out of their way. ty.” give the school a percentage of the sale of each Bentsen We’ve got an inspired and visionary CEO in Tom Torkelson. Other board members are Mike Rhodes of Rhodes Palms lot. Other benefactors have donated land for Donna He doesn’t want us to have long board meetings because Enterprises, Sergio Sanchez of BMP Radio, Esther Cortez and McAllen schools. IDEA, supported in part by the he’s too busy. The essence of quality education is top-notch Treener of Fred Loya Insurance, Dr. Ruben Lopez, Paul Gates Foundation and taxpayer allocations, enlists board teachers in every classroom, so the board needs to do Sale of UTPA, Bill Martin of Morgan Stanley, Dr. Joel members to raise funds for the multiple college visits all everything it can to sustain that.” Solis and Elsa Villarreal Beard of Teach for America. students take to accustom them to the idea of college going. On the other hand, boards do not exist to give CEOs a Real estate broker Eric Ziehe rode around with IDEA “When we are successful, we will be graduating more col - totally free hand. “A founder like Tom has a lot of influence CEO Tom Torkelson analyzing potential school sites. “I lege-bound students that any other district in the Valley,” over how the board runs, but he respects the board. He learned what locations work for a school and the quality of Merrill said. goes to board to ask for feedback and then puts it to use. education that IDEA provides. I wanted to do more for New members are joining the IDEA board in January. We are blessed in many ways. But you have to have in them,” said Ziehe, whose daughter now attends an IDEA “We’re likely to bring on attorney to make sure we are place monitoring and auditing systems to protect the school. He had been told by Valley industrial employers cautious about how we do things,” said Merrill. He jokingly financial system. A system of checks and balances is still that their greatest challenge to growth was the lack of an offers one reason for his commitment to IDEA schools. essential.” educated workforce “At IDEA schools, it’s all about ac - “You want that ambulance driver who shows up when you Torkelson credited the board for providing invaluable countability from the students on up to the CEO. When we have your heart attack to be well-educated.” guidance. “We have people on the board who are at the top get school districts to change the way they do things, our Starting his third year as the chair of IDEA’s board, of their fields,” he said. “They provide advice, perspective impact changes exponentially.” Merrill knows what it takes to have a highly effective and insight on a whole slew of issues.” The CEO said the Ziehe talked about the college signing event which board: “Commitment, shared vision and a quorum.” board does not get involved in personnel issues, which is a IDEA schools hold for graduating seniors. Each and every January 2011 • Valley Business Report 13 BMC Takes Accounting to the Next Level

By Adolfo Pesquera work outside of the courtroom as well as preparing re - tirement plans. Cortez’s work is but another aspect in a Operational on both sides of the Texas-Mexico company that prides itself on a state-of-the-art accounting border and with clients worldwide, Burton McCumber process. & Cortez is a regional company, but they have behaved Auditors and the numbers police like a national accounting firm since their inception. A Ricky Longoria, an audit partner who arrived in full service firm known by its initials, BMC specializes 1989, shows off BMC’s comfortable familiarity with in commercial accounting, with the bulk of its clients 21st century accounting. And he uses what he knows to being mid-sized firms based in the Rio Grande Valley. add value to clients in ways they don’t expect. “Histor - BMC long ago shed the stereotype image of the ically, auditors have been seen as a negative,” Longoria green visor, pencil sharpening accountant overworked said. “Our approach is we are there as part of your by towering stacks of paper. This is a high-tech, paper - team. We’re there to make your business better.” less-capable versatile team. BMC’s partners approach Auditors come into a company and comb through their clients with a can-do attitude. For example, a records. Akin to a drill sergeant’s inspection, the auditor manufacturer with production and distribution operations examines every nook and cranny and asks a lot of ques - can count on BMC to bring in Mexican accountants to tions – sometimes embarrassing questions. handle their audit and tax issues in Mexico. As their In the late 1990s, BMC look a leap of faith and work flow crosses the border, the firm’s Brownsville went paperless cold turkey. “It’s been one of the best and McAllen offices handle the audit and tax issues on decisions we made, operationally,” Longoria said. By the U.S. side. taking full advantage of their commercial clients’ Greg McCumber, tax specialist and partner at BMC’s