Rio Grande Guardian's Podcast: Recent Episodes
Mario Muñoz
Official podcast for the Rio Grande Guardian, the first online newspaper to launch on the South Texas border, starting out in July, 2005. The Rio Grande Guardian has an excellent reputation for accurate and thorough news reporting, with a specialty for border business, legislative, political, healthcare, environment, and education issues.
MISSION, Texas - Veteran trial attorney Ricardo “Rick” Salinas officially entered the race for mayor of Mission, Texas, filing his candidacy paperwork and outlining an ambitious campaign platform focused on City Hall transparency, urgent infrastructure repairs, and fiscal accountability ahead of the November election.
Salinas, who has practiced law for 33 years, framed his run not as a career move, but as an “affair of the heart” aimed at addressing core municipal issues that he contends current leadership has neglected.
Salinas gave an interview to the Rio Grande Guardian just before filing his paperwork to run for mayor of Mission. Later that evening he held a Meet & Greet with supporters. The interview started with his thoughts on former foe Ester Salinas (no relation), a community activist from Mission who use to have serious disagreements with Rick Salinas' father, Beto Salinas, when he was mayor of Mission.
Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.
AUSTIN, Texas - Gov. Greg Abbott and Dino Mavrookas, co-founder and CEO of Saronic Technologies, made an announcement about manufacturing investment at the company’s headquarters in Austin.
Saronic was founded in 2022 and specializes in unmanned maritime vehicles. Mavrookas announced a $3.2 billion investment at the Port of Brownsville for the company’s next generation Port Alpha shipyard. The project is focused on the production of autonomous surface vessels for defense and commercial applications.
Here is an audio recording of their remarks.
Editor’s Note: To read the full story go to riograndeguardian.com.
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HARLINGEN, Texas - The City of Harlingen is to name a new park after Arturo Treto Garza, an influential leader in the movement to bring a Veteran's Hospital to the Rio Grande Valley and longtime columnist for the Rio Grande Guardian.
Garza, a decorated U.S. Marine who fought in the Vietnam War, died in November 2012 aged 86. A former co-chair of the Veteran’s Alliance of the Rio Grande Valley, Garza edited the Guardian’s influential Veteran Voice column from 2007 right up until his death.
Garza was a strong-willed and outspoken in the causes he believed in. One of his last columns for the Guardian, in October 2012, was titled: “Veteranos, Wake the F*** Up. It urged Rio Grande Valley veterans not to give up their fight for a VA hospital.
Upon his death, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn passed a resolution in Garza’s honor, saying he was proud to call Sgt. Garza a friend.
“He will be remembered for his honorable service to our country, his fierce devotion to the veteran community in South Texas, and his tireless fight to improve health care services for veterans in the Rio Grande Valley,” Cornyn said. “My staff and I were privileged to have his thoughtful input on veterans’ issues for many years and his leadership in the Valley will be sorely missed.”
Rio Grande Guardian Editor Steve Taylor said Valley veterans owe a great deal of gratitude to Garza for keeping veterans affairs front and center. “Treto was persistent. He knew what the goal was. He came to us in 2007 and asked if he could start writing a column and he never stopped writing. Through his columns he kept the politicians accountable,” Taylor said.
Click here to read one of the Guardian’s tribute stories about Sgt. Garza.
The new park that will be named after Garza is behind the fire station on Stuart Place Road. Plans include a basketball court, walking trail, solar lighting, and parking. The city says it will be the first park for people on the west side of the city. City leaders hope to add a splash pad later.
The city commissioner who pushed to have the park named for Sgt. Garza was Rene Perez. He spoke about how it came about at a city commission meeting on July 1.
Editor's Note: Attached is an audio recording on the discussion about naming the new park in honor of Sgt. Garza.
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WESLACO, Texas - The four county judges in the Rio Grande Valley have asked the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council to be part of a new water management plan for the region.
The Lower Rio Grande Valley Water Management Plan aims to advance regional water solutions for the Valley. The plan is being funded by the North American Development Bank with Halff brought in as lead organizer.
“We were recruited to participate in the RGV Water Management Plan advisory committee and the first meeting was held yesterday at the Rio Grande Valley Partnership,” said Manuel Cruz, executive director of LRGVDC, at the group’s July meeting.
“The project is being funded by NADBank. They hired a consultant, Halff Associates to create the plan; to develop a water management plan.”
NADBank has produced a brochure that explains the plan.
“The Water Management Plan for the Lower Rio Grande Valley is a coordinated regional effort to help communities, water providers, irrigation districts, groundwater districts, and elected officials to identify longterm sustainable water solutions,” the brochure states.
“Led by the county commissioners of Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties, in partnership with the North American Development Bank, the project will create a regional road map to strengthen water reliability, improve drought resistance, and enhance coordination across the four-county region.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.
WESLACO, Texas - The four county judges in the Rio Grande Valley have asked the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council to be part of a new water management plan for the region.
The Lower Rio Grande Valley Water Management Plan aims to advance regional water solutions for the Valley. The plan is being funded by the North American Development Bank with Halff brought in as lead organizer.
“We were recruited to participate in the RGV Water Management Plan advisory committee and the first meeting was held yesterday at the Rio Grande Valley Partnership,” said Manuel 'Manny' Cruz, executive director of LRGVDC, at the group’s July meeting.
“The project is being funded by NADBank. They hired a consultant, Halff Associates to create the plan; to develop a water management plan.”
NADBank has produced a brochure that explains the plan.
“The Water Management Plan for the Lower Rio Grande Valley is a coordinated regional effort to help communities, water providers, irrigation districts, groundwater districts, and elected officials to identify longterm sustainable water solutions,” the brochure states
“Led by the county commissioners of Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties, in partnership with the North American Development Bank, the project will create a regional road map to strengthen water reliability, improve drought resistance, and enhance coordination across the four-county region.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian's website to read the full story.
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MCALLEN, Texas - McAllen Economic Development Corporation is being very strategic on the visits it is making to secure new opportunities for the region, the group’s chief operating officer has explained.
Ralph Garcia gave a very brief update on MEDC’s work at their quarterly stakeholders committee meeting on June 18.
“We have some projects on the Mexico side, but the majority are US-side projects,” Garcia said. “We continue to see new leads developing, and then also, as we're doing some of our visits, we're being very strategic on our visits that we're doing with companies that are existing in the market, to identify opportunities, and even particular projects they can be working on internally that we can try and attract to the region. So we're working very aggressively with that.”
This strategy worked well with Valeo. The French high-tech auto parts manufacturer has a plant in Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas. When it developed plans to build a $225 million plant in the United States, MEDC worked hard to ensure they landed the new project.
The two guest speakers at the stakeholders committee meeting were Juan Olaguibel, assistant city manager and superintendent of bridges for the City of McAllen and Jorge Torres, president of Interlink Trade Services. Olaguibel spoke largely about developments at Anzalduas International Bridge and Torres spoke largely about the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Because their presentations went long, with numerous questions asked by stakeholders, Garcia kept his report short.
Here is an audio recording of the report.
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A few months ago, an idea sparked in my heart: to honor Dr. Hector P. Garcia with a street designation in his hometown of Mercedes.
Tonight, I’m happy to share that the initiative has officially been approved.
This effort has been a true community project. What began as a proposal grew into meetings, letters of support, public input, a committee process, and ultimately a community conversation about how we honor one of our hometown heroes.
Dr. Hector P. Garcia was a World War II veteran, physician, civil rights leader, founder of the American GI Forum, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, and a proud Mercedes High School graduate. His impact reached far beyond South Texas, but his story will always be connected to Mercedes.
I am grateful every member of the City Commission, my fellow sub committee members, the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Foundation, the Mercedes Memorial Library, everyone who participated in the public survey, and all those who supported this effort along the way.
This is a reminder that local government can do meaningful things when communities come together around a common purpose.
Now, we move on to the implementation phase and look forward to the day we officially unveil the designation and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Hector P. Garcia for generations to come.
Editor’s Note: The above guest column was penned by Skyler Howell, a member of the board of the Hector P. Garcia Memorial Foundation. The column first appeared on Howell’s social media pages.
Editor’s Note: Here, attached, is an audio recording of an interview the Rio Grande Guardian secured with Skyler Howell last month about his initiative:
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WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has responded to news that the New World screwworm has reached Texas.
She said she has sent a strike team to the South Texas border to assist.
The parasitic fly could put Texas’ $15 billion cattle industry in jeopardy.
The USDA tested a sample from La Pryor in Zavala County at the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, lowa. It was at the laboratory that the infestation of a three-week old calf, was confirmed, Rollins said during a press conference about the case.
No other cases have been confirmed thus far.
Here is an audio recording of a press call Rollins made to Texas media on the evening of June 3.
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WESLACO, Texas - The city of Rio Bravo in Tamaulipas has more than 250 illegal dumping sites, says an environmentalist with Rotary International.
Dr. Bricia ElAwar, chairwoman of the environmental committee for Rotary District 5330 in Riverside, California, has led efforts to clear the dumps.
She first visited the city 18 months ago and returned this past weekend with over 100 volunteers to help Mayor Miguel Ángel Almaraz Maldonado with his clean-up efforts.
“Mayor Almaraz has been doing amazing things. He has already cleaned up over 100 illegal dumps."
“The beautiful thing is he is working in the middle of a very dangerous city and he's doing amazing things. He can be example to mayors around the world, in terms of a government dealing with environmental challenges.”
On her first visit to Rio Bravo, ElAwar and her team cleaned up a lagoon so that butterflies, birds, fish could return. But, once the Rotary members left more trash was dumped there.
“I asked to the Rotarians to set up a meeting with the mayor. He said he would give us 15 minutes of his time but we stayed for one and a half hours. The mayor brought in eight new trucks to collect the trash.”
ElAwar continued: “These lagoons can be beautiful for ecologic biodiversity. It is a great habitat for birds and the Monarch butterfly. If we protect our natural resources, I think mankind can have hope. Right now, I feel like Rotarians believe in what we're doing, and I think some governments are starting to have conscience about protecting their own communities too.”
ElAwar said that for Rotarians, working on environmental issues goes “hand-in-hand” with efforts to secure world peace, having a humane migration policy, and fighting disease. “Everything is connected and working with the government is key,” she said.
Asked how her environmental group came about, ElAwar said: “During the pandemic, COVID 19, I had many sleepless nights. I kept thinking of my family in Mexico that I could not see. I decided to take action. I had previously been in so many countries, helping so many people around the world. I thought, why not help Mexico?
“I wanted to connect with people who are passionate about the river, people who care about their families, and I wanted to have a heart to heart conversation with governments in many (border) cities.”
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WESLACO, Texas - In an effort to educate and inform the public, the county judges from Hidalgo, Starr, Willacy and Cameron counties held a joint press conference about the New World screwworm.
The press conference took place Monday, May 18 at the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council offices in Weslaco.
The county judges present were Richard Cortez of Hidalgo, Eddie Treviño, Jr., of Cameron, Eloy Vera of Starr, and Aurelio ‘Keter’ Guerra of Willacy.
Joining them were experts and representatives from state agencies and partner organizations that will be on the front lines of the response should a case arise in Texas. Participating agencies included the Texas Animal Health Commission, the Department of State Health Services, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Veterinary Medical Association, and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.
The New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, including livestock, pets, wildlife, and, in rare cases, humans. The parasite has recently spread north through Central America into Mexico and continues to move toward the southern United States.
The press conference provided information on how to recognize potential cases, the steps being taken to prepare for its possible arrival, and the coordinated response efforts that will be implemented if a case is detected.
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HARLINGEN, Texas - Doug Allison, a board member and regulatory counsel for US Desalination, has given an in-depth interview about plans for the largest water infrastructure project ever built in South Texas.
“We’re partnering with communities, agencies, and industry to ensure a reliable water future for generations to come,” Allison told Ron Whitlock Reports, following a news conference at the Hilton Garden Inn in Harlingen.
Allison said US Desalination has partnered with IDE Assets to form RGV Desal, LLC.
“RGV Desal, LLC. represents the largest water infrastructure project ever built in South Texas. Our advanced desalination plant uses state-of-the-art reverse osmosis and energy recovery systems to efficiently transform seawater into fresh drinking water,” Allison said.
Allison said there would be a regional impact, with a reliable supply for municipalities, industry, and agriculture. He said the plan, to be built on South Padre Island, would use cutting-edge reverse osmosis technology.
“By turning seawater into clean, reliable water, RGV Desal, LLC, will ensure water independence for families, farmers, and businesses across South Texas,” Allison said.
“RGV Desal, LLC, is a regional initiative (that aims to deliver) a drought-proof water supply for the Rio Grande Valley. Through advanced desalination, we convert seawater into clean, reliable water—supporting families, farms, and businesses across South Texas.”
Allison stressed there would be water independence, with a stable, drought-proof supply of water for decades ahead. He said the project would generate economic growth, thus supporting jobs and regional investment. And he said the project would be sustainable because it would harness renewable energy and advanced desalination technology.
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HARLINGEN, Texas - Rio Grande Valley banker and philanthropist Bobby Farris has recalled an incident earlier this year where he and his wife Robin were referred to by the City of Rio Hondo as “good samaritans.”
On Valentine’s Day, the couple rescued a six-year old girl and an elderly man from a house that was ablaze. Along with an off duty Sheriff deputy, they were first on the scene. Robin Farris called emergency services.
Bobby Farris, chairman of Texas Regional Bank’s wealth management division, told Ron Whitlock Reports the story:
It was Valentine’s Day. We were driving to a party with some other couples,” Farris said. “As we're going down 106, that's from Rio Hondo to the Island, Robin looked over while I was driving and saw this older house. Most of the houses are pretty old out there, on pier and beams. On would have been the northwest corner of the house, there was a small fire underneath. Robin yelled at me, turn around. She we turned around. She called the fire department. We knew it would be 25 or 30 minutes before it would get there from Rio Hondo. It's a volunteer fire system. So we got out of the car, and went running up to the house.
“The off duty sheriff guy was there. He had a garden hose trying to put this fire out. I thought he was the owner, so I said, is there another hose on the side of the house? And he goes, I don't know. Oh, okay. So I ran around in the other side of the house, and there wasn’t. I went back around to the front of the house, and there was a little girl, about six years old, standing at the front door holding a blanket, scared to death, because by this time, the flames were starting to move across the south side. The wind was howling that day.
