For the third straight year, Foreign Trade Zone No. 62 at the Port of Brownsville ranks second in the nation for the value of exports. The figures come from the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones Board’s annual report to Congress released Dec. 12. The port’s FTZ reported more than $3.5 billion in exported goods in 2017. Additionally, FTZ No. 62 ranks 18th nationally for the value of imports totaling more than $3.6…
At a recent city commission meeting, Pharr Mayor Pro-Tem Bobby Carillo introduced Alex Meade as Pharr’s new city manager. Meade recently served as the first CEO for Mission Economic Development Corporation, helping attract projects totaling more than $300 million. Meade also established the Center for Education and Economic Development (CEED) in Mission. “Alex Meade has a history of success of helping communities across South Texas expand their capacity for growth to…
West Plains LLC is the recipient of the Port of Brownsville’s 2018 Chairman’s Award. The award recognizes both the company’s investments and rehabilitation efforts of the port’s iconic grain elevator. Presentation of the award came Dec. 4 at the port’s annual customer appreciation luncheon. More than 200 guests were witness to the award presentation by Brownsville Navigation District Chairman John Reed. Among those in attendance were local, regional and state public…
The U.S. Small Business Administration has appointed Justin Crossie as the regional administrator for SBA’s Region VI, which includes the Lower Rio Grande Valley District. Crossie now leads 10 district office directors, serving more than 3.8 million small businesses. Offices under his direction are in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Crossie will lead the delivery of SBA’s financial, entrepreneurial development, government contracting and international export initiatives. He will also head…
Bringing emerging technology into the hands of its students, Texas State Technical College will be implementing HoloLens Mixed Reality into its curriculum as early as next year. Students will strap on a Microsoft HoloLens to see 3D computer graphics shown on top of the real-world classroom environment. “There is nothing as powerful as using HoloLens for educating our students,” said TSTC Senior Vice President of Student Learning Hector Yanez. “This is…
McAllen’s advanced manufacturing sector has received a boost thanks to a $259,440 job-training grant to South Texas College. Funds from the McAllen Development Corporation grant will provide customized training, as well as equipment, salaries and supplies. All aspects will come from STC’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing. “We need to put in place training opportunities and high-quality training so that we have the most competitive and best prepared workforce in the country which will attract companies to…
Daniel Silva is the new chief executive officer of the Mission Economic Development Corporation. Silva’s primary responsibilities are creating jobs and economic opportunity in Mission. Silva’s 14 years of economic development experience includes that of Mission EDC’s chief operating officer for seven years. He holds a bachelor’s in Business Administration in Computer Information Systems as well as a master’s in Public Administration. Both degrees are from the UT-Pan American (UTRGV). “I appreciate…
The Port of Brownsville recently conducted its first public opinion survey of port tenants, logistics, stakeholders and other service personnel. The findings revealed that 95 percent of respondents view the port favorably. Additionally, 57 percent of respondents planning to increase their port business activity in the next year. Overall, 94 percent of respondents stating the port is vital in creating a positive impact in the U.S. economy. “The Port of Brownsville’s…
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce recently held its 86th annual awards banquet with more than 150 local business and community leaders in attendance. Receiving recognition were the 2018 Man and Woman of the Year Robert and Janet Vackar of Bert Ogden Auto Group. “We want to thank the Vackars for their endless efforts not only to the Edinburg community but to the entire Rio Grande Valley,” said Interim Executive Director Ronnie Larralde.…
Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 3.7 percent in October, down from 3.8 percent in September 2018. This is the lowest level since the state unemployment data series began in January 1976. In addition, the Brownsville-Harlingen MSA fell to 5.2 percent, down .7 from September and .8 from October 2017. McAllen-Ediburg Mission also posted low numbers at 5.5 percent. This is down from 6.2 percent in September and 5.9 percent…