Category Archives: News

Bountiful Harvest Predicted for Citrus

Citrus cover

Rio Grande Valley citrus groves and packing houses are buzzing with activity as this year’s harvest season kicks into high gear for what is predicted to a bountiful yield that could pump as much as $200 million into the local economy. “I think we are shaping up to have a really good year,” said Dale Murden, president of Texas Citrus Mutual. “Our estimates are above last year. The crop is…

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Mexico Infrastructure Fuels Import Surge

imports graphic

The need for storage and distribution space for the variety of fruits and vegetables imported from Mexico has long been a driver of industrial demand in the Rio Grande Valley. The agriculture industry has fueled the rise of Pharr as a global powerhouse and the home to a variety of thriving agriculture-related businesses. The Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge is the sixth-largest land port of entry in the United States and currently…

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Family ‘Goes Green’ with Recycling Business

Ruben Geurrero Jr. inspects a bale of plastic bottles before it is shipped out for recycling.

Recycling in the Rio Grande Valley may not be as prevalent as it is in other parts of the state and nation, but for 37 years a Brownsville family has been “going green” to make a living. Owned and operated by Ruben Guerrero Sr., his wife Rosa, and sons Ruben Jr. and Rolando, Brownsville Scrap Paper on FM 511 not far from the Port of Brownsville, the business buys, sells…

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RGV Farmers Increase Cotton Acreage

Rows of cotton wait to be processed at the RGV Gin Company at the Port of Harlingen.

A 52-percent increase in cotton acreage in the Rio Grande Valley this year has paid off for farmers. But, as is typical in the tough business of farming, some growers did better than others. “The crop has been harvested now,” Hidalgo County AgriLife Extension Agent Brad Cowen said. “Yields are kind of scattered this year. It was a really good year for some and not so good for others.” Valley…

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Making Dreams Come True

Owner Carrie Fullerton moved Glitzy Glam Parties to downtown Harlingen about a year ago.

Gliztzy Glam caters to princesses Every little girl dreams of being a princess. Carrie Fullerton can make that happen. Fullerton’s business, Glitzy Glam Parties, offers an all-inclusive upscale party planning service with specialty themes for children ages 3 and up. She takes care of all the details, right down to the invitations and clean up. “I have been doing parties for 17 years and I was an elementary teacher for…

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Local Businesses Empowered by Governor’s Small Business Forum

Angela Burton, U.S. Small Business Administration, Lower RGV, moderated a Q&A panel of financial executives

Hundreds from the Valley learn how to thrive in today’s economy Starting your own small business can be stressful. It involves long hours but can be rewarding and employs other people to succeed. Be kind and helpful, learn from mentors, be grateful, bring passion to your work and surround yourself with people who are more intelligent than yourself … these are just a few of the points shared by successful small…

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Harlingen School District Dedicates New Academy

Harlingen School Superintendent Art Cavazos speaks during the dedication of the district’s new Media Arts and Communications Academy. (VBR)

“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.…

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Look Before You e-Leap

PlatformGraphic

  E-commerce is growing 23 percent per year as 51 percent of Americans prefer to shop online. Yet 46 percent of small businesses do not have a website. “Is selling online right for your business?” asked Eduardo Lugo of the Small Business Development Center at a seminar on e-commerce. “You have to do your homework, just like you were opening a restaurant or retail location. It revolves around your target…

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Magic Valley Celebrates 80 Years

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…

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Harlingen Farmers Market Expands in New Location

Workers put the finishing touches on a shade structure at the new location for the Harlingen Farmers Market.

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…

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