MCALLEN, TEXAS - The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce held its 2025 annual meeting at the DoubleTree By Hilton McAllen earlier this month.
The group reviewed the past year and looked ahead to 2026. Membership is up, the group's events are as popular as ever and RGVHCC’s influence is truly regional in nature, members learned.
After the meeting had concluded, Cynthia Sakulenzki, president and CEO of RGVHCC, gave the RGG Business Journal an exclusive interview. She discussed where the group stands today and what’s in the pipeline for 2026.
“Looking ahead to 2026, a lot of people who are concerned about the economic situation that's going to be here in the Rio Grande Valley, or what they predict. But we are looking beyond that to see how we can master that problem, to take care of that problem, and we've got some plans already in the making,” Sakulenzki said.
Asked about the group’s focus for the new year, Sakulenzki said: “There's going to be more promotion. More promotion for our small business owners and for the nonprofits that are our members. And it's not going to cost them anything. We're here to promote small business and to help businesses open up their doors. Everything from when they're putting together their business plan, to getting them funded and getting them set for success - we’re here. We there's going to be a lot of growth (in the RGV). But again, a lot of promotion for the small businesses.”
Sakulenzki also spoke about a new tie-up the Chamber has with UTRGV CEO Group, a student organization that encourages entrepreneurialism. Under the agreement, students in the group will be monitored by business leaders in the community.
“We intend to take these students by the hand and assign them a mentor, a business mentor, to guide them on all the loops and hoops you have to go through to run a successful business. So they don't commit the same errors that these business owners might have committed when they were younger.”
It was put to Sakulenzki that the students might be able to teach the business owners a thing or two, particularly when it comes to technology. Sakulenzki agreed,
“Some small business owners themselves have admitted to me that they don't know how to work a computer. All they know how to do is turn it on, and their employees or their kids know more about using the computer. So, yes, these students can come in and teach them a thing or two, how to make things easier for them at at their business, how to get reports out quicker, how to access information, etc. So, yes, it's a two-way thing.”
Here is the interview with Sakulenzki:
And here, below, is a video recording showing highlights from the annual meeting.
All those in attendance were asked to introduce themselves, discuss their association with RGVHCC and say which of the group’s events they liked the best in 2025. A number of them said the “Sí Se Puede! Latina Leadership Conference 2025.” The event, held at the Mission Event Center, brought together women leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across the Rio Grande Valley for a full day of empowerment, professional development, and community connection. The keynote speaker was Janet Murguía, president & CEO of UnidosUS, Sakulenzki said it was probably her favorite event of the year.
Meanwhile, the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has announced the panelists for its upcoming State of the 956 Legislative Luncheon, which takes place Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Arts, Culture, and Events (ACE) Center, 315 W. McIntyre St., Edinburg, Texas.
“This year’s program will feature Sen. Adam Hinojosa of Texas Senate District 27 and Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa of Texas Senate District 20,”: said Cynthia Sakulenzki, president and CEO of RGVHCC.
“Both senators will share updates on legislative priorities affecting the Rio Grande Valley, including economic development, infrastructure and key community issues. The luncheon is designed to give attendees clear insight into the policies and initiatives shaping the region.”
Sakulenzski added: “In the Valley, we value informed conversations that bring our community and elected officials together. This luncheon gives our members direct access to the leaders guiding statewide decisions.”
Sakulenzki said sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at (956) 928-0060 or chamber@rgvhcc.com. Attendees may RSVP at bit.ly/956State26.
