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…
The construction of two 774-foot-long container ships for Pasha Hawaii continues on schedule at the Port of Brownsville. On June 5, Keppel AmFELS hosted a presentation and tour for port and city of Brownsville officials. Here, they presented an update of construction for the M/V George III and the M/V Janet Marie. Delivery of the M/V George III to Pasha is set for this summer. The twin U.S. Jones Act…
South Texas College President Dr. Shirley A. Reed is the recipient of the 2020 Theodore M. Hesburgh Award for Leadership Excellence in Higher Education. The award recognizes college or university presidents or chancellors who have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities. Reed is the founding president of South Texas College, devoting the last 26 years to making higher education accessible to the Latinx community of South Texas. Through Reed’s leadership, STC serves…
On June 26, following the Governor’s announcement, the Fourth of July Fireworks show on South Padre Island has been canceled. The first annual Red, White and Beach Festival takes place place July 3-4 at the Amphitheater and Event Center on South Padre Island. According to promoters, the event will be “the largest celebration of our Independence Day on the Island.” The festival will feature surprise artists as well as the legendary INTOCABLE…
Thirty-two local high school graduating seniors will receive $1,000 scholarships from the Brownsville Navigation District. The inaugural Port of Brownsville program helps deserving students pursue their education and career dreams. “On behalf of the entire Port of Brownsville organization, we are proud to support these local students and families at this time,” said John Reed, chairman of the Brownsville Navigation District. “We are excited for the students as they continue…
The Pharr Economic Development Corporation is helping businesses recover from the COVID-19 crisis. Earlier this month, the members of the Pharr EDC board of directors approved the Pharr CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Support). Similar to the federal financial relief program, Pharr CARES provides financial relief in the form of working capital. The forgivable grants between $2,500 and $5,000 are for businesses who have been negatively impacted by the…