Category Archives: Featured

A recent $332,042 grant from the Texas Workforce Commission to South Texas College will continue to provide customized training to the workforce for local industry partners. TWC’s Skills Development Fund will provide funding to train 181 new and incumbent workers in advanced manufacturing. “We are committed to fostering long-term sustained economic growth by providing superior workforce training programs to local business and industry partners,” said South Texas College Associate Dean of…

Lamar Academy Teacher Earns State Award

June 15, 2020

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Education Featured News Comments

Lamar Academy teacher Vivian Tamez is the recipient of the 2020 Liberty Bell Award from the Texas Young Lawyers Association. This state-wide award annually recognizes a non-lawyer who has made selfless contributions to their community. In turn, they also strengthen the effectiveness of the American system of justice. “Your work is truly exceptional, and it exemplifies the level of dedication recognized by this prestigious award,” TYLA President Victor Flores…

McAllen Public Library Offers Grab & Go Summer Meals

June 14, 2020

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Community Community Events Featured Giving Back News Comments

McAllen Public Library invites the public to pick up a Grab & Go meal bundle as part of the Summer Feeding Program. The imitative aims to provide meals to those ages 18 and under in the most underserved McAllen communities. Starting June 15, families can pick up at the entrance of the McAllen Public Library, 4001 N. 23rd Street. The meal bundles include breakfast and lunch as well as a…

Port of Brownsville Excels Amid Challenge

June 13, 2020

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Featured Manufacturing/Industrial News Comments

The Port of Brownsville ranks third among U.S. ports for “strong financial resilience” surveyed in a new report from Moody’s Investor Services. The ranking underscores the ongoing value of the port’s prudent financial stewardship in light of economic impacts from the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Moody’s analysis evaluated American ports on a range of key factors surrounding financial responsibility. This includes the ability to handle the impact of a significant decline…

McAllen Hosts 2020 Juneteenth Observation

June 12, 2020

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Community Events Events Featured News Comments

McAllen Juneteenth celebrations and events will begin June 13 and run until June 19. Events on the schedule include clean-up events, cultural arts and book displays, and a documentary and screening. This year’s celebration theme is “Perfecting Unity.” Juneteenth is the oldest national commemoration of the abolition of slavery in the United States. The celebration is state holiday or special day of observance in 45 states, including Texas, every June…

Independence Day Brings New Island Celebration

June 11, 2020

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Community Community Events e-Brief Features Featured News Recreation & Tourism Comments

On June 26, following the Governor’s announcement, the Fourth of July Fireworks show on South Padre Island has been canceled. The first annual Red, White and Beach Festival takes place place July 3-4 at the Amphitheater and Event Center on South Padre Island. According to promoters, the event will be “the largest celebration of our Independence Day on the Island.” The festival will feature surprise artists as well as the legendary INTOCABLE…

Edinburg Economic Development Department Board Forms

June 10, 2020

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Featured Government News Comments

The new Edinburg Economic Development Department now has a seven-member board of directors after appointments by the Edinburg City Council. The board consists of a former state representative, three previous members of the Edinburg EDC board of directors and three other prominent area leaders. The Edinburg Economic Development Department takes over the duties of the Edinburg EDC. The Edinburg EDC every year received millions from the city’s one-half cent sales…

TWC Funds Look to Increase Apprenticeships

June 8, 2020

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Business Advice Education Featured News Comments

The Texas Workforce Commission has proposed $5,000,000 to Registered Apprenticeship Funds for FY 2021. Proposed funds require approval of the commission along with the FY 2021 operating budget. “The Registered Apprenticeship Training Program is one of the many programs providing Texans with options to improve their future and our overall Texas economy,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “Employers create a pipeline of workers who have the exact skills their businesses need to grow and be…

IMAS to Reopen With Capacity Limits

June 2, 2020

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Arts Community Featured News Comments

The International Museum of Art & Science is planning to reopen to the public on June 11. An IMAS member preview will take place June 9 from 3-7 p.m. When the museum opens, there will be a capacity limit of 25 percent, following the recommendations of the Texas Department of State Health Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most of the interactive areas will not be accessible…

Getting Stuff Done To Help Those In Need

June 1, 2020

Ricardo D. Cavazos, VBR content editor

Community Featured Giving Back News Comments

A nonprofit executive like Traci Wickett has connections everywhere in a community. The president and chief executive officer of the United Way of Southern Cameron County heard from Brownsville’s Good Neighbor Settlement House about growing needs they were seeing as furloughs and unemployment set in with the outbreak of COVID-19. The demand for served meals and emergency pantry items doubled in less than one week in early April. “Unemployment sent…

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