David Irizarry is the new chief executive officer of Valley Regional Medical Center, replacing Art Garza, who transferred to Del Sol Medical Center in January 2022. Irizarry will assume his new role March 14. Irizarry began his healthcare career in 2002 with HCA Healthcare. He served as a volunteer at Rio Grande Regional Hospital for 10 years and most recently as chief operating officer of Rio Grande Regional Hospital. Under…
During February’s American Heart Month, the medical experts at Valley Regional Medical Center are encouraging members of the South Texas community to take practical steps to get their heart health back on track. Knowing what you need to do to have better heart health – like eating right and exercising – is easy, but implementing it in your own life can seem daunting. “The key to having a healthy heart…
Robert Andes teaches and trains future generations of artists at Texas Southmost College. He also practices what he lectures as an award-winning Rio Grande Valley artist, with a current exhibit at Puente Art Gallery in Brownsville. Andes said this is his first solo art show and he is honored. “When I got the invitation, I was speechless,” said the TSC art instructor. “As an artist, a solo show is the…
The Brownsville Chamber of Commerce and Texas Regional Bank celebrate in the spirit of Charro Days with a mixer Feb. 22. The mixer kicks off to the week-long festivities happening in Brownsville. Get your Charro’s costumes ready and be sure to warm up your voice for the annual grito contest. The event includes food, Mexican snacks, music and performances throughout the night. Admission is $20 for chamber members, $25 for…
The Brownsville Chamber of Commerce hosts its fast-paced in-person networking opportunity, Speed Networking, Feb. 17 at Al’s Seafood Market & Cajun Kitchen. It’s a structured opportunity to meet accomplished professionals just like yourself, face to face, one business professional at a time. Whether you are an entrepreneur, small business owner, legal or medical professional, in the finance, real estate or entertainment industry this speed networking event will offer the perfect…
At the request of local superintendents, Texas Southmost College is now offering a Substitute Teacher course. The 12-hour course, introduced by TSC’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education department, is designed to produce well-trained and prepared substitutes to enter the classroom. Workforce Training and Continuing Education Executive Director Bervick Simon said TSC has worked closely with local school districts to identify the skills needed to be a qualified substitute teacher. “Substitute…
Texas Southmost College is leading a coastal community college workforce training consortium to increase the number of students earning college credentials leading to high demand jobs at Texas’ seaports and the aerospace industry. With funding from a $1.8-million grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, TSC, Houston Community College and San Jacinto College will collaboratively create, redesign or expand the reach of training for nine industry-aligned college credentials. These…
A $30,000 Texas Mutual Workforce Grant was recently presented to Texas Southmost College from RGV Focus to help ensure opportunities for TSC faculty and students. The grant will allow students to earn certifications in credit and non-credit workforce programs at TSC in specific skill sets. Faculty will be able to earn new certifications to add to the TSC inventory. TSC President Jesus Roberto Rodriguez said everything that TSC is doing…
Esmeralda Villarreal spent 15 years in Brownsville’s hospitality business, watching and taking note of how her city attracted business travelers from far and wide. “I was mesmerized by how we were visited by so many travelers,” she said. Villarreal recalls that many were tied to the maquiladora industry or related investors in the border economy. Villarreal’s career goal during that time was to become a general manager at one of…
RGV Promotions presents its sixth annual Brownsville Senior & Community Health & Wellness Expo 2022 on Feb. 9. Attendees can learn about living a heart-healthy lifestyle and receive educational information. Free screenings include blood pressure, vision, hearing, glucose and BMI. Activities include Zumba, country line dancing and bingo. Door prizes, one-on-one with physical trainers and doctors, and guest speakers every hour are part of the event. Free admission. For more…