Author Archives: VBR

National Honor Highlights UTRGV eBridge Center

Community e-Brief Features News Comments
Veronica Gonzales, senior vice president of Governmental and Community Relations, at the 2023 opening of the eBridge Center. (Photo David Pike, UTRGV)

 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…

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Texas Wildlife Photo Contest Offers $40,000 in Prizes

Arts Community e-Brief Features News Comments
Wildlife in Focus

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…

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VA Holds Free Food Drive-Thrus for Veterans

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments
Food drive-thru

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…

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Port of Brownsville Breaks Ground on Channel Deepening

e-Brief Features Featured Manufacturing/Industrial News Comments

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…

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VA Hosts Local Blood Drives

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments
blood drive

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…

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KMG to Celebrate Christmas Posada

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments
Christmas Posada

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…

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City of Pharr Hosts Winter Wonderland on Dec. 6

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments
Pharr Winder Wonderland

The City of Pharr kicks off the holiday season and invites the community to Winter Wonderland on Dec. 6 in Downtown Pharr. This evening features a tree lighting, live music, food, holiday activities and more. The free event takes place from 6-11 p.m. at 118 S. Cage Blvd. The annual Lighting of the Christmas tree will begin at 7:30 p.m. This year’s entertainment includes performances by local dance teams, Gatos Locos…

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DHR Health Building New Behavioral Health Hospital

e-Brief Features Healthcare News Comments
DHR Health behavioral health hospital groundbreaking

DHR Health has been awarded a $85-million grant from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to construct 100 beds at a new behavioral health hospital in Pharr. The new facility will help address the need for additional inpatient mental health beds. DHR Health currently operates an 87-bed inpatient behavioral hospital. The new campus at 4800 North Jackson Road will include a new 161,000-square-foot facility. It will have a total…

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Shop The Island to Win

News Retail Comments
Shop the Island, Christmas presents

South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce‘s “Shop the Island” initiative is back through Dec. 17. For every $20 spent with any Island businesses, shoppers may register for a $500 shopping spree. Every dollar spent locally also ensures a healthy and growing South Padre Island economy. Original receipts may be dropped off at the following SPI Chamber member businesses: Cactus Flower Calypso Friends of Animal Rescue Padre Island Brewing Co. Renee’s…

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McAllen Launches Website to Attract Developers

e-Brief Features Government News Comments
McAllenMeansBusiness.com

The City of McAllen leadership recently launched McAllenMeansBusiness.com, an online resource specifically for local, state and international developers seeking to expand in McAllen. The platform showcases McAllen’s position as an international gateway, supplying current data, analytics and other useful information to support informed decision making as McAllen’s economy continues to attract interest in investment opportunities. “We are thrilled to unveil our new website to the public and provide an enhanced…

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