“So, I'm telling her, come down, come down. You must get out. And she was petrified. I thought if I went up to get her, she would run back into the house, and then I might have a problem, because she could hide under a bed or something and couldn't find her. And these flames were coming. The next thing I knew, a person went running by me, ran up, grabbed her and ran down the stairs, and that was Robin. And Robin took her out. She was about six, six or seven. Her name was Charlotte. Robin took here out and sat her on the grass and said, everything is going to be okay.”
Bobby Farris told Whitlock he has always been punctual and never likes being late to events. That day, however, he was going to be late because he got stuck behind a huge tractor going 20 miles an hour on Highway 509.
“We lost 15 minutes and were going to be late for the function. For the first time in my life, I was not bothered. The day before I would have been trying to get around him. I would have been really upset. I was at complete peace. We got our stuff out of the house real quick and took off. That is when, going down 106, between 803 and 1847, that is when Robin saw the fire. It was barely going at that time, Had God not put that tractor in front of me, we would never have seen the fire.”
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MONTE ALTO, Texas - Hidalgo County Commissioner David Fuentes says if federal money sent to the Rio Grande Valley to repair homes after a flooding event is not claimed, it should be made available for flood mitigation work.
“We're not going to minimize that people need assistance when they encounter or endure catastrophic flooding. That's not what we're saying. But what we found was, 70% of that mitigation money (that was supposed to be spent) on rebuilding wasn't used. It was returned back to HUD, it was given back to the federal government as unused grant monies,” Fuentes said.
"And what we were arguing was, don't send it back, repurpose it and award mitigation projects that would help in preventing loss. So we weren’t trying to take money away from people. What we were trying to do is minimize the amount of money that was being sent back to the federal government as unused grant monies and saying, instead of sending it back, allow us to apply for programs that we think will help the affected area so that we don't go through flooding.”
Fuentes made his comments in an interview with Ron Whitlock Reports. He gave the interview at the end of a ribbon cutting ceremony held in Monte Alto to celebrate the Main Floodwater Channel Expansion Project.
The Main Floodwater Channel Expansion Project involves 7.5 miles of improvements costing $20 million. The infrastructure serves 70% of the county and provides a vital foundation for future water management projects as development continues. These improvements ensure the community is better prepared and protected when future rain events occur, Fuentes explained.
Editor's Note: To read the full story, go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
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MCALLEN, TEXAS - Hopefully, a revised USMCA will allow Mexico to avoid being impacted by the new tariffs President Trump is trying to impose - in which case the new tariffs on steel from Mexico would be eliminated.
This is the view of Jorge Torres, president of Rio Grande Valley-based Interlink Trade Services. Torres gave an update on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement negotiations at a recent meeting of the McAllen Economic Development Corporation Stakeholders Committee.
“The USMCA revision is happening right now. Mexico’s Secretary of the Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer have had meetings. And the meetings have been somewhat positive,” Torres said.
“Obviously, they're looking at reinforcing the supply chain in the three countries. And that is something that is critical for us. They want to enforce the rules of origin on regional value content. They want to get more regional content, obviously.”
Torres continued: “Mexico is pushing for not being affected by external tariffs, which is Sections 122, 301, 232 and all that. That's an uphill fight, but hopefully they'll get there, somehow. That will be critical to getting rid of the steel tariffs and the Section 301 investigations, all the tariffs that the President wants to impose. If they can isolate Mexico, that would be great. But again, that's an uphill battle, because the U.S. is demanding a lot of Mexico.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
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PORT ISABEL, Texas - Saronic Technologies, the Austin-based defense technology startup that is considering building a shipyard at the Port of Brownsville, places a big emphasis on developing a young workforce.
So says Chris Johnson, director for the company’s shipyard in Franklin, Louisiana.
“Saronic is really, really good at is bringing on younger talent and training it,” Johnson said, during a presentation he and three of his colleagues made to Point Isabel ISD.
By way of an example, Johnson told the story of the shipyard in Franklin.
“Louisiana has long had a problem with young graduates in STEM, specifically engineering, electrical, and mechanical. Many different types of engineers have to leave Louisiana… because there aren't good jobs for those professionals. But we're helping reduce what they call the brain drain, where young professionals leave because there's not enough jobs for them. Saronic has done a really good job of addressing that in Franklin. I suspect we'll do it here again in Brownsville, given that chance.”
Johnson said there is a “buzz around Saronic” because “our culture is different.”
Doug Lambert, a co-founder and COO of Saronic, agreed.
“We've up skilled that workforce (in Louisiana). We have welders who are becoming engineers. We have pipe fitters who are growing in their careers. And that's something that's incredibly important to Saronic. We have a robust kind of jobs skill training pipeline that we've been prototyping here in Louisiana, and could potentially bring here to Brownsville, Texas.”
Lambert said the company thinks about manufacturing differently to most.
“These are not dirty jobs. We think about them in a way that is incredibly, incredibly tech-forward and people-forward and process-forward. So we tend to invest in our employees. We like to up-skill and create new opportunities that folks otherwise wouldn't have gotten in the area. And that really is reflected in how we build out infrastructure,” Lambert said.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the RGG Business Journal website.
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MCALLEN, Texas - Durante un seminario web el 4 de marzo, el presidente de Interlink Trade Services, Jorge Torres, explicó que la Corte Suprema de Estados Unidos declaró ilegales los aranceles impuestos bajo la Ley de Poderes Económicos de Emergencia Internacional (IEEPA), lo que abre la puerta a posibles reembolsos estimados en unos $133 millones, aunque aún no se ha establecido un mecanismo claro para su devolución.
Torres advirtió que la eliminación de los aranceles de la IEEPA fue seguida por la implementación de la Sección 122, que introduce un recargo inicial del 10 % que podría aumentar al 15 % y que se mantendrá temporal hasta finales de julio, mientras la Casa Blanca evalúa otras herramientas, como las Secciones 232 y 301, para mantener la presión comercial.
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EDINBURG, Texas - State Sen. Juan Hinojosa has urged Valley irrigation districts to work on plans to line their canals.
And he welcomed new funding from NADBank, saying it augments the money the Legislature has committed through the Texas Water Development Board.
“We (the Legislature) set aside a billion dollars for grants, not for loans, just straight out grants. And the staff of the Water Development Board recommended that $100 million of their billion dollars be set aside for just the Rio Grande Valley irrigation districts. And the reason for that is that they want the canals to be lined,” Hinojosa said.
“About 85% of the water that's used here in the Rio Grande Valley goes through canals and irrigation districts. And of that 85%, we lose probably half of it to seepage and evaporation.”
Lining the Valley's canals will save hundreds of millions of dollars, Hinojosa said.
“We need to move forward and try and find ways to improve our canal system so that we can conserve water, save water, and not waste it through seepage and evaporation.”
Hinojosa continued: “Our biggest challenge is that many of these water districts and irrigation districts on their own cannot afford to pay back some of the loans or some of the interest. And they need to consolidate, or they need to unite, or form some kind of coalition so that they can increase their resources and ability to be able to qualify for some of these grants that are very much needed here in the Valley.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
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EDINBURG, TEXAS - U.S. Sen. John Cornyn made his last campaign swing through the Rio Grande Valley in the company of the National Border Patrol Council.
“The Border Patrol Council, they have become like brothers and sisters,” Cornyn said, as he acknowledged the council’s endorsement.
“It was heartbreaking to see how our professional law enforcement, who dedicate their lives to this nation, were abandoned by the administration during the previous four years, by the Biden administration.
“I continue to do everything that I can make sure that our brave men and women in the Border Patrol can actually use their training and their skills to do the job and not be diverted providing shelter, clothing, transportation, while being overrun by a tsunami of humanity and which has overwhelmed many of our border communities.”
Cornyn continued: “In Texas, we believe in supporting our men and women in uniform, no matter what color that uniform is, because the alternative is chaos and anarchy.
“And it's shocking to me to see in Washington, DC, and other places, where people say, well, we shouldn't enforce our laws, and we shouldn't support our law enforcement officials who are doing nothing more than their duty enforcing laws that Congress has passed, and the President has signed into law.
“So, what we've seen depicted on our TV sets in places like Minnesota are tragic, but they're also shameful, and accusing law enforcement of being the problem rather than the solution is just exactly wrong.”
Cornyn also spoke about the 1944 U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty. He gave a shoutout to Bret Erickson of the Texas International Fresh Produce Association, who was there to endorse him.
“We worked with (U.S. Rep.) Monica De La Cruz to work on this 1944 Water Treaty with Mexico. I still remember being in Mexico City many years ago, when I was attorney general. We were still talking about that water treaty with Mexico hoarding water, denying it to our farmers and ranchers here in the United States. And we have said enough is enough.
“Thank goodness, President Trump and (Agriculture) Secretary (Brooke) Rollins and Congress have come together to make sure that we get regular disbursements of that water so it will not only support our folks in the Ag sector but also provide for the economy and the prosperity the Rio Grande Valley deserves.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The top Democrats running for U.S. Senate have made their final campaign swings through the Rio Grande Valley ahead of the Primary Election on March 3.
U.S. Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett had an event at Brownsville Public Library.
Texas state Rep. James Talarico appeared on stage with other Democratic candidates at the Edinburg Municipal Auditorium.
Here is an audio recording of part of Crockett’s speech.
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas - SpaceX will be hiring another 4,000 workers this year at its Starbase rocket launching facility at Boca Chica, says the executive director of South Texas Manufacturers Association.
Mike Willis gave an overview of the manufacturing scene in the Rio Grande Valley and northern Tamaulipas in his monthly report for February. After running through a number of plant closures over the past two years he ended on a very positive note.
“There's a lot going on. I think we're going to see a lot of announcements in the next year or so, up and down the Valley. So I am really pretty optimistic we'll see a lot more manufacturing job growth here than we've seen in a long time,” Willis said.
With regard to SpaceX, Willis stays in close contact with the company’s local leadership.
“On the good news front, SpaceX… and this may not be good news if you're a current manufacturer who's trying to hold on your workforce and find more people to hire… but SpaceX has confirmed that they're going to hire 4,000 more people in 2026 for Starbase.
According to Wikipedia, SpaceX had 13,000 workers as of September 2023. The company, whose proper name is Space Exploration Technologies, Corp., had an operating income of $8 billion in 2025.
Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr., told the RGG Business Journal that he too has heard that SpaceX is hiring an additional 4,000 workers this year.
“Four thousand new workers? Yes, that had been in the offing. During our conversations, they're expanding. Plus the movement or transfer of their headquarters, meaning additional employees. So the growth continues. We're very, very excited about it, obviously,” Treviño said.
“It means we've got a lot of work to do. From an infrastructure standpoint. we need TxDOT to get cracking on Highway 4 sooner rather than later. There were too many people already on it. We’ve got to get that done. But these are good problems to have. These are great problems they have.”
Editor's Note: Go to the RGG Business Journal for more border business stories.
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MCALLEN, Texas - There was a 30 percent decrease in loans for construction companies in the Rio Grande Valley in January, the executive director of the South Texas Builders Association reports.
Mario Guerrero visited Washington, D.C., recently to urge the White House and the Department of Homeland Security to stop ICE from conducting raids at construction sites. Those meetings in D.C. were set up by U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar.
“We need to protect our economy. Right now in South Texas, we're being dramatically affected. In January, there was a 30 percent decrease in construction loans. Compared to 2025, there's been a 30 percent decrease in construction loans that have been acquired by contractors in order to go ahead and build homes. It's a big strain on the economy. We have companies that have filed for bankruptcy. It's no secret to the people that are here from the Valley. We’ve also had companies that are seeing 40% losses on revenues, lumber companies, tile companies across the Valley.”
Guerrero made those comments on a webinar with Congressman Cuellar and Monica Y. Martinez, executive director of Laredo Chamber of Commerce.
Guerrero also participated on a webinar hosted recently by Comite de 100, a group founded buy business leaders who wish to create “an immigration system that reflects the values of fairness, economic prosperity, and respect for all.”
Guerrero told the group that he will continue to call out local elected officials until ICE stops its raids of construction sites.
“I’m nowhere near a professional when it comes to politics, and maybe my tactics are a little rugged, but one of the things that I did down here in South Texas is I called out every elected official by name, and I also put their picture on a video,” Guerrero said, explaining his tactics in getting attention for STBA’s cause.
“I really believe that our elected officials should be our voice. I'm a civilian, and if you're an elected official, you should be our voice in the good and in the bad. So I stated in a video that was released by my team in early November of last year that we needed to hold each elected official accountable. (The meeting) was set up for 200 people, and we had close to 400 people show up. It was extremely packed.”
As a result to that meeting, STBA secured national media attention, Guerrero told Comite de 100.
“I do have a very strong presence in the media outlets. I also have a podcast that reaches hundreds of thousands of people. I don't believe I'm doing anything special, but I do believe that we need to hold the politicians that we put an office accountable for what they're voting for.”
The saddest thing builders are seeing is ICE agents racing 50 and 60 miles an hour in neighborhoods as they try to apprehend their construction workers, Guerrero said.
“The saddest part that we're seeing is these ICE agents are going 50, 60, miles per hour down a subdivision. Okay, we understand that you're probably trying to get to a job site that's inside that subdivision. But what are you going to do if you kill the child? What if there's a child riding a bike? And I have videos that I showed at that meeting. When you have these ICE agents going and driving these vehicles between 40 to 60 miles per hour in people's backyards that are not fenced we have a real problem.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website. The attached audio comes from the Comite de 100 webinar.
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The Rio Grande Valley chapter of the Institute for Leadership in Capital Projects is hosting a mixer in Brownsville on the evening of February 18.
It is titled: “Downtown Brownsville - A Master Plan Revitalization Mixer. It is being held at Boqueron Food & Wine Bar on E. Washington Street, starting at 5:30 p.m.
To learn more about I-LinCOP and the mixer, the RGG Business Journal met up with Oscar Garcia, regional vice president for Broaddus & Associates, and vice president for I-LinCP-RGV, and Doroteo Garcia, Jr., assistant city manager for the City of Brownsville.
I-LinCP is a Texas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that brings together contractors, architects, and engineers to improve the planning, design, and delivery of capital projects. The group started a chapter in the Rio Grande Valley in early 2025. It held two events in the Valley last year, one in McAllen and one in Weslaco. Now it is working to expand in Brownsville.
