Category Archives: e-Brief Features

Over the past year, the U.S. Small Business Administration has helped thousands of residents and entrepreneurs in Texas, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico rebuild their homes and businesses damaged by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. Many are still recovering from the storms that caused unprecedented physical and economic devastation. After Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas on Aug. 26, 2017, the SBA quickly ramped…

DreamBuilder Academy Sets Framework for Women

August 23, 2018

VBR

Business Advice e-Brief Features Events Featured News Comments

The Women’s Business Center of Cameron County and the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce are currently accepting applications for DreamBuilder Academy. The 12-module program is a step-by-step framework for starting a business. Throughout the program, participants learn if they should start a business and what a business plan is as well as how much it costs to start a business. Facilitated by small business consultant Luis Urquieta, DreamBuilder is designed specifically…

Weslaco Hampton Inn Breaks Ground

August 16, 2018

VBR

e-Brief Features News Comments

Construction of Hampton Inn’s newest location in the area has begun at 1004 Fairfield Blvd. in Weslaco with expected completion in September 2019. The hotel chain will create between 10 to 15 more full-time jobs in Weslaco. Birju Patel, franchise owner, says that Weslaco’s centralized location in the region, along with its stable economy and strategic growth, were determining factors to the decision to come to Weslaco. “I’ve been studying Weslaco…

Habitat for Humanity Opens New ReStore in Harlingen

August 9, 2018

George Cox

e-Brief Features Featured News Non-Profit Retail Comments

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Harlingen opened the doors of its new location this week in a renovated building made possible by a groundswell of community support. The building on First Street formerly housed Loaves and Fishes. It was acquired by Habitat for Humanity early this year along with the former Zarsky’s Lumber property across the street. The eight-month inside-and-out renovation project was made possible by tens of thousands…

Port of Brownsville Complex Reopens

August 9, 2018

VBR

e-Brief Features Featured News Comments

After 18 months, the Brownsville Navigation District and Port of Brownsville staff returns to their home of the administration office campus at 1000 Foust Road. In January 2017, the port’s administrative offices were temporary relocated to the Keppel AmFELS complex at 20000 SH 48. The office campus renovations adds 12,473 square feet of new office space for a total of 26,500 square feet. The project includes a remodeling of the two…

Foundation designates RGV as Talent Hub

August 3, 2018

VBR

e-Brief Features Education News Comments

Lumina Foundation, in partnership with the Kresge Foundation, has designated the Rio Grande Valley as a Talent Hub, granting $275,000 to support local efforts to increase education beyond high school. The Talent Hub designation indicates a community has shown the capacity and ability to significantly increase the numbers of residents with college degrees, certificates or other credentials beyond a high school diploma. South Texas College, the University of Texas Rio…

Texas Continues Employment Growth

August 3, 2018

VBR

e-Brief Features News Comments

The Texas economy added 27,200 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs in June, which marked 24 consecutive months of employment growth. Over the year, Texas added 359,500 jobs for an annual employment growth rate of 2.9 percent. Private-sector employers added 26,400 positions over the month. Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.0 percent in June, down slightly from May 2018. “Recognition of Texas as the premier place to do business in the country…

Grubhub Comes to Brownsville

July 28, 2018

VBR

e-Brief Features Food & Entertainment News Comments

Grubhub Inc. is now servicing Brownsville and is actively looking to continue recruiting “share economy” technology companies in the area. The result, according to the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation, is to “to increase job creation, and improve commerce and the city’s quality of life.” “Tech companies, such as Grubhub, not only provide our local and chain businesses with expanded services but also provide an alternative form of income for those who…

Mission Partnership Promotes STEM Careers

July 26, 2018

VBR

e-Brief Features Education News Technology Comments

Mission junior high students recently received a taste of innovation and technology thanks to a partnership between SEAD (Science, Engineering, Art and Design) Academy, Mission Economic Development Corporation, and Texas A&M University Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution. Together, the collaborators participated in the National Science Foundation’s Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers program. After holding the first Smart Home Competition in June 2017 in Bryan, Texas, SEAD Academy…

Primo Picks Finalists Hail From McAllen