| THE STORY BEHIND THE WBCA™ CELEBRATION |
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"Why celebrate George Washington's Birthday on the border?" The answer must be attributed to the original planners of the celebration, the patriotic Improved Order of the Red Men, local chapter Yaqui Tribe #59, whose members included prominent Laredoans of both Mexican and American ancestry. The committee was looking for a traditionally "American" holiday to celebrate that might offer the best of all cultures influencing the heritage of Laredo's citizens.
 On the morning of February 22, 1898, Indians and white men engaged in a "battle" for control of Laredo, Texas. The "battle," centered at City Hall was fiercely fought, but to no avail. In the end, the defenders fell and the mayor presented the key to the city to the Great Chief Sachem as a sign of unconditional surrender. The Great Chief in turn presented the key to the lovely Princess Pocahontas, who represented a lost tradition, "a vanishing race." The ensuing celebration among neighbors lasted for two days, culminating with the re-enactment of the "Boston Tea Party." Thus, was born the annual celebration of George Washington's Birthday Celebration in Laredo, Texas. They found that during the fight for freedom, in the American colonies, the Sons of Liberty would disguise themselves as Indians to meet and discuss strategy using the forest as cover. George Washington served as "Sachem" and so within the history of their own society, they found the "American" holiday they sought. It was further discovered that the name "Washington" was not only revered in the United States he helped create, but in areas to the south as well. Respected as the forerunner of such Latin American liberators as Mexico's Father Hidalgo and Simon Bolivar, Washington's esteem is not limited to the United States.
 The first celebration was a phenomenal success. Its success and popularity grew rapidly and in 1923, the Washington's Birthday Celebration Association of Laredo, Inc. (WBCA™), received its state charter. In 1924, the Celebration featured its first Colonial Pageant, which featured thirteen young girls from Laredo, representing the thirteen original colonies. Charged with the overseeing of the annual celebration, the WBCA™ has continued it's role as developer and leader ever since. The International Bridge Ceremony, one of our major events, is the "welcoming ceremony" between officials and dignitaries from Mexico and the United States. By exchanging "abrazos" the American and Mexican "Abrazo Children" symbolize the amity and understanding between the two neighboring nations. Over the years, additional attractions have been added. Together with its Affiliate Organizations, the WBCA™ now boasts a celebration calendar, which includes over 25 events and spans a period of a month. It attracts over 400,000 attendees annually. For the full schedule of events, go to the WBCA™ website: www.WBCALaredo.org. |
| DISASTER PLANNING 101 |
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Natural disasters and emergencies may happen at any time. Even a burst pipe can spell disaster for a home-based business. Planning for disasters in advance and keeping those plans updated may help ensure the survival of your business. The following resources will help you plan for emergencies and natural disasters, and recover your business after a disaster strikes.
Before an Emergency
- Small Business Disaster Preparedness Guide
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides various types of loans for businesses of all sizes and homeowners and renters in the event of a disaster, including physical disaster loans, economic injury loans, military reservists' loans and home and personal property loans. This guide reviews how to prepare for a disaster and the process of applying for assistance. Includes contact information for SBA field offices, customer service centers.
- Ready.gov Business
Common sense measures business owners and managers can take to prepare their business in the event of a national emergency or disaster.
- Standard Checklist Criteria for Business Recovery
This FEMA checklist will help you create a business recovery manual for your business.
- Emergency Management Guide for Business and Industry.
This FEMA guide provides step-by-step advice on how to create and maintain a comprehensive emergency management program.
- Protect Your Business from Disaster
This FEMA guide provides extensive information on how to protect your property from natural disasters.
After an Emergency
Management Tips
- If you aren't sure whether your business is at risk from disasters caused by natural hazards, check with your local city engineering offices, Red Cross chapter, or planning and zoning administration. They can tell you whether you are in an area where hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, or tornadoes are likely to occur.
- Talk to your local insurance agent to make sure your business is covered for fire, theft, personal injury (yourself and your clients), and liability.
- Create a plan in advance for dealing with an emergency and keep the plan updated. Know what business records will need to be preserved and what you will need to bring your business back.
- Consider off-site storage for important business records and documentation. A contractor kept all his records in a fireproof safe in his office. The offices were gutted in a fire. When the safe was opened, everything inside had melted, due to the extreme heat.
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| BUSINESS TERM OF THE WEEK |
LAISSEZ-FAIRE LEADERSHIP:
Non-authoritarian leadership style. Laissez faire (French for, allow to pass or let go) leaders try to give least possible guidance to subordinates, and try to achieve control through less obvious means. They believe that people excel when they are left alone to respond to their responsibilities and obligations in their own ways. | |
Voting is not only our right, but also our responsibility as citizens of the United States of America. As William E. Simon once said, "Bad politicians are sent to Washington by good people who don't vote." This applies to state and local elections as well. 