“We felt this would be a great opportunity to focus on some of the big projects that are happening in Brownsville, namely the downtown revitalization effort that's going on right now,” Oscar Garcia said.
Editor's Note: Go to the RGG Business Journal to read the full story.
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MCALLEN, Texas - RioPlex is planning to visit Asia and Europe later this year in order to drum up business for the region.
The trade missions will likely take in the United Kingdom, Taiwan and Japan. There will also be a number of visits to Mexico and different parts of the United States. A signature event, much like the group did in Houston last year, will be held in Mexico, most likely in Mexico City.
Confirmation that the group was making such arrangements came from Mario Reyna, in an exclusive podcast with the RGG Business Journal, and top strategist Astrid Salazar, on a webinar with the Prosperity Task Force.
“One of our main goals, besides confirming projects, (after all) that's what we are here for, is to host international delegations for our region, so everyone knows who we are, what we do, and they understand how the dynamic of our region works, and also to be part of foreign trade missions abroad,” Salazar said.
“We're thinking about at least one in Asia, probably Taiwan or Japan, and then some other events in the US, and then one in in the UK.”
Salazar also told the task force: “For 2026 we're working on strategic visits, both in US and in Mexico to attract more business. These visits are going to be monthly, mainly in Texas, some other parts of the US, and then on the Mexican side, Monterrey and Mexico City are the biggest ones we're working on.”
Asked about RioPlex’s calendar for 2026, Reyna told the Business Journal:
“Basically, we will do a signature event, like the one we did in Houston (last year). And right now, more than likely, it might be Mexico City. After that, we do have plans of perhaps going to Taiwan, Japan and the United Kingdom. Why those particular countries? Because those countries have a lot of what we call foreign direct investment (coming) into this particular area, and so that's where they're coming from.”
Editor's Note: Attached is an audio recording of Astrid Salazar's remarks at a recent Prosperity Task Force webinar. She was introduced by Mario Reyna, coordinator of the Prosperity Task Force and executive director of RioPlex.
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Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez today begins a charm offensive as he seeks to bring the larger cities and economic development organizations in the Rio Grande Valley under the RioPlex umbrella.
Cortez plans to meet with all the EDCs, both individually and collectively. The first meeting takes place today with an unnamed city.
Asked what the feedback has been so far, Cortez said: “The response that we're getting from people we've contacted is very positive. The response that we've gotten from individual cities is they're still unsure.”
Smaller cities are coming on board, however. The cities of Mercedes, Alton, Alamo and Elsa have all joined or said they will join RioPlex.
Cortez’s argument is that if individual cities or EDCs go after new business on their own, they are not telling the full story. The full story is all the assets in the region, he says. And that region, RioPlex, comprises the Valley and northern Tamaulipas.
Cortez likens it to a customer visiting a mall. RioPlex is the mall and each city is a store within the mall. The city is not the mall.
In an in-depth interview with the RGG Business Journal, Cortez explained how RioPlex came about and what its goals are. He said to tell the full story he had to start with the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force.
Editor's Note: Go to the RGG Business Journal to read the full story.
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EDINBURG, Texas - The Valley Alliance of Mentors for Opportunities and Scholarships (VAMOS) is celebrating 30 years of service to first-generation, low-income students across the Rio Grande Valley.
In recognition of this year’s anniversary, VAMOS has a goal of raising $1 million in scholarship funds.
The organization’s largest fundraiser each year is a golf tournament. The 30th Annual VAMOS Golf Tournament takes place on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Champion Lakes Golf Course in McAllen, Texas. Proceeds from the tournament will directly support four-year renewable scholarships, with awards of up to $20,000 over four academic years for students from Hidalgo, Cameron, and Starr counties.
The attached audio was recorded at a press conference VAMOS held at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance. The event was held to announce the golf tournament. The speakers featured on the broadcast are: Karla Rodriguez, a curriculum coordinator at Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD, Sergio Sanchez, board trustee for VAMOS, Dr. Andrew Phillips, MD, who works in DHR's intensive care unit, and Brianna Maldonado, a VAMOS-UTRGV scholar.
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Cameron County held its State of the County Luncheon in Harlingen last month and Precinct 2 Commissioner Joey Lopez spoke about La Esperanza Community Park’s all-inclusive renovations.
The park reopened in July 2025, with the addition of an inclusive splash pad for children. According to Lopez, the park has been utilized by several children and families that are wheelchair-bound.
“The area is well shaded,” Lopez said. “The renovations that have happened within this past year (are worth) about $2.3 million. We added a huge splash pad that was put in, we updated the walking trail and we have a butterfly garden there.”
The funding for the project was paid through the American Rescue Plan Act. Lopez said the support from the city’s park’s department helped get the park acknowledged by the state level.
“If you haven’t had a chance to come on by and take a look at it, please come on by,” Lopez said. “You’d be very impressed.”
Noble Texas Builders won an Eagle Award at the ABC South Texas 2025 Excellence in Construction Awards for the design and construction of La Esperanza Park. Rene Capistran, president of Noble, said the park has been reimagined with accessibility at its core.
“Working alongside the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the transformation of this beloved community space includes major upgrades that make it more inclusive and welcoming for all visitors. From ADA-compliant renovations in the Community and Technology Buildings to fully accessible outdoor features, every detail was designed with comfort, safety, and usability in mind,” he said.
Editor's Note: The read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
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MISSION, Texas - AltaCair Foundation’s top event of 2025 was its Accelerator Conference. This was the third year in a row AltaCair has held an Accelerator Conference. It was billed as the largest health summit in South Texas. During the conference, the group’s president, Dr. Rashmi Chandran, gave a series of interviews. Here is one of them.
Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website for the full story.
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MCALLEN, Texas - RioPlex plans to hold meetings every month across the region to explain to communities what the group is doing to bring in more investment and better paying jobs.
Mario Reyna, RioPlex’s executive director, spoke about the group’s vision, mission statement, core values, and strategic direction at a leadership gathering, held recently at McAllen Country Club.
“We're going to have engagements every month throughout the region to tell people what it is that we're trying to do,” Reyna said. “People have to understand, the community has to understand, what it is that we're trying to do, how we're going to do things that are going to make them better.”
RioPlex is looking to bring longterm prosperity to the region, Reyna explained. The region consists of the Rio Grande Valley and northern Tamaulipas.
“We have to remember why we're doing it. We're doing this because we want to lower the poverty rate in our region, and the only way we know how to do this is by bringing better jobs, bringing more investment. That is going to create better paying jobs.”
Regional unity is key, Reyna explained.
“We want to bring everybody together, private, public, nonprofit, everybody. Everybody that has anything to do with bringing more investment to our community. That's our mission,” Reyna said.
“We cannot move forward if we're not united, and we are going to do everything we can to make sure people understand what it is that we're trying to do. We want to bring more industrial development to this area. So, we're going to be investor-focused. That's what we're trying to do, bring additional investment to the area. We want to promote the region, not internally, but externally.”
Reyna continued: “We want to work with everybody, everybody, including the economic development corporations and the Foreign Trade Zone.”
Foreign Trade Zone No. 12’s president and CEO, Mark E. Garcia, was in the audience. His group has just joined RioPlex.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
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Josie Arellano es enlace para víctimas de delitos en el Departamento de Desarrollo Policial de Pharr. Arellano conversó a fondo con la presentadora del Rio Grande Guardian, Mari Regalado, para hablar sobre su trabajo. Regalado comentó que es importante que las víctimas de delitos se presenten y denuncien, sin importar su estatus legal. Añadió que el Departamento de Policía de Pharr puede ayudar.
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Josie Arellano is crime victims liaison for Pharr Police Development. Arellano sat down for an in-depth interview with Rio Grande Guardian anchor Mari Regalado to discuss her work. She said it is important for the victims of crime to come forward and report a crime, no matter what their legal status. She said Pharr Police Department can help. Here is the interview.
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PHARR, Texas - Mario Guerrero, CEO of the South Texas Builders Association, says the region’s banks are also being impacted ICE’s raids on construction sites in the Rio Grande Valley.
Guerrero called a meeting recently with U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar to discuss the economic impact the raids are having on the building industry. More than 20 construction company owners attended.
The building industry representatives said jobs are being delayed because workers, undocumented or otherwise, are not showing up at the construction sites. He said ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officers are rounding up all the workers, whether they are undocumented or not.
“We're getting attacked from two different directions. One is interest rates. The other is the immigration crisis. They (ICE) are not making it easy for construction companies to go ahead and build these homes. It's taking longer,” Guerrero told the Rio Grande Guardian.
“People need to realize that a lot of this construction is happening off of bank loans, right? So, if a construction company is building out of a loan, now you're faced with paying higher interest, because you're not finishing your project at a certain time.
Guerrero continued: “So, now we have banks that are extremely, extremely worried, because now they're seeing delays in the projects. It is taking so long that they're afraid that construction companies are going to start defaulting on loans.”
Asked if his comment about banks being worried was purely anecdotal, Guerrero said: “No, this is coming directly from presidents and vice presidents of these banks. They're extremely worried. You have to understand that the cycle, the wheel, is not moving. And if the wheel is not moving, that's an economic issue that we are facing. And it's not moving because people are afraid to work. Both illegal and American citizens are afraid to work because they (ICE) are taking everybody.”
Guerrero said he hopes house prices in the Valley do not start to rise because housing projects are being stalled.
The members of the South Texas Builders Association that were present for the meeting with Cuellar, which was held at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Pharr, said they would take up the congressman’s offer to go to Washington for a meeting with officials with the Department of Homeland Security.
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Former state Sen. Eddie Lucioo, Jr., has not been able to give away as many turkeys to the less fortunate this year, in part because federal funding to the food banks has been cut.
Normally, Lucio would purchase the turkeys at a competitive price from local food banks and distribute them to those in need in Cameron, Willacy, and Hidalgo counties. This year, however, the 25th year he has been doing it, he has had to pay for them from the large distributors at the normal price.
And so, he has had to shrink the program to just giving away 400 turkeys and all within Cameron County alone.
In an interview with Ron Whitlock Reports, Lucio explained how his Thanksgiving Turkey Day first started.
“This is the 25th annual giveaway. We started off with with 10 or 20 turkeys and they mostly to the ladies that kind of hung around my campaign. Those that were really interested in community development. They were activists. And I told Brenda, my dear assistant who has actually worked for me for 36 years, to go out and buy some turkeys to give them.
“And it started like that. But we continued to make it bigger and bigger until it got to hundreds of families that we were able to help.”
Back then Lucio had campaign contributions to draw on to purchase the turkeys. But when he retired in 2023, the campaign contributions, naturally, dried up.
“Back in the day I had money that was contributed to me, and I was glad to share it with the less fortunate that needed our help and support. But after January of 2023 I was no longer in public public service. But, fortunately, I still had some anonymous donors that that wanted to help, one in particular that I care not to mention. I said I would not divulge his name because he wanted to keep it private.”
Lucio said he gave away one thousand turkeys last year. This year, he has had to shrink it to 400.
“These big, multi-billion dollar corporations, they don’t give you any discounts. They're there to make money. That’s the name of the game for them. I don't want to be too critical but when it comes to helping the less fortunate and those that that need help, I think all of us should dig in a little bit and share a little bit of the wealth and share a little bit of our resources so that they, too, can have a sit down dinner with with their families, and enjoy the day and thank God for all the blessings.”
Lucio said he is particularly disappointed he could give out turkeys in Willacy and Hidalgo counties, as in previous years.
“I used to do the three counties because I had enough turkeys. Hidalgo, Willacy and Cameron. But this year, there are very few turkeys, 600 less. It means I couldn't cross the county line to Hidalgo and Willacy, and it hurts me. It pains my heart not to be able to help because of lack of funds and the lack of resources that we need.”
Lucio says he has a plan to arrest the slide, to give away more turkeys next year.
“I have a plan. I want to make sure we have the funds necessary. So I'm going to do a big (golf) tournament and call it a Turkey Tournament. Sometime in May or June of next year. And then build on that from personal contributions from anybody that wants to give to a worthy cause like ours.”
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MCALLEN, Texas - Ralph Garcia, interim chief operating officer for McAllen Economic Development Corporation, has given a brief update on the various projects the group is working on.
“Right now, the EDC is working with about 25 active projects. This represents a total of about three million square feet of space. Estimated jobs are about 8,000 and the economic impact of that is roughly about $5 billion dollars,” Garcia said a quarterly stakeholders meeting.
“Primarily, our companies are coming from France, Sweden, Mexico, the US and Japan. Those are the activities that we're seeing right now.”
Garcia said McAllen EDC has secured two new leads during the current quarter, along with 23 existing prospects.
"We also continue to work on state leads. Most of what we're seeing coming through, the focus is on manufacturing and, of course, distribution and logistics. Those are projects that we continue to work with.”
Garcia said the MEDC team working on active projects includes Susie Flores in McAllen and Rafael Angel Ortiz Salazar in Reynosa.
“And, of course, we continue to do BRE (business retention and expansion) visits with a lot of our existing business, both in McAllen and Reynosa. We find that most of the leads that we're generating right now are through a BRE visit, where we're learning of current projects that companies are looking at.”
Garcia said quite a few of those expansion projects involve South America.
“We’re trying to leverage those projects, to look at Texas as an alternative option. One of the advantages that we have is our low cost, so that helps us. But, we're always trying to get in front of those projects, versus them leaving the area completely.”
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MCALLEN, Texas - McAllen International Airport continues to capture the biggest share of the passenger market in the Rio Grande Valley, the city’s director of aviation reports.
Jeremy Santoscoy gave an update on airport activity at a recent McAllen Economic Development Corporation stakeholders meeting.
“Through Quarter 3, we’re at about 863,000 total passengers, which is a slight decrease year-over-year, (a drop of) about two and a half percent,” Santoscoy said.
“We continue to see the majority market share, the value is about 48 percent, with Harlingen following at 40 percent and Brownsville at 12 percent.”
Harlingen is otherwise known as Valley International Airport. Brownsville is otherwise known as Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport.
“Overall, year-over-year, Harlingen was up just slightly, but Brownsville was still down 11 percent. With all the economic activity over there, you figured there'd be some kind of change. But what I'm hearing is there are still a lot of people choosing to live on this side of the Valley and commute back and forth with those jobs down there, with the SpaceX and LNG.”
