Category Archives: Featured

BCIC Announces RGV Startup Week Dates

Community Events e-Brief Features Featured News Comments
RGV Startup Week

Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation, in collaboration with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center, will host RGV Startup Week 2026 from April 24 through May 1, with events in Brownsville and partner cities across the Rio Grande Valley. In 2025, RGV Startup Week delivered 123 hours of activities and reached 403,172 unique accounts on social media. RGV Startup Week content generated 3.56 million views, and attendees…

Read More

Turn the Page with the Texas America250 Reading Challenge

Community e-Brief Features Featured News Comments
Texas America250 Reading Challenge

The McAllen Public Library invites readers of all ages to participate in the Texas America250 Reading Challenge, a statewide initiative led by the Texas State Library & Archives Commission and the Texas Center for the Book. The challenge encourages Texans to explore history, learning and service as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Participants may log 2,500 minutes of qualifying activities to be part of the challenge. These minutes include…

Read More

Women of Distinction Nominations Close Soon

Community e-Brief Features Featured News Comments
RGV HCC Board of Directors

The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will be closing nominations for its Women of Distinction Awards on Jan. 16. Nominations categories include: STEM and digital innovation, environmental and agricultural achievement, emerging leader, media and journalism, community and social leadership, justice and legal advocacy, educational innovation, healthcare champion, diversity and inclusion, and financial leadership. The awards will be presented on March 5 at the 2026 Hats Off to Women…

Read More

RGV Muralist Creates ‘Epic’ Art

Arts Featured News Comments
Leo Rivera’s murals of cowboy and Western culture reflects the heritage and history of Mercedes.

Leo Rivera left the Rio Grande Valley to get his art training and education at a Denver-area design school. It was in Colorado where the Harlingen native did his first large-scale wall mural. Rivera was active in the Denver arts scene for 11 years after graduating from the Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design. Returning home in 2020, Rivera set off to work as what he calls an “artist…

Read More

STC to Launch AI Community Course

e-Brief Features Education Featured News Technology Comments
In the new year, South Texas College is introducing a new community course – Essentials of AI, or artificial intelligence. T

In the new year, South Texas College is introducing a new community course – Essentials of AI, or artificial intelligence. The course, beginning Jan. 20 through STC’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development, is an entry-level introduction to AI. Faculty from STC’s Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics Technology and Cybersecurity programs will teach the course. Vice President and Provost of Academic Affairs and Economic Development Anahid Petrosian said for the last two…

Read More

“Shop The Island” Returns to SPI

e-Brief Features Featured News Retail Comments
shop

South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce‘s “Shop the Island” initiative is back Nov. 22 through Dec. 16. For every $20 spent with any Island businesses, shoppers may register for a $500 Island shopping spree. Every dollar spent locally also ensures a healthy and growing South Padre Island economy. Original receipts may be dropped off no later than the close of business on Dec. 16 at the following SPI Chamber member…

Read More

McAllen Announces South Pole Illuminated Festival

Community Events e-Brief Features Featured News Comments
South Pole of Texas

The South Pole Illuminated Festival, presented by H-E-B Helping Here, will bring the community together to celebrate the joy of Christmas with lights, festive entertainment, and new attractions for 2025. The festival’s signature Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 28 will once again mark the start of the holiday season in McAllen, officially transforming the city into the South Pole of Texas. During a press event on Nov. 11, McAllen Mayor…

Read More

Veteran Helps Businesses Find ‘Roadmaps’

Featured News Professional Services Comments
Cristina Wilson, center, who has held high leadership ranks in the U.S. Army, receives an award from the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. (Courtesy)

Cristina Solis Wilson’s 26 years in the military have imbued her with the values of the U.S. Army and ones that serve as the foundations of coaching business owners to success. Purpose, motivation and direction are the principles learned in a military life that have seen her rise to the ranks of being a command sergeant major and representing the pinnacle of enlisted ranks in the Army. Only a small…

Read More

Vet Finds Mission In Training Dogs

e-Brief Features Featured Government News Professional Services Comments
Daniel Villarreal connects with Fajo, who is among the elite type of dogs used for detection work.

Daniel Villarreal’s exit from the U.S. Army came in 2006 and he knew the next mission ahead. He wanted to train dogs for law enforcement and detection work and to help fellow veterans who need service dogs. Villarreal had received an introduction to the world of dogs and how they are trained before enlisting in the Army. He was eager to do that work full time in his post-military life…

Read More

“Manual for Success” Key to Upcoming Men’s Conference

Community Events e-Brief Features Featured News Comments
Ramiro A. Cavazos

The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will host Ramiro A. Cavazos, president and CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, as its keynote speaker for the second annual “Manual for Success” men’s conference and expo on Nov. 5 at the Memorial Event Center in Edinburg. Cavazos leads the nation’s largest business advocacy organization for Hispanic communities, bringing decades of experience in business development, leadership and community…

Read More