Category Archives: e-Brief Features

Pharr Digital Literacy Program Offers Free Laptops

Pharr Connect Digital Literacy Program

The City of Pharr’s Pharr Connect Digital Literacy Program continues to accept applications from residents. The three-year program, running from 2024 to 2026, aims to bridge the digital divide and promote health equity by enhancing digital literacy, expanding access to technology, and providing valuable resources to Pharr residents. Those who complete the training will not only gain essential computer and internet skills but will also receive a new laptop upon…

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Elsa EDC Fuels Small Business Growth

Elsa Economic Development Corporation

The Elsa Economic Development Corporation is looking to support local entrepreneurs with the launch of the Lift Elsa Incentive Program. The small business loan initiative will boost cash flow and provide affordable capital for businesses in Elsa. In partnership with LiftFund, the program offers zero-percent interest loans to eligible businesses. Through this initiative, the Elsa EDC is buying down the interest on loans up to $50,000. They are eliminating interest…

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Clark Family Unveils Sleek New Branding

The Clark Family has rolled out a new brand identity, unifying its Honda and Chevrolet dealerships under one cohesive vision. According to a release, the rebrand “reflects the Clark’s long standing commitment to their customers, their deep-rooted presence in the Rio Grande Valley, and focus on delivering an excellent automotive experience.” “Since 1933, the Clark Family has been known for its exceptional service and dedication to  our customers. This rebrand…

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Burkhart Receives 40 Under 40 Award

Nathan Burkhart

Nathan Burkhart, vice president for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation, is a recipient of the 2025 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award. The biennial award recognizes rising stars under 40 years old in the economic development industry. The awards program is hosted by Development Counsellors International and Jorgenson Pace Inc. An independent selection committee of six economic development leaders and site selection consultants evaluated nominations based…

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Winter Texan Fiesta Takes Place March 7

Winter Texan Fiesta

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce invites Winter Texans and the local community to the Winter Texan Fiesta on March 7 at Leo Peña Placita Park in Mission. The free annual event acknowledges the invaluable contributions that Winter Texans make to the local economy, culture and community. The Winter Texan Fiesta features live music, local vendors and an atmosphere that captures the unique spirit of Mission. In addition, the first…

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Fiesta Edinburg Begins Feb. 27

Fiesta Edinburg

The 56th annual Fiesta Edinburg is coming up from February 27 to March 2 at the Bert Ogden Arena, expecting to draw in thousands of attendees to Edinburg. This year’s star-studded musical lineup kicks off on Friday with Corrido artist Edgardo Nuñez, T3R Elemento, and Nivel. On Saturday, five-time Grammy Award winner La Mafia takes the stage as well as Latin Grammy Award-winning artist and former lead singer of Grupo…

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Pharr EDC Foundation Scholarship Now Open

Pharr EDC Foundation Scholarship

The Pharr EDC Foundation, in partnership with the Pharr Economic Development Corporation and the City of Pharr, is currently accepting applications from eligible students for the 2024-2025 Pharr EDC Foundation Scholarship. Applications are available online with a submission deadline of March 14 by 5 p.m. “The Pharr EDC Foundation is dedicated to investing in the future of our students by providing financial assistance for higher education,” said Victor Perez, president…

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McAllen Breaks Sales Tax Record

McAllen sales tax and retail

The City of McAllen has shattered its all-time sales tax record, receiving an unprecedented $11.9 million in February’s sales tax allocation for the same month of December (2024 vs 2023). This is a 12.3 percent increase over last year’s collection for the same period. The milestone surpasses the previous high of $10.6 million collected last year. “McAllen’s long-term strategy of becoming a destination city, encouraging booming residential and commercial development, facilitating international…

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San Juan Mom Receives a Lifeline with VIDA

Rosa Diaz

San Juan resident Rosa I. Diaz describes life as a single mother with four children as both challenging and rewarding. Working full time as a provider, she earned above minimum wage; however, stretching her $11-per-hour earnings proved to be no small task. “While I was grateful for my job, I knew I wanted more for myself and my family,” Diaz said. She saw an advertisement for the Valley Initiative for…

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MFE Reaches Historic Passenger Milestone

McAllen International Airport

McAllen International Airport achieved a historic milestone for commercial air service in the Rio Grande Valley in 2024 with more than 1.2 million travelers. This achievement marks a 25 percent increase in year-over-year total passengers. “Thanks to McAllen International Airport’s expanding air service, reaching 1.2 million flyers marks one of the many achievements for McAllen in 2024,” said City of McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos, “Non-stop service to key domestic and…

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