Santoscoy said the recent government shutdown did not impact McAllen International Airport very much.
“The government shutdown, the longest government shutdown, had did very little to no effect on McAllen International Airport. Our services kept going,” Santoscoy said. “We have good group of federal partners that we continue to work with through thick and thin. So services did not see any delays when they did turn down the amount of operations working out of the hubs. We did see a couple of them cancelations, but that was the airline's decision.”
Santoscoy said McAllen is continuing to lobby to have its flights to Mexico City restored. They were recently suspended by the federal government.
“We were disappointed with that, with the Mexico City flights being suspended. We continue to work with our congressional delegation to make some noise in D.C. to see how they can support us; to open that route back up due to its importance to the Valley. It's the only Mexico City route out of here.”
Santoscoy said he had read that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum wants to open up more slots out of Mexico City. “We're trying to look at the validity of that. No orders have been issued by the Mexican government,” he said. “That route is very important to the economy down here.”
Editor's Note: Go to the RGG Business Journal to read the full story.
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MCALLEN, Texas - Ruben Alfaro, development engineer for Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority, gave an update on the group’s strategic plan when he spoke at a McAllen Economic Development Corporation stakeholders meeting.
That strategic plan includes the long-awaited Hidalgo County Loop. Alfaro said HCRMA is making good progress.
“The key point I wanted to get across is the progress that we are making in terms of construction and where we are going as an RMA,” Alfaro told the RGG Business Journal, at the end of the meeting.
“We need everyone in the county ti work together to achieve it (the county loop). It is not an easy task but we are working on it and we are working diligently to get there.”
Alfaro also spoke at the governance of the RMA, the 365 Tollway project, the International Bridge Trade Corridor (IBTC), and overweight corridors.
Attached is an audio recording of Alfaro’s remarks to McAllen EDC.
Michael J. Williamson is a director on the HCRMA board. He said the group is keen to give presentations such as the one Alfaro made at the MEDC stakeholders meeting.
“If you have an organization that would like to maybe learn a little bit more about what we're doing, please let us know. It's all about working with our counterparts and our other parties and different cities,” Williamson said.
“Building a house is one thing. Building, maybe, a retail plaza is another. We're building a freeway. It is a really high over and we're dealing with hundreds of millions of dollars, if not billions of dollars, and we need everybody's support, everybody's participation. It really is a community effort to build something like this.”
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PHARR, TEXAS – RioPlex fu eel anfitrion de una ceremonia de colocacion para La Bonanza Avocados, una compañia familiar de aguacates proveniente de Uruapan, Michoacán el 14 de Nov. Invitados de la ceremonia incluyeron mas de 20 lideres de Negocios de Michoacán, que se encontraban en una mission commercial que incluyo una visita a SpaceX en Starbase. La ceremonia de colocacion se llevo a cabo en la Esquina de Las Milpas y Veterans Road en Pharr. La ceremonia incluyo discursos del alcalde the Pharr el Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, el director de RioPlex, Joaquin Spammer, y el president de La Bonanza, Gabriel Villaseñor. Despues, los VIPs disfrutaron de una cena en el Klub Nautique en Mission. Aquí tenéis una grabación de audio de los comentarios realizados durante la cena.
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PHARR, TEXAS – RioPlex fu eel anfitrion de una ceremonia de colocacion para La Bonanza Avocados, una compañia familiar de aguacates proveniente de Uruapan, Michoacán el 14 de Nov. Invitados de la ceremonia incluyeron mas de 20 lideres de Negocios de Michoacán, que se encontraban en una mission commercial que incluyo una visita a SpaceX en Starbase. La ceremonia de colocacion se llevo a cabo en la Esquina de Las Milpas y Veterans Road en Pharr. La ceremonia incluyo discursos del alcalde the Pharr el Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, el director de RioPlex, Joaquin Spammer, y el president de La Bonanza, Gabriel Villaseñor. Despues, los VIPs disfrutaron de una cena en el Klub Nautique en Mission. Aqui esta una grabacion del comentario dado en la ceremonia de colocalcion.
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EDINBURG, Texas - Ruben Cortez is vice president of the Texas Association of Education Service Centers.
In a recent interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Cortez spoke about a larger than average drop off in school attendance by students living in heavily Hispanic areas.
Cortez was reticent about blaming the reduction on raids by ICE. However, leaders within La Joya ISD, Sharyland ISD, Brownsville ISD and McAllen ISD have all spoken about this being a factor.
Here is the interview.
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MCALLEN, Texas - The North American Development Bank is to allocate up to $100 million from its retained earnings over the next five years for urgent water conservation projects along the U.S.-Mexico border.
NADBank Managing Director John Beckham made the announcement at the two-day Rio Grande/Rio Bravo Binational River Symposium hosted by the Texas Water Foundation at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in McAllen.
Beckham said the grant money will be come out of the $400 million Water Resiliency Fund that the NADBank board of directors approved in August. The WRF has been set aside for priority infrastructure projects that conserve and diversify water supply sources throughout the US-Mexico border region.
Beckham said an additional $300 million in low-interest loans is also being made available through the bank’s regular loan program.
The call for projects will focus on the Rio Grande Valley initially, Beckham said, because of the dire need to conserve water in this region.
“The decision to do this project is border-wide. There is no area of the US-Mexico border region, which the bank operates in, that is not part of this project. Having said that, the Lower Rio Grande Valley on both sides of the border is extraordinarily urgent because of the conditions here, and so that is why we are starting with a call for proposals here in the Rio Grande Valley,” Beckham said, at a press conference.
Proposed projects must show clear results, such as water conservation, increase efficiency or development of new sources, NADBank said, in a press release. Examples of eligible efforts may include replacing old infrastructure, converting canals to pipelines, reusing and storing water and using technology that helps monitor and reduce water loss, the release stated.
Project applications will be received until Jan. 8, 2026.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
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PRIMERA, Texas - The City of Primera recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Richmond Hills Drainage Project.
Cameron County Drainage District No. 5 played a key role in the project.
CCDD5 provided a timeline of the events:
Developer Julio Carranza required CCDD5 to use five acres on his property for drainage purposes. CCDD5 then partnered with La Feria Irrigation District to carry out the excavation work. The City of Primera then secured an ARPA grant from Cameron County to fund drainage improvements within the Richmond Hills subdivision.
Finally, the City of Primera secured a drainage easement linking the subdivision’s new drainage system to a new detention pond.
“This project stands as a testament to what can be achieved when individuals and government entities work together toward a common goal,” said CCDD5 President Steve Jennings.
“The project, in many ways, would not have been possible without the collaboration and shared commitment of all these partners.”
Ron Whitlock Reports covered the ribbon-cutting ceremony, securing an audio recording of everything said from the podium. That recording is featured below.
Among the speakers was U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez.
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HARLINGEN, Texas - The Free Trade Bridge at Los Indios is the crown jewel of Cameron County’s international bridge system, according to the county’s economic development director, Ramiro Aleman.
The bridge is also known as “Los Indios-Lucio Blanco Bridge”, “Puente Lucio Blanco-Los Indios”, “Puente Internacional Libre Comercio” and “Los Indios Free Trade Bridge”. It is owned and operated by Cameron County. However, the cities of Harlingen and San Benito each receive 25% of the net revenues. The bridge facilities are located on a 127-acre tract of land.
Aleman spoke about Los Indios at a Rio Grande Valley Partnership Commercialization and Investment Tour event, held at TSTC-Harlingen’s Welcome Center. The event was sponsored by Harlingen Economic Development Corporation.
“What I like to call the One Big Beautiful Bridge, Los Indios, is, I think, the crown jewel of the Cameron County International Bridge system, and you can quote me on that,” Aleman said.
During a panel discussion, Aleman was asked to give an update on Cameron County’s international bridge system.
“Cameron County is at the forefront of innovation when it comes to international trade. I say that because I think we just accomplished something that's never been done before, at least from our research,” Aleman said.
“Cameron County is on the verge of purchasing an ownership stake in the B&M Bridge from Union Pacific. I don't think that's ever been done before, at least through our research. With that purchase, Cameron County will now own Veterans Bridge at Los Tomates, which is a commercial and passenger bridge,” Aleman said.
“And Gateway Bridge, which is passenger only, is about to have tremendous upgrades. Over $100 million in upgrades (is coming), plus an additional standalone pedestrian bridge which will ease crossings.”
Aleman then waxed lyrical about Los Indios.
“What I like to call the One Big Beautiful Bridge, Los Indios, is, I think, the crown jewel of the Cameron County International Bridge System, and you can quote me on that. The reason I say that is because it's an overweight corridor and an oversized corridor. You see all those wind turbines? They don't cross anywhere else but Los Indios, because that's the only bridge capable (of carrying such cargo). Not only that, but we also have a cold storage and a cold room facility for (fresh produce) inspections.”
Aleman said any type of fruit or vegetable can cross at Los Indios.
“Fruits or vegetables that need to keep that cold chain, they can cross through here and never break that cold chain. Also, USDA has an agriculture inspection facility there. So, anytime they find any type of anomaly in the product, they can identify it on site. If they have to send it to a lab, that can take hours, days sometimes. But the advantage of us having it at our location is definitely something that we should be promoting, because it is a big advantage for us,” Aleman said.
“I think it is a prime location that you are able to build on, especially here in Harlingen, because the overweight corridor goes right through the industrial park all the way to the Aerotropolis, and the Port of Harlingen. And so, I think that's a great opportunity for investments.”
Editor's Note: Go to the RGG Business Journal to read the full story.
Editor's Note: Attached is an audio recording of everything Aleman said on the panel at the RGVP event.
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HARLINGEN, Texas - Rick Carrera, COSTEP's economic development director, gave an update on a project his group is working on to map all the automotive companies in the Rio South Texas region.
COSTEP stands for Council for South Texas Economic Progress. The Rio South Texas region comprises northern Tamaulipas, the Rio Grande Valley, and Laredo.
Carrera spoke briefly about the Binational Autocluster project at a meeting of the South Texas Manufacturers Association (STMA). The meeting was held at Harlingen Convention Center.
STMA Executive Director Mike Willis invited Carrera to give an update. Carrera said COSTEP has so far received 90 responses.
The Binational Autocluster project started in July 2025. It is a strategic initiative aimed at uniting 140+ automotive companies, universities, and economic development entities across South Texas and Northern Tamaulipas, Mexico.
After Carrera had spoken, Willis explained what the project is about.
"For those of you who are not familiar, COSTEP is a regional economic development group. They go to trade shows all over the world. They try to attract companies to our region," Willis said.
"They are trying to map out information about all the companies on both sides of the river that are in the automotive business to help show that to foreign prospects to try to see what kind of supply chain they could have if they located to northern Tamaulipas or especially the Rio Grande Valley. So, that is what that is for."
After the STMA meeting had ended, Carrera gave an exclusive interview to RGG Business Journal about the Binational Autocluster project. He also spoke about an INDEX Nacional conference he attended recently and looked forward to a trade show he will be attending in Florida in the near future.
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LAREDO, Texas - Webb and Starr are leading South Texas in clean energy growth with new solar panels, wind power, and battery storage, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar reports.
The Laredo Democrat released a new update showing that Texas’ 28th Congressional District - his district - is a powerhouse in clean energy production – pairing renewable power with traditional oil and gas to lower energy costs for families and strengthen the local economy.
He said that as a base for economic growth, the district ranks among the top in Texas for new energy projects, with Webb and Starr Counties leading the way in generation and development.
“I’ve always said that South Texas doesn’t have to choose between oil and gas and clean energy,” said Congressman Cuellar. “We can do both – and that’s exactly what we’re doing. Our district is producing more energy, creating more jobs, and generating more local tax revenue than ever before. This growth keeps costs down for every household in South Texas while ensuring reliable power for years to come.”
Cuellar said because his district is a powerhouse for new energy, good jobs are being created.
“When I talk with families in places like Laredo, Zapata, or Rio Grande City, I hear the same thing: people just want steady work, affordable energy, and a better future for their kids. That’s what these projects bring — not slogans, but results. They mean paychecks, progress, and pride for our communities,” Cuellar said.
During a webinar with reporters, Cuellar said his district is home to 30 active clean energy projects, generating 3,548 megawatts (MW) of power across six counties — with 18 more projects planned that will add another 3,062 MW of new capacity in the coming years.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian to read the full story.
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Cameron County Commissioners Court is moving ahead with plans to purchase an ownership interest in the Brownsville & Matamoras Bridge Company from Union Pacific Railroad.
Brownsville & Matamoras Bridge Company co-owns Brownsville & Matamoros Bridge with the government of Mexico.
Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr., said a complex negotiation process to acquire ownership began two years ago. He said the transaction is expected to close in late 2025 or early 2026.
“Securing the Brownsville & Matamoros Bridge Company is a transformative moment for Cameron County. We are preserving a vital piece of binational infrastructure and deepening our partnership with Mexico to support binational transportation, commerce, tourism and cultural exchange, which has a tremendously positive impact on Cameron County and the entire Rio Grande Valley,” Treviño said.
Treviño spoke about the negotiations in an interview with Ron Whitlock Reports at the conclusion of this week’s commissioners court meeting. Here is an audio recording of the interview.
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PHARR, Texas - The wild fluctuations in bridge crossing numbers have made it hard to analyze longterm trends, says Pharr International Bridge Director Luis Bazan.
In his most recent report to the Pharr Bridge Board, Bazan said he will likely not have a clear picture of how things are going until the second quarter next year. The fluctuations have been caused in part by changes in U.S. tariff policy.
“You can see a lot of the ebbs and flows and a lot of the peaks and valleys that we've been talking about since February, and now you're starting to see it also with neighboring bridges and even in Laredo,” Bazan said.
“We're going to continue to see the inconsistencies, the discrepancies, the variables, the factors, whatever you want to call them. We're probably not going to get a clear view of what's going to happen until next year.And not until the second quarter of calendar year 2026.”
The Pharr International Bridge’s new fiscal year started Oct. 1.
“We're going to start also looking at other the ways to get out there and do a little bit more to increase our market share. We've been talking to the leadership. We have our collaboration with the (Pharr) EDC (Economic Development Corporation) and the (Pharr) Chamber, and there are a lot of things that are percolating right now.”
