Special to the NEWS
The 1961 edition of the San Benito News is displayed by San Benito Chamber of Commerce President Zeke Padilla. The issue, as well as many others, was dedicated to the city's 50th anniversary at the time. (City of San Benito photo)
The San Benito Chamber of Commerce will host a public luncheon Wednesday, Sept. 14, as part of the city’s Centennial Celebration.
“We are bringing the business community together,” said Zeke Padilla, president of the chamber.
“The Centennial marks the 100th anniversary of the city’s incorporation,” he said, adding that it is a little known fact that the San Benito Chamber of Commerce was organized a year before the city was chartered in 1910.
On Wednesday, area business and community leaders will gather to commemorate the Centennial at the San Benito Municipal Building, 401 N. Sam Houston at 12 noon. All members of the San Benito Chamber of Commerce, and interested persons, are invited to participate.
“It will present a great time for business people to mingle with their peers,” Padilla said.
Three guest speakers at the luncheon include David Smith of Smith Reagan Insurance Co., Dick Welch and Pete Claudio.
For more information, call (956) 399-5321 or email zpadilla@cityofsanbenito.com.
According to a Feb. 27, 1961 issue of the San Benito News, “The organization was founded under the name of San Benito Commercial Club. This name was commonly used in those years by the commercial bodies throughout the United States.” It was later changed to its current title. The News dedicated many issues printed during 1961 to the 50th anniversary of the city.
A copy of that document and other reproductions of historic stories will be available for viewing at the event, Padilla said.
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