Category Archives: Featured

Four years ago, Brownsville resident Rogelio Garcia depended on government assistance to feed himself, his wife and their five children. Today, thanks to the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement, that’s no longer the case. In early August of 2013, Garcia had a near-fatal accident that resulted in him going on disability. During his recovery, a friend told him about VIDA and its Commercial Electrician Program, focused on increasing the…

SBA Seeks National Small Business Week Awards Nominations

September 7, 2022

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Community Featured Government Comments

The U.S. Small Business Administration is now accepting nominations for the 2023 National Small Business Week Awards. The NSBW Awards recognize SBA-assisted small businesses’ inspirational achievements and contributions to their communities and our nation’s economy. All nominations should be submitted electronically by 3 p.m. ET on Dec. 8. The awards will be presented during the NSBW Awards ceremony in the first week of May 2023. To nominate a small business owner in…

UTRGV Named Second Among Texas Public Universities

September 6, 2022

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Education Featured News Comments

UTRGV began the first week of the Fall 2022 semester with news it ranks second among all Texas public universities, according to Washington Monthly. The publication’s annual national College Guide and Rankings also places UTRGV as the 45th best public university in the United States among more than 400 other schools. Additionally, UTRGV places first in Texas in the following public university rankings: Lowest net price of attendance for students…

Boxing Tourney Highlights Harlingen & RGV Fighters

September 1, 2022

Ricardo D. Cavazos, VBR content editor

e-Brief Features Featured News Recreation & Tourism Comments

A World Boxing Council-affiliated event is coming to Harlingen in early October, expected to attract 400 amateur boxers and 4,000 fans to the city’s convention center. Atlanta-based Sugar Bert Boxing Promotions is bringing its Green Belt Tournament Series to Harlingen. It will likewise be the first time Sugar Bert will hold one of its tournaments in Texas. There will be four rings in the convention center, each hosting 50 bouts.…

TWC Funds Hundreds Of STC Apprenticeship Candidates

August 31, 2022

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e-Brief Features Education Featured News Comments

South Texas College is the recent recipient of an Apprenticeship Texas Expansion Grant from the Texas Workforce Commission. The $593,934 grant allows for the largest expansion of apprenticeships ever funded by a single grant. With the grant, STC will create 297 new apprentices, as well as create seven new registered apprenticeship programs and two new pre-apprenticeship programs this fall. Registered apprenticeship programs through TWC are paid internships. The programs are defined…

STC Theatre Hold Auditions For “Blithe Spirit”

August 30, 2022

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Arts Community Featured News Comments

South Texas College Theatre will hold auditions for its November main stage production of “Blithe Spirit” by Noël Coward both in-person and virtually. All STC and Rio Grande Valley community members, aged 18 and over, are welcome to audition. The director is looking for five women, 20-60 years old, and two men, 25-50 years old. The theater will accept virtual submissions starting Sept. 6 at 8 a.m. through Sept. 8…

McAllen to Host IFEA World Convention

August 29, 2022

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Featured News Recreation & Tourism Comments

The City of McAllen will host the International Festival & Events Association 65th annual conference from Sept. 19-21. The McAllen Convention Center will be the host site for attendees from not only Texas, but also 29 U.S. states and 10 countries from around the world. This is the first time since 2011 that the convention has been hosted in Texas. “This edition of the IFEA’s annual convention and expo promises to…

New SBA Webinar Series Helps Navigate Economic Challenges

August 27, 2022

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Business Advice e-Brief Features Featured News Comments

U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman and John Arensmeyer, founder and CEO of Small Business Majority, recently signed a co-sponsorship agreement to partner on a new webinar series, “The Bottom Line,” to introduce small businesses across America to SBA tools and resources to address timely economic challenges. “This alliance between the SBA and Small Business Majority will help expand and deepen the SBA’s outreach network to better connect with…

Island’s New CVB Director Sees Growth Ahead

August 25, 2022

Ricardo D. Cavazos, VBR content editor

Community e-Brief Features Featured News Comments

Blake Henry’s career has taken him around the country as a hospitality industry veteran who has now located to South Padre Island. Henry is the new director of the South Padre Island Convention & Visitors Bureau who is looking forward to the planned renovation of the CVB’s main venue. It is a key piece of his plans to raise national awareness of SPI. The Island’s brand is strong instate as…

STC Recognized For Service To Armed Forces

August 24, 2022

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