Author Archives: VBR

The Port of Brownsville remains a stronghold for the Rio Grande Valley’s economy, providing record-setting tonnage and robust operating revenues for FY 2021. Brownsville Navigation District Board Chairman Sergio Tito Lopez highlighted these achievements at the 2022 State of the Port Address last week at the Rancho Viejo Convention Center. The unaudited operating revenues for FY 2021 surpassed the $30-million mark for the second consecutive year at $34 million. Cargo…

UTRGV Establishes Local Collegiate High Schools

March 31, 2022

VBR

e-Brief Features Education News Comments

Two Rio Grande Valley school districts have recently signed Memorandums of Understanding with UTRGV in support of the development and implementation of Collegiate High Schools. The McAllen Independent School District and the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District made the commitment to provide their students additional opportunities to pursue college credit during high school. “The leaders at the McAllen and Edinburg school districts know how important it is for students to…

TSC Helps Community Prepare Taxes Via VITA

March 30, 2022

VBR

Community e-Brief Features Featured News Comments

For Sophia Lopez, a typical Saturday the last few weeks has included preparing and filing tax returns for people in the community as a Texas Southmost College Accounting Technology student and volunteer for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. The 24-year-old, along with others in her class, have all completed a Federal Income Tax course within their curriculum. They have also earned certifications through the Internal Revenue Service for tax…

Valley Regional In Top Five Percent of U.S. Hospitals

March 29, 2022

VBR

e-Brief Features Featured Healthcare News Comments

Valley Regional Medical Center is the recipient of a 2022 Patient Safety Excellence Award from Healthgrades. The distinction places Valley Regional Medical Center among the top five percent of all short-term acute care hospitals as evaluated. Valley Regional Medical Center colleagues protect the safety of their patients with daily safety huddles. It also consistently has real-time systems in place that use data and analytics to identify and manage risks. This includes…

TSC Holds Ruby Gala April 2

March 28, 2022

VBR

Community Events Education Featured News Comments

Texas Southmost College continues its celebration of its 95th anniversary April 2 with its Ruby Gala. The night will include a string quartet and live music by Rockstar Denied. Online and live auctions will include sport, spa and restaurant packages as well as art pieces and jewelry from local donors. The evening also includes a surf and turf dinner. The gala takes place from 6:30 p.m. to midnight on the…

McAllen Hosts Great American Cleanup

March 26, 2022

VBR

Community Events Featured News Comments

Keep McAllen Beautiful holds its annual Great American Clean-Up and Don’t Mess with Texas Trash-Off April 9 from 8 a.m. to noon. The event starts at McAllen Municipal Park at 1921 N. Bicentennial Boulevard. Volunteers come from all walks of life such as students, business leaders, civic and non-profit organizations, individuals and families. Others come from community and religious groups, sororities, fraternities, sports teams and the military. Volunteers who participate will…

Lizcano Appointed to State Commission

March 24, 2022

VBR

e-Brief Features Government News Comments

Mario Lizcano of Pharr has been appointed to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement by Governor Greg Abbott. As a regulatory State agency, TCOLE establishes and enforces standards to ensure that the people of Texas are served by highly trained and ethical law enforcement, corrections and telecommunications personnel. “I’m truly and humbly honored to have been appointed by Governor Abbott to this amazing board,” said Lizcano. “I’m supportive of all…

Collier Appointed to Texas Travel Alliance Board

March 24, 2022

VBR

e-Brief Features Moving On Up News Comments

Kristi Collier, president/CEO of Welcome Home RGV has been appointed to the board of directors of the Texas Travel Alliance. The Texas Travel Alliance is the primary advocate and voice for the Texas travel industry. It is a diverse membership of Texas travel destinations, accommodations, attractions, transportation and support businesses. “We are excited to welcome Kristi to the Texas Travel Alliance Board of Directors,” said Erika Boyd, Texas Travel Alliance…

SBA Funds Boots to Business Training

March 23, 2022

VBR

Featured Government News Comments

The U.S. Small Business Administration invites eligible non-profit organizations, state and local government agencies, private sector firms, and institutions of higher learning to submit proposals to provide synchronous online entrepreneurship training to transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses. The entrepreneurship training shall be a continuation of the training participants receive as part of SBA’s Boots to Business training program. The awarded organization will develop and maintain a curriculum about entrepreneurship for…

SBA Hosts Inaugural Women’s Business Summit

March 17, 2022

VBR

Business Advice e-Brief Features News Comments

In honor of Women’s History Month, the U.S. Small Business Administration will hold its inaugural Women’s Business Summit on March 29-30. The summit will consist of virtual panels, “Ask an Expert” workshops, and fireside chats to help women-owned small businesses build, scale and grow. Panels and discussion topics include: Innovation and Investment Building an Equitable Recovery Framework for Women Entrepreneurs From Essential Worker to Essential Entrepreneur: CARE Economy Entrepreneurship Opportunities The…