Category Archives: Industry

MFE Reaches Historic Passenger Milestone

e-Brief Features News Transportation & Travel Comments
McAllen International Airport

McAllen International Airport achieved a historic milestone for commercial air service in the Rio Grande Valley in 2024 with more than 1.2 million travelers. This achievement marks a 25 percent increase in year-over-year total passengers. “Thanks to McAllen International Airport’s expanding air service, reaching 1.2 million flyers marks one of the many achievements for McAllen in 2024,” said City of McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos, “Non-stop service to key domestic and…

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Dallas Cowboys Expand Presence in RGV

News Retail Comments
The silver and blue colors are prominent throughout the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop at the Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlets.

The Dallas Cowboys recently concluded another disappointing season but the lack of success will hardly lessen the devout following the NFL franchise enjoys in the Rio Grande Valley. George Dunn, a senior retail manager for the Cowboys, says the RGV ranks third in Texas for sale of team merchandise, T-shirts, caps and all manner of gear with the familiar blue star. The third-best market ranking (only Dallas-Fort Worth and San…

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Artist Finds Fit In Brownsville

Arts Featured News Retail Comments
Students at Annebrije Pottery Studio in Brownsville create a range of different products that are available for purchase.

Annelise Rosas’ growing-up years in Monterrey and Austin left a yearning for another city of her youth. Brownsville is the place where Rosas feels the most comfortable. The Rio Grande Valley’s largest city is the best fit for the interchange of languages she speaks. In Monterrey, Rosas was seen as an American and a bit of an outcast despite being the daughter of Mexican-born parents. The view of her in…

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VIDA Seeks To Serve More Students

News Non-Profit Comments
Nursing school graduates at South Texas College can look forward to rewarding careers after receiving the support of VIDA in earning the degrees and certifications. (Courtesy)

Felida Villarreal worked in the private sector as an accountant and financial analyst and developed an interest in the work of non-profit organizations focused on community service. In the early 2020s, that interest led to a job as the director of finance for VIDA, the acronym for Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement. The Mercedes-based organization was founded in 1995 and serves residents in the four-county Rio Grande Valley. The…

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Festival Celebrates Island Kites

Community Events Featured News Recreation & Tourism Comments
Kite flying on the Island has grown in popularity over the years, in part thanks to the efforts of Susie and Bill Doan of B&S Kites. (Courtesy)

Flying kites on the beach can bring a sense of wonderment in looking up and seeing your handmade craft sway with the gusty seaside winds. Susie and Bill Doan are Ohio natives and kite aficionados who during visits to the South Padre Island became smitten with the beach. In their late 40s, the couple moved to the Island and turned a hobby into a business. B&S Kites opened in 1998.…

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McAllen Seeks Feedback to Name New City Park

Community e-Brief Features Featured Government News Recreation & Tourism Comments
McAllen park survey

The City of McAllen’s Parks & Recreation Department is seeking public input to name a new 23-acre nature park located at 8701 N. 23rd Street. This addition to McAllen’s extensive park system will offer activities such as kayaking, canoeing, fishing, walking trails, an archery range and a campsite. Other features include boating and fishing piers, a gazebo and a multi-purpose meadow. “The ‘Name Our New Park’ survey represents a unique…

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McAllen Creates Traffic Department, Names Director

e-Brief Features Government News Transportation & Travel Comments
Marlen Garza

As the City of McAllen looks to enhance mobility for the safe, efficient and orderly movement of people and goods throughout the city, it has selected Marlen Garza to lead the newly created Traffic Department. Garza most recently served as the assistant director for Traffic Operations in the Engineering Department, where she led key projects related to roadway and traffic improvement projects. “The creation of the Traffic Department reflects McAllen’s…

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VIDA Support Turns Student’s Worries Into Success

e-Brief Features Education Healthcare News Non-Profit Comments

McAllen resident Rachel Tauli Batallang works as a patient sitter, a health-care worker with specialized training to intently monitor and assist patients requiring close supervision. When she started in this position, Batallang earned $9.30 an hour; however, her pay has increased to $12.07 per hour. Batallang enjoys this job but longed to be a nurse. Former classmates of Battalang told her about the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement. This…

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Texas Conference for Employers Coming to Mission

e-Brief Features Government News Comments
Texas Conference for Employers

The Texas Workforce Commission has announced the dates and locations for the 2025 Texas Conference for Employers series, with a stop coming to Mission on Feb. 21. Sponsored by TWC’s Office of the Commissioner Representing Employers, the TCE series provides businesses with a wealth of resources. Attendees can learn about the latest employment laws, earn education credits, network with their peers and speak with employment attorneys. The TCE offers practical,…

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TPA Releases New Economic Impact Study

e-Brief Features Manufacturing/Industrial News Comments
Port of Brownsville

Texas ports contribute more than $713.9 billion in economic activity for the state accounting for 28 percent of Texas’ gross domestic product, further advancing ports as a catalyst for state economic growth and job generation, according to a recent economic impact study by the Texas Ports Association. TPA’s most recent economic impact study was conducted by Martin & Associates, using data from fiscal year 2023. Since the association’s last report,…

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