South Texas College Trustee Dalinda Gonzalez-Alcantar was honored this year as the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber Business Woman of the Year for her role as chief executive officer of the McAllen Boys and Girls Club. “I was super shocked and then immediately pleased because it’s been less than 20 years since social entrepreneurship has been clearly defined and embraced by the business community,” she said. “It’s a blessing to…
The Brownsville Chamber of Commerce will once again be hosting Brownsville Day at the Capitol in Austin from Jan. 28-30. The two-day event offers an opportunity to represent Brownsville and advocate for key issues impacting the community while also engaging with Texas legislators and state officials. Topics of interest and priority include water advocacy, infrastructure development, transportation and healthcare. Attendees of Brownsville Day at the Capitol will not only connect…
The American Advertising Federation Rio Grande Valley is now accepting student and professional entries for the American Advertising Awards, home of the ADDY Award. Regular entries are accepted through Jan. 8. Jan. 9 submissions will be accepted with a late-entry fee. The ADDY Award is one of the industry’s largest creative competitions, attracting nearly 35,000 professional and student entries each year through competitions offered through local AAF clubs. The mission…
The City of McAllen has appointed of Juan Olaguibel as assistant city manager, overseeing McAllen’s EB-5 and foreign investor programs, international relations, intergovernmental relations and special projects. In addition, Olaguibel will continue to remain in his position as superintendent of bridges for the McAllen International Bridge System. “Juan’s extensive experience in international affairs and his proven leadership at McAllen’s international bridges make him uniquely qualified to excel in this new…
The UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center has earned the University Economic Development Association Award of Excellence in the Engaged University category. The recognition highlights the ECC’s eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization in partnership with the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation. The prestigious award acknowledges the ECC’s eBridge network, dedicated to economic development, innovation and community collaboration through various programs and initiatives. “The UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center plays a vital role in Brownsville and the lower Rio Grande Valley by…
Wildlife in Focus is expanding its popular photo contest statewide in 2025 and is offering a record $40,000 in prize packages. The goal of the competition is to promote wildlife habitat conservation and to create a visual record of the beauty of native Texas land and wildlife. The prize-winning photos will be part of a coffee table book and also be of use in WIF’s educational outreach program for children…
VA will be hosting free food drive-thrus for veterans and their families Dec. 19 in Harlingen and Jan. 16 in McAllen. The drives are part of VA’s work to eliminate food insecurity among veterans and their families. The Harlingen drive will take place from 9-11 a.m. (or while supplies last) at Harlingen VA Health Care Center, 2601 Veterans Drive. The McAllen VA Clinic at 901 East Hackberry Avenue will host the…
The Brownsville Navigation District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers held a groundbreaking ceremony on Dec. 6 for Phase 2 of the Brazos Island Harbor Channel Improvement Project. The project will deepen the 17-mile-long Brownsville Ship Channel from 42 feet to 52 feet, improving navigational safety and enabling larger commercial vessels to access South Texas. “The Brazos Island Harbor Channel Improvement Project is paramount to the Port of Brownsville’s…
Veterans and community members are encouraged to “Roll Up Your Sleeve” and give the gift of life during VA blood drives Dec. 13 and Jan. 14 in McAllen and Harlingen, respectively. The Dec. 13 drive takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the McAllen VA Outpatient Clinic at 901 East Hackberry Ave. Jan 14’s drive is from 9 a.m. to noon at the Harlingen VA Outpatient Clinic, 2106 Treasure…
Keep McAllen Beautiful hosts its third annual Christmas Posada at Archer Park on Dec. 14, featuring the traditional posada procession that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging. The 7 p.m. event features a special performance by Nikki Rowe’s Razz Ma Tazz Show Choir. The posada procession culminates at a nativity scene, with shepherds and the Three Wise Men. The posada will be accompanied by traditional singing during the procession…