At the Start of the Season
   The October edition of Trailer Life: America's Number One RV Magazine includes a seven-page feature article on the Rio Grande Valley.  The article, "Tip of Texas", by Bill Stoughton, is a glowing account of the area, detailing tourist attractions and Winter Texan activities from Roma to South Padre Island.  The extensive article concludes with the phone number and web address to the Partnership.

   "We are receiving calls daily from all over the country in response to this article, said Bill Summers, president/CEO.  "Many of those who call formerly have gone to Florida for the winter.  With their tragedy of four recent hurricanes, a lot of their mobile home and RV parks have been severely damaged.  As a result, we expect to welcome many new Winter Texans who will be coming to the Valley for the first time this season.

   The Partnership responds to callers from the article with an information packet that includes a listing of mobile home and RV park members as well as other members' promotional materials from the lobby display.  The Partnership launches its annual Winter Texan Hospitality Program in early November.

At the End of the Season
   Nearly twenty beloved Winter Texan Volunteers joined the Partnership for a Farewell Luncheon honoring them on Thursday, March 10.

   Each year, during the peak months of the Winter Texan season, a group of their own voluntarily staffs the front desk of the Partnership headquarters.  Representing several different area mobile home parks, the volunteers share their time and their expertise-helping other Winter Texans, who stop by the lobby for the Partnership Hospitality Program, learn what to do and how to get there during their Valley stay.   A very special thank you to each of them who gives so selflessly to this organization and this community-their home away from home!

Accomplishments in Tourism: