Category Archives: e-Brief Features

RGV LEAD Connects Industry and Educational Leaders

Community Events e-Brief Features Education Featured News Comments
RGV LEAD

Linking Economic and Academic Development (RGV LEAD) will host the State of Education and Industry on Sept. 24, providing a platform for collaboration, discussion of Valley-area current and future workforce needs, and a showcase of partnerships that have a direct impact on students’ upward mobility. For more than 30 years, RGV LEAD has connected industry and educational leaders to address the workforce demands of the Rio Grande Valley. Our mission…

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STC Foundation To Host Annual Gala

e-Brief Features Education Events News Comments
Foundation Chair Bonnie Gonzalez addresses STC sponsors and donors during last year's inaugural Foundation Gala. (photo STC)

Since the inception of the South Texas College Foundation last year, it has given back nearly $500,000 to students in scholarships and funds to help create a college-going culture, especially among first-generation students, thanks to community sponsors and donors. With its second annual Foundation Gala on Oct. 16, the nonprofit organization is on the hunt for sponsors and donors at all levels, to help make this year’s event a success.…

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UTRGV Ranked No. 1 Texas University Again

e-Brief Features Education News Comments
UTRGV

For the second consecutive year, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has been recognized as the No. 1 university in Texas, according to the latest Washington Monthly college guide and rankings. Recognized as a top-performing institution of higher education in the state among all institutions – private and public – UTRGV took the lead in the 2024 rankings. Texas A&M University came in second and Rice University, third. “We…

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BCIC Scores Five More International Accolades

Community e-Brief Features News Comments
Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation

The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation is the recipient of five prestigious awards from the 2024 International Economic Development Council Excellence Awards. With these additional awards, BCIC is now the most awarded economic development organization in Rio Grande Valley history. BCIC will receive recognition at the IEDC 2024 Annual Conference in Denver, Colo. taking place Sept. 15-18. The Excellence in Economic Development Awards program covered 26 categories, scored by 163 judges.…

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MFE Sets Record-Breaking Passenger Activity

e-Brief Features Featured News Transportation & Travel Comments
McAllen International Airport

McAllen International Airport set an all-time total traveler record for July in 2024 with 114,694 total passengers, an 8.7 percent increase over the previous record set in June 2024. Overall traffic in 2024 has increased 23 percent year over year, with 70 percent more flights since same time in 2023. “McAllen International Airport has set records in four of the past five years, however this year we have taken it…

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TSTC Honors Stone at Distinguished Alumni Gala

e-Brief Features Education Events News Comments
Joel Stone

Texas State Technical College will present its inaugural Distinguished Alumni Gala on Sept. 10, recognizing inspiring TSTC alumni who embody a legacy of success. Receiving the the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award is Joel Stone, an alumnus of the college’s Building Construction Technology program and now the chairman and CEO of construction company SpawGlass. Stone received his certificate of completion in 1984 when TSTC was Texas State Technical Institute. “TSTC has been a foundation in the…

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SBA Seeks Nominations for Small Business Awards

e-Brief Features Featured Government News Comments
2025 Small Business Awards

The U.S. Small Business Administration is now accepting nominations for its highly celebrated National and District Small Business Week Awards, including Small Business Person of the Year. To help nominators prepare a successful package, the Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office will present two September webinars explaining the nomination guidelines. “The SBA’s Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office is ready to accept nominations,” Angela Burton, district director, said. “I encourage…

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UTRGV and Pharr EDC Open Pharr Global Business Hub

Community e-Brief Features Education News Comments
Members of the Pharr EDC and UTRGV communities unveil a mural at the grand opening of the Pharr Global Business Hub on Aug. 15. (photo Paul Chouy, UTRGV)

UTRGV and the Pharr Economic Development Corporation have officially opened the doors of the Pharr Global Business Hub, designed to help bring in new businesses and strengthen current businesses in the Rio Grande Valley. The facility, a project four years in the making, will prioritize the creation and expansion of businesses and jobs in the city, along with key trainings. Dr. Magdalena Hinojosa, UTRGV senior vice president for Strategic Enrollment…

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IMAS to Honor Local Leaders at Collage Gala

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments
45th Annual Collage Gala honorees Joe Brown, Jim Darling and Tim Smith

The International Museum of Art & Science hosts its 45th annual Collage Gala on Sept. 14. The prestigious black-tie fundraiser event will honor Joe Brown, Jim Darling and Tim Smith for their contributions to the community. “The Collage Gala is our signature event that raises annual operating funds to directly support our education and exhibit programs,” states IMAS Executive Director Ann Fortescue. “This event would not be possible or as…

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Tawil Named New McAllen City Manager

e-Brief Features Government News Comments
Isaac Tawil

McAllen Mayor Javer Villalobos and the McAllen City Commission have selected Isaac Tawil as McAllen’s next city manager, following a comprehensive and competitive search. Tawil brings experience in public administration, leadership and community engagement to the role, as well as legal expertise. The City of McAllen invites the community to join in welcoming Tawil at an upcoming reception on Aug. 26 at 4:30 p.m. at McAllen City Hall, Commission Chamber…

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