Category Archives: Industry

Port of Brownsville Recognizes Truck Drivers

On a daily basis the Port of Brownsville welcomes 800 to 1,000 trucks that enter the port to pick up cargo and deliver it across the nation.

The Port of Brownsville is currently honoring the millions of professional truck drivers who work to deliver America’s freight safely and securely every day. During National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (Sept. 9-13), the Port of Brownsville will offer free breakfast and lunch to drivers doing business with the port. The port also partnered with the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority to distribute 500 giveaway bags to drivers at the Foust…

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UTRGV Veterans Receive Inaugural Scholarships

Scholarship recipients include (seated) Juan Cerda, John Garcia, Gabriel Carrizales, Juan Gonzalez, Carla Blevins and Hector Villanueva. (photo Edinburg Chamber)

UTRGV veterans are the recent recipients of the inaugural Texas Cook’Em High Steaks in Edinburg Veteran Scholarships. During the planning of the 14th annual Texas Cook’Em: High Steaks, the Edinburg Chamber made the decision to award five $1,000 scholarships. When H-E-B heard of this endeavor, they quickly and generously chose to match that amount. Recipients are Juan Cerda, John Garcia, Gabriel Carrizales, Juan Gonzalez, Carla Blevins, Hector Villanueva, Brandon Bunch, Rosa…

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Helping Business Owners Help Themselves

Christopher Wycoco conducts free one-hour seminars as part of his Business Made Easier series.

For Christopher Wycoco, business isn’t just about making money. It’s also about helping the community.  That’s why this young entrepreneur and owner of Wycotax is hosting regular free seminars for business owners who want to learn more about running their companies, whether it is a store, restaurant, doctor’s office or insurance agency.  Wycoco has been holding seminars called “Business Made Easier” throughout the Valley for several months and he will continue…

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Considerations When Choosing Business Hardware

business hardware

Your small business’s hardware includes your desktop and laptop computers, servers, printers, portable storage devices, video cards and telephone systems. Basically, any type of physical tech product falls into this category. Since these items can take up a significant portion of your IT budget, it’s important to consider new purchases carefully. Each item will have its own specific set of features and options. But there are some considerations that apply…

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Pours for Paws Takes Over September

Pours for Paws

September is going to the dogs (and cats) one pint glass at a time. Throughout this month, RGV Low Cost Spay Neuter Clinic hosts its Pours for Paws, selling $20 event pint glasses patrons can then use at 10 select RGV restaurants and breweries to enjoy one complimentary beer. The event also encourages people to “Enjoy each establishment’s food, local beer scene and pet-friendly patios all while supporting a great cause.…

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Local Company is Construction Heavyweight

J.J. Vela supervises the IBST plant operation.

Although the Rio Grande Valley is not as much of a manufacturing region as some other places in the state and the country, a local company continues to be a leader in the construction industry. It’s Innovative Block of South Texas. The La Feria business opened its doors in 2006 and is a major supplier of construction and solid blocks, as well as patio and walkway pavers. In addition, the company also…

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The Future of Workspace

Venture X Harlingen boasts 5,000 square feet of open shared space, including an outdoor patio. There are personal touches too, with a popcorn service at 3 p.m. to get people out of their offices and away from their desks for a quick mental and social break.

The scent of coffee is noticeable as you walk through the door of this bright, colorful and modern-looking open space.  There’s a kitchen area with inviting bar-height seating and a pair of large stainless refrigerators. A popcorn maker and top-of-the-line coffee machine both sit on the countertop.  People in business casual attire meander from there to one of the three high-tech meeting rooms, their own office areas or what are…

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Dining Out Supports Our Community

AMVETS completed their second Macaroni Grill fundraiser this past May. The money they raise with the Macaroni Grill fundraiser stays in the Valley. (Courtesy Dorance Cuba)

Three local businessmen have come together to give back to our community in a big way … $80,760 big! That is the amount of money two locally-grown businesses gave back to the community during the 2018-2019 school year.  Rick Guerra (CEO of Castle Hospitality), Russell Walker (general manager of Macaroni Grill), and Richard Guevara (general manager of Tony Roma’s) have worked together to create a program that allows both primarily…

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Measuring Success with Coffee Beans

One of Moonbeans Coffee's specialty drinks, the Meteor, is the Mexican Abuelita Hot Chocolate; their Ben’s Meteor is a shot of espresso and some brown sugar cinnamon.

Over the years, the coffee scene in the RGV has grown into a highly sought-after market for coffee enthusiasts. Among these local coffee shops, there is one that has become a staple for the residents of McAllen and its neighboring cities.  Walking into Moonbeans Coffee, there is an immediate greeting of the pleasant aromas of freshly roasted coffee. This family business celebrates 20 successful years of service and dedication to…

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Raising Mid-Century Modernism Awareness

a mid-century modern home, a classic one, lots of windows, elongated, lots of vegetation in its surroundings.

The Rio Grande Valley of the post-World War II era was still new and open for possibilities. The four-county region as it is known today was less than 50 years old in its collective identity. Two young architects – Alan Taniguchi and John York — came to the Valley in that era, the late 1940s to early 1950s. They would then leave their imprint on the region over the next…

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