structure benefits from its legacy. It was transition to popular electronic data entry programs, BMC. (Photo by James Hord ) once the RGV branch of Grant Thornton, one of the largest accounting institutions in the nation. Richard Burton, an external auditor, started the RGV office in 1979. Greg McCumber, a tax specialist, left Grant Thornton’s Houston office to join Burton two years lat - er. “We purchased the practice from Grant Thornton in 1991,” said McCumber, the managing partner. “Grant Thornton had a Mexican-affiliated firm. We decided that to give a really good, coordinated service we also had to have a presence on the Mexican side.” Burton and McCumber had a difference of philos - ophy on how their Mexican counterpart should operate, and the former Grant Thornton certified public accountants approached Sergio Fragosa. The resulting affiliation became BMC y Fragosa S.C., with offices in Reynosa and Matamoros, Mexico. In 1998, Richard Cortez merged his firm into Burton McCumber and BMC had the final component in a partnership structure that has continued to this day. It is the second largest accounting firm in the RGV behind Long Chilton LLP. “We currently have seven partners on the U.S. side, and Fragosa in Matamoros,” McCumber said. Cortez, best known as McAllen’s mayor, is a senior partner and heads up the firm’s litigation support de - partment. In essence, he is an expert witness. Law firms hire Cortez, for the defense or the plaintiff side, to talk to juries about damages. A valuation expert, Cortez ex - plains what assets are worth. He also does valuation 14 Valley Business Report • January 2011

BMC was able to match these with the best tools being 40 working on the Texas side of the Rio Grande. And introduced within the accounting industry. while they operate out of four offices, the firm conducts Longoria and his team harness the power of modern business with clients, not based on where employees data mining. They take corporate records and massage are located but by what they know. information out of them using high-powered statistical Some companies function as if accounting is a analysis software. Longoria uses IDEA Data Analytics, jack-of-all trades business, McCumber said. But ac - a Canadian program that drills into millions of records counting has become too complex. “I do not get involved and find inefficiencies and fraud in seconds. “IDEA is in any of the audit side. Just like Richard Burton does arguably the best tool out there,” Longoria said. not get involved in taxes. We feel like that is a better Mastering new age accounting has helped BMC’s way of providing a service to our clients.” bottom line by requiring fewer accountants to do ever Following that logic, when BMC got involved greater amounts of work. And it gives them a competitive with doctors the company splintered that business into edge over other accounting firms by helping BMC a separate in-house entity called BMC Medical Billing keep their fees lower while still remaining profitable. LLC. Partner Josefina Mireles has managed medical Usually advantages in technology tend to flatten out as billing for more than seven years. the early adopters are mimicked.“ It only flattens out,” Looking ahead, McCumber is optimistic. The firm Longoria said, “ to the extent your competitors have not did not reduce staff during the Great Recession. But switched to paperless. In our part of the world, the BMC has had to be more selective in its hiring of ac - competitors still use the paper audit approach.” counting graduates from the University of Texas campuses “In the old days, when we were going to a big in Edinburg and Brownsville. client we would say, ‘Let’s pack a trunk,’” Longoria That may soon change, McCumber said, adding said. Accountants would literally haul around a foot he has noticed new confidence among the firm’s clients. locker for all the documents they would accumulate. Their sunny outlook is not seasonal, but appears to be Richard Cortez best known as McAllen’s mayor, is a “Now, we walk out of a client’s headquarters with their long-term, he said. “We’ve seen an uptick over the last senior partner and heads up the firm’s litigation sup - files on a flash drive.” six months in how they are projecting their business port department . (Photo by James Hord ) BMC has about 70 employees, with approximately going forward.” January 2011 • Valley Business Report 15 Family Practice Makes Perfect

