The Rio Grande Valley is a growing and thriving region of Texas and the United States. For many years, though, the area and the people of the RGV have not always gotten the positive recognition they deserve. Seventeen-year-old Sydney Ramon set out to change that. Ramon founded The RGV Matters in 2017. She is a recent graduate of McAllen ISD who will be attending Texas A&M College Station in the…
Although the Rio Grande Valley is one of the state and country’s best fertile regions to grow fruits, vegetables and livestock, consumers have not had the opportunity to get the best the land produces unless they go to a grocery store or to a fruit stand. Winter vegetables, for example, usually ship to many places in the United States. Goat cheese isn’t a supermarket staple in this part of the…
PSJA ISD has emerged as a visionary district, home to four specialized “schools” (much like “colleges” in a university system) offering certificates or associate’s degrees in specialties ranging from cybersecurity and graphic arts to biology and basic firefighter technology. Last year, PSJA’s college-readiness vision went though an expansion with the launching of the PSJA Pre-Law Institute. “The vision is to make a legal education attainable to all students in PSJA…
The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley will provide veterans with free fruits and vegetables Aug. 1. The produce distribution takes place via a drive-thru behind the McAllen VA Outpatient Clinic. From 8:30 a.m. – noon, veterans may receive the free fruits and vegetables while supplies last by presenting a valid VA identification card. This is necessary to confirm veteran status and receive free produce. Veterans should follow the signs and use the northeast entrance…
The “Shopping Event of the Year” takes place July 27 at Lamar Academy, 1009 N. 10th Street in McAllen. Christmas in July at IB Festive Market is bringing in close to 100 local vendors and local service providers focused on mind, body and spirit. The event is a win-win for shoppers and McAllen ISD students. Student organizations benefit financially from the market while shoppers receive free admission to a one-stop local shop.…
Edgar Garcia is the new director of Planning and Zoning for the City of McAllen. The Rio Grande Valley native has over eight years of experience in municipal work. His service most recently includes being the director of Planning and Community Development for Baker County, Fla. Garcia has a broad range of expertise in project management and development. This includes long-range and short-term project planning, grant writing and federal funds…
Although food truck parks aren’t new to some cities in the Lone Star State like Austin, the Rio Grande Valley has literally been jumping on the bandwagon of these mobile facilities that offer food and music for nearly every taste and type. RGV cities with food trucks parks include Brownsville, McAllen and now South Padre Island. In Los Fresnos, city and economic development officials have been toying with the idea…
Elizabeth Davis grew up with the curiosity of a child who wanted to figure out how things work. She dreamed of someday owning her own business. “I was that kind of kid,” she said. It takes imagination and ambition to start and maintain a successful business. Davis would add other qualities are essential as well. “Tenacity, solving problems and being open-minded to options,’’ said Davis, who owns and runs Mi…
South Texas College will begin offering drone piloting fundamentals for adult students, enabling them to have the understanding and skills to fly drones safely and legally. STC’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing introduces drone pilot training for adults ages 18 and older in weeklong courses throughout the month of July. This camp utilizes the current techniques and principles to pilot a recreational or industrial drone in a safe manner. This follows…
The McAllen Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its 21th annual McAllen Business Expo and is currently inviting local businesses to participate as sponsors and exhibitors. The chamber is expecting the event to draw more than 3,000 attendees and 150 exhibitors. The Business Expo takes place Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the McAllen Convention Center. The chamber calls the event “the perfect event to showcase, advertise, and sell…