Author Archives: VBR

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…

SBA Opens Small Business Week Awards Nominations

August 21, 2025

VBR

Business Advice e-Brief Features News Comments

The U.S. Small Business Administration has opened nominations for the 2026 National Small Business Week Awards. National Small Business Week, which recognizes the contributions of America’s 36 million small businesses, which make up 99 percent of all businesses in America, creates two out of every three new jobs, and employs about half of America’s workforce. Next year, National Small Business Week will take place May 3–9. “During National Small Business Week,…

TSTC Names New Harlingen Provost

August 21, 2025

VBR

e-Brief Features Education Moving On Up News Comments

Gina Cano-Monreal, Ph.D., is the new provost of Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus, effective July 29. Cano-Monreal previously served as the college’s associate vice chancellor for instructional shared services, supporting TSTC’s 12 campuses across the state. In that role, the Harlingen native oversaw curriculum quality and alignment, instructional design and support, and instructional resources and solutions. “TSTC is making significant investments to expand premier technical training in the Rio…

STC Offering Free CPR Courses

August 14, 2025

VBR

Community e-Brief Features Education Featured Healthcare News Comments

South Texas College Continuing Education is currently holding free Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Basic Life Support and first aid classes with certification from the American Heart Association. Registration is now open to anyone in the community including health care professionals, police officers and community members who seek training that can help save lives in emergency situations. The free CPR courses are funded by a grant from Texas Mutual, which has been providing…

Latina Leadership Conference Returns Sept. 4

August 14, 2025

VBR

e-Brief Features Events News Comments

The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce invites the community to its annual Latina Leadership Conference on Sept. 4 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Mission Event Center (200 N. Shary Road). This year’s theme, “Sí Se Puede,” sets an empowering tone for a day focused on Latina leadership, cultural celebration and professional growth. The event will feature keynote speaker Janet Murguía, president and CEO of UnidosUS,…