Author: Danny Barrera

Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin Job Fair Event at Woodson Park

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(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor, DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

This is DRB Media Communications Digital news. The Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin held their spring job fair at Woodson Park. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/May 18, 2026-Members and volunteers of the Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin hosted their first Job Fair heading into the Spring and Summer season. Various businesses and institutions set up canopies and tables to welcome visitors to the Southside Odessa community event while sharing employment opportunities, resources, and information with attendees. 

(Chris E. Walker, President/CEO Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin) 

“So, we wanted to have it here at Woodson so that we’d have an open atmosphere so people would feel comfortable to come in, talk to a lot of our entities here in our town, 

Law enforcement agencies including the Ector County Sheriff’s Office, Odessa Police Department, Odessa Fire Rescue and the Ector County ISD Mounted Patrol attended the job fair seeking new recruits. Meanwhile, Ector County Independent School District, Odessa College and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Permian Basin provided visitors with educational and scholastic information about programs and career opportunities. 

(Chris E. Walker, President/CEO Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin) 

“We just wanted to thank all of the organizations that came out to support and thank everybody that is coming out and putting their applications in to help with this shortage that some of these companies are having. So hopefully we’ll do our due diligence and get some of these, some of these organizations, some new employees.” 

Darlene Mays, a volunteer with the Woodson Boys and Girls Club and a member of the Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin, spoke about the organization’s upcoming annual Literacy Fair scheduled for the latter part of July. The event is expected to promote reading, education, and community involvement for children and families throughout the Odessa area. 

(Darlene Mays, A volunteer with the Woodson Boys and Girls Club/Member of the Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin) 

‘We want the kids to fall in love with books, not only the kids, but also the adults to fall in love with books. 

It will take you anywhere in the world that you want to be. We are promoting the literacy festival that we have free entertainment. It’s a free family event. We will be giving away scholarships to some of our high school seniors that have been involved with the club ever since they were five years old, and now they’re graduating from high school. So, we are just excited. We will be bringing in a children’s author from Dallas, Texas that wrote his first book, and it was released in November of 2025. So, the kids will get a chance to really have that experience as well.” 

Follow the Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin online or on social media for membership, Sponor Opportunities and upcoming community events. For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor, DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and visit DRB Media Communications Digital TV. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching. 

Odessa High School Senior Signing Day

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(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Odessa, Texas/May 15, 2026-This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. A special assembly was recently held at the Odessa High Field House. Jessica Montez has the story. 

(Jessica Montez, AiReporter) 

Graduating Seniors presented to students at OHS, the college they plan to attend. 

Odessa High School recently held Senior Signing Day, a growing tradition that gives graduating seniors an opportunity to share their post-graduation plans with classmates, teachers, family members, and staff. 

(Hector Limon, Principal-Odessa High School-Ector County ISD) 

“We’re very excited. Just celebrating our kids. And it’s not all about college. It’s about what they’re doing, their futures, what they want to do. So whether that’s going to college, going into a career, we’re here to celebrate them.” 

Students participating in the event announced their future paths, including attending colleges and universities, joining the workforce, enlisting in the military, and pursuing career training programs. The celebration highlighted the accomplishments and aspirations of the senior class as they prepare to begin the next chapter of their lives. 

(Hector Limon, Principal-Odessa High School-Ector County ISD) 

“Kids will come up to the stage, and they’re just going to make it known to everybody with a sign or with an announcement where they’re going, whether that’s the college or university, technical school career, military. And so, they’re just sharing with the entire school what their plans are after they leave Odessa High School.” 

(Jessica Montez, AiReporter) 

Permian High and other ECISD High Schools had similar events. I’m Jessica Montez at Odessa High School 

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Follow us on Facebook, X Formally Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and visit DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS.TV. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching. 

Leadership Odessa Alumni Hosts Lunch & Learn at ORMC

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(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

This is DRB Media Communications Digital News…Leadership Odessa Alumni Hosted “Lunch & Learn” Featuring SouthWest Bank President Chris Cole. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/May 13, 2026-Odessa Chamber of Commerce hosted the Leadership Odessa Alumni Lunch and Learn event at the Odessa Regional Medical Center auditorium. Leadership Odessa alumni who have participated in the program over the past several years were invited to attend the inaugural Lunch and Learn luncheon, which provided an opportunity for networking, reconnecting and continued professional development among community leaders. 

(Blake Monk, Coordinator/Representative-Leadership Odessa/Odessa Chamber of Commerce) 

“There are so many great organizations around town that do their part in so many different facets. And the great thing about Leadership, Odessa alumni is that we’re trying to bridge a lot of those gaps to create servant leaders, with people being able to further their mission, and us also as leaders, being able to grow and to learn and to inspire others to do the same.”

Chris Cole, the current COO of Southwest Bank, served as the keynote speaker. Mr. Cole shared valuable insights on how professionals at every level of an organization can develop a leadership mindset and create positive change within their current roles. 

(Chris Cole, COO-Southwest Bank) 

“It’s really about encapsulating it all. What does that overall leadership look like regardless of where where you at, how you utilize some of the things that you have gone through in your life to help inspire others. How do you continue to grow as you continue to move up the corporate ladder and don’t become complacent with achieving some stature of life? It’s all about paving the way and giving back.” 

The Leadership Odessa Alumni organization plans to host more events aimed at inspiring, engaging, and strengthening connections within the Odessa community. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Follow us on Facebook, X Formally Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and visit DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS.TV. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching. 

