Category Archives: Government

The Texas Department of Agriculture is the recipient of a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration to support export growth among small businesses. The funds come through SBA’s competitive State Trade Expansion Program. “STEP is a great example of a true export development and promotion tool for preparing U.S. small businesses for international opportunities,” said District Director Angela Burton. “STEP grant awardees will offer the resources to help small businesses…

City of McAllen Hires Finance Director

September 13, 2019

VBR

Featured Government News Comments

Sergio Villasana Jr. as the new director of finance for the City of McAllen. The Rio Grande Valley native has six years of experience in municipal work. His most recent service includes deputy finance director for the City of Harlingen. Villasana has a broad range of expertise in finance. This includes both serving as the assistant auditor for Cameron County and owning his own public accounting firm. “The City of…

Development Makes the RGV Prosperous

September 1, 2019

Beth Martinez

Agriculture Arts Education Featured Food & Entertainment Government Healthcare Manufacturing/Industrial News Recreation & Tourism Retail Transportation & Travel Comments

Eighty years ago, the Rio Grande Valley was a rural, agriculturally based economy with little growth happening. Fast forward to 10 years ago, and the RGV was quickly becoming a thriving metropolitan area as development intensified. Today, the region has completely transformed economically. It has become an area developed by improving and increasing commercial, retail, industrial, entertainment, medical and higher education institutions. Education In 2013, the transformation of the RGV’s…

Second Chance Leads to Careers

September 1, 2019

Tony Vindell

Education Government Manufacturing/Industrial News Comments

AMIkids Rio Grande Valley is a one-of-a-kind program rehabilitating young felons. At the same time, it gives them the chance to become certified welders. The program has been in operation in eastern Cameron County for quite some time. AMIkids Rio Grande Valley is the only one in the Lone Star State and one of 44 AMIkids programs nationally. The organization works with at-risk youngsters ages 15 through 18. With roots in…

It Truly Takes a Community to Inspire Students

August 8, 2019

Chris Ardis

e-Brief Features Education Government News Comments

Judge JoAnne Garcia presides over the Hidalgo County Probate Court. When she was asked to serve on the PSJA ISD Pre-Law Institute Advisory Board, she readily agreed. As she looks back on its first year, she identifies three aspects of the Institute that stand out for her. “Number one,” Garcia said, “is it’s a great opportunity for the kids, at a minimum, to be exposed to professionals in the legal…

Regional Unification Expects Greatness

August 1, 2019

Ricardo D. Cavazos, VBR content editor

Government News Comments

The decades of political sparring among Rio Grande Valley cities in competing for federal and state funds – and recognition – has long been a source of anguish as to why local leaders could not put aside individual wishes for the greater good. “We’re a unique area in that we don’t have one city that overwhelms all the others in the region,” said Ron Garza, the executive director of the…

PSJA ISD: Pre-Law Institute Pioneers

August 1, 2019

Chris Ardis

Education Government News Comments

PSJA ISD has emerged as a visionary district, home to four specialized “schools” (much like “colleges” in a university system) offering certificates or associate’s degrees in specialties ranging from cybersecurity and graphic arts to biology and basic firefighter technology. Last year, PSJA’s college-readiness vision went though an expansion with the launching of the PSJA Pre-Law Institute. “The vision is to make a legal education attainable to all students in PSJA…

Local Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available

July 28, 2019

VBR

Business Advice Featured Government Comments

The Texas Workforce Commission is accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance as a result of severe storms and flooding. Under Presidential Disaster Declaration (FEMA 4454-DR), workers who lost their jobs and self-employed individuals who have been unable to work due to damage sustained from flooding may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits. Individuals affected by the recent severe storms and flooding in Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy Counties can apply…

State Association Recognizes HIDTA Agents

July 18, 2019

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e-Brief Features Government Moving On Up News Comments

Two agents of the Hidalgo County Criminal District Attorney’s Office – High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force have top honors from the Texas Narcotic Officers Association. HIDTA Commander Juan Pablo Sifuentes is “Supervisor of the Year” and Agent Genovevo “Geno” Martinez III “Narcotic Officer of the Year” for the TNOA South Region. Both will receive recognition at the organization’s annual conference Aug. 19-22 in South Padre Island. Hidalgo County Criminal District…

Preservation Awards Nominations Enter Final Days

July 2, 2019

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