Deep South Texas is expected to see economic growth again this year, although the increases in activity may be a little smaller than the numbers for 2018, according to an economic forecast compiled by Salvador Contreras, director of the Center for Border Economic Studies at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. “Texas had a strong 2018,” Contreras said. “This year may not be as strong but we will have…
The Texas Board of Nursing unanimously granted Texas Southmost College initial approval to establish a new Associate Degree Nursing education program. The program will begin with the upcoming fall semester. “The re-opening of TSC’s ADN program was one of the priorities of the college and the board of trustees, and we’re excited to have achieved it,” said TSC Board of Trustees Chair Adela Garza. “TSC’s nursing program has a long…
Student of Texas Southmost College can now take advantage of free transit service from STC’s main campus to the International Technology, Education and Commerce Center. The Brownsville Metro Scorpion Connector service is a pilot program from TSC, Brownsville Metro and the City of Brownsville. TSC students can use Route 14 and all fixed route services free of charge with a valid TSC Student ID. During the spring 2019 semester, transit service runs…
The Small Business Administration estimates about 627,000 new businesses open every year. It might be a hobby to earn extra income, or a long-standing idea you finally want to act on. Whatever the motivation, there are resources available for people who want to launch a business in 2019. One of the organizations aspiring business owners can turn to is the Small Business Development Center housed at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Center…
The scene was reminiscent of an old-fashioned barn raising, where friends would turn out to help a farmer build a new barn, and then celebrate the accomplishment. But on this Saturday in December, what was being raised was a new covering for a damaged greenhouse at Acacia Farms in Bayview. The greenhouse, some 30 feet by 130 feet, lost its plastic covering in a freak windstorm earlier in the year…
For the third straight year, Foreign Trade Zone No. 62 at the Port of Brownsville ranks second in the nation for the value of exports. The figures come from the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones Board’s annual report to Congress released Dec. 12. The port’s FTZ reported more than $3.5 billion in exported goods in 2017. Additionally, FTZ No. 62 ranks 18th nationally for the value of imports totaling more than $3.6…
West Plains LLC is the recipient of the Port of Brownsville’s 2018 Chairman’s Award. The award recognizes both the company’s investments and rehabilitation efforts of the port’s iconic grain elevator. Presentation of the award came Dec. 4 at the port’s annual customer appreciation luncheon. More than 200 guests were witness to the award presentation by Brownsville Navigation District Chairman John Reed. Among those in attendance were local, regional and state public…
The Port of Brownsville recently conducted its first public opinion survey of port tenants, logistics, stakeholders and other service personnel. The findings revealed that 95 percent of respondents view the port favorably. Additionally, 57 percent of respondents planning to increase their port business activity in the next year. Overall, 94 percent of respondents stating the port is vital in creating a positive impact in the U.S. economy. “The Port of Brownsville’s…
They came from two different walks of life – the cook and retail store manager – and in a Brownsville kitchen during an Easter break, they mapped out the beginnings of a business plan. It was 2010 when Bobby Saenz, with years of retailing management experience, approached Daniel Pompa, a graduate of a culinary school, and made a pitch. “I had a vision of a restaurant – burgers, wings, country…
The Port of Brownsville is the recipient of a $1.5 million Rider 45 grant from the Texas Department of Transportation. The grant will enhance the port’s intermodal connectivity, further facilitating domestic and international trade in the Rio Grande Valley. The funds will aid in constructing the South Port Connector Project. The port connector road will span two miles and connect Ostos Road at the port with Highway 4. The Port of…