The chances of becoming a victim of electronic fraud are growing every day for both individuals and businesses. “We see fraud on a daily basis,” said Frost Bank Senior Vice President Mickey Boland as he introduced a presentation on how to protect your money and your identity in a digital world at the Harlingen Chamber of Commerce. With so many options to conduct financial transactions online and with wireless devices,…
As a young architect, Calvin Walker left Louisiana to work in the Rio Grande Valley for a year. Fifty years later, he is still designing buildings from his Brownsville office. In the interim, he worked for 30 years at various iterations of the large architectural firm SHW, rising to vice president and partner in charge of Brownsville. In 1997, he declined to relocate and started Walker Perez Associates with Carlos…
As a veteran, the celebration of Veteran’s Day is near and dear to my heart. Veteran’s Day also reminds me of the many veterans using their military and leadership skills to serve their communities through entrepreneurship and job creation. We just celebrated National Veterans Small Business Week, a reminder that veteran entrepreneurs are a driving force in our economy. Nearly one in every 10 American businesses today is owned by…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…