Author Archives: VBR

McAllen International Airport is the recipient of $6.2 million from the Federal Aviation Administration. The funds from the Airport Improvement Program grant will address drainage, erosion control, pavement management study and airfield safety design. “The federal funding awarded to our airport will help start and complete capital improvement projects aimed at passenger safety. We are grateful for the support of our legislative representatives and their teams for their vested commitment…

TCMA Recognizes McAllen City Administrators

June 20, 2023

VBR

The Texas City Managers Association recently recognized two City of McAllen administrators, City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez and Assistant City Manager Joe Vera, as recipients of two 2023 TCMA Professional Awards at the TCMA Annual Conference Awards Luncheon in Allen, Texas. Rodriguez is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes city management professionals who have made significant contributions to the field of local government management for more than…

UTRGV School of Medicine Receives Final Accreditation

June 19, 2023

VBR

Education Featured Healthcare News Comments

The UTRGV School of Medicine recently completed the final stage of accreditation required by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. UTRGV President Guy Bailey said this significant milestone, while expected, is also important for the Rio Grande Valley. Moving forward, the school can now increase the number of students it is able to admit each year. Being able to develop and train more future doctors will also allow the School of…

McAllen Office of Communications Wins Statewide Awards

June 15, 2023

VBR

e-Brief Features Government News Comments

The Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers announced the 2023 winners of its state-wide TAMI Awards Competition during a ceremony at the annual conference recently in Arlington. The City of McAllen Office of Communications earned a total of four awards for its video production work and photography series. This year, 547 entries from 70 different municipalities submitted entries for the competition. “Being recognized by a state organization for the great…

UTRGV Launches AgDiscovery Program

June 15, 2023

VBR

Agriculture e-Brief Features Education News Comments

UTRGV held a special event June 11 to kick off its new AgDiscovery Program, in which 12 area high school students will engage in hands-on learning workshops, behind-the-scenes tours, laboratory and field exercises, and a variety of character- and team-building activities. The event was the beginning of the free summer outreach program, introducing students to the potential of careers in plant and soil sciences, food inspection and distribution, natural resources and…

Pharr Appoints Juan F. Gonzalez as Chief of Police

June 14, 2023

VBR

Featured Government News Comments

The City of Pharr recently appointed Juan F. Gonzalez as chief of police for the Pharr Police Department. Since Sept. 2022, Gonzalez has served as the acting chief of police. Gonzalez has served the Pharr Police Department for over 16 years starting as a patrol officer in 2007. Since then, Gonzalez has worked in the Criminal Investigations Division, SWAT team, the South Texas Auto Theft Task Force, and has served as…

SBA Accepting Small Business Lending Company License Applications

June 13, 2023

VBR

Featured Government News Comments

A window is now open by the U.S. Small Business Administration for new applications for Small Business Lending Company licenses for the first time in over 40 years. New applicants may apply between between now and July 31. SBA approves Small Business Lending Company Licenses for selected non-depository lenders to increase responsible small business lending. An SBLC license allows the lending organization to utilize government guarantees when underwriting small business…

Pharr EDC, LiftFund Launch New Small Business Program

June 8, 2023

VBR

Business Advice e-Brief Features News Comments

The Pharr Economic Development Corporation has partnered with LiftFund to launch of its new small business program providing local small businesses in Pharr with assistance and debt relief. LiftFund’s mission is to provide credit and services to small businesses and entrepreneurs who do not have access to loans from commercial sources and to provide leadership and innovation to the micro-lending industry. Since its founding, the organization has provided over $287…

IMAS Partners with McAllen ISD for Summer Feeding Program

June 8, 2023

VBR

Community e-Brief Features News Comments

The International Museum of Art & Science is participating in the McAllen ISD’s Summer Feeding Program. McAllen ISD’s annual Summer Feeding Program serves free, nutritious meals at participating feeding sites to children 18 years of age and under this summer. Children do not have to be a McAllen ISD student to participate in the program. Meals will be provided at several sites across McAllen, many of them twice per day,…

Mission EDC to Host Inaugural ‘Tesla Takeover’

June 8, 2023

VBR

Community Events e-Brief Features News Transportation & Travel Comments

The Mission Economic Development Corporation will host 2023 Tesla Takeover, the Rio Grande Valley’s first Tesla car show and tech expo, on July 1. The day marks the 20th anniversary of the company’s founding. The event will also mark the first time that Tesla drivers gather for a festival-style car show in South Texas. The Takeover takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Center for Education and…