Author Archives: VBR

The Texas Workforce Commission recently took action to provide guidance on eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits due to refusal to suitable work. Evaluations of each UI benefits case is currently on an individual basis. However, because of COVID-19, the following are reasons benefits would continue if an individual refuses work. Reason for refusal: People 65 years or older and/or people with medical issues. These include heart disease, diabetes, cancer or a…

Border Trade Alliance Elects Contreras as Chairman

June 25, 2020

VBR

Community e-Brief Features Moving On Up News Comments

Sergio Contreras, the president and CEO of the RGV Partnership, has been elected chairman of the Border Trade Alliance. Contreras takes the helm of the BTA board during a time of challenge for the cross-border trade community. “I am honored to assume the chairmanship of the Border Trade Alliance, one of the nation’s most respected trade advocacy groups, at a time when our work has never been more important,” Contreras…

TWC Expands Skill Enhancements to UI Claimants

June 25, 2020

VBR

Business Advice Community e-Brief Features News Comments

New virtual skills enhancement opportunities are coming from the Texas Workforce Commission for individuals receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits. According to TWC, Texas has a historic number of UI beneficiaries as a result of COVID-19. The result is an increase in need for a range of services to support Texas businesses and workers. This includes the need to enhance the skills of unemployed Texans to prepare to reconnect to the Texas…

UTRGV Offering Online Services For Job Searches

June 20, 2020

VBR

Business Advice Education Featured News Comments

The UTRGV Career Center is currently providing students with a number of tools to help in their job search. “Right now, it is very tentative. There are some industries that are doing well, so usually it is looking like individuals that have degrees are faring a lot better than those individuals who did not,” said Lourdes Servantes, the center’s associate director. More than 1.6 million people are unemployed in Texas.…

Work Search Requirement Reinstates July 6 for Unemployment

June 18, 2020

VBR

Business Advice Community e-Brief Features News Comments

Work search requirements for Unemployment Insurance benefits in Texas will return July 6, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. The requirements were temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. Work search is a federal requirement to receive unemployment benefits. Individuals will continue to receive benefits, but must document their efforts to find new employment, with the first report due to TWC on July 19. Those currently receiving unemployment should keep good records…

STC Students to Earn Google IT Certificates

June 17, 2020

VBR

Education Featured News Technology Comments

South Texas College students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the Computer and Information Technologies Program will soon have the opportunity to improve their ability for employment in the IT industry with a Google IT Support Professional Certificate. A $10,000 grant by Jobs for the Future allows those pursing a bachelor’s degree in the CITP program the opportunity to also complete a the certificate program. “The certificate impacts students by creating…

TWC Grant Benefits Local Advanced Skills Training

June 16, 2020

VBR

Education Featured Manufacturing/Industrial News Comments

A recent $332,042 grant from the Texas Workforce Commission to South Texas College will continue to provide customized training to the workforce for local industry partners. TWC’s Skills Development Fund will provide funding to train 181 new and incumbent workers in advanced manufacturing. “We are committed to fostering long-term sustained economic growth by providing superior workforce training programs to local business and industry partners,” said South Texas College Associate Dean of…

Lamar Academy Teacher Earns State Award

June 15, 2020

VBR

Education Featured News Comments

Lamar Academy teacher Vivian Tamez is the recipient of the 2020 Liberty Bell Award from the Texas Young Lawyers Association. This state-wide award annually recognizes a non-lawyer who has made selfless contributions to their community. In turn, they also strengthen the effectiveness of the American system of justice. “Your work is truly exceptional, and it exemplifies the level of dedication recognized by this prestigious award,” TYLA President Victor Flores…

McAllen Public Library Offers Grab & Go Summer Meals

June 14, 2020

VBR

Community Community Events Featured Giving Back News Comments

McAllen Public Library invites the public to pick up a Grab & Go meal bundle as part of the Summer Feeding Program. The imitative aims to provide meals to those ages 18 and under in the most underserved McAllen communities. Starting June 15, families can pick up at the entrance of the McAllen Public Library, 4001 N. 23rd Street. The meal bundles include breakfast and lunch as well as a…

Port of Brownsville Excels Amid Challenge

June 13, 2020

VBR

Featured Manufacturing/Industrial News Comments

The Port of Brownsville ranks third among U.S. ports for “strong financial resilience” surveyed in a new report from Moody’s Investor Services. The ranking underscores the ongoing value of the port’s prudent financial stewardship in light of economic impacts from the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Moody’s analysis evaluated American ports on a range of key factors surrounding financial responsibility. This includes the ability to handle the impact of a significant decline…