Author Archives: VBR

The Texas Film Commission has designated the City of Mercedes as a Film Friendly Texas Certified Community after completing the multi-step training and certification process. “Congratulations to Mercedes on joining more than 200 Film Friendly Texas Certified Communities,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “The Texas Film Commission partners with communities in every region of the state to market their unique appeal and attract new investments in media production. Through ongoing Film…

Texas Valley Coastal Bend VA Wins Best Patient Experience Award

April 2, 2026

VBR

e-Brief Features Healthcare News Comments

VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Healthcare System in Harlingen has been awarded the 2025 Veterans Health Administration Customer Experience Award for Best Patient Experience Award for facility complexity level 2. This national recognition honors VATVCBHCS demonstrating the Under Secretary for Health’s Veterans First priority by delivering exceptional patient experiences and exemplifying VHA’s mission to build trust, improve access and provide high‑quality, veteran‑centered care. The VHA CX Awards recognize facilities that…

Event Inspires Girls To Dream Big

April 1, 2026

VBR

Education News Comments

Educators and community leaders across the country are working to encourage young girls to explore opportunities in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematic fields. The acronym for these fields is known as STEM and it is in these fields where women have historically been underrepresented. Nationally, women make up only about 28 percent of the STEM workforce. This underrepresentation is most pronounced in engineering and computer science and highlights the…

Pharr Honors Women’s Leadership and Impact

March 26, 2026

VBR

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments

The City of Pharr recently recognized International Women’s Day with its annual Women’s Day Celebration, embracing this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” and honoring the invaluable contributions of women across the city and community. The celebration began with a meaningful act of service, as City of Pharr employees donated women’s clothing to support members of the local community. This initiative reflected the spirit of giving and unity that continues to define…

Manufacturing Investment Coming to McAllen

March 26, 2026

VBR

e-Brief Features Featured Manufacturing/Industrial News Comments

Valeo, a global automotive technology leader, will establish new U.S. manufacturing operations in McAllen. This announcement came recently through the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with the City of McAllen and Hidalgo County. Headquartered in Paris, France, Valeo is a leading automotive technology company with operations in more than 30 countries worldwide, serving major automakers with advanced technologies that support vehicle safety, electrification, connectivity and next-generation mobility. Valeo’s decision…

Port of Brownsville Celebrates 90 Years

March 12, 2026

VBR

e-Brief Features Manufacturing/Industrial News Comments

Celebrating 90 years of progress in 2026, the Port of Brownsville has transformed a bold vision into an economic powerhouse, securing billions in private investment and anchoring one of the fastest-growing manufacturing and logistics hubs in Texas. Established by voters in 1928 and officially opened in 1936, the port reshaped the southernmost tip of Texas from an agriculture-based economy into a global trade gateway. The construction of the Brownsville Ship…

RGV Culinary Leader Joins STC Foundation Board

March 12, 2026

VBR

e-Brief Features Education News Comments

A longtime advocate of higher education and supporter of the South Texas College Culinary Arts program, Sony Rego has earned a seat on the STC Foundation Board. Owner of McAllen’s most popular culinary experiences – Santa Fe Steakhouse, Republic of the Rio Grande and University Drafthouse – Rego, through her Santa Fe Foundation has supported hundreds of students through scholarships, internships and career opportunities. “I’ve always been a huge supporter…

2026 H-E-B Quest For Texas Now Open

March 12, 2026

VBR

e-Brief Features Featured Food & Entertainment News Retail Comments

H-E-B is accepting submissions through April 22 for its 13th annual H-E-B Quest for Texas Best, a competition created to find the best Texas-made products. Qualified participants will compete for a combined $100,000 in cash prizes and the opportunity to feature their product on H-E-B shelves across the state. H-E-B’s Business Development Managers will select the top applicants who will present their products before a panel of judges selected by H-E-B…

BIPOC Offers Small Business Accelerator

March 5, 2026

VBR

Community e-Brief Features Featured News Comments

Applications are now being accepted for the Q2 cohort of PeopleFund’s BIPOC Small Business Accelerator program, providing underserved entrepreneurs in Texas with the capital, education and resources needed to support healthy business growth. Applications close April 2 with classes taking place every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 15 through June 3. Program participants commit to an orientation, a series of virtual training sessions, and assigned “homework”. Participants…

Pharr Sees Communications Leadership Transitions

March 5, 2026

VBR

e-Brief Features Government News Comments

The City of Pharr’s Office of City Communications recently announced two teams members, Yuri Gonzalez and Kenia Gomez, rising into new leadership roles. Gonzalez, who led the Office of City Communications since 2021, is taking on a new role as director of International Commercial Development. Having already collaborated with the Pharr Economic Development Corporation and the Pharr International Bridge on multiple projects, Gonzalez will continue to strengthen international partnerships and…