It’s time for the 80th edition of the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show, as the iconic event continues to showcase its connections to area communities. “Ask anyone who has grown up in Mercedes and the Rio Grande Valley, and they will name the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show & Rodeo as one of the best-known and attended events of each year,’’ said Beatrice de Leon Edwards, a local historian and…
Do you need to slim down, bulk up or just fine-tune your personal health? All Star Nutrition is a one-stop shop with three Rio Grande Valley locations, precisely suited for those seeking expert guidance on everything from weight loss to sports nutrition, vitamin and mineral intake, detoxification and hydration. At the store in Pharr on North Jackson Street, co-owner Sally Balderas Bracewell said that it feels good to help customers achieve…
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…
Ashley Vasquez knows what it’s like to start small. “We started with a shack,” Vasquez said of Iced Cube, the millennial-inspired version of a raspa stand she and her husband, Jonathan Segura, started in Elsa in June 2018. “It was the most humble beginnings you can think of.” Iced Cube didn’t stay humble for long. Tapping into pop culture, social media and offering flamboyant creations that transform old-school raspas into…
On Jan. 11, South Texas College had a “million-dollar morning” with three Texas Workforce Commission grants totaling more than $1.3 million. The award includes a $249,096 Job and Education for Texas grant, as well as $655,153 to STC’s Healthcare and Social Assistance Consortium. The consortium will create and upgrade 1,167 jobs. Additionally, a $409,890 grant goes to the college’s Manufacturing Consortium to create and upgrade 205 jobs. Guest speakers in…
On Jan. 7, the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce board of directors made the announcement that Noe “Ronnie” Larralde will lead the organization as its new executive director. Larralde, who served as the interim executive director since September, replaces former president Letty Gonzalez. Prior to his appointment, Larralde served as the director of Marketing and Special Events for seven years. Prior to joining the chamber in 2012, Larralde worked at First National…
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce recently held its 86th annual awards banquet with more than 150 local business and community leaders in attendance. Receiving recognition were the 2018 Man and Woman of the Year Robert and Janet Vackar of Bert Ogden Auto Group. “We want to thank the Vackars for their endless efforts not only to the Edinburg community but to the entire Rio Grande Valley,” said Interim Executive Director Ronnie Larralde.…
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 Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors presented Thanksgiving meals to Edinburg families Nov. 14 at the Saint Vincent De Paul Center at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Chamber Ambassadors reached out to eleven families from the Edinburg Area by providing 11 prepared meals. These meals included turkey and all the fixings for their holiday. Making donations were the Chamber Ambassadors, Hidalgo- Starr County Medical Society, Rio Valley Realty, Best Western Plus…
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce‘s 2018 Man and Woman of the Year will receive honors Nov. 9 at the chamber’s annual Installation Banquet. This year’s honorees are Robert and Janet Vackar, owners of Bert Ogden Auto Group. Recognition of Jennifer Garza as incoming president of the chamber board accompanies the celebration of the Vackars. Garza is currently the vice president of operations for Superior Health Plan. Also receiving recognition are Agustin Lozano…