Author Archives: VBR

Improvement Project Signing Ceremony Propels Port Forward

The Brownsville Navigation District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed a joint agreement on July 6 for Phase 2 of the Brazos Island Harbor Channel Improvement Project. The agreement advances the project’s timeline to begin work on deepening the ship channel from 42 feet to 52 feet. This will result in significant navigational safety improvements for commercial shipping in South Texas. The BIH project will further increase the…

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Weslaco Museum Exhibit Addresses Human Trafficking

The Weslaco Museum is currently partnering with the Bullock Texas State History Museum for a powerful exhibition about human trafficking. “NOT ALONE: Working Together in the Fight Against Human Trafficking” will be on display until Oct. 1. The exhibit features projections of video testimonies of real-life survivors of sexual, labor, child and human trafficking. The Weslaco Museum feels that this exhibit is timely and expresses the dangers of being victimized.…

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STC On Verge Of International Workforce Partnership

STC hosts delegates from CMIC Tamaulipas and CMIC Reynosa for a tour of the STC Institute for Advanced Manufacturing. (photo STC)

South Texas College recently hosted the Cámara Mexicana de la Industria de la Construcción delegation at its Institute for Advanced Manufacturing facility at the college’s Technology campus. CMIC delegates from Reynosa and the statewide chapter from Tamaulipas, Mexico gathered for a tour of the IAM campus. Here they got an inside look at what STC has to offer in terms of customized and hands-on training for their employees.  STC recently…

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SPI Chamber Wins Communication Awards

Dianna Harvill and Alita Bagley accept South Padre Chamber of Commerce's awards at the recent TCCE conference. (photo SPI Chamber)

The South Padre Chamber of Commerce is the recent recipient of two communications awards from the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives. The awards come in the Print and Electronic Publications, and Newsletter categories. Receiving the awards at the TCCE conference in Rockwall, Texas were chamber President/CEO Alita Bagley and Marketing Director Dianna Harvill. The chamber won first place for its 2022 Official Guide to South Padre Island in the Print…

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UTRGV Names Inaugural School of Podiatric Medicine Dean

Dr. Javier La Fontaine

Dr. Javier La Fontaine is the inaugural dean of the UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine, effective July 1. La Fontaine has served as associate dean of Academic Affairs for the SOPM since January. He has played an integral role in the school being granted candidacy by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education. The Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program has also been approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools…

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Local Contest Encourages Youth Nature Photographers

Southern Exposures Youth Nature Photo Contest

Quinta Mazatlán and the Valley Land Fund are hosting the Southern Exposures Youth Nature Photo Contest through Aug. 1. The annual contest encourages children ages 5 to 18 to take notice and act to protect the beauty of nature in the Rio Grande Valley. Between now and Aug. 1, children from 5 to 18 can submit up to six nature photographs taken only in the Rio Grande Valley. Photos can…

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TWC Takes Action to Address Healthcare Worker Shortages

healthcare

The Texas Workforce Commission recently voted to suspend multiple program rules that only allowed private sector apprenticeships and limited Skills Development Fund grants to private industry, citing public necessity with a critical shortage of healthcare workers. These changes will permit the agency to provide funds to train apprentices and other employees in public sector healthcare occupations previously exempted from participation. “This is another vital step in bridging the middle skills…

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UTRGV Names Senior VP And Dean

Can Saygin

Can Saygin will be the new new senior vice president for Research and dean of the Graduate College at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley effective Aug. 1. “I am looking forward to playing an impactful role in developing and implementing the vision, programs, and infrastructure that will continue growing the Research Enterprise and expanding the Graduate College at UTRGV,” said Saygin. Saygin joins UTRGV from The University of Texas at…

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STC Among “Best Associate Degrees in Texas”

South Texas College ranks among the top institutions for associate degrees statewide according to University HQ. (photo STC)

South Texas College is one of the “Best Associate Degrees in Texas” and is ranked the highest among two-year colleges in the region, according to University HQ. The independent educational organization compiles information for students pursuing higher education. University HQ bills itself as an all-in-one source for information on colleges, entrance requirements and career paths, providing career guides for students. The organization also has STC among the “Top Colleges for…

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Texas Unemployment Rate Continues To Fall

hiring

Texas added 74,200 total nonagricultural jobs in May 2022. For the seventh consecutive month, the state set new employment highs as total nonfarm jobs reached 13,357,100. Texas has added a total of 762,400 positions since May 2021. The seasonally adjusted Texas unemployment rate was 4.2 percent, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from April 2022. “Texas continues to set records for employment growth with more than 250,000 jobs added from…

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