Author Archives: VBR

Since 2017, families have collectively saved $22 million in college tuition and fees through dual credit partnerships between local school districts and Texas Southmost College, according to the college. Dual credit courses are those that students take that count for both high school and college credit. Students may attend these classes either at their high schools or on a college campus. From fall 2017 through fall 2020, Lower Rio Grande…

VIDA Receives $75K From The Meadows Foundation

March 11, 2021

VBR

Community e-Brief Features News Comments

The Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement is the recipient of a $75,000 grant from the Meadows Foundation. The funds will train low-income women in high-demand jobs. Algur H. Meadows established General American Oil Company of Texas in 1939. He then led it to become one of the nation’s most successful independent oil-and-gas-production companies. Meadows and his wife, Virginia, returned their blessings by establishing The Meadows Foundation in 1948. The…

TSC Among Small Group of Colleges With Enrollment Increases

March 11, 2021

VBR

e-Brief Features Education Featured News Comments

Texas Southmost College joins the elite ranks this year of only nine percent of community colleges across the nation that saw an increase in enrollment. From fall 2019 to fall 2020, TSC’s Department of Institutional Planning, Research and Effectiveness reports that TSC’s enrollment has seen a 1.73 percent increase. Across the state, Texas community colleges are seeing a 7.1 percent decrease. Nationally, community colleges are experiencing a 10.1 percent decrease…

Pharr EDC Foundation Launches

March 11, 2021

VBR

Community e-Brief Features Education News Comments

The Pharr Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with the City of Pharr, has launched the newly created Pharr EDC Foundation. As the City of Pharr’s economic development arm, the Pharr EDC has always focused its efforts on creating direct pipelines for students, post-secondary education workforce development, entrepreneurship and business development. These efforts will further expand through the Pharr EDC Foundation with a special focus on education. The Pharr EDC Foundation recently…

TSC Offers First Roofing Apprenticeship Program in RGV

March 8, 2021

VBR

Education News Comments

Texas Southmost College and Schwickert’s Tecta America will be offering a new Roofing Pre-Apprentice Program beginning April 5. The program is the first of its kind in the Rio Grande Valley, creating jobs and opportunities. “What TSC and Schwickert’s have created through this partnership is about to change lives,” said Joseph Fleishman, TSC associate vice president of workforce development. “This program is a win-win for everyone involved and we are…

Keep McAllen Beautiful to Help Elderly After Freeze

March 6, 2021

VBR

Community Events Featured News Comments

Keep McAllen Beautiful is looking for elderly McAllen residents who need help in removing their dead landscaping affected by the freeze. In addition, the non-profit is looking for anyone who would like to volunteer to help in the effort. “Keep McAllen Beautiful received so many calls of elderly McAllen residents in our community who were asking for assistance to remove the small plants and bushes that froze and died after…

Port Isabel Lighthouse Reopens

March 4, 2021

VBR

e-Brief Features News Recreation & Tourism Comments

The historic Port Isabel Lighthouse is now reopen to the public, as well as the park and Keeper’s Cottage Visitors Center. Weather permitting, hours of operation for the lighthouse are 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday with the last tickets selling at 3:30 p.m. Patrons may only purchase tickets through at the Keeper’s Cottage Visitors Center with a credit or debit card. Ticket prices are $5 for adults,…

A Night At The Brew-seum Is Back

March 4, 2021

VBR

Community Events e-Brief Features Featured News Comments

The International Museum of Art & Science’s annual fundraiser A Night at the Brew-seum is back this year with multiple in-persona and virtual events. With the main event taking place April 15, other ways to participate include a virtual 5K, a virtual science of beer bread baking event, a beer dinner and Beer & Yoga. This year’s in-person event will feature PODs for guests to participate in the evening. Each…

International Shipbreaking Gains Accreditation

March 4, 2021

VBR

e-Brief Features Manufacturing/Industrial News Comments

International Shipbreaking Ltd. now has EU Ship Recycling Regulation accreditation for its site at the Port of Brownsville. The company, part of EMR Metal Recycling, recently invested $30 million in compliant infrastructure at the Brownsville site. The local site is also the first U.S. shipbreaking site to achieve this accreditation. It can now help EU-based ship owners – as well as ships flying the flags of EU member states –…

New Membership Director Joins Edinburg Chamber

February 28, 2021

VBR

Moving On Up News Comments

Christina Barrera is the new director of membership for the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. Barrera will work closely with leadership and staff to forward the mission of the chamber by expanding and serving more than 300 chamber members. “Christina’s passion to serve others and her understanding of marketing and sales made this a clear choice,” said Ronnie Larralde, executive director at the Edinburg Chamber. “We are excited to welcome her to…