By Eileen Mattei chosen for their medical practice because the demand for Primary Two sisters, Dr. Christina Cano-Gonzalez and care/Family Practice physicians Dr. Patricia Cano, agree that practicing medicine to - was great. “We could help more gether is not so different from sharing a room when people if we came into this area.” they were growing up in Pharr. “It’s a much bigger The name Family First Medicine room now,” Dr. Christina said with a laugh, “and we is closely linked to its motto: each have our own office.” The sisters grew up close Our family helping yours. and their work as doctors has brought them closer on Dr. Christina, who had been a different level. Family First Medicine, their medical with a Harlingen medical practice practice which opened in August 2009 at Valley Re - for five years, said the trust and gional Medical Plaza, has brought them a professional balance between them is strong. bond. “She is my sister, but she is also After their mother was injured in an accident, my colleague and I respect her. Christina Cano, then a student at UT-Pan Am, spent I consult her. She consults me hours accompanying her to medical appointments like any other physician.” Then and translating English into Spanish for her. That ex - each makes her own decision. posure combined with the language barrier determined While Dr. Christina served her career choice. “I decided I wanted to help people,” as a role model for her sister (and numerous cousins Sisters, Dr. Christina Cano-Gonzalez and Dr. Patricia she said. She majored in biology and psychology in who decided to follow her example and go to college), Cano at their clinic at the Valley Regional Medical part because she had observed how a family member the sisters operate the Family First Practice on an Plaza. (Mattei) with an illness affects the entire family dynamic. equal footing. “I’ve never felt threatened or bossed,” Even more than what the doctor was doing, her said the younger doctor “I came here fresh out of res - interest was captured by the interaction between the idency, and I didn’t know everything that goes on in a doctor and the patient. Next came the University of clinic. Her experience was really helpful.” Texas-Houston Medical School followed by a three- Dr. Patricia opened Family First two months year Family Practice residency in Corpus Christi. before her sister could join her and discovered a uni - Dr. Christina was the first in her extended family versal business truth. “It’s like any business in the to go to college, helped by financial aid. Aunts ques - beginning. It’s all about people getting to know you. tioned the wisdom of her becoming a doctor because They see you are listening to them and providing college, medical school and residency would take 11 good service.” Nonetheless, she admitted it was years of her life. “You’ll be an old lady,” they almost too quiet in the early days before her sister warned. joined her. “It was a little lonesome. I was glad when Patricia Cano, seven years younger than her Christina came and I had someone to talk to,” she sister, in turn became involved in her mother’s medical said with a laugh. care. Once again the experience determined a future “Brownsville has accepted us and the business is of medical school and a specialty in primary care. growing. We’re very happy with the response,” Dr. Following in her sister’s footsteps, she attended the Patricia said. Fluent in English and Spanish, the University of Texas-Houston Medical School and Board-certified doctors have found about 30 percent completed her Family Practice Residency in Corpus of their patients prefer to speak to them in Spanish. Christi. There’s also room to grow. The sisters look “It was always the plan to work together once forward to working with medical students from Har - my sister decided to go to medical school,” Dr. lingen’s Regional Academic Health Center which is Christina said. “When she decided she was going to scheduled to transition to a full medical school in the go into Family Practice, that was really exciting. I next decade. They already work with medical hadn’t wanted to sway her (in her choice of a medical assistants students from a technical college. “My specialty) because it’s what we’ll do for the rest of philosophy is what good is it to have so much knowl - our lives. In primary care you get to know your edge if you don’t teach it to someone else,” said Dr. patients. You see them all the way through their Christina. “When you learn something and teach it, entire life span.” you build a legacy. We teach every day, educating Dr. Patricia agreed, “We’re looking forward to patients. We’ve been blessed. “ growing with our patients. It’s one of the things that will bring us the most fulfillment.” Brownsville was 16 Valley Business Report • January 2011 2011 Outlook for the Rio Grande Valley Partnership

By Linda McKenna that included Regional Economic Development, the next generation of leaders. Transportation, Promoting Border Security, Im - We will continue to promote Valley unity and The Rio Grande Valley Partnership Regional proving the Quality of Education, Positive Com - promote the RGV market, while highlighting the Chamber of Commerce has now entered its 66th munity Involvement, Legislative Advocacy and positive activities that take place here. Our or - year of helping businesses grow and promoting continued growth in Membership. These areas of ganization will continue to have a hands-on ap - the economic and strategic importance of the Rio interest are very much entwined with one another proach and will aggressively increase our com - Grande Valley as a region. The Partnership’s and will be our focus for the upcoming year. This munity involvement in order to help promote a stature today is a tribute to our many leaders and outlook for our organization will hopefully describe positive and progressive region. their selfless and impressive hard work and per - a vision for the region. The Partnership has always been a transporta - severance. Our regional approach represents the Our organization is keenly aware that economic tion advocate, the voice of a coalition of businesses, aspirations and visions of many, backed by its development is a vital component of our basic chambers of commerce and local governments. It collective wisdom and ideals. “One Region, One mission statement and key to our long term success. is home to the Mobility Task Force made up of Voice.” We understand that we must continue to support representatives from across the Valley. We will With this collaborative spirit in mind, the Rio all efforts that contribute to our existing business continue to monitor our mobility issues and work Grande Valley Partnership continues to evolve in base as well as supporting all efforts that will alongside other transportation advocacy groups response to our changing economic, political and attract new businesses in order to have our region as well as directly with TXDOT, the Texas Trans - social environment. At the Partnership’s November thrive. To maintain and grow our regional economy, portation Commission and the Federal Highway board meeting, we held a strategic planning session we must also support programs that help promote Commission. The designation of Interstate-69 for led by our Board of Directors, who represent a a quality educational system that will expand a SH-281 and SH-77 continues to be the top trans - broad cross section of community leaders in the qualified workforce, one that will encourage new portation issue for the Partnership as it has been Rio Grande Valley. They identified areas of interest business that will require skilled labor and prepare for many years. We are making great progress January 2011 • Valley Business Report 17 but there is still much to be done! The primary ment, educators, business, and community leaders focus is finding solutions to our transportation and will further review and discuss ideas on how issues by obtaining adequate funding for trans - to best handle these very serious concerns. The portation needs and working as a region to solve goal is to secure our border while maintaining these issues. strong ties to our sister state and country to the The Rio Grande Valley Partnership has for south. over 30 years hosted 17 Legislative Tours. In At the heart of the organization are our mem - keeping with this proud tradition, we will again bers. Being a dues-based organization, we under - be inviting all Texas state legislators to the Valley stand the importance of growing and maintaining to educate them about the unique assets, opportu - our membership base. We will be aggressively nities and needs of the border region. This is one reviewing and recommending new services, events of the most significant projects we coordinate to and programs that members consider essential to benefit the entire Valley. The Legislative Tour their success. In addition, we will continue to will take place January 20-23, 2011. Because of grow all areas of advocacy and transform the the progressive growth of the Rio Grande Valley, voice of our member into action. the geographic emphasis alternates with each leg - As we move along next year’s strategic direc - islative session; this year, we will be focusing on tions, our organization will again embark on ful - the upper Valley, including Hidalgo and Starr filling our region’s goals and aspirations and will counties. continue to have a promising future ahead. I am Linda McKenna is the current President and Border Security and Immigration will continue confident that with the same visionary thinking CEO for the Rio Grande Valley Partnership. to have an impact on our educational system, which began our organization in 1944, we will (courtesy) healthcare, economic development, and tourism. continue to thrive and create economic prosperity During our 2011 Legislative Tour, we will have a for everyone here in the beautiful Rio Grande strong emphasis on this critical issue and plan to Valley. coordinate presentations from local law enforce - 18 Valley Business Report • January 2011 Laguna Vista Chooses Balanced Growth

