Category Archives: e-Brief Features

San Antonio Startup Week Rewards Startup Pitches

San Antonio Startup Week

San Antonio Startup Week will offer entrepreneurs a free week of innovation on from Oct. 16-21 in downtown San Antonio. The event features 75 events, including keynote addresses, workshops and panel discussions. A highlight is five premier startup pitch competitions which will invest nearly $300,000 in startups during the week. The majority of SA Startup Week events will be held at Geekdom at 110 E. Houston Street. “San Antonio Startup…

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Henry’s Adjusts & Stays Local In Harlingen

Jay Garza as a freshly minted Texas A&M University graduate relocated to California to chase his big-city dreams. Living in San Francesco, Perez worked in human resources operations for Gap Inc. at its corporate headquarters. There were aspects of the West Coast life he enjoyed, but long, traffic-filled commutes became tiresome, and his family in Harlingen beckoned. His father, Henry, a small business owner in Harlingen, was perplexed why his…

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STC Veterans Department Awarded ‘Gold’

STC VEERA

South Texas College Veterans and Military Services has been awarded top honors by the Texas Veterans Commission for its commitment to supporting the needs of student veterans and their families. TVC has announced that STC has been given the Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award for the 2022-2023 school year. The commission will officially present the award to the college in the coming weeks. “As a Veterans Department, we feel honored…

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Nursing Student Forges Path With VIDA

For Weslaco resident Martha Zuniga, the distance to her destination holds little significance; what matters is reaching it. “The journey can be 1,000 miles away,” Zuniga said, “but you begin with one step.” Zuniga’ journey began in 2008 when she became a certified nursing assistant while in high school. After graduation, she took the next step by becoming a certified medical assistant.  “My parents always said that education is the…

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Police Chief Selected for State-Wide Agency

Victor Rodriguez

McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez has been selected by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement to serve on an advisory committee for the organization. He will serve on the committee to address misconduct investigations and hiring procedures. Rodriguez is a veteran with a public service record that spans decades. He has served as the McAllen Police Chief since 2001. “Chief Rodriguez is an excellent choice to help further the mission…

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VIDA Receives $10K Grant From AT&T

VIDA AT&T Grant

Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement is the recent recipient of a $10,000 grant from AT&T, an award reflecting AT&T’s commitment to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. This grant recognizes the importance of investing in students today – at home, in the classroom, at work – to narrow the digital divide by providing today’s learners with equitable opportunity to learn and thrive. Through this grant project, VIDA will…

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City of McAllen Hosts Free Microchip Clinic

pets, microchip clinic

The City of McAllen, in partnership with Palm Valley Animal Society, will host a free, drive-thru microchip clinic for McAllen residents and their pets on Sept. 23 at the McAllen City Hall parking lot, located at 1300 West Houston Ave., from 9 a.m. to noon or until chips last. Attendees must bring proof of residency, such as a utility bill and driver’s license. Pets must be at least six weeks…

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Local Hospital Offering Innovative Disease Treatment

Dr. Norman Ramirez (in white coat) and Dr. Jaime Villarreal (to immediate left) with Rio Grande Regional Hospital surgical and cath lab colleagues and leadership.

Rio Grande Regional Hospital recently conducted its first TransCarotid Artery Revascularization procedure to treat carotid artery disease and prevent future strokes.  Before TCAR, the main treatment option for severe carotid artery disease was an open surgical procedure, carotid endarterectomy. CEA removes plaque from inside the carotid artery to restore normal blood flow to the brain, but the large incision leaves a visible scar the length of the neck. It carries…

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McAllen Names Suarez New Chamber President

Elizabeth Suarez

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce board recently voted unanimously to name Elizabeth Suarez the new president and CEO of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. “Elizabeth’s extensive experience, her effective leadership, and her deep roots in the community, make her an ideal candidate to lead our organization,” said Stephan Wingert, chairman of the board for the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. “We are excited to welcome Elizabeth to the Chamber of Commerce.…

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VIDA Receives Blue Impact Grant For Workforce Development

Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement has received a Blue Impact grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, an award reflecting BCBSTX’s dedication to community-based organizations that prioritize the well-being of children and families. The grant recognizes the crucial role of local organizations in fostering positive change, tackling underlying factors that influence health, including socio-economic challenges, and promoting economic opportunities. Since its launch in early 2023, BCBSTX has allocated…

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