Category Archives: Industry

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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Chamber Organizes Brownsville Day at the Capitol

Community Events e-Brief Features Government News Comments
The Brownsville Chamber of Commerce hosted Senator-Elect Adam Hinojosa on Dec. 20, discussing priorities for the upcoming Brownsville Day at the Capitol. (Courtesy)

The Brownsville Chamber of Commerce will once again be hosting Brownsville Day at the Capitol in Austin from Jan. 28-30. The two-day event offers an opportunity to represent Brownsville and advocate for key issues impacting the community while also engaging with Texas legislators and state officials. Topics of interest and priority include water advocacy, infrastructure development, transportation and healthcare. Attendees of Brownsville Day at the Capitol will not only connect…

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Entrepreneur Builds Brands & Positivity

Food & Entertainment News Comments
Espresso, lattes, cappuccino, smoothies and more are served up at Rossina. (Photo Gaby Cueva)

Gaby Cueva doesn’t mind being seen as a disruptor. In fact, she wears the label with pride. A disruptor was formerly referred to as an individual who causes disturbances or chaos. Today, the term also denotes a person who causes a noticeable or even radical change in a market through innovation. Cueva has been disrupting the taco and café scene in the upper Rio Grande Valley in recent years, and…

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Bequita’s Flowers Sees A Vision Bloom

Agriculture News Retail Comments
Bequita’s Blooms offers books, plants and insights at a shop near downtown Harlingen.

Rebecca Rodriguez describes herself as being a florist – and a farmer. The latter is a distinction well-earned given Rodriguez grows many of the flowers she sells at her shop in Harlingen. Rodriguez tills the soil and grows an array of flowers at a family farm located between Harlingen and Santa Rosa. Her farm-grown flowers include marigolds, zinnias, cosmos and anemones. She refers to the farm-to-shop model as being “sustainably…

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McAllen Appoints New Assistant City Manager

Government News Comments
Juan Olaguibel

The City of McAllen has appointed of Juan Olaguibel as assistant city manager, overseeing McAllen’s EB-5 and foreign investor programs, international relations, intergovernmental relations and special projects. In addition, Olaguibel will continue to remain in his position as superintendent of bridges for the McAllen International Bridge System. “Juan’s extensive experience in international affairs and his proven leadership at McAllen’s international bridges make him uniquely qualified to excel in this new…

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Pushing Through a Journey of Hurdles

Education News Non-Profit Comments
Alyssa Soto

When it comes to surmounting barriers to higher education, Alyssa Soto of Pharr could be a first-place hurdler. In her mid-30s, Soto is a single mother of three children, ages 8, 9 and 14. Prior to 2022, she had been a stay-at-home mom for 10 years. When her circumstances changed, Soto realized she needed to pursue a degree; she chose nursing and gained acceptance to South Texas College in the…

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Port of Brownsville Breaks Ground on Channel Deepening

e-Brief Features Featured Manufacturing/Industrial News Comments

The Brownsville Navigation District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers held a groundbreaking ceremony on Dec. 6 for Phase 2 of the Brazos Island Harbor Channel Improvement Project. The project will deepen the 17-mile-long Brownsville Ship Channel from 42 feet to 52 feet, improving navigational safety and enabling larger commercial vessels to access South Texas. “The Brazos Island Harbor Channel Improvement Project is paramount to the Port of Brownsville’s…

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