By Eileen Mattei but we’re not insular. We’re trying to prepare ourselves for growth and be proactive,” Vela said. The town in - Standing in front of the new Stripes/Valero store tends to welcome “orderly, quality development, con - on Highway 100 at the Highway 501 intersection, sistent with the character of Laguna Vista.” Because Laguna Vista City Manager Rolando Vela described the population is predominantly professional people, the impact of development of the town of 4,000. both retired and active, with a very small percentage “For a large city, a store like this is just another of low and moderate income families, Laguna Vista business. For a community like Laguna Vista, it’s is in a good position to impose guidelines on growth. important,” explained Vela. The bedroom community The town hired a consultant to moderate an envisioning views the store as the beginning of commercial de - retreat and collaborated with UTB’s Institute of Public velopment along Laguna Vista’s portion of the 20- Service. mile stretch between Los Fresnos and Laguna Heights. “We’re not sitting back and waiting for something According to TXDOT, an average of 8,000 to to happen. We want businesses that generate sales 10,000 vehicles daily zip past Laguna Vista on tax, but we're trying to guide the development and Highway 100. Laguna Vista recently replaced its 40- capitalize on our assets. Someone has described year-old town sign at the highway intersection, Laguna Vista as a sleeping giant on verge of waking,” Laguna Vista City Manager Rolando Vela sees the signaling a new era. Until the large-format Stripes Vela said. Community development and planning opening of the Stripes store as the catalyst for di - opened at the end of December, the town had no and zoning agencies, composed of retired CEOs and rected commerical development in the bedroom retail on the highway. Now the city is looking forward graduates of Ivy League schools, are updating ordi - community. (Mattei) to increased sales tax revenue as well as handy access nances and rezoning highway frontage from agriculture to gas for lawn mowers and to Red Box DVD rentals. to general highway commercial. South Padre Island merous vacationers who stay in long and short term Yet Laguna Vista residents are intent on retaining Golf Course, an increasingly popular resort located rentals. the community’s character and are taking steps to on the bay in town limits, annually chalks up about The Stripes project was in development for over control growth when it occurs. “We’re a small town 15,000 rounds of golf played by residents and by nu - two years, Vela said. “Many residents didn’t believe it was going to happen until the ground was broken.” The city built an extension of 510 immediately west of Stripes so traffic will flow through the four-way light. The long lead time for the Stripes is not usual, according to Otis Peaks, VP of Human Resources. “We’re going to be there for a long time. We take the time to do it right. We’re excited about being part of the community.” He said the store, which has a full kitchen and seating area in its 6,100 square feet, will employ between 20 and 25. “You don’t want to copy anyplace else. You want to allow more hometown flavor to come through and keep the same quality of life,” said Robert Ro - driguez, the former SPI police chief who heads Laguna Vista’s P&Z board. He noted the city is building on the theme By the Bay. Laguna Vista Live: Music By the Bay, a free blues and jazz event held several times a year is the best known of the bayside promotions. Work is underway on nature trails spread over 15 acres to attract hikers, bikers and birders to a safe, af - fordable community that is the Gateway to the Bay. Much of Laguna Vista’s highway frontage is owned by the Yturria family which, residents report, is receptive to selling property for quality development. Looking ahead, Vela noted that traffic on Highway 510 is going to increase after December when the road is officially designated as an alternate route from the Expressway to Port Isabel and South Padre. January 2011 • Valley Business Report 19 Hidalgo County Bridges Funnel Traffic To Businesses

By Eileen Mattei

In Hidalgo County, flat-bottomed ferry boats and row boats linked the north and south sides of the Rio Grande for decades until they were upstaged by the Hidalgo-Reynosa Bridge in 1926. Built by private investor Jerry Pate, the narrow wooden-planked suspension bridge swarmed with black cars crossing between Texas and Tamaulipas. The book “Border Cuates” (by Milo Kearney, Anthony Knopp and Peter Gawenda) revealed that for many years border cities (twins/cuates) separated only by a river had much more in common with each other than with their respective nations. Bridges helped strengthen commercial, cultural and personal shops and in the 1970s the first pharmacies. A On July 10, 1926, the Reynosa Hidalgo Bridge links and funnel customers to businesses. new bridge in 2003 separated truck traffic from opened as the mayors of McAllen and Reynosa Approximately 80 years after the first Hi - passenger and pedestrian traffic and reinforced met in the middle to celebrate progress. (Photo Credit: McAllen