Tag Archives: Mission Economic Development Corporation

Grant Expands Mission EDC Computer Science Education

EcoSystemforCS

Computer Science for ALL has named the Rio Grande Valley as one of ten communities in its inaugural EcoSystemforCS cohort. In turn, it is awarding the Mission Economic Development Corporation $15,000 to further expand access to computer science education. Mission EDC will furthermore match the donation and use the funds to build equity through two key programs with its nonprofit partner, Youth Code Jam. They will host of a Low-Sensory…

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Mission EDA Scholarship Lightens Load

The Mission EDA scholarship program gives residents from the city access to STC's many programs.

Belinda Knoblach took a three-decade-long break between high school and college. When deciding to return for further education she turned to South Texas College – and discovered a unique scholarship program. As a Mission resident, Knoblach was eligible to receive scholarship funds at STC specifically for students from Mission. Since its inception in 2013, the Mission EDA Scholarship Fund has disbursed more than $700,000 to 400-plus STC students from Mission.…

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Mission EDC Thriving With Silva

Daniel Silva

Straight out of college and Daniel Silva was job hunting after earning a degree in computer information systems from then-University of Texas-Pan American. His job search then led to the Mission Economic Development Corporation at their former home at the Texas Sweet Building. He started as a project manager, a job that had little to nothing to do with computers. Then in late November 2018, after a 14-year climb, Sliva…

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All-American City Right Here in the RGV

Mission is one of only 20 finalists for the 2019 All-America City Award.

The City of Mission is at an elite level of American cities in becoming a finalist for the 2019 All-America City Award. Mission is one of 20 finalists which include cities from all parts of the United States. In addition, it is one of only five Texas cities in the running for the 10 winners to be chosen in June. Neighboring Edinburg, along with Houston, San Antonio and El Paso…

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Meade is New Pharr City Manager

Alex Meade, third from left, at a recent Pharr City Commission meeting where he was named the new city manager.

At a recent city commission meeting, Pharr Mayor Pro-Tem Bobby Carillo introduced Alex Meade as Pharr’s new city manager. Meade recently served as the first CEO for Mission Economic Development Corporation, helping attract projects totaling more than $300 million. Meade also established the Center for Education and Economic Development (CEED) in Mission. “Alex Meade has a history of success of helping communities across South Texas expand their capacity for growth to…

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Silva Heads Mission EDC

Mission EDC Board, left to right, Vice President Richard Hernandez, President S. David Deanda, Catherine Garcia, Mission EDC CEO Daniel Silva, Mayor Armando O’Caña, Mario Garza and Secretary Pete Jaramillo

Daniel Silva is the new chief executive officer of the Mission Economic Development Corporation. Silva’s primary responsibilities are creating jobs and economic opportunity in Mission. Silva’s 14 years of economic development experience includes that of Mission EDC’s chief operating officer for seven years. He holds a bachelor’s in Business Administration in Computer Information Systems as well as a master’s in Public Administration. Both degrees are from the UT-Pan American (UTRGV). “I appreciate…

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Pressing for a Healthy Diet

Maribeny Jenis Otero’s fight against cancer led her to develop healthy products she markets at B.veggie. (Courtesy)

Maribeny Jenis Otero took a setback in her life and turned it into an opportunity to help others improve their health. Jenis is a cancer survivor and overcoming the disease meant changing her diet with an emphasis on plant-based nutrition. It would also lead her to create healthy juices she used to boost her health. When family and friends got a taste of her homemade beverages, they encouraged her to…

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Look in the Mirror to Succeed

Bridgett Krause, founder and CEO of the Dream Big Facility, gestures during a presentation at the McAllen Business Expo. (VBR)

Bridgett Krause believes in the “law of the mirror” as a strategy for personal and professional success. “You must see value in yourself to move forward to achieve personal growth and leadership,” she said during a recent seminar at the McAllen Business Expo. The annual expo was sponsored by the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. Krause and her husband Ryan are international trainers and executive coaches with the John Maxwell Team.…

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Small Businesses Score $50K from Mission EDC

The Mission Economic Development Corporation’s small business development program, Ruby Red Ventures, named three new winners of its small business funding competition. A local all-natural, cold-pressed juice producer, a maker of pre-packaged Mexican stews and meals, and manufacturer of gourmet grilling sauces are all recent winners of $50,000 in funding from Mission EDC. Mr. Pepe, El Cazos Guisos and B. Veggie took the top three spots, respectively, in the latest round of the…

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Valley Roots Bind Brewers

Mission native and Army veteran George Rice is one of the founders of 5X5 Brewery. (VBR)

The 5X5 Brewing Co. of Mission touts itself as being “Battle Born, Texas Made.” On both counts, the fledging beer production and distribution company fits the bill. Four of its five owners have a military background, and its original three founders are all hometown Mission boys who grew up together. “We all have an attachment to the community,” said George Rice, a veteran of the U.S. Army, who recalls as…

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