Author Archives: VBR

Texas Master Naturalist Program Begins Pollinators for Texas

Community e-Brief Features News Comments
Pollinators for Texas 

The Texas Master Naturalist program is teaming up with H-E-B for a new Pollinators for Texas initiative. As part of this new partnership, H-E-B is providing $50,000 to the TMN program to fund the initiative. TMN chapters across the state will have the opportunity to apply for project awards of up to $3,000 each to support large-scale community-based projects that enhance native pollinator populations and their habitats. “We are proud to partner…

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Texas Civilian Labor Force Exceeds 15.4 Million

e-Brief Features News Comments
Texas added 10,500 Professional and Business Services jobs in September, registering the industry as the largest over-the-month increase.

Texas’ labor market achieved new record highs in September in terms of the job count and number of people in the civilian labor force. Texas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment increased to 14,289,900 after 29,200 jobs were added over the month. Texas added 327,400 jobs from Sept. 2023 to Sept. 2024. Texas’ annual nonfarm growth rate currently sits at 2.3 percent, outpacing the U.S. growth rate by 0.7 percentage points.…

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IMAS Launches Adults-Only After-Hours Program

Arts Community Events e-Brief Features Featured News Comments
IMAS After Dark

The International Museum of Art & Science is launching its new IMAS After Dark with “Fright Night” on Oct. 31, providing a new way for adults to take in the museum. With themed evening events throughout the year, the series provides an exclusive opportunity for adults (21+) to explore the museum’s art and science exhibits in a lively atmosphere. Each night features complimentary beverages, interactive activities and social experiences that…

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DHR Health to Host Behavioral Medicine Conference

e-Brief Features Healthcare News Comments

DHR Health will host its 14th annual International Behavioral Medicine Conference on Nov. 8 and Nov. 9, focusing on various mental health issues while providing informational access to leading authorities in the field of behavioral medicine. The conference will take place at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance and is open to all medical professionals. This includes physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, social workers, licensed professional counselors, psychologists and mental…

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Utility Conference to Connect Local Professionals

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments
Rio Grande Valley Utility Conference

The McAllen Public Utility will host the first-ever Rio Grande Valley Utility Conference at the McAllen Convention Center from Nov. 6-8, bringing together utility professionals, industry leaders and exhibitors from across the region. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with key stakeholders, engage with industry experts, and explore the latest in utility technology and solutions. The conference, while open to the general public, focuses mainly to individuals in the…

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Los Pinos Hardware Helps Local Cancer Patients

e-Brief Features Giving Back News Retail Comments
Los Pinos Hardware

For the third consecutive year, Los Pinos Hardware is giving a portion of its October sales to the Renaissance Cancer Foundation in support of breast cancer awareness. Since their campaign’s inception, Los Pinos Hardware has raised over $30,000 for the Edinburg-based charity. The Renaissance Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization who, since 2008, has provided financial assistance to underserved cancer patients in the Rio Grande Valley. “Once again we are…

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McAllen Reschedules City Manager Public Reception

Community Government News Comments
Isaac Tawil

Originally planned for Aug. 26, the City of McAllen will host a public welcome reception for its new City Manager Isaac Tawil on Oct. 17 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The location has also changed from McAllen City Hall to the McAllen Chamber of Commerce at 1200 Ash Ave. Those wishing to attend the event are asked to RSVP to Anabel Aranda at the chamber via membership@mcallenchamber.com or 956-682-2871. Tawil has more…

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Registration Open for Pharr Veterans Day Parade

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments

Registration is now open for the City of Pharr Salute to Veteran’s Parade and Fireworks Show taking place on Nov. 9. The community celebration honors veterans and their service to our country. Local businesses, organizations and individuals may join the parade by registering online. All entries are welcome and early registration is encouraged. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. in Downtown Pharr (200 S. Cage Blvd.). The festivities will kick…

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McAllen Chamber to Honor 2024 Man & Woman of the Year

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments
Roel "Roy" Rodriguez and Natasha A. Del Barrio

McAllen Chamber of Commerce will honor Roel “Roy” Rodriguez and Natasha A. Del Barrio at the 69th Annual Man & Woman of the Year Awards on Nov. 7 at the McAllen Convention Center. Since 1955, the McAllen Chamber has honored two exceptional individuals each year, recognizing their outstanding contributions and commitment to the City of McAllen. Roel “Roy” Rodriguez With more than 35 years of public service, Rodriguez holds an…

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McAllen Ranks in Best U.S. Cities for Small Businesses

Community e-Brief Features News Comments

In a new report from CoworkingCafe, McAllen ranks nine in the top 20 best places for small businesses nationwide. CoworkingCafe analyzed 136 cities across 11 key metrics such as GDP growth, number of business applications, labor costs and more.  “This recognition as one of the best cities in the U.S. for small business speaks to the strength of our local economy and the hard work of our entrepreneurs,” said McAllen Mayor…

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