Category Archives: News

Larralde to Lead Edinburg Chamber

Featured Moving On Up News Comments
Noe “Ronnie” Larralde

On Jan. 7, the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce board of directors made the announcement that Noe “Ronnie” Larralde will lead the organization as its new executive director. Larralde, who served as the interim executive director since September, replaces former president Letty Gonzalez. Prior to his appointment, Larralde served as the director of Marketing and Special Events for seven years. Prior to joining the chamber in 2012, Larralde worked at First National…

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This Golf is High-Tech

e-Brief Features Recreation & Tourism Comments
A player at Topgolf in Pharr reacts to one of his shots. (VBR)

Topgolf is not so much about golf as it is a technology-driven entertainment experience. In fact, more than half of the people who visit Topgolf venues are non-golfers. And only eight percent classify themselves as avid players of the game. The new Topgolf in Pharr, the 50th location in the franchise, features three levels with 72 stations from which to whack balls out into a large area filled with targets.…

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Turn an Idea Into a Business

Business Advice e-Brief Features Featured News Comments
Business consultant Michael Wilson meets with a group of aspiring entrepreneurs to discuss how to develop a solid business plan. (VBR)

No matter how good the idea or how big the dream, passion and detailed planning are critical components of starting a new business. That was the message from Michael Wilson, who recently presented one in a series of Small Business Administration workshops dedicated to guiding aspiring entrepreneurs through a process of turning an idea into a viable enterprise. Wilson is chief operating officer of CM Institute of Leadership, a company…

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Branding to Reach the Top

News Professional Services Comments
A group of Top Branding TV participants whose work has been documented on YouTube. (VBR)

Years spent in the media business made clear to Vanessa Sarabia that there is no lack of abundant young talent looking to make their mark, if only someone would give them a chance. Sarabia has a deep background in the media business that includes photography, magazines, event promotions and production of commercials. She used those platforms of experience to create a niche business that would connect to young talent in…

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Bad Bosses Stymie Businesses

Business Advice News Comments

I write articles on leadership and management with one goal: to help others become more mindful and caring leaders. Science and clinical study support this modern idea of leadership. Volumes of research are published in academic journals each month, showcasing the positive outcomes of these new forms of practice. What were once fringe ideas offered by singular gurus of their day – servant leadership, emotional intelligence, mindful leadership – now…

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Farm an Organic Family Affair

Agriculture Featured News Comments
Susanne and Bud Cooke discuss the raising of the canopy on a greenhouse at Acacia Farms. (VBR)

The scene was reminiscent of an old-fashioned barn raising, where friends would turn out to help a farmer build a new barn, and then celebrate the accomplishment. But on this Saturday in December, what was being raised was a new covering for a damaged greenhouse at Acacia Farms in Bayview. The greenhouse, some 30 feet by 130 feet, lost its plastic covering in a freak windstorm earlier in the year…

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Prescription for Success

Healthcare News Retail Comments
Adrian Cervantes parlayed the success of Mid-Valley Pharmacy into another business, RGV Hometown Pharmacy in Harlingen. (VBR)

Success pushed Mid-Valley Pharmacy to a new location in Mercedes this year. Robert Zamora, John Hinkle and Adrian Cervantes had purchased the pharmacy in 2004 Even when the pharmacists bought the business 14 years ago, the pharmacy building was small. “People were used to going there,” Cervantes said. “We struggled with the idea of changing locations, but we outgrew the space. We needed something better for us, for our employees…

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Search Begins for New Weslaco Chamber President

News Comments
After the resignation of Doug Croft, Laura Espinosa takes over as interim director of the Weslaco Chamber of Commerce. The commerce is currently accepting applications for the position of president/CEO.

The Weslaco Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting applications for the position of chamber president/CEO. Doug Croft recently resigned from the position after accepting an opportunity to lead the Lincoln County Chamber in North Carolina. “We are disappointed to see Doug move on. He has been valuable to the Weslaco chamber and community. Doug has prepared our organization for the next chapter and we are in a great place to move…

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20 Things You Can Sell Online

Business Advice e-Brief Features News Comments
attract first customers

You already know that you can build a business selling collectibles on eBay or ebooks on Amazon, but those are just a couple of the options out there for selling products and services online. From virtual services to physical products that use your own unique designs, check out these suggestions for things to sell online that you may not have considered before. Website Domain When you purchase the domain for…

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Partnership Forms Local Medical Career Pipeline

e-Brief Features Education Healthcare News Comments
Representatives from UTRGV and Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District (Photo Harlingen CISD)

On Dec. 11, UTRGV and the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District laid the foundation for a pathway for local students to enter the healthcare field. The new partnership will lead to development of a curriculum, counseling and advisement to Harlingen High School of Health Professions students preparing to apply to UTRGV and its Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences program and the School of Medicine. “This exciting new partnership helps expand our mission…

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