Our Work

The Chamber has several active associations and committees to that serve to grow and support local talent, develop synergy between Laughlin AFB and the city, bring business to Del Rio, and promote prosperity.

Military Affairs Association Del Rio Area Development Foundation Leadership Del Rio Committees

Military Affairs Association

About the Military Affairs Association

The purpose of the non-profit Military Affairs Association (MAA) is to promote goodwill between Laughlin AFB and the community, assist in the integration of military personnel to Del Rio, coordinate efforts to strengthen current missions/assist in possible new missions, and implement measures to be taken to ensure Laughlin and Del Rio's future relationship.

The association has several major goals:

Be classified as the best in AETC Base-Community Relations.
Maintain a task force that ensures the future of Laughlin AFB and Del Rio.
Coordinate military, city, county, and school efforts.
Provide necessary sponsorship for VIP military when in Del Rio.
Recognize outstanding military and civilian accomplishments.
Provide Class Sponsors for each new pilot training class.
Welcome all permanent party transfers to Laughlin and offer assistance where needed.
Recruit necessary members and financial support to accomplish our combined goals.

Military Affairs Membership

The MAA is made up of Chamber members, but is operated under a separate corporate and dues structure. Membership costs an additional $125 per year, plus optional contributions. “Laughlin Strong” funds (suggested contribution of $100/year) enhance continuous efforts to work with LAFB on improving immediate and future facilities and supporting efforts to fight base realignment along with the closure commission (BRAC). The “Grow Your Own” project (suggested contribution of $100/year) is dedicated to helping educate, train, and prepare students for immediate job placement at LAFB through programs at Del Rio High and the Junior College.

Del Rio Area Development Foundation

The Del Rio Area Development Foundation (ADF) was incorporated in 1962 with the purpose of acquiring land for industrial use to create jobs in the Del Rio area. The ADF raised money to purchase an initial tract of 50.7 acres, and its first sale of land was for a wool scouring plant. In 1980, the ADF purchased 50 acres adjacent to the original tract; the first sales from that tract were to Basse Truck Lines and the Val Verde County Industrial Development Corp. for R.G. Barry Corp. In 1986, the ADF purchased 34.50 acres for a third industrial park, with acreage sold to Yellow Freight (1989), American Freightways (1991), and Liborio Hinijosa for a now-closed ostrich hatchery (1993). In 1998, an apparel manufacturer bought acreage for a new facility that has yet to begin construction. The current president of the ADF is Frank H. Larson.

Leadership Del Rio

Program Overview

Leadership Del Rio is a unique program designed to promote present and future leaders in the Del Rio area. Its main goals are to help young employees learn about our community; develop personal leadership skills; and instill values, professionalism, and a sense of empowerment to better our city by bringing together groups that can effect change.

The program offers a curriculum tailored to provide participants with a deeper understanding of area assets, resources, needs, and opportunities. This program brings together many different perspectives, which enables sharing knowledge about all facets of our community and creating partnerships. Participants benefit from this broadened perspective, networking, and opportunities to improve leadership skills and enhance career development.

Leadership Del Rio Class

Over time, the establishment of a network of community leaders is one of the greatest benefits of Leadership Del Rio. Graduates of Leadership Del Rio are encouraged to utilize the knowledge and skills which they have learned for the betterment of the community and to assume positions of responsibility in the local area. Knowing the needs of the area encourages the discovery and implementation of solutions for present and future generations.

Schedule & Scope

The Program is scheduled to begin in September and continue through May. It consists of eight full-day sessions, individual assignments, and one weekend retreat. The curriculum focuses on area businesses, education, social services, tourism/recreation, medical services, volunteerism, county and city government, law enforcement, and a variety of leadership skills. Sessions will provide the participants with an awareness of the challenges and possibilities in each focus area.

How to Apply

Being a participant in Leadership Del Rio is an investment in one's own future and in the future of the Del Rio area. The program seeks people who are interested in local economic and community development. Nominees are solicited from businesses, professional groups, agencies, institutions, civic groups, and interested individuals, although anyone may apply by filling out the application found here. The class size is limited, and candidates not accepted this year are encouraged to apply next year.

Committees

Several active, productive committees operate under the chamber umbrella. The Chamber relies on the dedication of our members to help accomplish some of our long-term goals. Join one of our committees to get involved and give back.

Red Carpet Ambassadors support the chamber by serving as official hosts and goodwill ambassadors at ribbon cutting ceremonies, airport greetings, and other chamber events.

Members of the Special Projects Committee plan and execute Chamber and Convention and Visitors Bureau fundraising events, including the Wild Game Dinner and the Border Bass Battle.

Economic Development Committee members create job opportunities by promoting Del Rio and Ciudad Acuña. This committee works directly with the City of Del Rio and with Val Verde County to promote economic growth in our community.

Bilateral Committee members strengthen the “amistad” between Del Rio and Ciudad Acuña in economic development, transportation, tourism, and social issues.

Scholarship Committee members meet once a year to review annual scholarship submissions and determine winning applicants. The chamber raises over $15,000 for scholarships each year.

Members of the Legislative Liaison Committee stay informed about government agency matters that impact the Chamber and its members and make those offices aware of chamber’s positions on issues.