Mission’s famous Border Theater to receive financial boost

MISSION, Texas – Mission Economic Development Corporation is to present a $25,000 check to the historic Border Theatre, under the EDC’s Downtown Assistance Program.

The goal of the program is to attract visitors to the heart of Mission’s historic downtown. 

The Border Theater, which opened on November 15, 1942, is one of six beneficiaries of the program.

“The Border Theatre, symbolizes the resilience of small businesses in Mission, standing strong for 81 years and remaining a cherished landmark despite changes in the business landscape,” a press advisory from Mission EDC states.

The other five beneficiaries are Ana Liz Taqueria, Drunken Chicken, Little Joe’s Barber Shop, The Hook Up Barber University, and Baldo’s Tires. In all, 27 Mission businesses applied for the grant. Six were successful.

“Through the small business program, Mission EDC is injecting $150,000 to revitalize the city’s downtown area. Businesses located along Conway Avenue were invited to apply for $25,000 grants to help fund operational, improvement, façade, and revitalization projects,” the press advisory states.

Mission EDC will mark the inaugural program with an award celebration at the theater, located at 905 N. Conway Avenue, at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 6. 

Mission Boys & Girls Club

Mission Boys & Girls Club is to benefit from the generosity of two local businesses, along with Mission Economic Development Corporation. (Photo credit: Mission EDC)

In other economic development news, Mission EDC has teamed up with two local businesses to award $11,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Mission.

The aim is to prepare the next generation of local innovators and entrepreneurs.

The two local businesses to assist the Boys & Girls Club are Dip It by Pilar and Scooter’s Coffee. Their contributions were made possible through performance agreements the businesses executed with Mission EDC.

Rick Venecia, director of the Boys & Girls Club of Mission, said monies from the donation will be used to fund scholarships for the members of the club. He said the funding would also enhance the organization’s FutureReady initiative, which is focused on equipping young minds with the skills needed for tomorrow’s challenges.

Venecia said partnerships play a vital role in enhancing services provided by the Boys & Girls Club.

“The Boys & Girls Club of Mission is extremely grateful to the MEDC and its partners for giving us the opportunity to continue to provide the best quality programming for our kids,” Venecia said. “This donation is just another example of our community partners contributing to a bright future.”

Mission EDC CEO Teclo J. Garcia said: “We are deeply grateful for the investment these companies have made in Mission and for their unwavering commitment to our community. The Boys & Girls Club of Mission is instrumental in empowering our youth and equipping them with the tools they need for future success.”

Dip It by Pilar, a homegrown manufacturer specializing in plant-based dips, donated $5,000 to the organization. This amount was matched by a $5,000 donation from Mission EDC, culminating in a $10,000 contribution to the Boys & Girls Club of Mission. Scooter’s Coffee, which opened its first Mission location in October 2023, added another $1,000 to the cause.

For Pilar Gonzalez, owner of Dip It by Pilar, the donation carried personal significance.

“It’s a safe place where children can develop their talents, and a place where my children went when they were little,” Gonzalez said about the Boys & Girls Club of Mission.

Michael Espinoza, director of operations for Scooter’s Coffee in Mission, said supporting the Boys & Girls Club was good for the community. 

“We decided to donate to the Boys & Girls Club of Mission because these programs provide great opportunities and options for kids of today to explore their talents, all while providing a safe and fun environment,” Espinoza said.

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