The first new refinery to be built in the United States in 50 years is coming to the Rio Grande Valley at the Port of Brownsville and local officials say it will make the region a hub for energy logistics and growth. America First Refining with the financial backing of India-based Reliance Industries will construct the facility on the southside of port’s shipping channel. It will take up to seven…
Alan Williams works with cities and schools in developing native habitats and will cut to the chase and ask local leaders what they’re willing to invest in green spaces. “Something I’ve talked to city managers and parks directors about is to be honest with ourselves and look at the time public works departments spend on tree care,” said Williams, who is the landscaping and gardening director for the Region One…
Educators and community leaders across the country are working to encourage young girls to explore opportunities in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematic fields. The acronym for these fields is known as STEM and it is in these fields where women have historically been underrepresented. Nationally, women make up only about 28 percent of the STEM workforce. This underrepresentation is most pronounced in engineering and computer science and highlights the…
The City of Pharr recently recognized International Women’s Day with its annual Women’s Day Celebration, embracing this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” and honoring the invaluable contributions of women across the city and community. The celebration began with a meaningful act of service, as City of Pharr employees donated women’s clothing to support members of the local community. This initiative reflected the spirit of giving and unity that continues to define…
Valeo, a global automotive technology leader, will establish new U.S. manufacturing operations in McAllen. This announcement came recently through the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with the City of McAllen and Hidalgo County. Headquartered in Paris, France, Valeo is a leading automotive technology company with operations in more than 30 countries worldwide, serving major automakers with advanced technologies that support vehicle safety, electrification, connectivity and next-generation mobility. Valeo’s decision…
Nathan Burkhart in his six-year tenure at the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation was on the ground floor of the beginnings of the space industry coming to his hometown. He served as the vice president of entrepreneurship and innovation at BCIC and became familiar with the leadership of SpaceX and its Starbase on Boca Chica Beach. It was during his BCIC tenure that he also met business owners and executives from…
Celebrating 90 years of progress in 2026, the Port of Brownsville has transformed a bold vision into an economic powerhouse, securing billions in private investment and anchoring one of the fastest-growing manufacturing and logistics hubs in Texas. Established by voters in 1928 and officially opened in 1936, the port reshaped the southernmost tip of Texas from an agriculture-based economy into a global trade gateway. The construction of the Brownsville Ship…
A longtime advocate of higher education and supporter of the South Texas College Culinary Arts program, Sony Rego has earned a seat on the STC Foundation Board. Owner of McAllen’s most popular culinary experiences – Santa Fe Steakhouse, Republic of the Rio Grande and University Drafthouse – Rego, through her Santa Fe Foundation has supported hundreds of students through scholarships, internships and career opportunities. “I’ve always been a huge supporter…
H-E-B is accepting submissions through April 22 for its 13th annual H-E-B Quest for Texas Best, a competition created to find the best Texas-made products. Qualified participants will compete for a combined $100,000 in cash prizes and the opportunity to feature their product on H-E-B shelves across the state. H-E-B’s Business Development Managers will select the top applicants who will present their products before a panel of judges selected by H-E-B…
Applications are now being accepted for the Q2 cohort of PeopleFund’s BIPOC Small Business Accelerator program, providing underserved entrepreneurs in Texas with the capital, education and resources needed to support healthy business growth. Applications close April 2 with classes taking place every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 15 through June 3. Program participants commit to an orientation, a series of virtual training sessions, and assigned “homework”. Participants…