The handshake, lunch meetings and traveling where necessary to meet promising prospects are all part of what makes economic development successful. In 2020, some of those elements have been put to the side. It has been a challenge to deal with for economic development professionals. The same is so for the business world they connect with daily. The trips to a company’s headquarters have been replaced with Zoom calls. Longer…
The Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting participants for the Weslaco Chamber Leadership Initiative. The program partners with Franklin Covey Leadership Training Solutions for sessions on various topics. This includes managing teams, project management, vision and strategy, and productivity. This is the first year the chamber will offer the program. The independent learning platform allows participants to take courses at their own pace, and meet with like-minded individuals…
A customer called Cissy Infante Guerrero to let her know they wouldn’t be coming by that week – but no worries – a return to Tucker’s Barbecue was guaranteed. “It was so sweet of her to call,” Infante Guerrero said of the customer. “She was worried about us and wanted to assure they would be back to see us.” The months of COVID-19 have consequently tested local businesses. They’ve adjusted…
There’s a little patch of green on Texas Boulevard in downtown Weslaco. The morning sun lights up a beautiful courtyard that’s lush and green with oak trees and a small playhouse with hanging plants. It’s the sort of place of calm and reflection that Yvonne Reyes seeks in bringing her patients for therapy. Reyes, an occupational therapist, works to improve the focus, motor skills and sensory perceptions of her patients.…
The Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2020 Weslaco Chamber Awards Program. Each year the chamber recognizes and celebrates the achievements of member companies through a series of awards programs. New categories this year include Ambassador of the Year, Rising Star, Unsung Hero and Educator of the Year. This is in addition to the Lifetime Achievement Award, Man or Woman of the Year, and Business…
The Catholic Diocese of Brownsville is launching Census Sundays in an effort to bolster census participation in areas that are still undercounted. In addition to announcements to parishioners, certain area churches will host drive-through events every weekend through Sept. 27. “A vital part of the mission of the Church is to care for the people of God – all people – Catholic or not,” states a release from the Diocese.…
The Weslaco Chamber of Commerce has kicked off its Love Local campaign through Nov. 27. The weekly drawing will reward those supporting Weslaco businesses by making purchases of at least $20. In order to be eligible for drawings, customers must send the chamber a photo of their receipt(s) through Facebook messenger. The more people shop, the more entries they receive. Customers may also receive extra entries by uploading a picture…
South Texas College’s enrollment centers at Starr, Mid Valley and Pecan campuses are open on all Saturdays throughout August to help students with registration for the fall semester. Both enrollment centers and financial aid areas will be open for students by appointment only. Students can sign up for an appointment online, or by downloading the Qless app and searching for South Texas College. Enrollment centers will be open from 10…
Eddy Berges earned medical degrees and training in his native Dominican Republic and then in Puerto Rico. A major goal still lay ahead and Berges pursued it by applying to several medical schools in the United States. Berges’ goal was to be accepted into a residency program. He found one in the Rio Grande Valley, and a program barely getting off the ground. Berges and five other physician residents from…
Cynthia Duran is gearing up to start another school year – in whatever form that may take – but she’s always teaching. The Weslaco school district art educator has navigated through an interesting summer at her Busy Bristles Art Studio. The downtown Weslaco business also had its COVID-19 ups and downs. The enthusiasm for art never waned. The interest of children and adults to get before a canvas again ran…