New Program for Non-Profit Excellence Announced

A new program directed by Texas A&M International University’s Texas Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development (TCBEED) is targeting providing professional development for the over 440 non-profit/tax exempt organizations in the Webb County area.

The “Program for Non-Profit Excellence” recently surveyed the County’s non-profit organizations to help determine their most pressing needs for professional development.

The results of the survey were presented at a special meeting this week hosted by International Bank of Commerce at its Community Suite, located on the third floor of offices at 1200 San Bernardo.

“Non-profit organizations are the lifeline to better life for many individuals and families in Webb County. There are some 56 nonprofit organizations considered core agencies providing a range of services to the people of Webb County.  They also have a challenge to grow in order to meet the ever-increasing need for the services they provide,” explained David Cardwell, who conducted the survey and is chairman of the advisory committee.

The Program for Non-Profit Excellence will now develop partnerships with various groups to help increase the non-profit agencies’ access to training programs singled out in the survey.  It will coordinate their offer and presentation to the non-profits.  The first such offering is planned to be available before Dec. 1.

It also has targeted the encouragement of non-profit sector leadership, in particular bringing public and private leaders together to evaluate ways to increase the ability of non-profits to address their growing needs.

Project partners include International Bank of Commerce, City of Laredo, Laredo Area Community Foundation, Laredo Chamber of Commerce, Laredo Development Foundation, Small Business Development Center, Southern Enterprises, United Way, and Webb County.

For additional information about the Program for Non-Profit Excellence, contact Alheyda Guerra, assistant program manager, at 326.2829, e-mail aguerra@tamiu.edu or visit offices at TAMIU’s Western Hemispheric Trade Center, room 221.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu