Category Archives: Featured

The Texas Workforce Commission has awarded 23 grants totaling $4,998,598 to public junior colleges, public technical institutes, public state colleges and independent school districts for programs that focus on supporting high-demand occupations through the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant program. Of note, eight of those grants went to local community colleges and school systems. “These grants will focus on advanced technical training, and will keep our Texas businesses…

South Texas College Hosts President’s Advisory Retreat

September 14, 2018

VBR

Education Featured Government Comments

Representatives from the RGV law enforcement community recently met for South Texas College’s first President’s Advisory Council Retreat. Here, leaders provided regular input and recommendations for professional continuing education and degree programs. Law enforcement is coordinating with STC to develop an action plan as the STC Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence gets underway. Earlier this year, STC President Shirley A. Reed extended an invitation to leaders of the law enforcement…

Bandera Brings New Brew to Harlingen

September 13, 2018

Stefania Trimboli

e-Brief Features Featured Food & Entertainment News Comments

Downtown Harlingen has scored big points with the addition of the new stylish coffee shop, Bandera Coffee Co. This coffee shop just recently opened, boasting excellent roasts. It takes pride in the origin and source of its coffee with a pour over menu consisting of Ethiopian, Costa Rican and Mexican beans. Flavor profiles range from bright notes of kiwi, apple and grape to refreshing key lime, butterscotch and smooth cocoa.…

TSTC Cyber Defense a Center of Excellence

September 12, 2018

VBR

Education Featured Technology Comments

Computer Networking and Security Technology at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen is celebrating a unique national distinction. The program is now a Center of Excellence for Cyber Defense for two-year education programs. The recognition comes from the Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency. The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense recognizes and grants designations to institutions that offer rigorous degree programs in information security. “Your…

STC Receives Economic Development Grant

September 11, 2018

VBR

Education Featured News Comments

South Texas College and the Starr County Industrial Foundation are the recipients of a $100,000 federal planning grant from the Economic Development Administration. STC Director of Grant Development, Management and Compliance Virginia Champion says the grant will support the college and the SCIF’s interest in the development of a current Asset Map of Starr County. It will also facilitate a Strategic Planning Conference with key leaders and stakeholders. Vice-Chair of…

The Basics of 8(a) Government Contracting

September 7, 2018

Stefania Trimboli

Business Advice Events Featured Government News Comments

The U.S. Small Business Administration is an invaluable resource for any new entrepreneur. The 8(a) Business Development Program began as a public law and was named after Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act of 1953 (Section 204 of Public Law 100-656). The program’s incorporation took place in 1984 in Part 19, Small Business Program of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). Specifically, the program is a creation for businesses to work…

Small Businesses Score $50K from Mission EDC

September 6, 2018

VBR

e-Brief Features Featured Food & Entertainment News Retail Comments

The Mission Economic Development Corporation’s small business development program, Ruby Red Ventures, named three new winners of its small business funding competition. A local all-natural, cold-pressed juice producer, a maker of pre-packaged Mexican stews and meals, and manufacturer of gourmet grilling sauces are all recent winners of $50,000 in funding from Mission EDC. Mr. Pepe, El Cazos Guisos and B. Veggie took the top three spots, respectively, in the latest round of the…

IBC Executive Meets with Mexican Leaders

September 5, 2018

VBR

Featured Finance/Banking News Comments

IBC Bank Executive Vice President Gerald “Gerry” Schwebel recently participated in a mission to Mexico City to meet with leaders of the incoming government of President-elect Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Organizer of the mission was the U.S.-Mexico CEO Dialogue, an initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The group, made up of both U.S. and Mexican leaders, addresses core issues in the countries’ bilateral relationship. Schwebel and other representatives met with…

Artificial Intelligence Can Help Save Time

September 4, 2018

Anita Campbell

Business Advice Featured News Technology Comments

When you think of artificial intelligence, your mind might conjure images of futuristic robots or computers that are able to act as humans do. But AI isn’t just an idea for the future. It’s making a real impact on businesses today and could factor even larger in the years to come. An Accenture Research study found that AI has the potential to boost profitability by an average of 38 percent across select…

Business that Beats the Heat

September 1, 2018

George Cox

Featured Professional Services Comments

Protecting people and property from the scorching South Texas sun and its potentially dangerous ultra-violet rays is the focus of a fast-growing Rio Grande Valley enterprise. Tenzo Architectural Solar Shades owner Christian Diaz built the business from scratch and works tirelessly to keep up with the demand as his business continues to expand. The Mission-based company designs, manufactures and installs custom outdoor fabric shade structures throughout the Valley. With more…

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