Bazan made his comments after giving a report on border crossings for August, 2025. This audio recording has Bazan’s monthly report in full, along with Pharr Bridge Board consultant Eddie Gutierrez’s revenue report.
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas - CIL Capital held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new manufacturing plant on Texas 48 in Brownsville, close to the Port of Brownsville. The 181,000 square foot facility will be known as Anchor Industrial.
The developers believe the $20 million project will generate 120-plus jobs.
Carlos Garcia, a customs broker and president of Border Trade Alliance-Mexico, invited CIL to participate in the project. The facility will be built by Martín Anzaldúa of Grupo Río San Juan.
This audio recording includes the remarks of all the speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony. They were: Garcia, Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, Jr., Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation CEO Gilberto Salinas, Guillermo Rico-Leal, director of business development and marketing for the Port of Brownsville, Anzaldúa, and Joaquin Spamer, president and founder of CIL Group.
The emcee was Dalith Cantu, industrial development executive for CIL.
CIL hopes the facility will be open within the next eight months.
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HARLINGEN, Texas - Cameron County Drainage District No. 5 is partnering with the City of Harlingen to improve drainage.
The first drainage project is the widening of the North Main Drain that the drainage district owns.
The City and CCDD5 held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to kickoff the project.
At the event, CCDD5 President Steve Jennings gave the Rio Grande Guardian an exclusive interview. He said that his home has flooded four times in the four decades he has lived there. He said that is sort of inevitable when the land is flat and rises only one foot every mile. Jennings said CCDD5 plans to widen drains and build more detention ponds.
Jennings thanked the City of Harlingen for using its manpower and equipment to make drainage improvements on property the drainage district owns.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Ron Whitlock Reports secured an audio interview with Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda. Here it is.
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Jesse Acevedo just completed a pipefitting course at Texas Southmost College.
In an interview with Ron Whitlock of Ron Whitlock Reports he said he would recommend the program to anyone because pipefitters are in big demand and the wages are good.
Acevedo is about to start work for Bechtel at the Port of Brownsville. The company is building a liquefied natural gas export terminal for NextDecade.
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PALMVIEW, Texas - U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz spoke about congressional redistricting and Mexico’s water debt to the U.S. at a top GOP dinner in Palmview.
The event - titled the Lincoln-Reagan Dinner - was hosted by Hidalgo County Republican Party and held at the Stallion Event Center. De La Cruz introduced the keynote speaker, U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton.
De La Cruz recalled a time she met President Trump and the two were looking at a map of Texas and the Gulf of America.
“He turns to me and he says, well, Congresswoman, where are you from? I hear you're from South Texas, but where exactly? And we’re looking at the Gulf of America. And I said, Sir, I am from right here, Mr. President. And I point right there to the very most southern tip of Texas. And he looks at me and says, well, you barely got in though, didn't you?” De La Cruz recalled.
She said she responded: “I’m proud to be here. I'm proud to be in Texas.”
The Edinburg Republican knew she would not have much time with the president and so she had to make the most of it.
“There’s a clock. You’ve only got 30 seconds. You’d better say something good, and you better say something fast. And so I turned to the President. I said, Mr. President, I have urgent news. He says, What's that? Take a deep breath. Mexico is screwing us. President Trump, Mexico is screwing us with water. And he goes, Mexico's screwing us. He goes, James, get over here. Why is Mexico screwing us? Tell him. Tell him.”
De La Cruz said Trump told her that Mexico will deliver on its water treaty obligations.
“And you know what? He kept his promise. We've got water from Mexico. We're holding back money from the Mexican government, and we are getting South Texas farmers the water that they need and they deserve. And I'm so grateful for President Trump for listening to what we needed in South Texas and actually doing it.”
De La Cruz then spoke about successes she has had with the federal budget.
“We've been able to bring $1 billion right here to the Rio Grande Valley, (and) $280 million in a carve out from the disaster emergency fund. That has never been done before. And no other district got that money,” De La Cruz said.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go the Rio Grande Guardian website.
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PALMVIEW, Texas - U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton says he wants to take to the Washington the same sort of creativity and courage he has shown as Texas attorney general.
Paxton was keynote speaker at the Hidalgo County Republican Party’s Lincoln-Reagan Dinner. The event was held Aug. 21 at the Stallion Event Center in Palmview.
“I want to bring something different to Washington. The kind of creativity that I'm trying to bring to my job here, I want to take that to Washington. The kind of courage we’ve had to exhibit in Texas, I want to take that to Washington, because we don't see it,” Paxton said.
“In most of our US senators, I don't see it, including the one I that I'm running against. I go around the state and I say, what has our senator accomplished for you? I have a really hard time getting an answer.
“And, after 23 years, that's four terms… first of all I am convinced no one should be running for five terms. That's 30 years as a U.S. senator. John Cornyn has been in office since I was in college. I'm 62 years old. So, just for that alone, it's time for a change.”
Paxton then explained what he believes is lacking in Washington.
“We need creativity. We need somebody that will go to Washington, like a Ted Cruz, who will say, enough, the budget deficit is out of control. We don't need Second Amendment gun restrictions that John Cornyn helped Joe Biden pass and was congratulated by him and criticized by Donald Trump.
“We need somebody who will fight for border security, which we haven't had. And we need somebody who will work with Donald Trump, not just because he's in a primary. And so I want to take the same kind of hope, same kind of courage, the same kind of characteristics that you exhibit to Washington.
And I want to have the opportunity change the culture. And I know that sounds sometimes impossible,but I've watched what we've been able to do for the Texas Attorney General's office, and we've had an impact.”
Here are Paxton's remarks in full.
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PHARR, Texas - Dub Taylor is COO of Texas PACE Authority. He recently spoke at an event hosted jointly by the Pharr Economic Development Corporation and the Rio Grande Valley Partnership. It was titled the Pharr Commercial & Investment Summit and it was held at the Pharr One Center.
At the event, Taylor gave a presentation that included slides showing where a PACE project had worked in Texas. There were lots of examples shown in East Texas, the Panhandle and Central Texas. But there were no examples from the Texas-Mexico border region. The nearest were in San Antonio.
In an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Taylor after his presentation, Taylor said that is why he was in Pharr - to spread the word about the benefits.
The Pace website states: "Property Assessed Clean Energy (TX-PACE) is a proven financial tool that incentivizes Texas’ property owners to upgrade facility infrastructure with little or no capital outlay. Approved by State legislation and established by local governments, TX-PACE programs enable owners to lower their operating costs and use the savings to pay for eligible water conservation, energy efficiency, resiliency, and distributed generation projects. Owners gain access to private, affordable, long-term (typically 20-30 years) financing that is not available through traditional funding avenues."
Here is an audio recording of Taylor’s presentation at the Pharr event.
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MISSION, Texas - The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce held the latest in its Buenas Tardes Luncheon series on Aug. 13, 2025.
It centered on a panel discussion titled “The State of Current Business.”
There were six panelists: Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez; Rick Carrera, director of economic development for the Council for South Texas Economic Progress; Joe Quiroga, president of Texas National Bank; Juan Francisco Ochoa, Jr., CEO of Taco Palenque Group; Dante Galeazzi, CEO and President of Texas International Produce Association; and state Rep. Sergio Muñoz of Mission.
The moderator was Kimberly Selber, associate dean of community engagement in the College of Liberal Arts at UT-Rio Grande Valley.
Here is an audio recording of everything Rep. Muñoz said at the event.
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MISSION, Texas - The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce held the latest in its Buenas Tardes Luncheon series on Aug. 13, 2025.
It centered on a panel discussion titled “The State of Current Business.”
There were six panelists: Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez; Rick Carrera, director of economic development for the Council for South Texas Economic Progress; Joe Quiroga, president of Texas National Bank; Juan Francisco Ochoa, Jr., CEO of Taco Palenque Group; Dante Galeazzi, CEO and President of Texas International Produce Association; and state Rep. Sergio Muñoz of Mission.
The moderator was Kimberly Selber, associate dean of community engagement in the College of Liberal Arts at UT-Rio Grande Valley.
Here is an audio recording of everything Judge Cortez said at the event.
Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.
MISSION, Texas - The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce held the latest in its Buenas Tardes Luncheon series on Aug. 13, 2025.
It centered on a panel discussion titled “The State of Current Business.”
There were six panelists: Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez; Rick Carrera, director of economic development for the Council for South Texas Economic Progress; Joe Quiroga, president of Texas National Bank; Juan Francisco Ochoa, Jr., CEO of Taco Palenque Group; Dante Galeazzi, CEO and President of Texas International Produce Association; and state Rep. Sergio Muñoz of Mission.
The moderator was Kimberly Selber, associate dean of community engagement in the College of Liberal Arts at UT-Rio Grande Valley.
Here is an audio recording of everything Taco Palenque's Ochoa said at the event.
Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.
MISSION, Texas - The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce held the latest in its Buenas Tardes Luncheon series on Aug. 13, 2025.
It centered on a panel discussion titled “The State of Current Business.”
There were six panelists: Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez; Rick Carrera, director of economic development for the Council for South Texas Economic Progress; Joe Quiroga, president of Texas National Bank; Juan Francisco Ochoa, Jr., CEO of Taco Palenque Group; Dante Galeazzi, CEO and President of Texas International Produce Association; and state Rep. Sergio Muñoz of Mission.
The moderator was Kimberly Selber, associate dean of community engagement in the College of Liberal Arts at UT-Rio Grande Valley.
Here is an audio recording of everything TIPA's Galeazzi said at the event.
**
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MISSION, Texas - The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce held the latest in its Buenas Tardes Luncheon series on Aug. 13, 2025.
It centered on a panel discussion titled “The State of Current Business.”
There were six panelists: Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez; Rick Carrera, director of economic development for the Council for South Texas Economic Progress; Joe Quiroga, president of Texas National Bank; Juan Francisco Ochoa, Jr., CEO of Taco Palenque Group; Dante Galeazzi, CEO and President of Texas International Produce Association; and state Rep. Sergio Muñoz of Mission.
The moderator was Kimberly Selber, associate dean of community engagement in the College of Liberal Arts at UT-Rio Grande Valley.
Here is an audio recording of everything COSTEP's Carrera said at the event.
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MISSION, Texas - Joe Quiroga is president of Texas National Bank. He was one of six panelists at a Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce event on August 13 titled “Buenas Tardes Luncheon.
The panel discussion was titled The State of Current Business.
In his remarks, Quiroga said there were positive and negative things to report about the current Rio Grande Valley economy.
Here are his remarks.
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HARLINGEN, Texas - The Council for South Texas Economic Progress recently hosted a Lunch & Learn session at Texas State Technical College.
The event focused on RFI Best Practices and was organized by COSTEP’s director of economic development, Ric Carrera.
Carrera said RFI Best Practices is a crucial for driving smart growth and meaningful investment across the Rio South Texas region.
“We were thrilled to welcome a full house of regional economic development professionals to our latest Lunch & Learn session,” Carrera said after the event had concluded.
“Special thanks to Mr. Sean Ferguson, from the Texas Office of Economic Development & Tourism, for his clear and valuable perspective, and to Mr. Michael Camden from Ryan, for making the trip south and offering a sharp view from the site selector’s seat,” Carrera said.
“Our sincere gratitude to Harlingen EDC for hosting us in their space, and as always, to our Board of Directors and generous Sponsors, whose continued support powers everything we do.”
Here is an audio recording of everything Ferguson and Camden said at the event.
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LAREDO, Texas - The 32nd Annual Pathways For Trade Symposium takes place at the Laredo County Club on Thursday, Aug. 28. The evening before a reception will take place titled the Trade Ambassador’s Dinner.
The symposium is being hosted, as always, by the Laredo Economic Development Corporation, which has served Los Dos Laredos for 58 years.
This year, the symposium’s title is “The New Era of Trade: Perspectives & Opportunities.” The symposium will explore the latest trends, policies, and challenges shaping global trade. A big focus this year will be the application of Artificial Intelligence in the logistics and manufacturing sectors.
David A. Stedman, president and CEO of Laredo EDC, says he cannot think of a year when the symposium was more important.
“I don't think there has ever been a time where international trade is more on the national topic and horizon, with the advent of the America First trade policy from the Trump administration,” Stedman told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
“We have to be very astute and conscious of our supply chain, at a time when nearshoring is taking on a whole new dimension. We're basically reinventing the American supply chain as we go.”
Stedman said he is pleased with the lineup of speakers assembled.
“What we have done here with this symposium is bring together a collection of experts to give people an ongoing explanation of all the things that are going to happen and have happened with respect to our trade, not only with Mexico, but with Canada. We have a nice collection of local and national experts to give clarity to the situation, which is very volatile and very important to the future of the American economy.”
Here is an audio podcast featuring LEDC leaders that previews the symposium.
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas - On Friday, Aug. 1, the City of Brownsville and their outside consultants, Freese and Nichols, hosted a community information session about their new Downtown Renaissance Master Plan.
Longtime Brownsville-based realtor Larry Jokl was sitting in the audience. At the end of the presentation Jokl got up and walked to the podium. After being given the microphone, he said he could not understand why the city planners and outside consultants had not discussed the planned Renaissance Park.
“We have not heard one word about what could become the largest single project in Downtown Brownsville, and that is the Renaissance Park. Nothing has been said yet,” Jokl said.
He proceeded to explain the project.
“This project is a collaborative effort between the city and the county. They're going to put together an inter-local agreement, which will be managed by a TIRZ board. That organization will administer what is going to become what we hope will be the largest single project you will see downtown.”
TIRZ stands for Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone.
“It (the interlock agreement) is going to come, hopefully, into fruition here in the next couple of weeks,” Jokl said.
Jokl asked if Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, Jr., was in the audience. Cowen had earlier spoken about the Downtown Renaissance Master Plan. Cowen was still at the event. Jokl proceeded to ask Cowen to nod his head if what he was saying was correct. Mayor Cowen nodded his head.
“He (Cowen) is going to meet with the judge,” Jokl said, referring to Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño. “This is something that… I'm not going into the particulars, other than it will put downtown Brownsville, all of it, on the map for years to come.”
Jokl continued: “The project could consist totally of about $500 million, which would be the largest thing that this city has seen in a long time downtown. So I'm very hopeful that I'm going to meet with some of these people, we're going to bring the developer and the stakeholders back into this.”
