Author Archives: VBR

The Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco recently announced it has an elevated occupancy rate in the Historic Downtown district of Weslaco. The Weslaco Downtown area encompasses Texas Blvd. between Pike Blvd. and Sixth Street, while the Historic Downtown district includes only the establishments south of Old Business 83. With the acquisition of Casa Kevin, its newest downtown tenant, only a few vacant buildings remain along the main Texas Blvd. thoroughfare…

BRO Announces New Assistant Director

October 26, 2023

VBR

e-Brief Features News Transportation & Travel Comments

Christopher Hopkins is the new assistant director of the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport. Hopkins now manages airside, landside, security, ground transportation and terminal operations for the airport. Hopkins brings more than 22 years of industry experience in aviation, security, business finance, contract negotiations and public safety. Most recently, he worked for Aviation Events & Consulting, a firm specializing in lease negotiations and business development of airport space. …

Mission ECD Funds $1.5M in Scholarships

October 25, 2023

VBR

Community Education Featured News Comments

The Mission Economic Development Corporation has awarded nearly $1.5 million in financial aid to 872 students from the City of Mission through a scholarship fund it established with South Texas College 10 years ago. This year alone, a record-breaking number of students applied for the Mission Economic Development Authority Scholarship Fund. Of the more than 300 applicants, nearly 64 percent received aid. “We have been able to invest in our…

IMAS Art Show Showcases Local Talent

October 23, 2023

VBR

Arts Featured News Comments

The International Museum of Art & Science was buzzing with excitement and a full house of talented IMAS member artists and guests recently at the grand opening of the third annual Members’ Juried Art Show. Johanna Villarreal received Best in Show, the top award for the juried show, for her oil on canvas, Ugly. Other awards include Gerardo Medina – Second Place (Guardian Angel, Does This Day Have to End?),…

Hispanic Outlook Gives UTRGV High Rankings

October 21, 2023

VBR

Education Featured News Comments

On the heels of being ranked the No. 1 university in Texas for 2023-2024 by Washington Monthly, UTRGV now has earned top rankings by Hispanic Outlook on Higher Education Magazine in several categories. The Hispanic Outlook will release the rankings in the annual “Hispanic Outlook Top 100 Colleges and Universities for Hispanics” edition, which features UTRGV as its cover story. In the Top 100 Rankings Second in the Top 100…

Edinburg Holiday Parade Accepting Float Applications

October 20, 2023

VBR

Community Events Featured News Comments

The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and City of Edinburg are now accepting float applications for the annual Night of Lights Parade on Dec. 1 in Downtown Edinburg. Application deadline is Nov. 17 at 5 p.m. This year’s theme is “Santa’s Workshop,” inspiring the imaginations of children. Organizers are asking parade applicants to decorate “in the theme of your favorite children’s toy’s, games or workshop. In true holiday spirit, we ask…

IMAS Awarded Opens Call for Art Proposals

October 19, 2023

VBR

Arts e-Brief Features News Comments

The International Museum of Art & Science has received a Cultural District Project grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts for Destination McAllen: Art, Culture, IMAS. The IMAS is partnering with the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and Decibel Communications to promote the McAllen Cultural District across the state of Texas. IMAS is currently requesting proposals for a public art project through Nov. 7. Artists may submit proposals for a…

BRO Virtual Tour Now Online

October 19, 2023

VBR

e-Brief Features News Transportation & Travel Comments

A virtual tour of the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport is now live online at flybrownsville.com. The 360-degree virtual tour allows the user to navigate the airport and become familiar with each facet of the terminal. Users can click on the image “Explore Our 3D 360° Tour” to tour the airport facility using a computer or cell phone. The function allows current and future travelers to explore the location of…

McAllen Public Utility Hosts Water Themed Art Contest

October 18, 2023

VBR

Arts Featured News Comments

McAllen Public Utility is hosting a its first-ever “Grateful for Water” art contest. The competition, open to ninth through 12th grade students who are McAllen residents, should depict artwork that shows the way water enriches their lives. The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. on Nov. 15. “Students are being asked to create an original piece of art, that demonstrates their gratitude for water,” said Katia Sanchez, MPU education coordinator.…

Anonymous Donor Gifts VIDA $200,000

October 17, 2023

VBR

Community Featured News Comments

Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement has received an anonymous donation of $200,000, allowing VIDA to further its impact and continue its work in enhancing career pathways for low-income students. The anonymous donor’s generosity reflects a deep commitment to making investments in today’s students. The $200,000 donation will be instrumental in supporting VIDA’s ongoing programs and initiatives. VIDA has a long history of empowering underserved residents within our region with…