Heritage Center) dalgo County international bridge opened, two Nuevo Progreso’s standing as a tourist mecca new bridges were put into service at Anzalduas for locals and Winter Texans. In the past, 1.25 and Donna. International toll bridges continue million pedestrians annually crossed into Mexico to rank as coveted assets because they bring in revenue to the owners and spur new development in the bridge area: customs brokers and freight forwarders, retail and wholesale stores (mayoreo and menudeo) and restaurants. Agricultural and manufactured products flow in both directions. The first Hidalgo bridge was damaged by floods in 1933 and the bridge finally collapsed in 1939, killing one motorist. A second suspen - sion bridge lasted until 1967 when it was replaced by a four lane concrete bridge. The City of McAllen bought the bridge in 1960 for $1.6 million and later took over bridge operations. In 1988, a parallel four lane bridge eased traffic congestion. The county’s busiest port of entry, the McAllen-Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge netted approximately $10 million in the last fiscal year with about two-thirds of the net southbound toll revenue going to McAllen and the balance to Hidalgo. Hidalgo County’s second bridge went up in in 1928 connecting Rio Rico and Progreso. The original Progreso International Bridge was de - stroyed by a flood in 1941 and for the next 10 years travelers used a hand-pulled ferry and then a pontoon bridge. In 1952 a privately- owned steel bridge two miles upstream at Los Flores was completed. Arturo’s restaurant opened the next year, followed by dentists and curio 20 Valley Business Report • January 2011 on the port of entry’s canopied walkways. Around one million cars paid southbound tolls. The McAllen-Hidalgo- “We’re seeing more and more Winter Texans Reynosa International coming and crossing,” Bridge Director Julie Bridge is Hidalgo Ramirez said in December. “We’re delighted County's busiest and welcoming them back.” While pedestrian bridge and source of in - crossings have dropped between 40 and 45 per - come for the cities of cent because of cartel battles in Mexico, com - McAllen and Hidalgo. mercial traffic (primarily grain) has increased. (photo credit Alan Hollander) THe NAFTA BRIDGeS As NAFTA boomed, the 3.2 mile long Pharr- Reynosa International Bridge opened in 1994 and was hailed as the world’s longest bridge connecting two countries. The elevated span prevented disturbance of habitat along the river. enables Pharr bridge staff to process commercial tober 2010 for example, were down 10 percent Nicknamed the Intelligent Bridge for its techni - traffic rapidly. State-of-the-art equipment in - from 2009. Nevertheless, commercial traffic cally advanced equipment, the border crossing cludes devices that can see through 10 inches was up enough to cause last year’s revenue to has continued to update its inspection facilities of steel and radiation detection portals that are exceed the previous year’s. resulting in some of the shortest wait times for so sensitive they detect individuals who have The opening of the $28.5 million Anzalduas commercial traffic, according to Jesse Medina recently received medical radiation treatments International Bridge on December 15, 2009, fol - bridge director. “We have become the fourth The Pharr bridge is the commercial crossing lowed 17 years of effort by McAllen, Mission, busiest bridge on the southern border. At times closest to Reynosa’s maquiladoras. Bridge tolls Hidalgo and Granjeno, the partners in the venture. we pull ahead of El Paso, which is number in Fiscal Year 2009-10 generated $10.6 million “The Anzalduas Bridge is a straight shot to three.” for the City of Pharr. “Southbound car traffic Monterrey. People don’t have to deal with The technology, combined with expedited continues to decline and commercial continues Reynosa traffic,” said Rigo Villarreal, McAllen document processing inspections through FAST, to increase,” said Medina. Car crossings in Oc - bridges superintendent More than three miles long, the bridge sees little pedestrian traffic and no commercial traffic. It is a favorite of American maquila employees heading to their plants on the west side of Reynosa. The long elevated bridge soars over traffic congestion in Reynosa and protects the U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s wildlife corridor on the Texas side. Both McAllen bridges allow drivers to use EZCross tags which speeds toll booth time. SENTRI Lanes expedite immigration procedures for carefully vetted citizens. The Donna-Rio Bravo Bridge which was first permitted in 1979, officially opened on December 14 with a small ceremony attended on the American side by people who had worked to make it a reality. Donna’s goal in investing in the bridge over those intervening years was to bring jobs, growth and international trade to the community. As sole owner on the American side, the city will