Earning $2.13 per hour plus tips as a server at Texas Roadhouse in Brownsville made it difficult for single mom Itssen Izaguirre to meet all of her financial obligations. This was especially true when she decided to pursue a career in nursing. Nursing had sparked her interest in middle school and Izaguirre felt the time had come to pursue it. “I knew there was a shortage of nurses,” Izaguirre said,…
The U.S. Small Business Administration issued four final rules to modify revenues-based small business size standards in 16 North American Industrial Classification System sectors that will increase small business eligibility for SBA’s federal contracting and loan programs for approximately 59,000 additional firms. The final rules are part of the second five-year review of size standards, as required under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. As part of the review process, the…
After a brief pause for two years, McAllen’s Sunset Live outdoor music festival returns in its full capacity April 9. The concert series features local musical groups, as well as other regional and national bands. Kicking off the festival is a Tex-Mex Country R&B musical celebration at the McAllen Convention Center Oval Park. This will be the 43rd concert for Sunset Live, making it the leader in outdoor live music events…
The Port of Brownsville remains a stronghold for the Rio Grande Valley’s economy, providing record-setting tonnage and robust operating revenues for FY 2021. Brownsville Navigation District Board Chairman Sergio Tito Lopez highlighted these achievements at the 2022 State of the Port Address last week at the Rancho Viejo Convention Center. The unaudited operating revenues for FY 2021 surpassed the $30-million mark for the second consecutive year at $34 million. Cargo…
Two Rio Grande Valley school districts have recently signed Memorandums of Understanding with UTRGV in support of the development and implementation of Collegiate High Schools. The McAllen Independent School District and the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District made the commitment to provide their students additional opportunities to pursue college credit during high school. “The leaders at the McAllen and Edinburg school districts know how important it is for students to…
For Sophia Lopez, a typical Saturday the last few weeks has included preparing and filing tax returns for people in the community as a Texas Southmost College Accounting Technology student and volunteer for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. The 24-year-old, along with others in her class, have all completed a Federal Income Tax course within their curriculum. They have also earned certifications through the Internal Revenue Service for tax…
Valley Regional Medical Center is the recipient of a 2022 Patient Safety Excellence Award from Healthgrades. The distinction places Valley Regional Medical Center among the top five percent of all short-term acute care hospitals as evaluated. Valley Regional Medical Center colleagues protect the safety of their patients with daily safety huddles. It also consistently has real-time systems in place that use data and analytics to identify and manage risks. This includes…
Lifelong dedication to a community comes with a reward. Sometimes one is presented with a plaque. Rarely is an tree named after the honoree. On March 16 behind Harlingen City Hall, both of those presentations happened. As a formal bonus, the afternoon concluded with a proclamation by Harlingen City Commission. Raul D. Gonzalez, retired City of Harlingen employee and retired Harlingen Chamber of Commerce employee, was honored under the previously…
Mario Lizcano of Pharr has been appointed to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement by Governor Greg Abbott. As a regulatory State agency, TCOLE establishes and enforces standards to ensure that the people of Texas are served by highly trained and ethical law enforcement, corrections and telecommunications personnel. “I’m truly and humbly honored to have been appointed by Governor Abbott to this amazing board,” said Lizcano. “I’m supportive of all…
Kristi Collier, president/CEO of Welcome Home RGV has been appointed to the board of directors of the Texas Travel Alliance. The Texas Travel Alliance is the primary advocate and voice for the Texas travel industry. It is a diverse membership of Texas travel destinations, accommodations, attractions, transportation and support businesses. “We are excited to welcome Kristi to the Texas Travel Alliance Board of Directors,” said Erika Boyd, Texas Travel Alliance…