In many ways it feels like yesterday that late co-founder and managing editor Kevin Knoch and I sat down in an Alamo hotel meeting room to discuss the origin of Valley Business Report. Ideas bounced back and forth; many “what ifs” played out in our minds to see if we were up to the challenge. As the pieces fell into place, we said “Let’s do it.”
Just over a year later, Kevin suffered a pulmonary aorta rupture. He passed away at press time of the first year anniversary edition. Our brand new publication hit a wall. My friend was gone and I was unsure of VBR’s future.
Kevin loved to interview subjects for stories but a few evenings after Kevin’s passing, he became the interviewed in a life-changing dream of mine. Under a bright light, Kevin sat in a chair, shook my hand and said, “Keep it going.” For the next several years with Eileen Mattei serving as VBR’s managing editor, we did just that. From Kevin’s upstairs office, he passed along article ideas and helped guide the Valley’s print and online, positive news company.
13 Years Later
This month VBR is 13 years old. Our team is proud to connect regional business and community leaders by profiling local entrepreneurs and showcasing successful companies. More importantly, our purpose is to tell the real story of those who call the shots and lead by example. Since all behavior is emulated, since day one, we have operated under one simple rule: share the positives and more positives will happen.
Our advertising partners allow us to do what we love. The VBR team greatly appreciates your trust and support. You are the reason for this 145th publication and we thank you.
Through true journalistic form, VBR promotes regional economic development aimed to prosper local companies and improve quality of life for Deep South Texas residents. That’s why we started and that’s how we will continue. Since the summer of 2009, our mission remains the same: connect you to our print and online content, and you to local entrepreneurs and community-focused advertisers.
Please read, respond and share. We are one. We are the Rio Grande Valley.