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…
For the first time ever, the Department of Fine Arts at Texas Southmost College is hosting a virtual art show to replace the program’s annual art show. It just comes to show that nothing, not even a pandemic, can stop the department from showcasing its students’ artwork. TSC Art Instructor Robert Andes said he is thankful for the support the department has received with the TSC Fine Arts Show. “Naturally…
Leadership Mid-Valley Class XV is currently offering 20 $500 mini-grants to Mid-Valley businesses that are Weslaco Chamber Members. Applications are available online through June 3. Businesses will be selected by a lottery system on Facebook live on June 15. “These times have resulted in economic hardship for millions of small businesses throughout the United States and there is no better time to give back to our very own,” LMV Class…
The annual celebration of high-school theater in the Rio Grande Valley, the Palm Awards is going online. Event organizers of the Palm Awards will livestream the awards show May 24 at 3 p.m. on the Palm Awards Facebook page, on TV (Somos El Valle channel 5.2 or cable 1240) and also streaming online. “The Palm Awards is the ultimate celebration of high-school theater in our region, with over 1,700 in…
The Harlingen Economic Loan Program for Small Business committee convened May 13 to review and consider more than 60 loan application submissions. Applications come from businesses experiencing a more than 25 percent economic loss during the current crisis versus last year’s revenue. The committee also evaluated the required documentation, including financial information, in order to make a fair decision. In April the Harlingen EDC board set aside $1,000,000 to fund…
The Port of Brownsville ranks third among U.S. ports for “strong financial resilience” surveyed in a new report issued by Moody’s Investor Services. This underscores the ongoing value of the port’s prudent financial stewardship in light of economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. Moody’s analysis evaluated American ports on a range of key factors surrounding financial responsibility. This includes the ability to handle the impact of a significant decline in…