For decades, the scenario was the same for Rio Grande Valley residents when it came time to make job choices after receiving their technical training and education at area colleges. The better jobs and higher pay were elsewhere. Be it at the Port of Houston or jobs at aviation manufacturing facilities in California, Valley natives searched nationwide for careers that could match their aspirations. That equation is beginning to change…
The fallout from the economic upheavals of 2020 when coupled with the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 have frayed supply chains from Asia and put global energy markets on edge. Two buzzwords are making the rounds of economic development talk as industries readjust and calculate what lays ahead. One term banding about is reshoring. This is the reestablishment of manufacturing operations in the United States after being previously located…
At 2 a.m., the first trucks are leaving and on their way to Laredo, Alice and Corpus Christi. They are filled with all varieties of fruits and vegetables that have made their way to Nicho Produce in Edinburg from California, Mexico and origins further south. The skies are seeing the first glimmers of light when the remainder of the 30-plus truck fleet is leaving Nicho’s just off north Closner. Those…
Per regulation, the Texas commercial and recreational public oyster harvest season opens Nov. 1 and closes April 30, 2024. In an effort to protect and restore oyster reefs showing signs of environmental stress, many shellfish harvest areas will be closed to fishing at the beginning of this season. “Working in partnership with stakeholders, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department continues to prioritize the importance of healthy oyster reefs for both commercial…
Christopher Hopkins is the new assistant director of the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport. Hopkins now manages airside, landside, security, ground transportation and terminal operations for the airport. Hopkins brings more than 22 years of industry experience in aviation, security, business finance, contract negotiations and public safety. Most recently, he worked for Aviation Events & Consulting, a firm specializing in lease negotiations and business development of airport space. …
Every month, VBR publishes a story about a current Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement participant or one who has already earned a certificate or degree, altering the trajectory of his or her life. This month, we feature Rhonda Diaz, who will graduate from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in December with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. “Before VIDA, I was attending college part time; with VIDA’s…
A virtual tour of the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport is now live online at flybrownsville.com. The 360-degree virtual tour allows the user to navigate the airport and become familiar with each facet of the terminal. Users can click on the image “Explore Our 3D 360° Tour” to tour the airport facility using a computer or cell phone. The function allows current and future travelers to explore the location of…
Domain Development has announced its latest venture in Sharyland, Shary Town Plaza. The shopping center spans over 24,000 square feet, housed within two buildings. Situated across the street from La Fogata and the Mission Event Center, Domain Development considers this high-traffic area “the perfect place” to plant its next commercial development. This specific location is shadow-anchored by various high-traffic retailers such as HEB, Ross, Target, Home Depot and other highly…
The Port of Brownsville’s Cargo Dock 3 reconstruction project has secured an $11.5 million grant under the Texas Department of Transportation‘s new Maritime Infrastructure Program. On Sept. 28, the Texas Transportation Commission approved a historic $240 million in funding for Texas ports to help increase trade, improve safety, and provide a more robust supply chain for the state and the nation. The Port of Brownsville’s Cargo Dock 3 project is…
The DHR Health Institute for Research and Development announced has launched a clinical trial that will evaluate the use of mobile phone-based eye-tracking software as a diagnostic tool for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The Senseye software looks to revolutionize the way in which healthcare providers and patients diagnose and manage mental health conditions. If Senseye meets FDA approval, it would diagnose PTSD through eye movements, without the need to conduct…