Christopher De La Cruz Wycoco of WYCOTAX LLC is SBA’s Lower Rio Grande Valley District’s Small Business Person of the Year. District Director Angela Burton made the announcement last week, along with the awardees for nine other small business categories. Wycoco, born and raised in the Philippines, came to the United States in 2010 to work in the healthcare industry. Within five years, Wycoco’s journey led him from nursing to…
Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently highlighted the Port of Brownsville as a key component of Texas’ booming energy industry and as a critical asset to the Lone Star State’s economic success. The news came during an economic roundtable discussion with industry leaders and key stakeholders at the port March 30. “Ports are the gateway to the might of the Texas economy and the Port of Brownsville is vital infrastructure for…
Earning $2.13 per hour plus tips as a server at Texas Roadhouse in Brownsville made it difficult for single mom Itssen Izaguirre to meet all of her financial obligations. This was especially true when she decided to pursue a career in nursing. Nursing had sparked her interest in middle school and Izaguirre felt the time had come to pursue it. “I knew there was a shortage of nurses,” Izaguirre said,…
As part of the Federal Contracting Series, the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce is collaborating with the U.S. Small Business Administration for the Federal HUBZone Certification Program webinar on April 28. The federal government uses special programs to help small businesses win at least at 23 percent of all federal contracting dollars each year. To help provide a level playing field for small businesses located in a HUBZone area the government…
Manuel Alvarez describes himself as a persistent sort, who once putting his mind to something is not easily deterred. Those personal attributes were put to the test when Alvarez took on the challenge of being a baker of detail-heavy Japanese cotton cheesecakes. With the help of his wife Nadia Escalante, Alvarez would “start a business out of nowhere.” Rio Grande Valley communities are dotted with pan dulce shops and long-standing…
Join the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce for Chamber Connect + April 25 to learn more about what the chamber can do for you. Members can also receive a refresher on member benefits. In this event free and open to the public, attendees will learn how to: take advantage of membership benefits join a committee stay connected with your members-only online portal set up a membership profile For more information, contact…
Rio Grande Valley IDEA Public Schools hosts an Operations Job Fair April 12. Positions range from transportation to food services. Click on the event flyer to the right for available positions information. For more information, email cynthia.aguilar@ideapublicschools.org.
The Port of Brownsville remains a stronghold for the Rio Grande Valley’s economy, providing record-setting tonnage and robust operating revenues for FY 2021. Brownsville Navigation District Board Chairman Sergio Tito Lopez highlighted these achievements at the 2022 State of the Port Address last week at the Rancho Viejo Convention Center. The unaudited operating revenues for FY 2021 surpassed the $30-million mark for the second consecutive year at $34 million. Cargo…
Join STARSociety April 3 to build foundational knowledge in budgeting and financial planning that will prepare you for your future educational journey. LAUNCHPAD is an initiative between the South Texas Astronomical Society (STARS) and Brownsville Public Library System. It aims to facilitate access to STEAM resources and opportunities for students and families in the Brownsville/RGV area. Career Pathways sessions are focused on college readiness and the exploration of potential career…
Texas Southmost College continues its celebration of its 95th anniversary April 2 with its Ruby Gala. The night will include a string quartet and live music by Rockstar Denied. Online and live auctions will include sport, spa and restaurant packages as well as art pieces and jewelry from local donors. The evening also includes a surf and turf dinner. The gala takes place from 6:30 p.m. to midnight on the…