Category Archives: e-Brief Features

VIDA Aids Student & Ultimately Local Community

Eleazar Olivarez

Eleazar Olivarez first heard about the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement when he was still in high school in Mission. At the time, his mom was enrolled as a nursing student. She heard about VIDA and told her son about it. Nearly 30 years ago, Valley Interfaith joined forces with a group of Valley business leaders who recognized the critical need to serve underserved residents of the region. They…

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TWC App Connects Texans with Career Pathways

MyTXCareer

The Texas Workforce Commission has launched a new mobile app to help Texans explore potential career pathways and discover step-by-step resources to achieve their goals. With the launch of MyTXCareer app, job seekers can now find personalized occupation matches and recommended career paths based on their skills, interests and experience. “The continued growth of Texas’ record-breaking economy creates opportunities for Texans to advance their careers,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel.…

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Edinburg EDC Launches Facade & Lot Improvement Program

The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation has launched its Façade and Lot Improvement Program, an initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to local small businesses that have faced significant challenges in recent years. FLIP addresses the aftermath of the pandemic, high inflation, and severe weather storms that have adversely affected the local economy, causing damage to signs, awnings, facades, parking lots and more. The EEDC will support the community’s recovery by…

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Valley Symphony Orchestra Names New Executive Director 

Performing arts and entertainment industry veteran David Lobel is the new executive director of the Valley Symphony Orchestra. Lobel has been serving as the interim executive director of the VSO since August 2023 following the departure of Katy Coy, who relocated to Columbus, Ohio to become the CEO of the Jazz Arts Group.  “As he has proven during the transition, David is the perfect person to lead the VSO through…

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Dietrich Assumes Interim Director at Port

William Dietrich

The Port of Brownsville begins 2024 with Port Chief of Police William Dietrich succeeding former Port Director and CEO Eduardo A. Campirano as interim port director. The Brownsville Navigation District Board of Commissioners began a national search for a new port director and CEO in August. Dietrich was named interim in December while the search continues. “Building upon record achievements, the Port of Brownsville is on the path for tremendous…

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Villita Avocados Makes U.S. Produce History

Villita Avocados Inc.

This week, avocado grower and distributor Villita Avocados Inc. in Pharr is making history in the produce industry, fulfilling orders utilizing specially made mesh produce bags that are 100 percent compostable.  “We will be the first avocado company to come out with a 100 percent compostable, 100 percent plastic-free avocado bag in North America,” said Rob Ybarra, executive vice president of Villita. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the United…

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City of Pharr Hires Sanchez as Chamber of President

C.J. Sanchez

The City of Pharr and the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce recently announces that Carlos Javier “C.J.” Sanchez is the new GPCC president. “C.J. is a wonderful addition to our Pharr team! With his wealth of knowledge and experience in the business community, we know he will do an exceptional job working to promote our local Pharr businesses and community,” said City Manager Dr. Jonathan B. Flores. Hailing from Edinburg,…

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Causeway Run & Walk Registration Now Open

Causeway Run & Walk

Registration is now open for the 40th annual Causeway Run & Fitness Walk taking place April 13. offering a fitness walk and both 5K and 10K options. All who register will have the unique opportunity to cross over the famous Queen Isabella Causeway. The event follows the 6.2-mile (10K) course starting at the Port Isabel Community Center, continuing on to the Causeway over the Laguna Madre Bay and ending in…

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VA Offers New Transportation Opens for Veterans

VA Uber Health Connect

Veterans living in the Rio Grande Valley/Costal Bend Area who need transportation to and from medical appointments now can get a ride via VA Uber Health Connect. “The VA Uber Health Connect Initiative bridges the transportation gap by ensuring veterans have reliable transportation for their health care needs,” said National Lead of VA Uber Health Connect Indra Sandal. “By offering ridesharing as an additional means of transportation, VA is helping…

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IMAS Hosts UTRGV Traveling Exhibition

UTRGV CHAPS Ancient Landscapes

The International Museum of Art & Science is partnering with the UTRGV Community Historical Archeology Project with Schools to host its traveling exhibition “Ancient Landscapes of South Texas: Hiding in Plain Sight” beginning Jan. 6. The exhibition explores 50 million years of geological history and 15,000 years of cultural history in South Texas. Residents and visitors of the Rio Grande Valley may step over millions of years of history that…

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