Week of February 9 - february 13, 2026
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Workforce Development, Leadership, and Regional Economic Growth

We were honored to host Rafael Vela, Chief Executive Officer of Workforce Solutions Cameron, as our guest speaker this past Friday, Feb. 6🎙️.

Mr. Vela shared more than three decades of experience spanning both the private and public sectors, providing informed perspective on workforce development, leadership, and regional economic advancement 💼📈. A Brownsville native and graduate of St. Edward’s University, he spoke from a place of deep connection to Cameron County and a sustained commitment to community progress 🌎.

His presentation delivered practical insight on workforce readiness, strategic leadership, and the importance of collaboration in strengthening the local economy 🤝💡.

🌸 Special Guest Speaker: Abel Gonzalez Mencio 🌸

Join us on February 13 as we welcome Abel Gonzalez Mencio, owner of Casa Granada Floral in La Feria, just in time for Valentine’s! 💐❤️

Abel has been a leader in the floral design industry since 1982 and is renowned throughout Texas for his innovative homecoming spirit designs. He is an accredited member of the American Institute of Floral Design, a Brand Ambassador for Smithers OASIS North America, and the recipient of both the 2019 Louisiana State Designer of the Year and the 2023 Texas State Designer of the Year honors. Most recently, he placed as a top 3 winner in the 2025 Hawaiian Floriculture Association Design Competition. 🌹✨

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the Rio Grande Valley’s most talented floral designers and connect with a true community leader 🤝💡.
🍤Kathy Preddy, our Professional Development and Training Chair, led a club activity emphasizing that selling tickets is about more than the shrimp—it’s about supporting Rotary’s youth empowerment initiative that inspires leadership and fuels potential for underserved students in grades 8–12. Please connect with our auction committee chairs, Linda Noell and Darla Richmond, to donate items or identify potential donors for the silent auction; your contributions help make the event and our service work a success 🤝.

🌟 Help Kerrville & Surrounding Communities – Bring Gift Cards to PETS! 🌟

Fellow Rotarians,

At the end of this month, our club will be represented at District 5930’s PETS (Presidents-Elect Training Seminar) by President-Elect Belinda, President-Nominee Luke, and myself. While there, we’ll be supporting an important relief effort for victims in Kerrville and the surrounding communities.

We are collecting $25 gift cards 💳 from H-E-B 🛒 and Walmart 🏬. Please consider donating a gift card—you can drop it off with Roxy, our club administrator, at the front desk 🏢. We will take all collected cards to District Governor-Elect Jack at PETS to ensure they reach those who need them most.

Let’s show our Rotary spirit ❤️ and make a real difference—every card counts!

— Victor Rivera, President 2025-26

 

Looking back, we were honored to host Rafael Vela, Chief Executive Officer of Workforce Solutions Cameron, who shared decades of leadership experience and deep local insight 🎙️. His presentation offered valuable perspective on workforce development, strategic leadership, and the future of economic opportunity in Cameron County 💼📈.

As we move through February, Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month ☮️ reminds us that Rotary’s work extends beyond service—it calls us to foster understanding, promote dialogue, and build lasting peace in our communities and beyond.

Finally, a reminder that our next meeting will feature Abel Gonzalez Mencio, owner of Casa Granada Floral, bringing his expertise in floral design just in time for Valentine’s 💐❤️.

May we continue to make service personal, lead with integrity, and work together to make a meaningful difference in the Valley and beyond.