Officials break ground for Index Fresh Latin American avocados headed for tables in the United States have a new place along the border to stay cool and ripen. Index Fresh cut the ribbon on a new 60,000-square-foot packing and ripening facility in Pharr on Jan. 9. “I am just overjoyed to be here today,” Index Fresh President and CEO Dana Thomas said. “I love the new plant. If you are…
As Rio Grande Valley temperatures plunged with a blast of winter weather, members of the Harlingen business community huddled together under a tent for a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction of Texas Regional Bank’s corporate headquarters. Just a few days earlier the bank opened its newest Harlingen branch in a temporary building at Stuart Place Road and Expressway 83, right next door to where the new banking…
Immigrants, both documented and undocumented, are a crucial source of labor, and it is well past time for immigration reform. Moreover, it needs to be framed in a way that addresses the reality of the situation rather than popular myths. In addition to the important human aspect of the issue, there is also a clear economic incentive. Change is coming for the U.S. workforce, with the retiring of baby boomers…
The Hispanic population in the United States continues to grow at a rapid pace, and that translates into big money when it comes to business in America. President and CEO of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Javier Palomarez told a group of Rio Grande Valley business leaders that Latino entrepreneurs contribute more than $668 billion to the U.S. economy each year. “The Hispanic community has become a defining feature…
Just as time flies, saving for college can also fly – under the radar, that is. Maybe you’ve always had the intention to put away money for your child, but with one thing and another you still haven’t got started. Actually, many parents are in the same boat. According to a Fidelity College Savings Indicator Survey, parents of 10th graders and beyond say they regret they did not: Save more…
“Creative incubator” gives hands-on experiences Although the Harlingen school district’s the new Media Arts and Communications Academy opened with the start of the school year, officials introduced it to the community at a ceremony this week. HCISD Superintendent Art Cavazos said the academy serves as “a creative incubator to inspire students” who are considering a future in the field. The academy teaches classes in television, radio and graphics arts production.…
Magic Valley Electric Cooperative celebrated 80 years in South Texas during festivities at its headquarters in Mercedes. Founded in 1937 by a group of Rio Grande Valley farmers and ranchers to bring electricity to rural South Texas, one year after the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 was enacted during the administration of President Franklin Roosevelt. It provided federal loans for the installation of electrical distribution systems to serve isolated rural…
Market reopens in two days Workers are racing to complete a shade structure before Saturday’s reopening of the Harlingen Farmers Market at its new location at First Street and Tyler Avenue next to City Hall. “We will have shade for 20 vendors,” market manager Kate McSwain said. “We have 32 vendors lined up right now. That’s a big increase over last year. I’m very excited.” The market will be open…
McAllen Chamber tool helps small businesses from Laredo to Kingsville Many small businesses cannot afford consultants or market research to help them keep up with the competition or identify potential customers. But the McAllen Chamber of Commerce offers access to a free online tool that can help. SizeUp McAllen allows business owners to do their own local market research through its extensive database that includes revenue comparisons, consumer demographics, labor…
Guess what people are doing right now? They’re starting their holiday shopping. They may not be decking the halls yet, but 17 percent of shoppers surveyed by the National Retail Federation said they start researching holiday purchases before September, while eight percent reported making purchases before the start of autumn. That holiday mentality holds steady in September before rocketing up in October and November. Customers are looking ahead, and your small business needs to…