Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
On April 25, 2025, CiL Capital celebrated the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the 9,000-square-foot Practical Business Plaza Phase 2 in South Pharr, Texas.
The ceremony began with CJ Sanchez, President and CEO of the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce, welcoming the attendees. “Good morning, everyone. On behalf of the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce, our board of directors, staff, and the great City of Pharr, I’d like to welcome you to today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony,” Sanchez said. “I’m honored to welcome you all to this exciting event celebrating the Spamer family and CiL Commodities Integrated Logistics, also known as CiL Capital, for launching this beautiful new Practical Business Plaza that we’re standing in front of today.”
Sanchez continued by recognizing the impact of the development on the community. “This development represents another major investment by CIL Capital in the future of our community,” he said. He noted that businesses such as La Ganadera, Doña Lula, Good Taste RGV, and LeBlanc Events and Dance would soon move into the plaza. Sanchez thanked CiL Capital for “bringing this vision to life” and welcomed future entrepreneurs and businesses to South Pharr.
Following Sanchez’s remarks, Monsignor Jorge Luis Roque Pérez from the Diocese of Matamoros led the blessing ceremony. “Good morning, everyone,” Monsignor Roque Pérez began. “Whenever there is an inauguration that includes a blessing, it gives me great joy.” He emphasized placing new endeavors in God’s hands and praying for the community’s benefit.
Monsignor Roque Pérez offered a prayer: “Lord, our God, as we gather with joy to inaugurate this business, we lift up our hearts in thanksgiving for your blessings. Our faith moves us to recognize your hand in all life events.” After completing the prayer, Monsignor Roque Pérez sprinkled holy water over the plaza and attendees. He concluded, “May the blessing of Almighty God, Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit come down upon you and remain with you forever.”
Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez of Pharr then addressed the attendees. “Good morning, everyone. It’s a beautiful day to be here, and it’s especially great for me because of my friends Joaquin and Lucy Spamer,” Mayor Hernandez said. He praised the Spamer family’s contributions, describing them as a “trifecta” of beauty, brains, and initiative.
Mayor Hernandez acknowledged their extensive development in South Pharr. “I’ve even told Joaquin that one day I might have to start calling it ‘Spamerville’ in South Pharr because they’ve developed so much there,” he said. He further highlighted Joaquin Spamer’s leadership in the “RioPlex movement,” which seeks to present the Rio Grande Valley as a united industrial region. “We strongly believe in this vision: attracting industry, creating jobs, and investing in education — all under one flag,” Mayor Hernandez said.
Victor Perez, President and CEO of the Pharr Economic Development Corporation, also spoke at the event. “Buenos días a todos. I’m very happy to be here today,” Perez said. He thanked attendees for supporting Joaquin and Lucy Spamer and commented on the city’s rapid growth.
“Pharr is growing, and it’s clear to see,” Perez said. He thanked the Spamers for their continued investment, mentioning a groundbreaking for new warehouses just a month earlier. Perez credited the city’s leadership for the growth, saying, “We have a whole commission that has worked hard to transform this city from the moment they started.”
Perez acknowledged the work of the Economic Development team and assured new entrepreneurs of the city’s support. “We are here to support you. We’re here for you — believe me,” he said.
Founder of CiL Capital, Joaquin Spamer, concluded the ceremony with remarks. “Thank you for being here,” Spamer said. He first recognized the construction team, calling the architect, contractor Mario, and the construction supervisor, Memo, to the front. “We really have a strong construction team,” Spamer said.
Spamer credited the City of Pharr’s industrial growth as the foundation for developments like Practical Business Plaza. “Without industry, these kinds of businesses wouldn’t exist,” he said. He discussed the city’s industrial expansion over the past 15 years and stated, “Pharr is one of the fastest-growing cities in industry.”
Spamer closed his remarks by thanking Freedom Bank, led by Hugo and Art Ortega, for their support and his entire team. He also thanked Monsignor Roque Pérez, whom he has known for nearly 40 years. “Most importantly, best wishes to all the businesses opening here in this shopping center,” Spamer said. “You have our full support, just as you have the city’s. We are here for you and want to see you succeed.”
The event concluded with applause and well wishes for the businesses and the continued growth of South Pharr.