receive all net revenue from bridge operations. Initially the bridge will handle only passenger vehicles and pedestrians, although commercial traffic is projected for the future. Across Hidalgo County and northern Mexico, despite shifts in the economy and outbreaks of violence, the cities that share bridges remain closely linked. January 2011 • Valley Business Report 21 Forming a 2011 Vision for Your Business By Deborah A. Cortez and Kathy Payton detailed goals. can’t sit back and hope it will be better next C – Be clear and concise, have a detailed month. Each month must count. Being firmly Was 2010 all you had hoped it would be? description of exactly what you want. tied to a specific plan to meet your goals may What are you hoping for in 2011? R – Realistic – as defined by you, not other not always be the best approach. More than Hoping won’t get the job done. Now is the people. (Remember to stretch a little!) likely, you will need to adjust along the way. time to answer the following questions: Where E – Ecological, meaning your goals must be Remember to be flexible. We have found that do you see your business financially at the end safe for everyone involved and the planet the most flexible business or person is going to of 2011? What non-negotiable benchmarks do A – As if now, make sure you envision your be the one who achieves success. you have in place to track your progress? Do goals as though you are experiencing them in Once an approach is decided on, execute your statements of mission (what you do) and the present tense. your action plans. Be sure to paint the vision vision (the expected results of your work) need T – Timed and Toward – goals should have for your team. John H. Patterson said, “To suc - to be revised? an expected date on them and they should be ceed in business it is necessary to make others Have you evaluated 2010? What didn’t “toward motivated.” That means your goals are see things as you see them.” Consider having work? What did work? What needs to be focused toward what you do want, rather than your goals and vision statement printed and dis - changed? What could you do that would set focused on what you do not want. played in various locations in your business. you apart from your competition? How are you E – End step or Evidence procedure – how going to maximize business opportunities in will you know when you’ve reached your target? Kathy Payton, CPNLP, and Deborah A. 2011? Create a vivid, highly detailed scene in your Cortez, R.N., CPNLP, are co-founders of Aspire Now is a great time to develop business mind that captures the moment when you have Consulting Group specializing in life and career goals for 2011, and looking at the past is a good unquestionably achieved your goal. coaching, as well as company training. For starting point. Michael Gelb said, “Success in After developing your goals, develop an ac - more information or assistance in developing any area requires constantly readjusting your tion plan including strategies and integrating your goals for 2011, contact Kathy @ behavior as a result of feedback.” Formulating systems to track your progress on a daily basis 956.245.3433 or Debby @ 956.536.7729 a vision or goals for the new year involves more or as applicable to your business. Again, you than updating the strategic plan or spending time with your financial advisor, although those steps are important. In today’s radically changed world, the competitive business climate demands that we maximize each and every business op - portunity. Review last year’s financial report and identify any trends, both positive and negative. With the help of your management team, scruti - nize what was occurring in your business, per - sonnel and community during those identified trends. While this sounds like common sense, some businesses fail to invest the time to analyze the previous year and plan for a new year. Yogi Berra said, “If you don't know where you are going, you'll end up someplace else.” One reason why many people go through life not accomplishing goals is because they don’t express their goals clearly and in detail. In de - veloping your goals, be as specific as possible. State your goals in a way that you and anybody else could measure it. For example, “I will lose 10 pounds” is not as powerful as “I will weigh 135 pounds by 5 p.m. on June 30.” Can you see the difference in those two statements? Isn’t the second much more powerful? Remember, vague goals produce vague results. Take the time to craft goals and a vision statement for 2011, perhaps with your entire staff. Use the C.R.E.A.T.E formula to write clear, 22 Valley Business Report • January 2011 Tales from the Trails Port Aransas’s Best Kept Secret By Eileen Mattei manmade marsh to replicate a genuine one? “The first redfish swam through three days after the initial flooding On the Texas Tropical Trail at Port Aransas, on the two years ago,” Lanoux says. It has been evolving ever northernmost tip of Mustang Island, the salt marsh and since. sand dune complex known as the Wetlands Education Start your visit to the wetlands at the Marine Science Center (WEC) is a living laboratory complete with pelicans, Institute’s Visitors Center. Besides the whale skull and the speckled trout and crabs. The two-year-old manmade 20-foot-long whale jawbone dredged from the Gulf, the wetland on 3.6 acres functions like a natural marsh, but it exhibits include 8 aquariums (don’t miss the chilled Artic exists to keep authentic yet delicate marsh environments tank with tiny sea stars and trumpet sponge) representing safe. “We built the wetlands to bring the marsh to kids different habitats along with displays of shells and other The Texas Tropical Trail at Port Aransas. (Mattei ) instead of taking kids to the marsh,” says Steve Lanoux, undersea residents. The center demonstrates that Texas Assistant Director, Operations, at the University of Texas wetlands are nurseries for shrimp and fish and feeding Marine Science Institute which runs the WEC and introduces grounds for fish and shorebirds. Sea grasses and shallow bi-level platforms (open only to school groups) let kids get people to the wonders of marine science. water act as a buffer for the land by slowing down storm into the shallow water and see what different species live Facing the Aransas Pass ship channel between the surges and erosion, and they simultaneously protect the in this often-ignored environment. “They get dirty, sweaty Gulf of Mexico and Corpus Christi Bay, the wetlands is a water from the land, capturing sediment and filtering out and have a great time,” Lanoux notes. Next to the marsh, place to observe ecosystem dynamics: how plants, animals, pollutants. Detailed posters explain MSI’s worldwide the Animal Rehabilitation Keep (ARK) shelters and reha - water and people interact where rivers meet the sea. research projects. bilitates injured turtles and shorebirds. Enterprising pelicans Marshes get little respect but time spent wandering the Free guided tours of the wetlands leave from the drop in for a free meal, too. board walk or the dune trails of the WEC will change your Visitors Center on Tuesday and Thursday at 10 a.m., but The Texas Tropical Trail covers the state’s southernmost mind about their beauty and importance. Water rises and self-guided tours are yours for the taking. Up on the 20 counties. For more, see utmsi.utexas.edu. falls in this small marsh with the tides, thanks to a large dunes, interpretive signs describe how the landscape is pipe from the marina jetty. How long does it take for a being changed by wind and water. In the marsh, floating January 2011 • Valley Business Report 23 A Gift to treasure: El Valle – the Rio Grande Delta

By Eileen Mattei chapters, 28 experts cover topic that range from arche - ology and border brick architecture to Charro Days, “El Valle: the Rio Grande Delta” is a sumptuous, clay dunes, and Brownsville’s cemetery, from the large format book of stunning photos and expert sail-powered fisheries of a century ago to the rare hy - insights published by the Gorgas Science Foundation. persaline ecosystem of the Laguna Madre. The 360-degree portrait of the Rio Grande Valley, Photographer and writer Patterson has done an presented in alternating pages of Spanish and English, award-worthy job. Never before has the full spectrum shows clearly how of the Valley’s bountiful diversity been seen in the rich in assets the pages of a single publication. I loved his exceptional border is, from the photographs of local lizards, snakes and the incredible land and the people variety of frogs and toads. His photos of Pan de to the plants and campo cooks at the Linn-San Manuel Country Cook- Seth Patterson, El Valle photographer and book animals. off intrigued me as did the vintage photographs of manager. (courtesy) Photographer ‘soldaderas’ of the Mexican Revolution. But there is and Book Manager so much to enjoy and learn about in this full-color Frank Yturria, Pat Burchfield, Rosa Perez, Larry Seth Patterson and here, no matter if your interest tends to fish, birds, Ditto, Melissa Guerra, Tony Reisinger, David Benn, Executive Editor bobcats or old churches. All his shots capture the UTB professors Gene Paull, David Hicks, Manuel Lawrence Lof V alley’s zest and magic. Patterson provides aerial Medrano and Antonio Zaveleta. celebrate and ex - photos, wildlife photos and event photos as well as Available online through Amazon.com or the plain the biological underwater shots that reveal the jetties and their Gorgas Foundation for $49.95, El Valle is a perfect and cultural crossroads we inhabit. The 284 pages of marine inhabitants like sea urchins. and memorable gift. “El Valle” brim with a wealth of details on the Valley’s The list of contributing writers is impressive in natural history and cultural heritage. In concise its breadth and their knowledge. Among them are