Jokl said he could not go into great detail about the project at this stage.
“It’s all still being worked on at this moment. But we want to begin to hear an awful lot about what's going to happen with this project and Downtown Brownsville.” Jokl said.
“It's going to help all of the owners of properties in the area. There will be all kinds of new and additional developments, which will take place over the next few years. You’re going to have a riverfront that is going to be totally different.”
Jokl added:
“They're going to remove a lot of the area between St. Francis and the old bridge. It's going to be something similar to a River Walk. And if this gets started here soon, Matamoros wants to do the same thing. So, hopefully, everybody will begin to hear about it. I wanted to get in front of you because I heard absolutely nothing about it at this meeting.”
Editor's Note: Here is an audio recording of Jokl's remarks at the City of Brownsville event.
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EDINBURG, Texas - Pam Bentsen Havens and her mother, Marge Bentsen, have explained why they donated land for a million gallon water tower in north Edinburg.
They said it was the right thing to do for the community. Here is the interview:
The Bentsens gave the Rio Grande Guardian an exclusive interview at the conclusion of a ribbon-cutting ceremony the City of Edinburg held to unveil the new water tower.
The new water tower cost $5 million to build. The money came from the City of Edinburg and Edinburg Economic Development Corporation.
Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza described the new water tower as a “major infrastructure project” that “reflects the continued growth and resilience” of the city.
“Today we celebrate the completion of this new water tower, an investment that will strengthen our city's water system, help us meet the demands of our growing population and ensure that our residents and businesses continue to receive the reliable service they deserve,” Garza said.
“This project is more than just the concrete and steel that you see behind me. It's about planning for the future and ensuring that our infrastructure keeps pace with the progress we are seeing across our community.”
Garza continued: “As we continue to welcome new families, new businesses and new developments, we also recognize the importance of reinforcing the systems that support daily life. Clean, dependable water is one of the most critical services that we can provide, and this water tower is an essential commitment to that.”
Garza thanked the Bentsen family and the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation for its investment in the project.
“This is yet another step forward in our efforts to build a stronger, smarter Edinburg. And, we're not done. We will continue investing in infrastructure, improving services, and making sure that Edinburg remains a city we can all be proud to call home,” Garza added.
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WESLACO, Texas - The Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council set up the Small Cities Coalition in 2011 and, potentially, 46 cities could participate.
Unfortunately, not all do, said LRGVDC Executive Director Manuel Cruz, at a recent meeting of the group.
But that does not stop the LRGVDC from providing great services to the small cities, Cruz said. These include programs to help with economic development, job creation, infrastructure, and tourism.
Here is an audio recording of Cruz’s presentation to the Small Cities Coalition.
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WESLACO, Texas - Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority Chairman Robert L. Lozano has made a plea for unity when it comes to transportation projects across the region.
Lozano made his comments at a special meeting of the Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization policy board. He is a board member of the MPO.
HCRMA did not get its proposal for more funding for Segment 4 of the Hidalgo County Loop project passed yet Lozano, in n effort to show unity, still voted for the staff recommendation of RGVMPO.
“My message is the same one that I started with many months ago, it's a message of unity,” Lozano said.
The special meeting of the RGVMPO policy board was called because the group is facing a hard deadline. If it does not spend the money it has accrued soon it runs the risk of losing future funding from the Texas Department of Transportation. The MPO has carried over $102 million in what is known as Category 7 funds. Year after year the MPO carries over the funds because many of the projects on its to do list are not shovel ready.
In his remarks, Lozano pointed out that HCRMA does not normally seek Category 7 funding from the MPO. He said they made a pitch for funding for a particular segment of the County Loop because the MPO found itself in a “use it or lose it” situation.
“If the (RGVMPO) TAC (Technical Advisory Committee has a project and they know, they understand, that there's a unified desire to move this project forward, then I think that should influence the recommendation that the TAC is giving to the policy board, because they understand that in that community, in that area, that is what is being requested. That's what the need is. And the need is bubbling up in a unified fashion,” Lozano said.
Lozano then answered his own question. Why did the RMA bring forward its proposal for Category 7 funding.
“First, use it or lose it. Second, it's my understanding that the RMA historically has not requested Category 7 funds. However, all of y'all were witness to… the strong desire to accelerate Section A, 1 and 2,” Lozano said.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
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MCALLEN, Texas - The minority leader of the Texas House says he is going to ensure Hidalgo County Democratic Party gets the funding it needs to be competitive in the 2026 election.
State Rep. Gene Wu of Houston visited the Valley recently to hear from Young Democrats and grassroots progressives. In a meeting at the Hidalgo County Democratic Party HQ in McAllen, the young activists told him they felt the region had been neglected by the state and national party, thereby allowing Republicans to make significant inroads.
Hidalgo County Democratic Party Chairman Richard Gonzales was at the meeting. He said he has warned every local Democratic Party elected official to expect a Republican challenger at the next election. “The Republicans are well-funded,” Gonzales said.
In an in-depth interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Wu said:
“In my time as caucus chair, I've talked a lot of communities, and talked a lot of communities that say they've kind of been left behind, kind of been forgotten. And, I thought about this. I thought about South Texas, I thought about the Rio Grande Valley. And I wanted to make sure that they were not forgotten, that there are people who remember who they are and realize that they're important. And I want to make sure that that my actions reflect that.”
Asked what he had learned from both a tour of Hidalgo County and a meeting with Young Democrats, Wu said:
“I learned that this is a beautiful community that wants to move ahead, that wants to do better. But, because we didn't put in the resources, we didn't put in the time and the investments - and we're not just talking about the state, we're not just talking about Democrats, we're talking about everybody - we left this place behind. And that is a shame, because this is such a wonderful place with such wonderful people.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
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MCALLEN, Texas - Julio Salinas is chairman of Texas Young Democrats.
On Saturday, July 12, 2025, Salinas took state Rep. Gene Wu of Houston on a tour of key locations in Hidalgo County. Wu is minority leader in the Texas House of Representatives.
Following the tour, Hidalgo County Young Democrats met with Wu. They spoke about the “devastating impact” ICE raids were having on Valley communities. And they impressed upon Wu the need for more investment in the Democratic Party in the Rio Grande Valley.
Salinas said he would like to see Texas House members come down to the Valley for an “unvarnished” tour, to see the sights the Rio Grande Valley Partnership does not take state lawmakers to when they do their bi-annual Valley Legislative Tour.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Salinas gave an interview to the Rio Grande Guardian.
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René Xavier González, head of new business development and marketing for Sidee Industrial Development in Matamoros, has given a Mexican perspective to the idea of a bi-national auto cluster initiative.
The idea has been proposed by the Council for South Texas Economic Progress.
González said some companies may need convincing about the data they share but he thinks there will be buy-in.
“Sometimes there are issues about confidentiality and security. A lot of companies would rather kind of keep kind of a low profile,” González said.
“But the fact that everybody's here, the fact that everybody is representing all the individual EDCs is already a huge win for COSTEP. Cobifer is here. We're representing CODEM, the Matamoros business community. It is very encouraging to see.”
Gonzalez continued:
“From the Matamoros side, we’re in. We just need steps. Like, okay, give us a data registry, make sure that it's in Spanish. My job would be to talk to the 30 members of CODEM, sell them on the idea and make sure that this is something viable, something that benefits their individual business.
“So, for example, in order to become part of the cluster, the individual manufacturing companies have to be have to register and pay a fee. So, for example, my job with the three automotive manufacturing companies that I have in my industrial park, I have to go tell them, this is why this benefits you. You have to sign up for this. So, the more informed that we all are, the better that we can actually help sell (the project).
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SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas - South Padre Island City Council Member Kerry Schwartz wants to see an Eco Center District established to capitalize on the amount of interest there is in ecotourism.
Schwartz made his case at a special workshop meeting the council held to discuss expansion of the island’s convention center.
“Our mission really should be about ecotourism, because ecotourism is huge. I'd like to see us form an SPI Eco Center District. We already have an entertainment district for our beaches and all that,” Schwartz said.
“But when you think about it, you've got the World Birding Center there, and you've got Sea Turtle Rescue. Turn that into an eco tourism center, a nature center, adding the theater and exhibition annex to the convention center,” Schwartz said.
In his presentation, Schwartz said “environmental hazards” are being created both by the development of liquefied natural gas export terminals at the Port of Brownsville plants and SpaceX.
Here is an audio recording of his remarks:
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MISSION, Texas - Hidalgo County Commissioner Ever Villarreal has announced what he says is an “amazing” transportation project that will help transform the western part of the county.
Villarreal said the county, working with the City of Mission, is going to become “project sponsor” for two sections of the proposed county loop between Granjeno and Penitas and turn them into non-toll projects.
By becoming project sponsor, Villarreal said, the county, working with the City of Mission, can help find funding for the two sections, ensuring they get built much faster.
“It is an amazing project of not just for the City of Mission, but for the City of McAllen also. That is because the City of McAllen, as you know… they are part owner of the Anzalduas Bridge,” Villarreal said. “And it would be amazing, not just for McAllen and Mission financially, but also for our neighbors on the west side of the county, for the growth this amazing project can usher in.”
Here is an interview the Rio Grande Guardian secured with Commissioner Villarreal.
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MCALLEN, Texas - The former editor and publisher of El Periódico USA has launched a new binational Spanish language media project called Debate X Media, LLC.
The plan, says Jose Luis B. Garza, is to highlight the potential and accomplishments of the Hispanic population in the Rio Grande Valley and become a binational news agency.
“We have to project the importance of this region because it's totally different to other regions in the country,” Garza said.
In an in-depth audio interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Garza spoke about his time at El Periódico USA, the growth of Hispanic-owned news media publications, and his plans for Debate X.
El Periódico USA is a newspaper published in McAllen that initiated in 1986, focusing on the South Texas community.
Jose Luis Garza worked at El Periódico USA, initially as an advisor and worked his way up the media company.
“They gave me a lot of satisfaction, experiences and big opportunities to understand how the Spanish media works in this country,” Garza said. “Initially around the 90s, the Hispanic population, Hispanic marketing, Hispanic publications, were not so important. But after that, soon we were growing in the country.”
Garza said the growth of Hispanic publications allowed him to participate with the National Association of Hispanic Publications, an advocacy organization for Spanish language publications. He said he was vice president of the organization and national president in 2013.
Garza was born in Gustavo Diaz Ordaz, Mexico and said many people from his birthplace are now living in the Rio Grande Valley. He was previously chairman of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce’s International Committee.
After leaving El Periodico USA, Garza said he founded Debate X, an agency for expanding Hispanic news coverage. He said his company strives to give advice to other newspapers and he has the support of his family and friends on the project. He said he chose the name of the news agency, Debate X, because it translates the same in both English and Spanish.
Garza will be working on the project with Luis Cantu, former vice president for international business and community development for McAllen Chamber of Commerce.
“We are reporting, we are doing work on both sides of the world,” Garza said. “This is a national project.”
Garza said he founded Debate X after leaving El Periodico USA because his company strives to give advice to other expanding news companies in the form of a news agency. He said he met with about 15 congressmen at the end of April in Washington D.C., and spoke with the communications team at the White House. Garza said Congress was receptive to Debate X’s plans to play an active role in aiding the Hispanic newspaper community.
“We need to let the rest of the country, the rest of Texas, Mexico, know who we are, what we are doing, and the potential of this area,” Garza said. “This is an extraordinary area, we have problems like any other ones, but we have extraordinary opportunities here.”
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WESLACO, TEXAS - A spokesperson for MHP Salud says no staff member has lost their job because of federal funding cuts to the Affordable Care Act Navigator Program.
Heather Morgan is vice president of communications and business development for MHP Salud. She oversees brand development and management, reputation, communications, and positioning. In an email to the Rio Grande Guardian, she did confirm that the Weslaco-based non-profit has been informed of federal funding cuts to the Navigator program.
“MHP Salud has a long-standing history in the RGV. We provide multiple services to the community to provide families and individuals with health education, child health and developmental support, health insurance education and application assistance, and much more,” said Heather Morgan, vice president of communications and business development for MHP Salud.
“Our programming array includes Parents as Teachers, Familias Saludables, Silver Connections, Connecting Kids to Coverage, and the Navigator program.”
Morgan continued: “While MHP Salud has received notice that funding for the Navigator program will be reduced, we will receive funding to continue serving the RGV through the Navigator program, as well as our other programs.”
Morgan added: “Moreover, while the funding reduction will impact staffing, final decisions have not yet been made, and no one was informed that August 31 will be their last day of employment.”
Morgan wrote to the Guardian following comments made by Moises Arjona, collective impact director for Unidos Contra la Diabetes. During a webinar hosted by Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force, and in a subsequent interview with the Guardian, Arjona spoke about the impact of federal funding cuts to the Affordable Care Act.
Morgan said Arjona does not work for MHP Salud and does not speak for the nonprofit.
Asked if he would like to respond, Arjona said: “What I shared (at the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force webinar) was that from the community health workers who are employed at MHP Salud, those who reached out and provided me with information regarding funding and who were looking for open job positions.”
Arjona continued: “We value MHP Salud as a partner in the community and they do great work, but as they have stated in their email, funding is being reduced and that will affect the work that is being done in the community.”
Arjona added: “MHP Salud is a provider for the Affordable Care Act and many of our folks in the community depend on MHP Salud to continue to help them navigate the Market Place during open enrollment. Our population is not tech savvy and needs help, especially during open enrollment.”
Here is part of an interview Arjona gave the Guardian.
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EDINBURG, Texas - The director of Hidalgo County’s Community Service Agency (CSA) says Rotarians from across South Texas were shocked when he told them the extent of the cuts his agency is facing, should Congress adopt President Trump’s budget proposals.
Jaime R. Longoria met recently with Rotarians from across the Rio Grande Valley, Laredo, and the Coastal Bend.
Specifically, Longoria spoke about cuts to the Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a utility assistance program designed to assist low-income households in meeting their immediate energy needs.
Longoria said that in President Trump’s budget, $8 million that comes to Hidalgo County for LIHEAP “would disappear.” He said: “That's $8 million to assist about 8,000 families across Hidalgo County afford utilities.”
Longoria continued: “Now, those 8,000 families, I know we like to villainize… I spoke at a meeting of the Rotarians across South Texas, and I mentioned, we like to villainize the vulnerables, that, well, these are people that maybe don't want to work. These are people that are of another country.
