Author Archives: VBR

UTRGV Ranked Among Best, Most Affordable Universities

(Photo David Pike, UTRGV)

UTRGV once again has been recognized as one of the best and most affordable public universities in the United States and Texas. Washington Monthly recently released its annual national 2021 College Guide and Rankings, and ranked UTRGV high in the following categories: First in Texas and second nationally among public universities for lowest net price of attendance for students whose household income is below $75,000. First in Texas and third nationally…

Read More

TXDoT Gives Port of Brownsville Top Marks

The South Port Connector Road includes two bridges over wetlands in the area to minimize environmental impacts on the local ecosystem. (photo Port of Brownsville)

The Texas Department of Transportation recently issued the Port of Brownsville a grade A score for its Local Government Risk Assessment. Serving as the basis for the score is the performance of the South Port Connector Road construction project. A risk score of A signifies that the Brownsville Navigation District presents a low-level risk to TXDoT based on the current project performance. The Local Government Risk Assessment and Qualifications Review…

Read More

Governor’s Office Holds Virtual Trade Week

The Texas Governor’s Office invites Texas companies to join them on a Virtual Trade Mission across Latin America Dec. 13-16. The event will be a week to learn about trade and business opportunities between Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama and Texas. Participants will receive: Texas & Countries Market Overview: Business environment, challenges and opportunities with sectoral emphasis and industries with major business opportunities. Gain inspiration for potential new ways to do…

Read More

Shop The Island To Win

Shop the Island, Christmas presents

South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce‘s “Shop the Island” initiative is back through Dec. 20. For every $20 spent with any Island businesses, shoppers may register for a $500 shopping spree. Every dollar spent locally also ensures a healthy and growing South Padre Island economy. Original receipts may be dropped off at the following SPI Chamber member businesses: Padre Island Brewing Co. Renee’s of South Padre Ship Shape Sea Turtle…

Read More

Charlton Named Weslaco Woman of the Year

Weslaco EDC Board members congratulate fellow board member Sandra Charlton, fourth from right. Board members are JJ Serrano Jr., Fred Perez, Jerry Gonzalez, Benita R. Valadez, Sonjia De La Fuenta, Patrick Gonzalez and Steven M. Valdez. (courtesy)

The Weslaco Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its annual Awards Luncheon at the Memory Blvd. Event Center in downtown Weslaco. During the luncheon, the chamber awards local businesses, organizations and individuals who have demonstrated leadership and made substantial contributions to the city.  Receiving Woman of the Year for 2021 is Sandra Charlton. Charlton currently serves on the Economic Development Corporation board as treasurer. She is also an active ambassador and…

Read More

Illumina Fest Lights Up Quinta Mazatlán

Visit the lighted show in the woods at Illumina Fest from Dec. 14-18 at Quinta Mazatlán.

Illumina Fest begins Dec. 14 at Quinta Mazatlán, showcasing a unique light show in the woods through Dec. 18. The festival features more than 2,000 luminarias on the trail, light art installations, live performers, live music and food. The five-day evening event features more than 30 art installations using nature as the canvas while featuring the talents of many Valley artists and performers. Illumina Fest celebrates the season of light with…

Read More

Holiday Market Kicks Off IMAS Christmas

IMAS Christmas Tree Forest

The International Museum of Art & Science presents a community Holiday Market to kick off this year’s annual Christmas Tree Forest “Christmas in the RGV” Dec. 5. The artisan market takes place from 1-5 p.m. In addition to the local artists, the Valley Symphony Orchestra and the McAllen Creative Arts Incubator will participate in the event this year. The community may support these local artists and artisans and then visit…

Read More

Workforce Wednesday Job Fair Returns

The City of Harlingen and Harlingen EDC, in partnership with Workforce Solutions Cameron, host the next Workforce Wednesday Dec. 8. The hiring event takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Casa de Amistad, 1204 Fair Park Blvd. in Harlingen. Workforce Wednesday will host dozens of employers seeking to fill part-time and full-time positions. This is the third event in the series of job fairs that began in August.…

Read More

UTRGV Students Place First In Restaurant Competition

Paulina Martinez, Abelardo Villarreal and Andrea Garza took home first place in the “Restaurant of the Future” competition at the Restaurant Finance and Development Conference. (courtesy)

Three students representing the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program at the UTRGV Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship earned first place at the Restaurant Finance and Development Conference Nov. 8-10 in Las Vegas, Nev. The team of Andrea Garza, Paulina Martinez and Abelardo Villarreal earned first place in the “Restaurant of the Future” competition. Their restaurant concept, “Wonder,” was an immersive, multisensory culinary experience using augmented and virtual reality technology. “Dining…

Read More

Small Business Week Awards Nominations Now Open

Small Business Week Awards (photo SBA)

The U.S. Small Business Administration is now accepting nominations for the 2022 National Small Business Week Awards. The NSBW Awards recognize the achievements of SBA-assisted small businesses as well as the contributions they have made to their communities and the nation’s economy. The deadline for nomination submission is 3 p.m. EST Jan. 11, 2022. Award presentations will take place during the NSBW Awards ceremony in the first week of May…

Read More