Category Archives: Community

The Weslaco Economic Development Corporation has awarded 37 local businesses with financial assistance from its small business loan/grant program. The program was announced in early May to help small businesses cope with the fallout of COVID-19 hardships. The EDC said the loan/grant program helps with payroll, mortgage, rent, utilities and basic operation costs. “The growing economy in Weslaco has based its success on the traditions set by our small business…

Building a Culture of Health in the RGV

July 1, 2020

Chris Ardis

Community Healthcare News Comments

We have all been deluged with local, state, national and international statistics about COVID-19 in recent months. The term “underlying conditions” is often cited in describing those who have become critically ill or who have passed away. There has been more limited information about the actions individuals and communities can take to improve the chances of fighting COVID-19 and other deadly viruses and diseases. Eddie Olivarez, the chief administrator for…

Pharr Reaches Out During Pandemic

July 1, 2020

Ricardo D. Cavazos, VBR content editor

Community Government News Comments

The City of Pharr set up an emergency business loan program similar to other cities – and then did one better in reaching out to its community. The city established the Pharr COVID Recovery Center at its events center to handle all sort of inquiries related to the pandemic outbreak. Among those questions is how local businesses can apply for funds from the Pharr CARES Small Business Loan Program. It…

Back to Work: TWC Provides Acceptable Reasons for Refusal

June 29, 2020

VBR

Business Advice Community Featured Government News Comments

The Texas Workforce Commission recently took action to provide guidance on eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits due to refusal to suitable work. Evaluations of each UI benefits case is currently on an individual basis. However, because of COVID-19, the following are reasons benefits would continue if an individual refuses work. Reason for refusal: People 65 years or older and/or people with medical issues. These include heart disease, diabetes, cancer or a…

Border Trade Alliance Elects Contreras as Chairman

June 25, 2020

VBR

Community e-Brief Features Moving On Up News Comments

Sergio Contreras, the president and CEO of the RGV Partnership, has been elected chairman of the Border Trade Alliance. Contreras takes the helm of the BTA board during a time of challenge for the cross-border trade community. “I am honored to assume the chairmanship of the Border Trade Alliance, one of the nation’s most respected trade advocacy groups, at a time when our work has never been more important,” Contreras…

TWC Expands Skill Enhancements to UI Claimants

June 25, 2020

VBR

Business Advice Community e-Brief Features News Comments

New virtual skills enhancement opportunities are coming from the Texas Workforce Commission for individuals receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits. According to TWC, Texas has a historic number of UI beneficiaries as a result of COVID-19. The result is an increase in need for a range of services to support Texas businesses and workers. This includes the need to enhance the skills of unemployed Texans to prepare to reconnect to the Texas…

Mandates Are Not Pro-Business

June 23, 2020

Todd Breland, VBR general manager

Business Advice Community Featured News Comments

Pro-business. Pro-business autonomy. Pro-personal freedom. You cannot support one without the others. VBR is and always has been a pro-business advocate for our Rio Grande Valley businesses and families. Current mandated mask orders on businesses in both Hidalgo and Cameron counties are government overstep. These are dangerous precedents, and we cannot and will not support them. Hidalgo and Cameron county officials are stepping on the rights of business owners ……

UTRGV Offering Online Services For Job Searches

June 20, 2020

VBR

Business Advice Education Featured News Comments

The UTRGV Career Center is currently providing students with a number of tools to help in their job search. “Right now, it is very tentative. There are some industries that are doing well, so usually it is looking like individuals that have degrees are faring a lot better than those individuals who did not,” said Lourdes Servantes, the center’s associate director. More than 1.6 million people are unemployed in Texas.…

Work Search Requirement Reinstates July 6 for Unemployment

June 18, 2020

VBR

Business Advice Community e-Brief Features News Comments

Work search requirements for Unemployment Insurance benefits in Texas will return July 6, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. The requirements were temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. Work search is a federal requirement to receive unemployment benefits. Individuals will continue to receive benefits, but must document their efforts to find new employment, with the first report due to TWC on July 19. Those currently receiving unemployment should keep good records…

Pipes Turn Into Artist Canvases in McAllen