The Port of Brownsville has a new director of finance as well as a new director of special projects. CPA Lorena Hernandez now serves as the port’s new finance director following the retirement of Steve Fitzgibbons. Hernandez manages the port’s nine-member financial team. Her previous service to the port is in the role of assistant finance director. Jose Herrera also joins the Port of Brownsville staff as special projects director. In his new…
The McAllen International Airport was recently awarded $2.06 million in Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Grant funds. The money will improve safety as well as replace aging infrastructure at the airport. “The McAllen International Airport is the gateway to the world for all traveling to and from our city,” said McAllen Mayor Jim Darling. “With these funds, the City of McAllen will be able to invest in the necessary improvements…
More than 2,000 backpacks complete with school supplies have made their way to Mission Consolidated Independent School District thanks in part to the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce. The backpacks made their way into the hands of students Aug. 2 at Veterans Memorial High School during a Back to School Bash. More than 4,000 people, including students and families, were in attendance for the event. Offerings also included free haircuts, free eye screenings,…
McAllen is the 10th biggest boomtown in the United States, according to the latest ranking by Magnify Money. “This is an incredible testament to the opportunity available here in McAllen,” said City of McAllen Mayor Jim Darling. “This represents the dynamic partnership that exists between the business community and local government to do the type of things that attract people and industry to our city.” In calculating rankings, consideration was…
The 2018 comprehensive director of the Port of Brownsville has been released and is available online and by hard copy. The marketing and communications tool is an annual guide featuring in-depth articles, facts and details about the port and related industries. The full color, 88-page publication serves as a guide for prospective clients looking to establish business opportunities in the region. The community may also peruse it to learn more…
After 18 months, the Brownsville Navigation District and Port of Brownsville staff returns to their home of the administration office campus at 1000 Foust Road. In January 2017, the port’s administrative offices were temporary relocated to the Keppel AmFELS complex at 20000 SH 48. The office campus renovations adds 12,473 square feet of new office space for a total of 26,500 square feet. The project includes a remodeling of the two…
Lumina Foundation, in partnership with the Kresge Foundation, has designated the Rio Grande Valley as a Talent Hub, granting $275,000 to support local efforts to increase education beyond high school. The Talent Hub designation indicates a community has shown the capacity and ability to significantly increase the numbers of residents with college degrees, certificates or other credentials beyond a high school diploma. South Texas College, the University of Texas Rio…
The Texas economy added 27,200 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs in June, which marked 24 consecutive months of employment growth. Over the year, Texas added 359,500 jobs for an annual employment growth rate of 2.9 percent. Private-sector employers added 26,400 positions over the month. Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.0 percent in June, down slightly from May 2018. “Recognition of Texas as the premier place to do business in the country…
Grubhub Inc. is now servicing Brownsville and is actively looking to continue recruiting “share economy” technology companies in the area. The result, according to the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation, is to “to increase job creation, and improve commerce and the city’s quality of life.” “Tech companies, such as Grubhub, not only provide our local and chain businesses with expanded services but also provide an alternative form of income for those who…
Mission junior high students recently received a taste of innovation and technology thanks to a partnership between SEAD (Science, Engineering, Art and Design) Academy, Mission Economic Development Corporation, and Texas A&M University Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution. Together, the collaborators participated in the National Science Foundation’s Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers program. After holding the first Smart Home Competition in June 2017 in Bryan, Texas, SEAD Academy…