Author Archives: VBR

On Jan. 7, the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce board of directors made the announcement that Noe “Ronnie” Larralde will lead the organization as its new executive director. Larralde, who served as the interim executive director since September, replaces former president Letty Gonzalez. Prior to his appointment, Larralde served as the director of Marketing and Special Events for seven years. Prior to joining the chamber in 2012, Larralde worked at First National…

Prescription for Success

January 1, 2019

VBR

Healthcare News Retail Comments

Success pushed Mid-Valley Pharmacy to a new location in Mercedes this year. Robert Zamora, John Hinkle and Adrian Cervantes had purchased the pharmacy in 2004 Even when the pharmacists bought the business 14 years ago, the pharmacy building was small. “People were used to going there,” Cervantes said. “We struggled with the idea of changing locations, but we outgrew the space. We needed something better for us, for our employees…

Search Begins for New Weslaco Chamber President

December 21, 2018

VBR

News Comments

The Weslaco Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting applications for the position of chamber president/CEO. Doug Croft recently resigned from the position after accepting an opportunity to lead the Lincoln County Chamber in North Carolina. “We are disappointed to see Doug move on. He has been valuable to the Weslaco chamber and community. Doug has prepared our organization for the next chapter and we are in a great place to move…

Partnership Forms Local Medical Career Pipeline

December 20, 2018

VBR

e-Brief Features Education Healthcare News Comments

On Dec. 11, UTRGV and the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District laid the foundation for a pathway for local students to enter the healthcare field. The new partnership will lead to development of a curriculum, counseling and advisement to Harlingen High School of Health Professions students preparing to apply to UTRGV and its Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences program and the School of Medicine. “This exciting new partnership helps expand our mission…

Port of Brownsville Takes National Ranking

December 20, 2018

VBR

e-Brief Features News Comments

For the third straight year, Foreign Trade Zone No. 62 at the Port of Brownsville ranks second in the nation for the value of exports. The figures come from the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones Board’s annual report to Congress released Dec. 12. The port’s FTZ reported more than $3.5 billion in exported goods in 2017. Additionally, FTZ No. 62 ranks 18th nationally for the value of imports totaling more than $3.6…

Meade is New Pharr City Manager

December 19, 2018

VBR

Government News Comments

At a recent city commission meeting, Pharr Mayor Pro-Tem Bobby Carillo introduced Alex Meade as Pharr’s new city manager. Meade recently served as the first CEO for Mission Economic Development Corporation, helping attract projects totaling more than $300 million. Meade also established the Center for Education and Economic Development (CEED) in Mission. “Alex Meade has a history of success of helping communities across South Texas expand their capacity for growth to…

Port of Brownsville Recognizes West Plains

December 13, 2018

VBR

e-Brief Features Manufacturing/Industrial News Comments

West Plains LLC is the recipient of the Port of Brownsville’s 2018 Chairman’s Award. The award recognizes both the company’s investments and rehabilitation efforts of the port’s iconic grain elevator. Presentation of the award came Dec. 4 at the port’s annual customer appreciation luncheon. More than 200 guests were witness to the award presentation by Brownsville Navigation District Chairman John Reed. Among those in attendance were local, regional and state public…

SBA Names New Regional Administrator

December 13, 2018

VBR

e-Brief Features Government News Comments

The U.S. Small Business Administration has appointed Justin Crossie as the regional administrator for SBA’s Region VI, which includes the Lower Rio Grande Valley District. Crossie now leads 10 district office directors, serving more than 3.8 million small businesses. Offices under his direction are in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Crossie will lead the delivery of SBA’s financial, entrepreneurial development, government contracting and international export initiatives. He will also head…

TSTC Adds Mixed Reality Into Curriculum

December 13, 2018

VBR

e-Brief Features Education Featured Technology Comments

Bringing emerging technology into the hands of its students, Texas State Technical College will be implementing HoloLens Mixed Reality into its curriculum as early as next year. Students will strap on a Microsoft HoloLens to see 3D computer graphics shown on top of the real-world classroom environment. “There is nothing as powerful as using HoloLens for educating our students,” said TSTC Senior Vice President of Student Learning Hector Yanez. “This is…

McAllen Awards STC $259K Job Training Grant

December 13, 2018

VBR

e-Brief Features Education Manufacturing/Industrial News Comments

McAllen’s advanced manufacturing sector has received a boost thanks to a $259,440 job-training grant to South Texas College. Funds from the McAllen Development Corporation grant will provide customized training, as well as equipment, salaries and supplies. All aspects will come from STC’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing. “We need to put in place training opportunities and high-quality training so that we have the most competitive and best prepared workforce in the country which will attract companies to…