Category Archives: e-Brief Features

Maddie’s Pumpkin Patch Opens

One of the rustic and charming photo set ups, perfect for fall photos.

With fall on the horizon, pumpkin patches are rising in popularity. One very popular attraction is Maddie’s Pumpkin Patch in McAllen, which opened on Sept. 14. Pumpkins line walking trails leading you to several picturesque photo set-ups ready for you to use. There are goats, piglets, bunnies and horses you can enjoy petting at the big red barn. Take advantage of snacks and the playground, and let the kids take…

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Local Business Gets Real (Estate)

The Ryan & Brian Team at their Summer Fiesta customer appreciation event.

Real estate is one of the top five biggest investments a person makes during their lifetime. When making a decision that large, it is important to not only work with someone you trust, but to also be educated on the process.  In 2006, Ryan Peterson partnered with long-time friend Brian Reed to create The Ryan & Brian Real Estate Team. Their partnership has now expanded to a team of 13 people,…

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McAllen ISD Hosts Dyslexia Conference

The McAllen ISD inaugural Dyslexia Conference takes place Oct. 19 at McAllen High School. Here, parents can increase their knowledge about dyslexia while also learning strategies for home and school. The free event takes place from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. McAllen High is at 2021 La Vista Ave. Dyslexia, also known as reading disorder, is characterized by trouble with reading despite normal intelligence. Dyslexia affects different people in varying degrees.…

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A New Vision of Mission

Surveyor maps laid down the first legal representations in Hidalgo County in the late 1930s.  L. David Flores, the deputy city manager of Mission, said these basic maps were used as the legal representations for the county and its cities up until the early 1990s. Computer aided designs were already creating early versions of the first digital representations of the old maps. City governments began making use of these digital…

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SBA Funds to Expand Small Business Exporting

STEP

The Texas Department of Agriculture is the recipient of a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration to support export growth among small businesses. The funds come through SBA’s competitive State Trade Expansion Program. “STEP is a great example of a true export development and promotion tool for preparing U.S. small businesses for international opportunities,” said District Director Angela Burton. “STEP grant awardees will offer the resources to help small businesses…

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Conquering Workplace Conflict — Part 2 

workplace conflict

In part one of this series, we learned that workplace conflict starts with you. Some conflict is our own fault due to our own conflicting thoughts and desires. Yet, giving people the benefit of the doubt can help greatly reduce stress in the workplace.  In this installment, continue to focus on you. I know you think it is someone else who is causing the toxic work environment. But you must…

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International Trucking Expo Saturday

Pharr International Trucking Expo

The 2019 Pharr International Trucking Expo takes place Sept. 21, offering the public free access to services, employment, products, prizes and health screenings. Companies from both Mexico and the United States will be offering their services, products and jobs, as well as financing for the purchase of trucks, parts and equipment. The event also features a live DJ, truck contest and more. “Trucking is a vital industry to our economy,…

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Edinburg Chamber Seeks Man & Woman of the Year

Edinburg Chamber of Commerce 2018 Man and Woman of the Year Robert and Janet Vackar

The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking nominations for Man and Woman of the Year for 2019. Robert and Janet Vackar, owners of Bert Ogden Auto Group, were the 2018 Man and Woman of the Year. The chamber encourages everyone to nominate someone who exceeds in professional and civic commitment. They should also be avid in volunteerism within the community of Edinburg. The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Man &…

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Dual Enrollment Celebrates 20 Years

Rebecca Marie De Leon serves as dean of South Texas College's dual enrollment program.

Rebecca Marie De Leon was an aspiring student and high school athlete at Mission Veterans Memorial High School when she enrolled in a dual enrollment program in the early 2000s. The future collegiate golfer was pressed for time in balancing academics and athletics. Dual enrollment, which blends college and high school courses, then grounded her in the need for effective time management.  “It set the foundation for me,” said De…

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Helping Business Owners Help Themselves

Christopher Wycoco conducts free one-hour seminars as part of his Business Made Easier series.

For Christopher Wycoco, business isn’t just about making money. It’s also about helping the community.  That’s why this young entrepreneur and owner of Wycotax is hosting regular free seminars for business owners who want to learn more about running their companies, whether it is a store, restaurant, doctor’s office or insurance agency.  Wycoco has been holding seminars called “Business Made Easier” throughout the Valley for several months and he will continue…

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