 

Odessa Family YMCA Prepares for the 2nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament

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(Guillermo Villalobos, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

This is DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS. The Odessa Family YMCA is preparing for their 2nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/May 11, 2026- The Odessa Family YMCA will be hosting its 2nd Annual Golf Tournament at Ratliff Ranch Golf Links on June 18th. The tournament will bring together community members, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts for a day of friendly competition and fellowship while supporting the YMCA’s Basketball Gym renovations.  

(Tara Crouch, Community Relations Director-Odessa Family YMCA/Odessa, Texas) 

“We are blessed to have Beryl and Derek by Marriott as our tournament sponsor. It will be a day of fun food, raffle prizes. Lunch will be sponsored by Brantley Creek Barbecue, and our gift bags are sponsored by MCH Urgent Care.” 

Participants can expect team play, contests, prizes, and opportunities to support the YMCA’s mission of strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. 

(Tara Crouch, Community Relations Director-Odessa Family YMCA/Odessa, Texas) 

“We’re going to have a lot of raffle prizes giving out at at the tournament. Um, along with a raffle as well. So, at the golf tournament, we’ll have awards for first place, second place and last place.” 

Team slots are still available for golfers wanting to participate in the tournament, and sponsorship opportunities remain open for businesses and organizations wishing to support the Odessa Family YMCA fundraising event. 

(Tara Crouch, Community Relations Director-Odessa Family YMCA/Odessa, Texas) 

“This year. The Odessa YMCA is really excited because all proceeds from this golf tournament will go to our gym renovation. Our gym is the most used, most popular place at the Y. We have families and children that enjoy it daily and throughout the year, and we’re looking forward to making it a safer, funner place for children and families.” 

Follow the Odessa Family YMCA online or on social media for upcoming events. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

(Guillermo Villalobos, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Follow us on Facebook, X Formally Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and visit DRB Media Communications dot TV. I’m Guillermo Villalobos. Thanks for watching. 

 

 

 

Odessa Midland Police Memorial Service-Honoring our Fallen Heroes

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(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

This is DRB media communications. Digital news. Local law enforcement. The Texas Department of Public Safety and First Responders honor the lives and legacies of fallen officers during the annual Odessa midland Police Memorial ceremony. Danny Barra has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/May 10, 2026-On Thursday, May 7th the Odessa Police Department along with the Ector County Sheriff’s Office, Midland Police Department, the Midland County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety and Odessa Fire Rescue held the annual Police Memorial at Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home. Officers with Ector County ISD Police and other agencies gathered to remember Law Enforcement Officers who were killed in the line of duty. 

(David Criner, Sheriff-Midland County Sheriff’s Office/Midland, Texas) 

“The the Bible is the living Word of God, and the Holy Spirit comforts us, and he brings attention to those that helps us get through the days, through the hard times, with our with our personal families, as we do a long shift, we see the evil out there that God’s Word comforts us and gives us the encouragement to carry on the good fight, because we know that we’re doing it in accordance to his will”  

Police Memorial events continued outside on the cemetery grounds that included prayer and special music from the offer. Drum in five corps. 

(Mike Gerke, Odessa Police Chief, Odessa Police Department/Odessa, Texas) 

“The vast majority of police officers that work for the for the Odessa Police Department live right here in Odessa. So, we’re our members of that community. So, yeah, it’s we’re reaching out to our fellow community members when we need help, when we ask for assistance, when, you know, and I don’t know if everyone was out for busting for badges last week, but, I mean, the turnout there, I mean, that’s the support that you see from this community. We say it over and over and over again that we’re so fortunate to be in law enforcement in West Texas, where you have support.” 

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day. This year, May 11th through May 16th has been designated as National Police Week. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital news Danny Barrera. 

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Follow us on Facebook, X Formally Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Visit DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS.TV. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching. 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

17th Annual Odessa Chamber Welcome Reception for TTUHSC 3rd Year Medical Students

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(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

The Odessa Chamber of Commerce and with Medical Center Health System along with local and State political representatives welcome the new 3rd year Texas Tech Med Students. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/May 9,2026-The Odessa Chamber of Commerce and Medical Center Health System hosted a reception for Year 3 Texas Tech University Health Science Center medical students. 22 medical students were welcomed by representatives of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce, MCH, and Mayor Cal Hendrick. 

(Jeff Meyers, Chairman-Chamber of Commerce/Odessa, Texas) 

“We’re excited to welcome them, to show them a little West Texas hospitality and get them started on their career.” 

The Odessa Chamber is the only non-political organization to host the new Texas Tech medical students and welcome them to the Odessa community. It is hoped that these medical students will one day return and practice medicine in Odessa. 

(Jeff Meyers, Chairman-Chamber of Commerce/Odessa, Texas) 

“So, our goal is that they come here for school, they get their residency here and they set up shop and, uh, you know, start their practice here. And so we’ve got folks from the community who are out here, uh, in the medical industry, chamber members that are just welcoming, welcoming them with open arms.” 

State Senator Kevin Sparks and State Representative Brooks Landgraf delivered welcome remarks to the new third-year medical students at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Permian Basin, encouraging the future physicians as they continue their medical education and training in the Permian Basin. 

(Kevin Sparks, Texas State Senator/District 31) 

“It is a great place to build a practice. It’s a great place to raise a family.” 

(Brooks Landgraf, Texas House of Representatives/District 81) 

“As you know, you are part of. And I get to work a lot with every medical school in the state of Texas.  

Y’all are, without question, part of the best, the hardest working, and the most, I’ll say, a prestigious medical school.” 

Each 3rd years medical student received a backpack loaded with information on banking and other businesses, as well as assorted gift cards. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera 

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Follow us on Facebook, X Formally Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and visit DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS.TV. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching.