Category Archives: Featured

Christmas in July Market July 24

Christmas

A Christmas in July Market takes place July 24 at McAllen High School, allowing shoppers the opportunity to complete their holiday shopping early. From 9 a.m. to 3 p..m., the public can shop several small businesses ranging from makeup and skincare to baked goods. Vendors include: Aloe Relief, Sugar land, Mrs. Barron Creations, Wicked Sweet, La Casita del Snack, Lunar Dusk, L & R Creations, Little dela Rosa Creations, Paparazzi,…

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RGV Reef Project to Benefit Local Economy

Concrete railroad ties at the Port of Brownsville create an artificial reef for the RGV Reef Project. (photo Port of Brownsville)

Founded in 2015, the RGV Reef Project holds the title of largest artificial reef in the state. This endeavor has been a collaborative labor led by the non-profit organization Friends of the RGV Reef with the help from the Port of Brownsville, port tenants and contributors. The reef is 13 miles northeast of South Padre Island and encompasses 1,650 acres. Since 2016, the Port of Brownsville has provided a staging…

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TABC Reminds Businesses of July 31 Deadline

TABC, liquor

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is reminding businesses to submit their applications for an original or new license to the agency before a month-long pause in accepting applications begins Aug. 1. The pause must happen for TABC to prepare new technology that will overhaul the way alcohol industry members conduct business with the agency. The pause begins Aug. 1 and will remain in place until Sept. 1. During that time: TABC…

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SPI Chamber Receives Media Awards

Marketing Director Dianna Harvill receives media awards on behalf of the SPI Chamber of Commerce. (photo SPI Chamber)

South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce staff members are recent recipients of two communication awards from Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives. The award presentation took place during the TCCE’s conference recently on South Padre Island. The chamber won first place for its “2021 Official Guide to South Padre Island” in the Print and Electronic Publications category. The “Official Guide to South Padre Island” aims to bring tourism, new business and…

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A Comeback Greater Than The Setbacks

Adela Tann

Adela Tann had her future all figured out. She completed the Patient Care Technician program at South Texas College in 2013 and enrolled in the college’s Vocational Nursing program, graduating in 2015. Next on her list was earning the title of registered nurse. But before she could pass the National Council Licensure Examination, Tann moved to Iowa to help care for her sister, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. In…

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Partnership Lights Up Colonias with Solar Power 

Live In The Lights, solar power

Proyecto Azteca and Live In The Lights, a student-run sustainability and economic prosperity non profit, are working to secure and install high-wattage portable solar panels and light battery banks for more than 100 families in the Colonias area of the Rio Grande Valley. The joint initiative will also tackle persistent financial stagnation in the region through economic empowerment strategies and tools.   Live The Lights was founded in 2018 in…

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RGV Women Mariachis Make History

The RGV's Mariachi Margaritas stand behind dancers as they get ready to take stage for the Canelo Alvarez/Billy Joe Saunders fight.

A whirlwind is how Erika Soveranes described it. A normal work week was proceeding at Brownsville Lopez High School where she works as a music program director. Mid-week, a call came in from Arlington, Texas. Mexican boxing hero Canelo Alvarez had a huge fight on tap at AT&T Stadium. Would the Mariachi Margaritas – an all-women group of which Soveranes is a member – be willing to sing behind legendary…

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Independence Day Celebration Includes Veterans Benefit Run

Anyone wishing to help veterans this Fourth of July just needs to lace up their running shoes for McAllen’s Independence Day 4K Run July 3. Part of the City of McAllen’s Independence Day Celebration presented by H-E-B, the run is approximately 2.5 miles. All proceeds benefit the local chapter of Team Red White and Blue, a national veterans’ organization whose mission it is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans…

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Museum of South Texas History Celebrates 50th

Museum of South Texas History mixer

The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and the Museum of South Texas History celebrated the museum’s 50th anniversary June 16 with a mixer. Adding to the festivities is the fact the museum is also the chamber’s June Member of the Month. The mixer began with a welcome by the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ronnie Larralde and City of Edinburg Mayor Richard Molina. Following was an exclusive tour of the…

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Nurse Practitioner Rises To Serve RGV Community

Aaron Salinas began his health care career at the ground level. His start came as an emergency medical technician. Here, Salinas got a firsthand look at the essential medical needs of Rio Grande Valley residents.  “There were a lot of things that didn’t add up,” Salinas said of observations he made as an EMT, and then a paramedic, in going into the homes of residents in Hidalgo and Cameron counties.…

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