Category Archives: e-Brief Features

Two VIDA Boosts Help Further Nurse’s Career

Community e-Brief Features Featured News Non-Profit Comments
Donna Jo Pena

When Donna Jo Pena applied to Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement in late 2021, it wasn’t déjà vu that came over her. Rather, she experienced actual memories from 2004-2005 when VIDA played a significant role in helping her become a licensed vocational nurse. VIDA, a nonprofit organization serving the Rio Grande Valley for over 25 years, provides financial assistance and support services, removing the barriers that often prevent Valley…

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Texas Breaks More Labor Records in March

e-Brief Features News Comments
Texas, Austin

Texas has set new records in March 2023 with the largest civilian labor force and greatest number of people employed in state history. The seasonally adjusted civilian labor force increased by 78,800 to reach a series-high 14,898,100 people. The unemployment rate also held steady at four percent. Texas added 28,600 positions to reach another series-high job count at 13,839,200 total nonfarm jobs. Since March 2022, 575,100 positions have been added.…

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City Nature Challenge Returns to Texas

Community e-Brief Features News Comments

The City Nature Challenge is back for the eighth year, inviting Texans to explore nature in their immediate surroundings. The friendly community competition takes places April 28 – May 1 among 15 Texas metropolitan areas, including the Lower Rio Grande Valley. The program is the product of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department through the Texas Nature Trackers program, encouraging people to explore outside their front doors, in their yard or…

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The Wall That Heals Now On Display In Edinburg

Community e-Brief Features Featured News Comments
The Wall that Heals

UTRGV and the City of Edinburg are hosting The Wall that Heals, a 375-foot-long replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall now through April 23 at the Ebony Hills Golf Course. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund chose Edinburg as a stop on the 2023 national The Wall That Heals tour. It includes the three-quarter scale replica wall and a mobile Education Center exhibit that tells the story of the Vietnam War,…

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TSTC Prepares Aviation Maintenance Students

e-Brief Features Education News Comments
TSTC aviation maintenance program

Highly skilled aircraft technicians are in short supply, and the aviation maintenance program at Texas State Technical College is training students in an effort to meet demand for them across Texas. Isaac Pena of Rio Grande City is a second-semester Aircraft Powerplant Technology student at TSTC. He said the technician shortage creates a promising outlook for upcoming aviation maintenance graduates. “It’s beneficial because there’s more demand, opportunities and potentially increased pay,” he said. “As I’m…

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Leadership Edinburg Hosts Kentucky Derby-Themed Fundraiser

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments

Leadership Edinburg Class XXXIV will host a Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser “Derby at the Depot” on May 6, transporting guests to the world-famous horse race. Organizers say the event promises to be an exciting and entertaining afternoon. The fundraiser will feature a live screening of the Kentucky Derby, along with a silent auction, raffle and live music. Food and drinks, including traditional Mint Juleps, are on the menu. Attendees are encouraged to…

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TWC Invites Employers To Apply For Funds To Train Workers

Community e-Brief Features Government News Comments

The Texas Workforce Commission is rolling out a new initiative named Upskill Texas to help businesses with 100 employees or more train their workforce. TWC has approved $5 million in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds for the pilot program. It is inviting businesses to take advantage of the opportunity to provide technical training to their employees. “This opportunity invests in both the Texas workforce and businesses by guaranteeing that…

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STC, TWC Celebrate New Training Program

e-Brief Features Education News Comments

South Texas College is introducing a new program that will give students highly coveted and marketable skills that will help them get job placement in the industrial maintenance and repair field. The program is all in thanks to the Texas Workforce Commission Texas Talent Connection Grant. The $254,167 will fund scholarships for 76 individuals from high school students to adults to enter STC’s brand new Maintenance and Repair Program for…

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Tips On Financing Small Businesses

Business Advice e-Brief Features News Comments

VBR is kicking off a series with SCORE, a nonprofit organization fostering vibrant small business communities through mentoring and educational workshops. The nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors helps small businesses plan, launch, manage and grow.   In this SCORE Q&A, we hear from Pete Carvell, a SCORE mentor, leader and past district director. Q: What are some options in financing a small business? A: There are several ways to…

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Keep McAllen Beautiful Hosts Annual Cleanup April 15

Community Events e-Brief Features Featured News Comments
(photo Keep McAllen Beautiful)

Keep McAllen Beautiful is once again hosting their annual Great American Clean-Up and Don’t Mess with Texas Trash-Off on April 15. The event kicks off at 8:30 a.m. at McAllen Municipal Park, 1921 N Bicentennial Blvd., and ends at noon. Residents are invited to get cleaning shoes on and join KMB to traverse the city’s major streets, hike and bike trails, city parks and schools, all to help keep McAllen…

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