Category Archives: e-Brief Features

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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BND Appoints Port Director and CEO

e-Brief Features Manufacturing/Industrial Moving On Up News Comments
William Dietrich

At a regular board meeting last week, the Brownsville Navigation District Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to appoint William Dietrich as port director and CEO. Dietrich becomes the ninth port director and CEO in the port’s 88-year history. In December, the BND Board named Dietrich interim port director and CEO while the navigation district conducted a national search for a new port director and CEO. “I would like to congratulate…

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IMAS Hosts Back to School Bash This Weekend

Community Events e-Brief Features Featured News Comments
H-E-B partners hand out school supplies at IMAS. (Courtesy)

The International Museum of Art & Science will hold its Back to School Bash on Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring hands-on art and science activities, Starlab Planetarium presentations, community tables, food vendors and opportunities to receive school supplies while items last. Visitors will be able to explore museum areas including Water Journey, MPU BioZone, Science On a Sphere exhibit theater, H-E-B Seed to Table play exhibit…

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Young Family Finds Stability with VIDA

Community e-Brief Features Featured News Non-Profit Comments

Parenting happens to be one of the most difficult jobs of all. Single parenting increases that difficulty exponentially. The story of Maria Quintana exemplifies this, but her story is also one of triumph. Quintana has two young children. Unemployed, she received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for her and her children’s meals. Homeless, she and her children stayed with a friend three days a week. They then lived in her…

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DHR Health Hosts Free Back-to-School Bash Aug. 10

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments
back to school

DHR Health Clinics hosts its Back-to-School Bash on Aug. 10, providing a morning of helping families prepare their children for a successful school year. The event will take place from 9-11 a.m. n the parking lot of the DHR Health Medical Office Building, 1100 East Dove Avenue in McAllen. The event is free and open to the public. “Our Back-to-School Bash is our way of giving back to the community…

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VA Holds Free Drive-Thru Food Pantry for Veterans

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments
(photo VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System)

The Texas Valley Costal Bend VA will host a drive-thru food distribution for veterans and their families at the Harlingen Health Care Clinic on Aug. 15. The event begins at 9 a.m. and continues until supplies are exhausted. Veterans must be enrolled in health care at the VA Texas Valley Costal Bend Health Care System and present a valid VA identification card to confirm their veteran status. VA asks veterans to remain in…

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