Author Archives: VBR

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce board recently voted unanimously to name Elizabeth Suarez the new president and CEO of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. “Elizabeth’s extensive experience, her effective leadership, and her deep roots in the community, make her an ideal candidate to lead our organization,” said Stephan Wingert, chairman of the board for the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. “We are excited to welcome Elizabeth to the Chamber of Commerce.…

VIDA Receives Blue Impact Grant For Workforce Development

September 7, 2023

VBR

Community e-Brief Features News Comments

Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement has received a Blue Impact grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, an award reflecting BCBSTX’s dedication to community-based organizations that prioritize the well-being of children and families. The grant recognizes the crucial role of local organizations in fostering positive change, tackling underlying factors that influence health, including socio-economic challenges, and promoting economic opportunities. Since its launch in early 2023, BCBSTX has allocated…

Stage 2 Water Restrictions in Effect for McAllen

September 5, 2023

VBR

Community Featured News Comments

Mandatory stage 2 water restrictions are now in effect for McAllen residents and businesses. Stage 2 restricts sprinkler system irrigation to only two days a week, during specific hours for each of the six zones of the city. When the water supply from Amistad and Falcon Dam reach less than 25 percent capacity, this triggers Stage 2. “McAllen Public Utility is a responsible steward of our water and during the…

UTRGV Ranks No. 1 University In Texas

September 2, 2023

VBR

Education Featured News Comments

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on Monday started the 2023-24 academic year as the No. 1 university in Texas, based on Washington Monthly magazine’s annual college guide and rankings. According to Washington Monthly, instead of rewarding schools for their prestige, wealth and exclusivity, its rankings give points to universities that help non-wealthy students earn remunerative degrees, encourage students to vote and serve their country, and produce the scholars…

UTRGV Touts Third-Fastest Growing Public Doctoral Institution

September 2, 2023

VBR

Education Featured News Comments

The Chronicle of Higher Education recently released the Fall 2023 issue of the Almanac of Higher Education 2023, where for the sixth year in a row, UTRGV is ranked as one of the top 10 fastest-growing public doctoral institutions in the United States. The latest rankings in the almanac reflect the overall enrollment during the decade of 2011-2021. While the nation’s overall enrollment declined during that period, UTRGV surged and was ranked as the third-fastest growing institution…

McAllen Ranks 3 For First-Time Homebuyers

August 31, 2023

VBR

Community e-Brief Features News Comments

McAllen has been ranked number three of the top 15 cities in the United States for first-time homebuyers by the financial services website SmartAsset.com. Five Texas cities land among the top 15 places to buy a home for the first time. This study examined 185 metro areas and cities were ranked based on four metrics, composed of: Affordability: Median sale price relative to median income. Median sale price comes from Zillow…

Keep McAllen Beautiful Unveils Newest Mural

August 30, 2023

VBR

Community Featured News Comments

Keep McAllen Beautiful and the Texas Department of Transportation recently unveiled the City of McAllen’s newest work of art, a 408-foot mural located on an irrigation wall at the intersection of Pecan Blvd. and 2nd Street. The mural was painted with an agreement from TxDOT’s “Don’t Mess with Texas” campaign. The signature initiative of their litter prevention program helps educate the public regarding the battle against litter. Earlier this year,…

UTRGV Green Lit To Buy Majestic Theatre

August 29, 2023

VBR

Arts Education Featured News Comments

The University of Texas System Board of Regents on Thursday authorized UTRGV to purchase the Majestic Theatre and an adjacent building in downtown Brownsville. In support of UTRGV’s Performing Arts programs in the College of Fine Arts, UTRGV will renovate the buildings currently owned by The Roy F. and Joann Cole Mitte Foundation. The end result will be the university’s new Performing Arts Center in Brownsville. The center will provide…

City of Pharr Becomes A Certified All Fiber Provider

August 28, 2023

VBR

Featured Government News Comments

The City of Pharr announced last week that it has officially been approved as a Certified All Fiber Provider by the Fiber Broadband Association. The Fiber Broadband Association’s All Fiber Network Certification recognizes members for their commitment to ensuring customers receive the fastest, most reliable broadband services — connectivity delivered over “future-proof” fiber networks. “This is yet another milestone achievement in the work we are doing here in the City of…

Nominations Open For McAllen Man & Woman of the Year Awards

August 26, 2023

VBR

Community Featured News Comments

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 68th annual ‘Man & Woman of the Year’ Awards. Since 1955, the McAllen Chamber of Commerce has been honoring remarkable individuals who have made a substantial contribution to the City of McAllen through their exceptional service and volunteerism. Winners will be recognized during the ‘Man & Woman of the Year’ Awards that will take place from 6:30-10 p.m. on Nov.…