“But in reality, about 45 percent of those 8,000 are people over the age of 60. About 30 percent of those families, those individuals that come to us are children under the age of 18. So that's 75 percent of our population that is either elderly or are under the age of 18.
“So, these stereotypes that we have of who we're helping, who CSA is helping, it does not hold a lot of water. I know that the Rotarians were shocked when they heard those numbers. And these are Rotarians from Corpus Christi, Victoria, and Brownsville to Laredo, all of the Rio Grande Valley. They were shocked.
“And I said, you know, don't believe the narrative. These are actual people. I can show you the numbers. That $8 million would go away.”
Longoria made his comments in a webinar hosted by Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force. The webinar comprised officials from numerous nonprofits who stand to lose funding under the so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill.” Longoria said that while this bill includes cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, his agency had to remain focused on President Trump’s “skinny” budget.
“What our program is really concerned about is the proposed zeroing out of the Community Services Block Grant, the zeroing out of LIHEAP, which is our utility assistance program, and the zeroing out of our AmeriCorps program.”
Longoria said the President's “skinny” budget is different from the “Big, Beautiful Bill.”
“All of our programs are zeroed out. So, what does that mean, financially? That's $2 million in CSBG funding. So that is the disaster funding that I talked about in Commissioners Court today, which helped us respond to the flood, which helps us respond to fires, domestic violence on a daily basis, which helped us respond during COVID so quickly, to put people in shelter and buy food for people in shelter. That $2 million would be gone.”
Longoria said the CSBG funding has been in place since 1980, and its forerunner has been in place since 1968.
“So, that money has been in place for 60 years to help address poverty the way Hidalgo County sees fit.”
He said Cameron County would lose a little over a million dollars in CSBG funding, while Starr County would lose about $700,000.
Editor’s Note: Here is an audio recording of the remarks Longoria made during the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force webinar.
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The director of research for the Bespoke Group says that as the world becomes less unipolar, the United States is going to have to work much more closely with Mexico.
Jacob, L. Shapiro holds a master’s degree with distinction from Oxford University and a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University. He was guest speaker via a video link at an international relations forum hosted by the Mexican Consulate’s Office in Brownsville.
Held at the eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization, the forum was titled, “Brainstorming Dialogue: Navigating the New Era of US-Mexico Trade in the RGV Border.”
“If we think about the US-Mexico relationship from just a very apolitical, cold-hearted geopolitical perspective, this is a relationship in which both sides need each other. The United States very much needs Mexico, and Mexico needs the United States,” Shapiro said.
“And I think the thing that has changed, really, in the last five to ten years, in which will continue to change, I think, in Mexico's favor, is that… for much of the last century plus the United States has had most, if not all, of the leverage. And Mexico has not had the leverage.”
Shapiro says he always references a quote attributed to former Mexico President Porfirio Diaz: "Poor Mexico - So Far from God, So Close to the United States."
Shapiro predicts Mexico’s leverage with the United States will only increase.
“As the world becomes less unipolar, where the US is not the dominant power in the world, where the US cannot simply say what it wants to happen and have those things happen, it's going to need a greater emphasis on local and regional supply chains, on local alliances and on local trade normalization.”
Dr. Judith Arrieta Mungia Mexico’s consul in Brownsville, moderated the forum. At the conclusion of Shapiro’s remarks, Arrieta applauded enthusiastically.
Here is an audio recording of Shapiro’s remarks in full.
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WESLACO, Texas - Unidos Contra la Diabetes’ collective impact director, Moises Arjona, Jr., has discussed the Rio Grande Valley’s health clinic concerns after recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids.
Arjona gave an update during a recent Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force webinar on Tuesday.
Unidos Contra la Diabetes is a collective impact initiative working to prevent and reduce and type two diabetes in the Valley by 10 percent by 2030. The initiative works with clinic and nonprofit health care centers such as Family Clinic, El Milagro, Proyecto Juan Diego and other clinics in the area.
In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Arjona said he is worried about a decline in the number of patients that come to health fairs hosted by Unidos Contra la Diabetes.
The initiative’s health fairs include a series of community health clinic partners that also provide educational services. RGV Food Bank provides food and vegetables for the event. The health fairs typically receive an attendance of 300 people but according to Arjona Jr. their last health fair, March 26, “barely had 100 people.”
“Ever since the current administration started talking about ICE raids, our population is fearful and does not feel comfortable going out,”Arjona said. “We have to also understand that we have mixed-status families in our community, so maybe grandma, who might be undocumented, is the one that is the babysitter or drives the kids and drops them off at school.”
Arjona said the initiative has been told by partners there has been an increase of patients wanting to do doctor’s sessions over the phone. Patients are also asking for more prolonged prescriptions for their refills, and an overall absence in patients at the clinics, Arjona said.
“It is going to be an impact for emergency rooms and urgent care, which then causes them to spend more money on health care, because it could have been prevented,” Arjona said. “It is going to be a ripple effect for us, and it is kind of scary.”
Here is an audio recording of Arjona's remarks during the Prosperity Task Force's webinar.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
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MISSION, Texas - Mission Economic Development Corporation CEO Teclo Garcia gave the opening remarks at a Commercial & Investment Tour event before moderating a panel discussion.
The event was held at the Center for Education & Economic Development and co-hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership.
In his opening remarks, Garcia spoke about the growth of his city, both in population terms and industrial, commercial, and residential development. Here are his remarks.
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Dr. Mostafa Malki is a professor at UT-Rio Grande Valley and executive director for business development at America’s Additive Foundry Center for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation and Cyber Systems. He is also the founder of Aaron Economic Consulting.
Malki was a panelist for a discussion titled “Additive Manufacturing and Industrial Reshoring in the RGV.” The discussion, held at the eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization, part of RGV StartUp Week.
During his remarks, Malki acknowledged he might offend some people when speaking about the importance of manufacturing over retail.
“Science technology, engineering and mathematics are what create wealth. All the others industries, although important, are not self-sustaining without a very strong industrial base,” Malki said.
“So I understand, and maybe I'm going to offend some people but I'll go ahead and say it. One of the largest employers or industries in the Valley are the school districts. How we fund schools, education, is through property taxes. So somebody has to pay those taxes to be able to have quality education. That somebody has to be manufacturing.”
Malki elaborated on his thought:
“It has to be industries, because they are the one generating value. I don't want to give a lecture on economics, but I'll give you a very short explanation. When you manufacture something, most of the stuff that you manufacture is not going to be sold and consumed locally, it will be exported. So you export the value that you have produced and bring back cash that allows activity in that economy. It allows for a thriving entertainment industry, real estate, schools and so on.”
Malki then contrasted retail with manufacturing.
“I don't want to pick on retail,” he said, explaining that much of the profit created from retail activity leaves the region.
“Only manufacturing does that because it brings money in and takes products out. Other areas (such as retail), they take money out, and that's what you're trying to avoid. So you're bleeding the region in that sense.”
Malki said, economic development officials “cannot just say no, we're not going to do retail, because we still need retail.” But, he said, “we should not really focus on retail.”
Malki continued: “We need to focus on manufacturing and industry, whether it's advanced or traditional manufacturing, because that's what creates wealth in the community. You look at Chicago, you look at L.A., there are very strong manufacturing bases there and that's the reason why they are considered successful, big, thriving communities. It’s because there is wealth being generated there.”
In other parts of his remarks, Malki spoke about additive manufacturing and how the Valley could learn a lot from studying the success of Sweden.
Editor’s Note: Here is an audio recording of everything Dr. Malki said on the Additive Manufacturing and Industrial Reshoring in the RGV panel.
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PHARR, TEXAS - Victor Perez, president of Pharr Economic Development Corporation, has welcomed COMCE to the city.
COMCE stands for Consejo Empresarial Mexicano de Comercio Exterior, Inversión y Tecnología (Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology). It is a non-profit organization representing the Mexican private sector in international affairs, particularly focusing on promoting foreign trade, investment, and technology.
COMCE Nacional has announced a new satellite office in Pharr at the Pharr Global Business Hub. Its leaders did so during a two-day tour of the Pharr area. The trip included a visit to the Pharr International Bridge and the Mexican Consulate’s Office in McAllen, along with meetings with the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and UT-Rio Grande Valley.
“We signed a Memorandum of Understanding with COMCE National a couple of months back. And when we sign an MOU we want to make sure that we follow up. We want to make sure that we continue the collaboration, we continue the communications with those entities or organizations that we have signed an MOU with,” Perez told Ron Whitlock Reports.
“So, today, we're officially designating the Pharr Global Business Hub as a headquarters of COMCE National in the Rio Grande Valley.”
Asked why the MOU is important, Perez said: “Because the Pharr Global Business Park is a key component, a commercial gateway into the US market, into the Texas market.”
Perez said he expects other foreign entities to sign MOUs with Pharr EDC in order to make use of the Pharr Global Business Hub.
“The word is getting around, on both sides of the border, that Pharr is the place to be,” Perez said.
“We are moving forward rapidly. And with the new bridge coming in, we expect more business, more trade, and more investors.”
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The Rio Grande Valley is becoming no different than some of the bigger metros in Texas, says Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation CEO Gilberto Salinas.
“Austin-San Antonio is really one big area, Houston is just a huge monster when it comes to people, numbers and cities around it, DFW? DFW is kind of like McAllen-Brownsville. It's becoming that one huge region, one super region. And it takes a SpaceX coming in and then telling us, a region is 100 miles,” Salinas said.
Salinas made his remarks in an exclusive interview with Ron Whitlock of Ron Whitlock Reports. The interview took place before Salinas made his highly successful presentation at the Cross Border Industrial Opportunities summit in Monterrey.
“Sometimes in Brownsville, we think regional is 20 miles. McAllen, I think it's 30 miles. But it takes a SpaceX, one of the most forward-thinking companies, really in the history the planet, to come and tell us, that no, regional for us is 100 miles,” Salinas told Whitlock.
“And that's just from a supplier network to a labor and talent pool, because they (SpaceX) pull from well outside of 100 miles. And again, it goes to show that the Brownsville-McAllen super metro area is becoming a huge draw.”
Salinas added: “You know, outside of Texas, all eyes are on this place that we call the Rio Grande Valley.”
Asked what the state of industry and the jobs market is currently like Brownsville and Cameron County today, Salinas said:
“The state of jobs and industry is like never before. That's the one thing that I have seen since I've come back, the number of projects that we have in the pipeline, the number of leads, the companies that are opening up here. It’s different from 10 years ago, even from five years ago,” Salinas said.
“And a big fish draws all the big fish… SpaceX, the two LNG plants. There's a refinery plant looking at the Port (of Brownsville), and some other major operations looking at the Port. We have, like, $3 billion in the pipeline just for the Brownsville from the GBIC side. All these companies are coming in as a result of the success of a SpaceX and the LNGs. So those big fish are drawing in other big fish, and that's what's setting us apart from everybody else right now. That level of activity is raising eyebrows across the entire state of Texas.”
Asked if there are any big projects in the works that he can talk about, Salinas said:
“Well, no different than most other EDOs, we are on the cusp of announcing some major projects. We just cannot disclose those yet. But, between our top 10 projects, we're looking at about $3 billion in capital investment. Hopefully we can announce at least one of those here in the next coming weeks.”
Salinas said he likes to call these big projects game changers.
“Those projects that we have are, again, what I like to call game changers, very similar to a SpaceX and the LNGs in the energy sector. To everybody’s somewhat surprise, it is just going to put Brownsville… Brownsville is already on the map because everything that has happened. But those projects are just going to make that dot on the map bigger.
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr., has made the case for a “yes” vote on the Cameron County Arena project.
In an in-depth audio interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Treviño points out that property taxes will not be used to fund the project. Rather, he said, much of the money will come from an existing venue tax source.
“Let’s go back. In the November 2016 election, the voters of Cameron County approved what we call the venue tax. But I think it should more aptly be named the visitor tax,”Treviño said.
“Basically, that visitor venue tax is paid by anyone who stays in a hotel or short term rental or rents a motor vehicle here in Cameron County. That visitor taxes is collected by the short term owner and/or vehicle rental company, so that 2% is a visitor tax, it is not a property tax.”
Treviño gave two examples of projects that have come about as a result of the venue tax - the Isla Blanca Amphitheater on South Padre Island, and the South Texas Ecotourism Center Project at Laguna Vista.
He said the tax can only be spent on economic development or tourism related projects. “That's it. You can't use it to fix your potholes. You can't use it to fix drainage. You can't fix it to do anything that's not tourism or economic development related.”
Treviño said there has been a lot of “misinformation put out there” that a yes vote is going to impact property taxes, etc.
“The resolution that the County Commissioners Court approved sets out that this particular project, while it may have other funding sources, the property tax will not be the source of that.”
Asked why the new arena is needed, Treviño said: “The reality is Cameron County is growing at a very, very extreme rate right now, thanks to the development and the expansion of SpaceX, thanks to the commitment at Starbase. And then now you've got the LNG industry taking full force at the Port (of Brownsville), along with other potential projects, steel industry related projects, other economic development projects and master planned development. Cameron County as a whole is growing by leaps and bounds.”
Treviño said a new arena in Cameron County will have the potential to be more of a destination venue that the two arenas in Hidalgo County - State Farm in the city of Hidalgo, and Bert Ogden in Edinburg.
“The difference we've got here is it would be part of a master planned development. The plan is to develop hotels, restaurants, retail, commercial in that area, kind of a mini La Cantera-type situation, so that if you want to go to an event, a concert… and you don't want to be driving back and forth, you want to be able to have a few drinks… you can stay on site at a hotel or whatever, or you can walk to the restaurants before or after a particular event. That's what I think is going to set this project apart.”
Treviño said that in addition to misinformation about property taxes being used to pay for the arena, some people are saying the county commissioners are going to benefit financially from the project.
“That's disappointing, because that's not how I how I run my life. I would never be in public office, and certainly not for any long, extended, period of time, if that's how I did things,” he said.
Treviño added that he has been in touch with UT-Rio Grande Valley and its leadership is interested in being part of the arena. He said building a new arena would make it more likely that UTRGV would hold its graduation ceremonies in Cameron County.
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AUSTIN, Texas - Dan Diorio is senior director of state policy for the Data Center Coalition.
