Author Archives: VBR

SBA Announces Local Small Business Winners

Abygail T. Elizondo

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office is celebrating the Small Business Person of the Year and six additional honorees as it prepares for National Small Business Week from May 4-10. Taking top honors as as the district’s Small Business Person of the Year is Abygail T. Elizondo, owner of Elizondo Insurance Services in Harlingen. “I am truly honored to be recognized as the SBA’s Lower Rio Grande…

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Night at the Brew-seum Returns April 5

Night at the Brew-seum

The International Museum of Art & Science hosts the 17th annual Night at the Brew-seum, presented by Clark Chevrolet and Clark Knapp Honda, on April 5. This annual fundraiser, co-chaired by Gaby Jones and Annette Garcia, supports IMAS and its year-round art and science education programs in the Rio Grande Valley. For over 17 years, Brew-seum has celebrated the region’s growing craft beer culture. This year’s event will feature a…

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South Texas All Hazards Conference Next Week

South Texas All Hazards Conference

The 11th annual South Texas All Hazards Conference takes place March 26-27 at the McAllen Performing Arts Center and McAllen Convention Center. As the second-largest emergency response training event in Texas — and the only one of its kind offered at no cost — the conference expects to host over 3,000 professionals from public health, public safety, law enforcement, emergency management, public works and educational institutions. STAHC follows the National…

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BRG Celebrates 40 Years of Service

OmniTRAX, the rail and real estate affiliate of The Broe Group, recently commemorated the 40th anniversary of its Texas rail affiliate, Brownsville and Rio Grande International Railway, at a ceremony of economic and community partners in Brownsville. Dignitaries from the Port of Brownsville, state and local economic partners, community leaders, and rail customers joined a leadership delegation from OmniTRAX and BRG to recognize the railroad’s pivotal role in keeping North…

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PNC Adventure Day Brings Learning Fun to IMAS

IMAS guests participate in an activity during PNC Adventure Day at the Mobile Learning Adventure exhibit.

Families are invited to the International Museum of Art & Science on March 19 for PNC Adventure Day, a spring event celebrating young children and early childhood learning. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature engaging activities tailored for children ages 6 and under. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the PNC Mobile Learning Adventure, a traveling educational exhibit designed to provide…

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Weslaco EDC & UTRGV Launch Kauffman FastTrac

Kauffman FastTrac Program

The Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco is partnering with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Entrepreneurship & Commercialization Center to bring the Kauffman FastTrac Program to Weslaco. The nationally recognized program equips aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners with the tools, resources and knowledge to successfully launch, manage and grow their businesses. This seven-week program provides 21 hours of in-person instruction and will begin on May 9. It is…

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Pharr Digital Literacy Program Offers Free Laptops

Pharr Connect Digital Literacy Program

The City of Pharr’s Pharr Connect Digital Literacy Program continues to accept applications from residents. The three-year program, running from 2024 to 2026, aims to bridge the digital divide and promote health equity by enhancing digital literacy, expanding access to technology, and providing valuable resources to Pharr residents. Those who complete the training will not only gain essential computer and internet skills but will also receive a new laptop upon…

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Elsa EDC Fuels Small Business Growth

Elsa Economic Development Corporation

The Elsa Economic Development Corporation is looking to support local entrepreneurs with the launch of the Lift Elsa Incentive Program. The small business loan initiative will boost cash flow and provide affordable capital for businesses in Elsa. In partnership with LiftFund, the program offers zero-percent interest loans to eligible businesses. Through this initiative, the Elsa EDC is buying down the interest on loans up to $50,000. They are eliminating interest…

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Clark Family Unveils Sleek New Branding

The Clark Family has rolled out a new brand identity, unifying its Honda and Chevrolet dealerships under one cohesive vision. According to a release, the rebrand “reflects the Clark’s long standing commitment to their customers, their deep-rooted presence in the Rio Grande Valley, and focus on delivering an excellent automotive experience.” “Since 1933, the Clark Family has been known for its exceptional service and dedication to  our customers. This rebrand…

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Burkhart Receives 40 Under 40 Award

Nathan Burkhart

Nathan Burkhart, vice president for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation, is a recipient of the 2025 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award. The biennial award recognizes rising stars under 40 years old in the economic development industry. The awards program is hosted by Development Counsellors International and Jorgenson Pace Inc. An independent selection committee of six economic development leaders and site selection consultants evaluated nominations based…

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