The Minuteman Press franchise in McAllen celebrated its ninth anniversary on April 15 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony recognizing nearly a decade of service to the Rio Grande Valley business community.
Chambers, customers and community on hand
The event, sponsored by the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, drew customers, local business leaders, friends and community members. Festivities included food, raffles and networking opportunities aimed at reinforcing relationships between the printer and its clients.
- Owner: Gina Cruz, Minuteman Press franchisee in McAllen
- Anniversary: 9 years in business (franchise opened in 2017)
- Event date: April 15, 2026
From banking to small-business ownership
Before buying the franchise in 2017, Cruz spent more than 26 years in the banking industry. She and her husband invested in the printing business as a way to stay connected to the community while building a new enterprise.
“I’d like to thank all of our customers, employees, family members, and community partners who have supported our business over the past nine years,”
That statement, made by Cruz in reflection on the anniversary, emphasized customer relationships and steady growth as pillars of the business.
Local impact and context
Minuteman Press provides printing, marketing and promotional products — services that many local small businesses and organizations rely on for branding, outreach and events. In the border region economy, such suppliers play a supporting role for chambers, nonprofits and entrepreneurs who depend on timely, local fulfillment of marketing materials.
The chamber sponsorship and visible community support signal the value placed on long-standing local service providers in Hidalgo County. For business owners weighing whether to contract regionally or seek vendors elsewhere, the recognition underlines the availability of capable local options.
Quick timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Gina Cruz and her husband purchase the Minuteman Press franchise |
| 2026 | 9th anniversary; ribbon-cutting on April 15 sponsored by local chambers |
The ceremony is a reminder that small, established firms remain central to the Rio Grande Valley’s business ecosystem — providing jobs, services and partnerships that help sustain local commerce.