Author Archives: VBR

A new era of technology was recently celebrated at Texas Southmost College with a grand opening and ribbon cutting for the Associate Degree in Nursing program’s new state-of-the-art nursing simulation lab. The new simulation lab’s design at the TSC International Technology, Education and Commerce Center resembles a hospital floor. The lab features mid- to high-fidelity simulation mannequins. TSC Director of Nursing Beth Kasprisin said this lab has been a longtime…

VIDA Receives State Training Grant

December 22, 2021

VBR

e-Brief Features Education Featured News Comments

Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement is one of 44 Texas nonprofits recently receiving recognition from Texas Mutual for its initiatives in workforce development. VIDA’s $41,667 grant from Texas Mutual will go towards workforce development, training VIDA students in target demand occupations. “We are immensely thankful to Texas Mutual Foundation for selecting VIDA as one of its grant recipients during COVID-19 recovery,” said VIDA Deputy Executive Director Felida Villarreal. “Career…

TSC, SteelCoast Company Receive Job-Training Grant

December 17, 2021

VBR

Education Featured Government News Comments

The Texas Workforce Commission has awarded Texas Southmost College and their partner SteelCoast Company LLC a $283,325 Skills Development Fund grant. The grant will benefit workers in the Workforce Solutions Cameron area. This grant will help create 170 new jobs while providing upskilling for an additional 80 workers. This grant will provide customized training such as ESL training, craft skills training including rigging and forklift, safety and health care training, and…

Midland Headlines McAllen International CarFest 2022

December 16, 2021

VBR

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments

The 12th annual McAllen International CarFest returns to the McAllen Convention Center Feb. 4-6. The car festival will be larger than previous years with a special performance from Midland Feb. 5 at 8 p.m. McAllen International CarFest will feature more than 300 cars on display, live music presented by local artist, local vendors and street food. Car enthusiasts will see a mix of 55 categories ranging from classic and antique,…

Edinburg Chamber Hosts Gingerbread Competition

December 16, 2021

VBR

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments

The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and CASA of Hidalgo County are currently hosting its inaugural Gingerbread CASA Competition. The organizations welcome citizens, the business community and professionals to participate in the event. All submissions must be turned in to the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Historic Depot at 602 W. University Drive by 4 p.m. Dec. 20. Winners of the competition will be announced and awarded on Dec. 21 at 3…

McAllen Library Launches Reading Challenges

December 15, 2021

VBR

Community Featured News Comments

McAllen Public Library invites children, teens and adults to sign up for the 2022 Winter Reading Challenge. Children can complete a fun Winter Break Reading Challenge. This program runs from Dec. 17 to Jan. 4. Children may complete the challenge by by filling up an image of a hot cocoa mug by logging reading hours with marshmallows. Visit the Children’s area of any branch of the McAllen Public Library to…

38th Annual Causeway Run Registration Open

December 14, 2021

VBR

Community Events Featured News Comments

The 38th annual Longest Causeway Run & Fitness Walk is rescheduled for April 9, 2022, and registration is now open. The Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce hosts the 5K walk and 10k run for thousands of participants starting in Port Isabel and crossing the causeway. Walkers will end at the Padre Balli statue on the Island while runners will continue to the finish line at Louie’s Backyard. The run will…

Brownsville Airport Executive Named Top 40 Under 40

December 13, 2021

VBR

Featured News Transportation & Travel Comments

Francisco Partida is one of Airport Business magazine’s 2021 Top 40 Under 40. The interim assistant director of aviation for Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport is the only aviation executive in Texas to receive this honor. Airport Business magazine is a leading national aviation industry magazine. Its Top 40 Under 40 recognizes both the top talent and leading thinkers in the aviation industry. Airport Business Magazine staff vets candidates…

STC and Trancasa To Roll Out New CDL Program

December 9, 2021

VBR

e-Brief Features Education News Transportation & Travel Comments

South Texas College, in partnership with international ground transportation leader Trancasa, has set in motion a new commercial driver’s license program that will address a growing demand for drivers in the industry. “This is a classic example of South Texas College reskilling and upskilling through education and training to meet regional and local labor demands,” said South Texas College president Dr. Ricardo J. Solis who brokered the partnership with Trancasa.…

Friday Fundraising Event Helps Veteran Start Anew

December 9, 2021

VBR

Community Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments

It was around 4 a.m. Nov. 14. Army veteran Juan Gonzalez and his wife Ana woke up with barely enough time to exit their home of 49 years that had been engulfed in flames. In reeling in the tragedy, the Donna family has also found hope. The community and the South Texas Builders Alliance are helping them rebuild from their ashes. But rebuilding is no small feat, so the organization…