The word on the street is, “Why are we as businesses expected to monitor our customers? If customers lower their masks, we can be fined. How is that right?” Here at VBR, we agree the burden of customers’ facial covering practices should not be on business owners and their employees. Even with the new state orders by Governor Abbott requiring individuals to mask up in public, local county judges continue…
South Texas College’s fall 2020 offerings beginning Aug. 24 will include about 20 percent in an in-person/hybrid format. The rest of its 4,500 courses will be available in online format with instructional plans being modifiable in the event of ever changing state or federal guidelines. With the in-person/hybrid model, courses requiring hands-on activities will be split into 50 percent classroom instruction and 50 percent online instruction. Programs requiring hands-on learning include Nursing…
After spending 22 years with the Brownsville Public Utilities Board as a certified lineworker, Candelario Deanda is ready to climb to new heights. His new role is an Electrical Lineworker Technology instructor when Texas State Technical College introduces the program at its Harlingen campus this fall. “We are still in the process of getting everything ready,” Deanda said. “I will be an instructor for courses in obtaining the certificate, as…
The Weslaco Economic Development Corporation has awarded 37 local businesses with financial assistance from its small business loan/grant program. The program was announced in early May to help small businesses cope with the fallout of COVID-19 hardships. The EDC said the loan/grant program helps with payroll, mortgage, rent, utilities and basic operation costs. “The growing economy in Weslaco has based its success on the traditions set by our small business…
Winning the fight isn’t easy. Our current opponent is tough, but Team Rio Grande Valley is tougher. The hours run long, the sweat pours, punches hit us and we become weary. The enemy is sneaky, but local businesses and organizations, led by determined, resilient and competitive people, will not be defeated. We stand our ground together and then, as a unified people, we will win this war. Here at VBR,…
Sergio Contreras, the president and CEO of the RGV Partnership, has been elected chairman of the Border Trade Alliance. Contreras takes the helm of the BTA board during a time of challenge for the cross-border trade community. “I am honored to assume the chairmanship of the Border Trade Alliance, one of the nation’s most respected trade advocacy groups, at a time when our work has never been more important,” Contreras…
New virtual skills enhancement opportunities are coming from the Texas Workforce Commission for individuals receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits. According to TWC, Texas has a historic number of UI beneficiaries as a result of COVID-19. The result is an increase in need for a range of services to support Texas businesses and workers. This includes the need to enhance the skills of unemployed Texans to prepare to reconnect to the Texas…
The team at Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement knows all too well about doors closing in keeping underemployed and unemployed people in the Rio Grande Valley from career advancement and higher pay. Janet Oliva Cortez knows about those challenges. Cortez works for the Weslaco Independent School District as a data entry clerk. It’s a good employer, secure job, and a decent salary. Cortez knew, however, that without a degree,…
Work search requirements for Unemployment Insurance benefits in Texas will return July 6, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. The requirements were temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. Work search is a federal requirement to receive unemployment benefits. Individuals will continue to receive benefits, but must document their efforts to find new employment, with the first report due to TWC on July 19. Those currently receiving unemployment should keep good records…
The Rio Grande Valley is known for its irrigation pipes alongside the network of canals that have historically provided water from the river to farm fields. The pipes remain standing amid a now urbanized region with farming pushed further out from expanding city limits. McAllen is among the Valley cities that have utilized property alongside canals for hike-and-bike trails. There are more than 200 irrigation pipes in the city, many…