Author Archives: VBR

McAllen a Top U.S. Boomstown

McAllen logo

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…

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Port of Brownsville Releases New Directory

Port of Brownsville directory 2018

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…

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Port of Brownsville Complex Reopens

Port of Brownsville

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…

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Foundation designates RGV as Talent Hub

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…

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Texas Continues Employment Growth

hiring

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…

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Grubhub Comes to Brownsville

Grubhub

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…

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Mission Partnership Promotes STEM Careers

Mission junior high students who participated in the recent SEAD Academy (photo Mission EDC)

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…

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Primo Picks Finalists Hail From McAllen

(photo Cappadona Ranch)

Two past recipients of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce’s Innovation Grant have been chosen as Primo Picks Quest for Texas Best finalists by H-E-B. Of the hundreds of entries from across the state, McAllen-based Cappadona Ranch and Nuts & Cows have made it to the finale. Established in 2012 by Victoria Barrera Cappadona, Cappadona Ranch has developed from a simple family treat into the growing juggernaut that it is today. Cappadona develops a…

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Local Teacher is LifeChanger Nominee

Vivian Tamez

Vivian Tamez, a foreign language teacher in the International Baccalaureate Programme at Lamar Academy, has been nominated for LifeChanger of the Year. The community is asked to support Tamez by voting for her via online commenting on the LifeChanger website. Tamez’s nomination comes from her principal Cindy Pena. “She continuously searches for new, innovative ideas to help students achieve their utmost potential.  She encourages students to become advocates for others…

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STHS Names Regional Vice President

Charles “Chuck” Stark

Charles “Chuck” Stark is the new regional vice president in South Texas for South Texas Health System, effective June 29. Stark now has regional responsibility for hospitals in both the McAllen and Edinburg markets. He will also oversee those in Laredo and Eagle Pass.   Prior to joining South Texas Health System, Stark served as chief executive officer of Brookwood Baptist Medical Center in Birmingham, Ala. Previous service includes a number…

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