Category Archives: Technology

TWC Awards STC more than $1.3 million

Ruth Hughs, chair of Texas Workforce Commission, signs three grants totaling more than $1.3 million to South Texas College. (photo STC)

On Jan. 11, South Texas College had a “million-dollar morning” with three Texas Workforce Commission grants totaling more than $1.3 million. The award includes a $249,096 Job and Education for Texas grant, as well as $655,153 to STC’s Healthcare and Social Assistance Consortium. The consortium will create and upgrade 1,167 jobs. Additionally, a $409,890 grant goes to the college’s Manufacturing Consortium to create and upgrade 205 jobs. Guest speakers in…

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Powering Texas Promotes Sustainable Electricity

Wind farm construction in the Raymondville area is part of what has driven sales tax revenue percentage increases. (VBR)

Powering Texas. a coalition to promote sustainable electricity generation throughout Texas, recently launched, focusing on educating Texans on wind energy. According to a press release from the organization, Texas is the number one energy consumer in the country. In 2017, wind energy supplied nearly 15 percent of all Texas electricity as well as 1/4 of the national total. Additionally, if a country, Texas would rank eighth in the world in total…

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TSTC Adds Mixed Reality Into Curriculum

TSTC HoloLens

Bringing emerging technology into the hands of its students, Texas State Technical College will be implementing HoloLens Mixed Reality into its curriculum as early as next year. Students will strap on a Microsoft HoloLens to see 3D computer graphics shown on top of the real-world classroom environment. “There is nothing as powerful as using HoloLens for educating our students,” said TSTC Senior Vice President of Student Learning Hector Yanez. “This is…

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Local Small Businesses Receive $100,000

STED grant winners with Hidalgo County Commissioners Court members

Five businesses in small and rural communities in Hidalgo County are the recent recipients of funding to consequently spur prosperity in their respective communities. The funding comes from Hidalgo County’s first-ever Small Town Economic Development program with grants totaling $100,000. More than 40 businesses applied to the program with 21 chosen to participate. Businesses receiving $20,000 grants are Reybotics, Green Thumb Nursery, Cappadona Ranch, Ashley Nicole Boutique and Hernandez Barns. “This economic…

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Training grant to benefit local small businesses

Weslaco EDC Check Presentation

Custom training for local small businesses is the focus of a Weslaco EDC grant. The $100,000 grant will fund South Texas College in providing training in retail, manufacturing and logistics through Sept. 30, 2019. A ceremonial check presentation took place Nov 1 for the partnership to increase both high skill and high wage jobs in the Mid-Valley region. “Workforce training is one of the biggest negotiators in today’s economic projects,”…

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Websites Still Critical Tools

Websites_Haight: Spectrum digital expert Ben Haight delivered a presentation on best practices for business websites at a seminar hosted by the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. (VBR)

Small business owners who think a good social media presence is all they need to promote their enterprises in the digital world are most likely mistaken. Digital marketing started with websites and they remain a critical component of branding a business. “A website is your digital storefront and it’s what sets you apart from similar businesses,” said Ben Haight, senior digital sales manager for Spectrum in Texas, during a seminar…

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TSTC Cyber Defense a Center of Excellence

TSTC-Cyber Defense

Computer Networking and Security Technology at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen is celebrating a unique national distinction. The program is now a Center of Excellence for Cyber Defense for two-year education programs. The recognition comes from the Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency. The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense recognizes and grants designations to institutions that offer rigorous degree programs in information security. “Your…

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Artificial Intelligence Can Help Save Time

artificial intelligence

When you think of artificial intelligence, your mind might conjure images of futuristic robots or computers that are able to act as humans do. But AI isn’t just an idea for the future. It’s making a real impact on businesses today and could factor even larger in the years to come. An Accenture Research study found that AI has the potential to boost profitability by an average of 38 percent across select…

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Mission Partnership Promotes STEM Careers

Mission junior high students who participated in the recent SEAD Academy (photo Mission EDC)

Mission junior high students recently received a taste of innovation and technology thanks to a partnership between SEAD (Science, Engineering, Art and Design) Academy, Mission Economic Development Corporation, and Texas A&M University Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution. Together, the collaborators participated in the National Science Foundation’s Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers program. After holding the first Smart Home Competition in June 2017 in Bryan, Texas, SEAD Academy…

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Mission EDC Teams Up for Educator Training

computer science professional development

More than 100 teachers and counselors in Mission will receive computer science professional development this summer thanks to a local partnership. Mission EDC, Code/Interactive and the Mission Consolidated Independent School District are joining forces with Google to offer the training to 100 teachers and 20 counselors in elementary and junior high schools. One teacher from every grade level in Mission CISD’s 14 elementary and four middle schools will receive training.…

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