Category Archives: Featured

Larralde to Lead Edinburg Chamber

Featured Moving On Up News Comments
Noe “Ronnie” Larralde

On Jan. 7, the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce board of directors made the announcement that Noe “Ronnie” Larralde will lead the organization as its new executive director. Larralde, who served as the interim executive director since September, replaces former president Letty Gonzalez. Prior to his appointment, Larralde served as the director of Marketing and Special Events for seven years. Prior to joining the chamber in 2012, Larralde worked at First National…

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Turn an Idea Into a Business

Business Advice e-Brief Features Featured News Comments
Business consultant Michael Wilson meets with a group of aspiring entrepreneurs to discuss how to develop a solid business plan. (VBR)

No matter how good the idea or how big the dream, passion and detailed planning are critical components of starting a new business. That was the message from Michael Wilson, who recently presented one in a series of Small Business Administration workshops dedicated to guiding aspiring entrepreneurs through a process of turning an idea into a viable enterprise. Wilson is chief operating officer of CM Institute of Leadership, a company…

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Farm an Organic Family Affair

Agriculture Featured News Comments
Susanne and Bud Cooke discuss the raising of the canopy on a greenhouse at Acacia Farms. (VBR)

The scene was reminiscent of an old-fashioned barn raising, where friends would turn out to help a farmer build a new barn, and then celebrate the accomplishment. But on this Saturday in December, what was being raised was a new covering for a damaged greenhouse at Acacia Farms in Bayview. The greenhouse, some 30 feet by 130 feet, lost its plastic covering in a freak windstorm earlier in the year…

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TSTC Adds Mixed Reality Into Curriculum

e-Brief Features Education Featured Technology Comments
TSTC HoloLens

Bringing emerging technology into the hands of its students, Texas State Technical College will be implementing HoloLens Mixed Reality into its curriculum as early as next year. Students will strap on a Microsoft HoloLens to see 3D computer graphics shown on top of the real-world classroom environment. “There is nothing as powerful as using HoloLens for educating our students,” said TSTC Senior Vice President of Student Learning Hector Yanez. “This is…

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Survey Shows Strong Support for Port of Brownsville

Featured News Comments
Cargo coming into the Port of Brownsville feeds the Valley economy, such as this load of windmill components for the expanding wind farm industry. (Port of Brownsville)

The Port of Brownsville recently conducted its first public opinion survey of port tenants, logistics, stakeholders and other service personnel. The findings revealed that 95 percent of respondents view the port favorably. Additionally, 57 percent of respondents planning to increase their port business activity in the next year. Overall, 94 percent of respondents stating the port is vital in creating a positive impact in the U.S. economy. “The Port of Brownsville’s…

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Birding by the Numbers

Featured News Recreation & Tourism Comments
Two birders scan the area with binoculars at Estero Llano Grande State Park.

Some 800 birders visited the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival in November, its 25th year as one of the premier birding events in the country. With dozens of field trips to regional birding hotspots and lectures by internationally renowned birding experts, the festival’s staying power is a testament to the economic impact of ecotourism, and particularly birdwatching, in Deep South Texas. While there are no recent studies on the financial…

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Oil and Gas: How Important Is It In the RGV?

e-Brief Features Events Featured News Comments

The oil and gas industry in Texas is leading the nation. But just how is this booming industry powering the Rio Grande Valley? Statewide leaders, local representatives and industry advocates will answer this question and more at the Texas Oil and Gas Association Energy Summit Dec. 5 in Pharr. Speakers are set to address how important the industry in the region is to community success. The luncheon and discussion will…

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Edinburg Chamber Feeds Multiple Families

Featured News Comments
Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, Staff and Board of Directors presenting Thanksgiving meals certificates to the Edinburg families. On Wednesday, November 14th, the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce (ECOC) Ambassadors presented Thanksgiving meals to Edinburg families at the Saint Vincent De Paul Center at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors presented Thanksgiving meals to Edinburg families Nov. 14 at the Saint Vincent De Paul Center at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Chamber Ambassadors reached out to eleven families from the Edinburg Area by providing 11 prepared meals. These meals included turkey and all the fixings for their holiday. Making donations were the Chamber Ambassadors, Hidalgo- Starr County Medical Society, Rio Valley Realty, Best Western Plus…

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Local Small Businesses Receive $100,000

Featured Professional Services Retail Technology Comments
STED grant winners with Hidalgo County Commissioners Court members

Five businesses in small and rural communities in Hidalgo County are the recent recipients of funding to consequently spur prosperity in their respective communities. The funding comes from Hidalgo County’s first-ever Small Town Economic Development program with grants totaling $100,000. More than 40 businesses applied to the program with 21 chosen to participate. Businesses receiving $20,000 grants are Reybotics, Green Thumb Nursery, Cappadona Ranch, Ashley Nicole Boutique and Hernandez Barns. “This economic…

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Local Dentist Named Top in Texas

Featured Healthcare Comments
Dr. Jose L. Cazares Jr. holds up the proclamation of Dentist of the Year with Commissioners Court and his family. (courtesy)

Dr. Jose L. Cazares of McAllen Dental Associates is the 2018 Texas Dentist of the Year. The recognition comes from Commissioners Court during the Texas Academy Awards celebration in Austin. Cazares is the first dentist from the Rio Grande Valley to receive the award, the most prestigious honor a Texas dentist can receive. “I want to thank Commissioners Court for recognizing me, and for being pillars in the community,” said Cazares. “I’m proud to represent…

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