A $7-million roadway connecting two busy parts of Expressway 77/83 in Harlingen is on schedule for completion this month. Spur 54 links southbound and westbound traffic on the expressway, running east-west behind Bass Pro Shops and in front of the Sam’s Club store in Harlingen. Construction on the 1.2 mile-long roadway began a year ago. It is already busy with traffic and leading to the development of new retail and…
Patrick Alvarez walks into big-box stores and their rows of school supplies and his trained teacher eye makes an astute observation. “A lot of the inventory doesn’t move,” said Alvarez, a social studies teacher at a Brownsville charter school. “It’s not what teachers really need.” The dollar stores offer discounts on inexpensive items like glitter and markers, but what about the more specific supplies and decorations teachers commonly need to…
The words of Dr. John Krouse, dean of the UTRGV Medical School, became the headline of a story in the July issue of Valley Business Report. Addressing the high incidence of obesity, diabetes and heart and lung disease in the Rio Grande Valley, Krouse stressed that we need to “build a culture of health.” When addressing physical health, the tendency is to focus on nutrition and fitness, which are undeniably…
People all over the world enjoy having a glass of wine. Some make special trips in search of this spirit that has been produced for decades in countries like France, Spain, New Zealand and Australia. Some go to the Texas Hill Country, now home to dozens of wineries. Others go to California’s Napa Valley, the top producer of wine in the United States. But do you know that sometime this…
The City of McAllen’s Building Department is launching a program to conduct live remote video residential building inspections. The purpose of the Remote Video Inspections program is to provide an alternative to on-site locations. “As we try to navigate through these unprecedented times, the business of the city must go on,” said McAllen City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez. “Homes are being constructed or renovated and we must make sure that…
The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley recently received a generous donation from DHR gastroenterologist Dr. Murthy Badiga to support the food bank’s on-going ‘Resource Readiness and Response’ Campaign. Badiga’s personal donation of $4,000 will provide up to 20,000 meals for those in need in the Rio Grande Valley. “The Food Bank RGV is a great organization doing an awesome job of helping those in need with life sustaining…
The City of McAllen and the McAllen Chamber of Commerce are currently on the second round of funding in its $1.5 million COVID-19 Small Business Grant program. McAllen small businesses have until July 31 to submit their applications. Small businesses with revenues less than $2 million may receive grants for up to $5,000 each. The program helps fund businesses or programs that creatively address a need to create, enhance, restore…
Andrew “Andy” Harvey Jr. is the City of Pharr’s new chief of police. Harvey was appointed by interim City Manager Ed Wylie and then confirmed by the Pharr City Commission. He was sworn into office at a Pharr City Commission meeting by Hidalgo County District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez. “Having the opportunity to return to the Valley in a fast-growing, dynamic city and region is incredible,” said Harvey. “I look forward…
The City of McAllen Passport Division Facility is once again accepting U.S. Passport applications in person. Walk-ins are on a first-come first-serve basis, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The division is also open every second and fourth Saturday of the month. The next Saturday the facility is open is July 25. Those preferring an appointment may schedule one by calling 956-681-1450. City of McAllen Passport Acceptance Facility is…
On July 1, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement entered into force, officially replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement. USMCA is the first trade agreement ever to include a full chapter dedicated to small business interests. The modernization of trade with Mexico and Canada under USMCA is designed to benefit U.S. small businesses. It will also ensure more balanced trade. U.S. companies with fewer than 500 employees comprise 65 to 70 percent…