Author Archives: VBR

Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce members Daniel Pizaña and Erika Mazzola, co-founders of Noah’s Ark LLC, earned the Community Choice and First Runner-Up honors at the Startup Texas Pitch Fest on Sept. 9. The integrated pet care platform supports lost pet recovery, wellness guidance, and community connections. Pizaña presented the company during the live pitch competition at the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization. He joined founders from…

Plumbing and Pipefitting Program Debuts at TSTC

September 18, 2025

VBR

e-Brief Features Education Featured Manufacturing/Industrial News Comments

Plumbing and Pipefitting, a program new to Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus, recently welcomed its first cohort of students as the fall semester got underway. Among those students are Ricardo Cantu, David Martinez and Fernando Ochoa. Cantu, of Lyford, is pursuing a Plumbing and Pipefitting – Tradesman certificate of completion. He said his goal is to mirror the skill and expertise demonstrated by his instructors. “I want to learn…

Quality of Life Grant Applications Now Open

September 18, 2025

VBR

Community e-Brief Features News Comments

Applications are now being accepted for the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation’s Quality of Life Grants for Fiscal Year 2026. Nonprofits, public agencies and eligible community partners are encouraged to bring forward projects that make daily life in Brownsville better, more active and more connected. Eligible activities include community infrastructure and beautification, recreational and sports facilities, health and wellness initiatives, safety and accessibility, environmental sustainability, destination amenities that support tourism, technology and…

RGV Hispanic Chamber Announces ‘Manual for Success’ Men’s Conference and Expo

September 18, 2025

VBR

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments

The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will host the second annual “Manual for Success” Men’s Conference and Expo on Nov. 5. The one-day professional development experience is designed to equip men with the tools to thrive personally and professionally. “Investing in yourself — both personally and professionally — is one of the smartest moves a man can make,” said Armando Villarreal, director of membership and events. “Our Men’s…

Luna Awards Celebrate RGV Women Leaders

September 11, 2025

VBR

Community e-Brief Features News Comments

On Aug. 27, the 2025 Luna Awards Luncheon – Rio Grande Valley Region honored the achievements of women, women-owned businesses and advocates in the architecture, engineering and construction industries. State Rep. Erin Elizabeth Gámez delivered the keynote address and Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda provided opening remarks, highlighting the impact of women leaders on the region’s built environment. 2025 Award Recipients are: A/E/C Firm of the Year: Karla Goldammer, D&J Site…

Trucking Moves Trade Forward at the Port

September 11, 2025

VBR

e-Brief Features Manufacturing/Industrial News Transportation & Travel Comments

This month, the Port of Brownsville will join the American Trucking Associations in celebrating National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, which runs from Sept. 14-20. According to the American Trucking Associations, truck drivers safely transport more than 11 billion tons of goods and products every year, which accounts for nearly 73 percent of America’s total annual freight. Eighty percent of U.S. communities depend solely on trucking to deliver goods. In 2024…

IMAS to Host Free Community Event in Mission

September 11, 2025

VBR

Arts Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments

The International Museum of Art & Science invites families and residents of Mission, Alton and surrounding communities in Hidalgo County Precinct 3 to partake in a day of learning and connection at the Veterans Memorial Pavilion in Mission. The event, “Beyond the Exhibits: Outreach at the Pavilion,” will take place on Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature interactive activities for all ages. The event includes…

STC Ranks as Top Hispanic-Serving Institution

September 4, 2025

VBR

e-Brief Features Education News Comments

South Texas College has earned the top spot in the nation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the Washington Monthly 2025 College Rankings report. Since 2005, Washington Monthly has ranked colleges based on their contributions to the country in three areas: social mobility, research and promoting public service. This year, in collaboration with Excelencia in Education, it also ranked how well Hispanic-Serving Institutions like STC, are serving this increasing population. “This ranking affirms…

McAllen ISD Launches Adult HS Diploma Program

August 28, 2025

VBR

e-Brief Features Education News Comments

McAllen ISD is now offering the Step-up Program, a free diploma completion program for adults ages 18 to 26 who left school before graduating. The program accommodates flexible scheduling, allowing students to attend in the morning or afternoon, Monday through Friday, to match their personal commitments and to proceed at their own pace. The program is planning to launch with approximately 50 students early this fall at McAllen ISD’s Lamar…

H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best Includes McAllen Product

August 28, 2025

VBR

Food & Entertainment News Retail Comments

The 2025 edition of H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best competition is down to 10 finalists and one of them is based in McAllen. Sully Villareal’s Deli Spice Cooking Spices has made the cut among more than 370 products up for H-E-B’s review. An H-E-B press release states about Deli Spice, “Every blend is tested by families and perfected by a Mexican mom in Texas to help people cook authentic birria…