The City of Raymondville will play host to more than 90 individuals from a number of state agencies on Tuesday, June 15, 2010.

Chamber of Commerce manager Elma Chavez said that Todd Staples, Texas Dept. of Agriculture Commissioner will be the keynote speaker at the luncheon for delegates on that day.

The historic event will be held at the Raymondville Historical & Community Center Museum on South 7th Street, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.

From 7:45 until 8:30 a.m. there will be registration and a Continental Breakfast.

Welcoming remarks will be given by Mayor Orlando "Lonnie" Correa, who will introduce Dr. Tara Rios Ybarra, Texas State Representative.

She will be followed by Paco Valentin of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture and Juan Garcia, Farm Service Agency State Director.

A panel of experts will discuss challenges faced by communities and the potential for funding and technical help.

Lunch sponsored by Valley Telephone Cooperative at 12 noon.

County Judge Aurelio "Keter" Guerra will introduce guest speaker Todd Staples.

Afternoon speakers will include Doug Ridge, Texas Workforce Commission and Maria Juarez, University of Texas Pan-Am. Also Cristina Trejo-Vasquez, University of Texas Pan-Am.

This will be followed by a round table discussion of various participants, including John Bradford, of Valley Telephone Cooperative.

The day will conclude at 3:30 to 4 p.m. with a tour of the Valley Telephone Rural Technology Center.