The scorching South Texas sun holds virtually unlimited potential to generate electricity, and consumer demand for solar power is on the rise. And while at one time about seven solar companies operated in the Rio Grande Valley, today there is only a handful, and only one of those is locally owned and operated. American Made Solar and Wind Technologies, based in Weslaco, specializes in meeting the demand for both commercial…
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 McAllen Chamber of Commerce is planning a trip to Oaxaca, where a McAllen delegation, headed by Mayor Jim Darling, will meet with Oaxaca’s city and state officials to formalize a sister city relationship. Among the activities planned for this trip are meetings with businesses and producers from Oaxaca and touring some of Oaxaca’s surroundings and historical locations. The delegation will also be part of a Calenda Parade and enjoying…
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is currently offering free income tax service at South Texas College. VITA works in cooperation with United Way of South Texas and the Internal Revenue Service. The program offers free tax assistance to people who make approximately $55,000 or less. The VITA office is open from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. until March 8 at the Pecan campus portable building #27B on the west side of…
Leaders for Hidalgo County EMS/South Texas Air Med met on Jan. 31 to work to finalize a plan to provide helicopter air ambulance service to area hospitals. The announcement came shortly after Air Evac Lifeteam in McAllen immediately ceased operations. “We anticipate to launch a helicopter air ambulance service within the next 90 to 120 days,” said Kenny Ponce, President/CEO of Hidalgo County EMS/South Texas Air Med. “It’s something we…
Customers have from now until Feb. 15 to book promotional introductory rates for Aeromar’s new enhanced flight schedule from McAllen International Airport to Mexico. The flight schedules connect McAllen via Mexico City to Acapulco, Oaxaca and Puerto Escondido as well as San Luis Potosi and Ixtapa Zihuatanejo. One-way fares start at $203. In addition, travel must take place by Dec. 19. “It is exciting to extend our service beyond Mexico City…
Outdoor grilling is as popular as ever in the Rio Grande Valley, with greater numbers of people taking it well beyond simply firing up a gas grill or charcoal pit on the back patio to cook steaks, ribs, chicken, vegetables and more. A fast-growing segment is expanding their options to install outdoor kitchens, some of which are as well-equipped as the indoor versions. Ruben Castillo, an architect who moved to…
Hundreds gathered for the Rio Bank “Topping Out” lunch on Jan. 17 to celebrate the final beam addition to the new corporate headquarters in McAllen. Signing the beam were contractor workers and Rio Bank directors and employees, as well as other business leaders. The beam then made its way to its destination atop the sixth floor of the building on the north side of the Interstate near McColl. With roughly…
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…
Since 2015, the McAllen Chamber of Commerce’s TechPlace has been providing a place where tech-minded entrepreneurs can connect and work. The 2,500-square-foot area on the third floor of the McAllen Creative Incubator offers memberships for the collaborative space to app and software developers, tech startups, programmers, coders and college students. TechPlace offers its members 24/7 access to collaboration space, lounges and meeting rooms. The facility also offers high-speed WiFi as well as…