Author Archives: VBR

Representatives from the RGV law enforcement community recently met for South Texas College’s first President’s Advisory Council Retreat. Here, leaders provided regular input and recommendations for professional continuing education and degree programs. Law enforcement is coordinating with STC to develop an action plan as the STC Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence gets underway. Earlier this year, STC President Shirley A. Reed extended an invitation to leaders of the law enforcement…

Grindstone Opens McAllen Location

September 13, 2018

VBR

e-Brief Features News Real Estate Comments

Grindstone Coworking will open its new McAllen office space this month at the intersection of 10th street and Trenton Road at Trenton View Plaza. The location is open to remote workers, freelancers and small business owners in the Rio Grande Valley. Grindstone is now accepting membership applications and pre-leasing for private office suites. It is also offering an Early Bird Special available exclusively to the first 20 members to sign up.…

TSTC Cyber Defense a Center of Excellence

September 12, 2018

VBR

Education Featured Technology Comments

Computer Networking and Security Technology at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen is celebrating a unique national distinction. The program is now a Center of Excellence for Cyber Defense for two-year education programs. The recognition comes from the Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency. The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense recognizes and grants designations to institutions that offer rigorous degree programs in information security. “Your…

STC Receives Economic Development Grant

September 11, 2018

VBR

Education Featured News Comments

South Texas College and the Starr County Industrial Foundation are the recipients of a $100,000 federal planning grant from the Economic Development Administration. STC Director of Grant Development, Management and Compliance Virginia Champion says the grant will support the college and the SCIF’s interest in the development of a current Asset Map of Starr County. It will also facilitate a Strategic Planning Conference with key leaders and stakeholders. Vice-Chair of…

IBC Promotes Peña

September 8, 2018

VBR

Moving On Up Comments

Karen R. Peña is the new marketing manager for IBC Bank, a promotion from executive office administrative assistant. Peña will manage the marketing department, while also promoting IBC Bank throughout the community. She will coordinate all financial literacy events, which serve as a tool to educate both children and adult with financial lessons. In addition, Peña will be the liaison between IBC Bank and nonprofits in Cameron County. “Karen is…

Small Businesses Score $50K from Mission EDC

September 6, 2018

VBR

e-Brief Features Featured Food & Entertainment News Retail Comments

The Mission Economic Development Corporation’s small business development program, Ruby Red Ventures, named three new winners of its small business funding competition. A local all-natural, cold-pressed juice producer, a maker of pre-packaged Mexican stews and meals, and manufacturer of gourmet grilling sauces are all recent winners of $50,000 in funding from Mission EDC. Mr. Pepe, El Cazos Guisos and B. Veggie took the top three spots, respectively, in the latest round of the…

Southwest Airlines Adds More VIA Flights

September 6, 2018

VBR

e-Brief Features News Transportation & Travel Comments

Southwest Airlines is now offering an additional 17 non-stop flights between Valley International Airport and Dallas Love Field during high demand days for Thanksgiving and Christmas 2018. Additionally, effective March 10, 2019, Southwest Airlines will offer nonstop service between Harlingen and Dallas Love on Sundays. Southwest currently offers non-stop flights from Harlingen to Austin and Houston Hobby airports as well. Flights to Dallas will depart at 1:45 p.m. on Sundays with…

Truck Driver Appreciation Week

September 6, 2018

VBR

e-Brief Features Events News Comments

For the third consecutive year, the Port of Brownsville joins the entire U.S. trucking industry in celebration of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week Sept. 9-14. The event highlights the efforts of professional truck drivers who deliver the nation’s freight safely and securely every day. In 2017, the Port of Brownsville recorded more than 300,000 truck movements at the port. According to the American Trucking Association, there are more than 3.5…

IBC Executive Meets with Mexican Leaders

September 5, 2018

VBR

Featured Finance/Banking News Comments

IBC Bank Executive Vice President Gerald “Gerry” Schwebel recently participated in a mission to Mexico City to meet with leaders of the incoming government of President-elect Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Organizer of the mission was the U.S.-Mexico CEO Dialogue, an initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The group, made up of both U.S. and Mexican leaders, addresses core issues in the countries’ bilateral relationship. Schwebel and other representatives met with…

UTRGV a “Best Bang for the Buck”

August 30, 2018

VBR

Education News Comments

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is on the list of schools in the Best Bang for the Buck by the online magazine Washington Monthly. The university ranks seventh out of 50 in the Southern Colleges category. According to the magazine, the Best Bang listing is an “exclusive list of schools that help non-wealthy students attain marketable degrees at affordable prices.” The ranking analyzed 21 categories to determine the listings. “We are extremely…