Via a zoom, Diorio recently gave an update to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service on the legislation he is tracking in Austin. He was joined on the zoom by Guillermo Aguilar of Blackstone Consultants.
The Data Center Coalition’s website explains what data centers are.
“Data centers are the foundation of the digital infrastructure on which our modern society and economy are built. Data centers are physical locations that organizations use to house their critical applications and data. Anything that takes place online “in the cloud” is powered by a data center,” the coalition stated, on its website.
“Data centers aggregate our collective computing demands – everything from sharing photos with friends and family to streaming our favorite shows to supporting online learning and storing important medical and financial information – efficiently and securely in one location.”
The coalition added: “Previously, these types of computing resources were dispersed across businesses, which was far less efficient and secure. In 2010, nearly 80 percent of data center computing was done in smaller traditional computer centers, largely owned and operated by non-technology companies. By 2018, approximately 89 percent of data center computing took place in larger cloud data centers.”
Diorio brings over 16 years of experience in state and federal government affairs and public policy. He began his career in the Massachusetts State Legislature where he served as legislative director to State Senator Scott P. Brown. Diorio followed Brown to Washington, DC, and the United States Senate where he worked as a Legislative Assistant handling a large portfolio of issues including energy and the environment, education, labor, immigration, and transportation.
Diorio next handled state and federal government affairs for a Boston-based demand response provider. While there he helped form the Advanced Energy Management Alliance, a national trade association for demand response companies and end-users. Upon moving out west for sunshine and dry weather, Diorio covered election administration policy for the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Diorio was also the vice president of legislative affairs for Colorado for the GoWest Credit Union Association. He advocated for credit unions and managed legislative campaigns in both Colorado and Wyoming. Most recently he was chief of staff of Strategic Affairs for C6-Zero, a start-up advanced manufacturing company, where he led public affairs, government affairs and organizational development.
Diorio received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Boston College and has a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Colorado Denver. He lives in Denver with his wife and two children.
On the zoom, Diorio spoke about the legislation his group is tracking and how some pieces of legislation related to data centers have good and bad parts to them.
Together with Aguilar, Diorio spoke about the chances of South Texas landing major data center projects. Here is an audio recording of the zoom.
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STEM Nation 2025 is a student conference organized by the Rio Grande Valley Philanthropic Foundation. STEM stands for Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics. The conference takes place at the Bert Ogden Arena on Tuesday, May 29, 2025. Diane Milliken Garza, executive director of RGV Philanthropic Foundation says the conference is important because while Hispanics comprise 20 percent of the population across the nation, only two percent of Hispanics work in STEM fields. This podcast features Milliken Garza and her good friend, Kathryn Lueders, general manager of Starbase. Lueders will be one of the keynote speakers at the conference.
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas - When he appeared as a panelist at RioPlex’s Texas Port to the Stars FDI Summit in Houston, Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, Jr., said this is the best time ever to be the leader of his city.
Cowen said: “I think we have an extremely strong value proposition. I always tell people it's the greatest time ever to be mayor the city of Brownsville. We have over $40 billion of capital investment projects in our area. And what I'm most proud of is, for example, NextDecade, which is building their $18.4 billion liquefied natural gas plant, they're hiring 70 percent local talent. SpaceX, they have over 3,200 direct employees. Over 70 percent local talent. That says that we have the human capital needed for companies to be successful in our region.”
Cowen gave similar remarks in an interview with Ron Whitlock Reports at Rally in the Valley 4.0, an event held recently at the Brownsville Events Center by the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation. Asked by veteran broadcaster Ron Whitlock about the state of the Brownsville economy, Cowen said:
“I always tell everyone that this. This is the best time ever to be mayor of Brownsville. We’ve got so much growth happening in Brownsville and outside of Brownsville. I think we've been able to showcase our workforce with with SpaceX and with Bechtel, and NextDecade at the Port (of Brownsville). Each of those huge projects have been able to use over 70 percent local workforce. So I think that shows that we have the skilled workforce needed for large scale industrial projects to be successful.”
Cowen said the key thing now is for the city to work with local educational institutions to ensure that the pipeline continues.
“I think we're doing a great job of that. And I think, you know, we'll have some more announcements later, more projects that are coming to Brownsville, and we're excited to continue that growth.”
Whitlock also interviewed Rafael Vela, executive director of Workforce Solutions Cameron at Rally in the Valley. Vela praised GBIC for hosting the event. He said there needs to be more such events across the region.
“There can never be enough of these events. As important as this is, there should be a dozen of these events throughout the Valley. So what we hope to do is expand with our partner, GBIC, and get other communities in the area to do the same thing. Not just in our service area, not just in Cameron County, but really the whole Valley, because it can be so impactful.”
Whitlock agreed. He said every panelist seemed to have a “little nugget of important information” that was disseminated to the 400-plus students present.
“One was, don't be afraid to fail. You'll learn more from failure than you do from success. That was just one of the nuggets that was disseminated here today,” Whitlock said.
Whitlock also interviewed Joe Esparza, the commissioner representing employers on the Texas Workforce Commission.
“We are here at Rally in the Valley because we support initiatives that encourage students to get more involved with internship opportunities. We also support employers with resources on like a cost-sharing program, through our cooperation with the (Texas) Higher Education Coordinating Board,” Esparza said.
“It’s important because we're developing our next generation of workforce, and exposing students to as many industries as possible. That gives them a better grasp of where they want to be and how they're going to find success.”
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Carlos Ealy is assistant secretary of state for Mexican and Border Affairs in the Office of the Texas Secretary of State.
Ealy spoke at a reception held for the Texas Port to the Stars FDI Summit hosted by RioPlex at the Westin Galleria in Houston.
Here are his remarks from the stage.
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HOUSTON, Texas - Valerie G. Segovia is vice of president of investor relations for the Texas Economic Development Corporation.
Segovia spoke at a reception held for the Texas Port to the Stars FDI Summit hosted by RioPlex at the Westin Galleria in Houston.
Here are her remarks from the stage.
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PHARR, Texas - The Pharr EDC Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing scholarship opportunities for graduating students residing in the city of Pharr.
The foundation supports both college and trade school career paths.
One of the foundation’s main fundraisers is an annual Casino Night. This year’s event will be held at the Regency Hall in Pharr on April 17.
To learn more about the foundation, the Rio Grande Guardian interviewed one of its founding board members, Veronica Gonzales.
“The Pharr EDC Foundation was a spin-off of the Pharr EDC, but the intent of the foundation was simply to raise money for students that are from the Pharr area, so that they can continue their education, whether that means going on to a two-year school, a technical school, a four-year school. We just want them to have the skills that they need to have a better quality of life,” Gonzales said.
“And so that's why the organization was formed. And it's been around since 2021, right after the pandemic, or the tail end of the pandemic. And it's been very successful. Already it has benefited over 515 students and given away more than $1.3 million in scholarships.”
Gonzales continued: “As time goes by, you kind of learn what works best. We have really firmed up the criteria for students that want to apply. They have to be from the Pharr area or at our high school. They have to be a high school senior. They have to also engage in some community service, at least 15 hours of community service, because we truly believe that when students get engaged in their community at an early age, that they're going to make it a habit in their lives to do that. And we want these students to be very well-rounded students, so either have an internship or 15 hours of community service, and then a grade point average of about 2.5 or higher.”
Gonzales says the Pharr EDC Foundation has two big fundraisers every year.
“We have a Golf Tournament that we do in the summer, and we also have a Casino Night, and our Casino Night is actually coming up. It's going to be on April the 17th, at the Regency Hall in Pharr. It's a lot of fun. You walk in, you think you've gone into a casino, and it's not a bunch of speeches. It's about having fun, having a little bit to eat and drink, and then just getting to play some fun games and networking with others in the community. But every dollar that we raise through the Casino Night goes to support these scholarships. And the scholarships are, I think, very good scholarships. They are $2,000 scholarships for students, $1,000 in the fall, $1,000 in the spring. And like I mentioned, we've given 515 of them away. So, the more you contribute at the Casino Night, the more goes to help these students and they can continue their education.”
Asked if there was anything else she wanted to add, Gonzales said: “I want to thank Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, because he's the one that initially had the idea of doing this. And Victor Perez at the EDC. The city helped with funds at the beginning, but now we are becoming self-sustaining by doing these fundraisers. So, I do want to give a shout out to the mayor, to the city commission for being very supportive of this program, and, of course, to everyone over at the EDC Foundation, the staff who work very hard to make these events a success.”
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LAREDO, Texas - Legendary workforce development leader Blas Castañeda has been mentoring high school students for 49 years.
The retired president of CTA Global Solutions will join with Area Health Education Center to hold his Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony on March 27.
This event recognizes the exceptional academic accomplishments of students participating in CTA’s mentorship career development program.
The ceremony takes place at Falcon Event Center, 7718 McPherson Road in Laredo, starting at 6:00 p.m. on March 27.
“The mentorship career development program pairs experienced community leaders with high school seniors to provide career preparation, foster personal growth, and develop essential skills for university success. Through guidance, support, and networking opportunities, the program aims to assist students in successfully navigating the university admission and enrollment process,” said Blas Castañeda told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
“CTA Global Solutions and AHEC are committed to empowering the next generation of leaders by providing scholarships to deserving students who have demonstrated academic excellence and a dedication to their future careers,” Castañeda said.
Castañeda became a well-known figure along the Texas-Mexico border when he chaired the Texas Border Coalition’s education and workforce development committee. His career included more than three decades in the higher education realm as chief external affairs/economic development officer at Laredo Community College.
Gov. Rick Perry appointed him to the Texas Workforce Investment Council. Gov. Ann Richards appointed him to the Texas Council on Workforce and Economic Competitiveness. He holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in International Trade. His resume includes an eight-year tenure as Laredo city councilmember and he was an active member of the Eagle Ford Consortium Tri-Chair Workforce of South Texas.
The Guardian secured an in-depth phone interview with Castañeda. The Guardian asked him why he started a mentoring program.
“In the neighborhood where I grew up, barely anyone going to college. The whole reason for that was mom and dad didn't have the money to pay for the college. So that was one of the reasons. The other reason was, when I was growing up, everybody had to go work. We used to go up north and work every year for, oh, maybe close to 20 years, working in the fields picking tomatoes and corn and lettuce and cherries and even pick up cotton. So we there was a major inopportunity to go to school,” Castañeda said.
Castañeda added: “Over the years I have helped tons of students get to university. Today, they're engineers, they're nurses, they're bankers, they've got their own business, all over the place. A lot of them are here in Laredo, but a lot of them went out, and they're in different parts of the country. So, I'm very happy that my 49 years of community service really paid off for a lot of people.”
Here is an audio recording of the Guardian’s in-depth interview with Castañeda:
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SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas - Veteran broadcaster Ron Whitlock, of Ron Whitlock Reports, recently interviewed U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar about Mexico’s water debt to the U.S.
Whitlock asked Cuellar if the U.S. should withhold water from Mexico in California, in retaliation for Mexico not releasing water into the Rio Grande. He also asked the Laredo congressman if he would support Laguna Madre Water District in its efforts to build a desalination plant that would provide potable water to the residents of South Padre Island.
Under a 1944 water sharing treaty, Mexico is committed to providing 350,000 acre feet of water a year. Mexico is badly in arrears in the current five year cycle. It owes the U.S. 1.3 million acre feet of water. The result has been devastating for South Texas farmers and ranchers. Texas’ last remaining sugar mill, in Santa Rosa, closed its doors last year due to insufficient water.
Here is an audio recording of the interview Whitlock secured with Rep. Cuellar.
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MISSION, Texas - Many of the state lawmakers that participate in next week’s Texas Water Day at the Capitol will likely know about the dire water crisis facing the Rio Grande Valley.
Certainly those that traveled the region as part of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership’s recent 2025 RGV Legislative Tour will be aware.
That is because they heard twice from Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association. He spoke once during a panel discussion that focused on water availability challenges. That was held at the Center for Education & Economic Development in Mission. He also gave a speech at the Wonderful Citrus warehouse, also in Mission.
At both events Galeazzi was blunt. The Valley has a “water crisis” on its hands, he said.
“We've got a series of challenges that are driving the water situation here in South Texas,” Galeazzi said. Of our two international reservoirs, Falcon Dam is at 14% capacity. It’s never been that low. And Amistad Dam is at 26%.”
Galeazzi pointed out that only 58 percent of the water in those dams can be used in the Valley.
“Ninety percent of our fresh water here in the Valley comes from the river,” Galeazzi said, And Mexico owes more than a million acre feet (of water) under an international treaty.”
Galeazzi continued: “Talking about all of the inflows, every bit of water that's supposed to be coming to the Rio Grande Valley, or into the Rio Grande River, is down over the last 30 years. It's trending 30% down and more. So we have a dire situation.”
Galeazzi said more than 50% of the 1.3 million citizens that live in the Valley reside in unincorporated towns. As a result, he said, they depend on water districts to get their water.
“The water districts don't have water. Those guys aren't going to be able to turn on water and get it out of the faucets.”
Although the 1944 U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty is a federal issue, there are things the State of Texas can do to help the Valley, Galeazzi said.
“We're here at a very difficult time. I don’t want to understate it. It is doom and gloom time,” Galeazzi said.
“We are in a position where we have got to figure something out and the time to act is now. We can't postpone things until the next session. We can't kick this ball down the road.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
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WESLACO, Texas - Famed businessman Alonzo Cantu has thrown his support behind the work of the Rio Grande Valley Broadband Coalition.
The RGVBC unveiled its RGV Broadband and Digital Opportunity Plan at the offices of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council.
The coalition noted that the Valley still lacks reliable internet access, holding the region back in a world that increasingly depends on digital tools. The coalition says its plan is a “bold initiative to ensure every home, business, and community anchor institution in the region has access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet.”
Cantu, president and CEO of Cantu Construction and Development, had a front row seat for the coalition’s presentation. He was seated next to Sergio Contreras, CEO of Atlas, Hall & Rodriguez, LLP., Both Cantu and Contreras are members of the Texas Broadband Development Office’s Board of Advisors.
To advance digital development in the region, the RGV Broadband and Digital Opportunity Plan focuses on:
- Expanding broadband infrastructure to connect unserved and underserved communities
- Increasing digital skills training to help residents navigate online education, work, and services
- Preparing a local workforce for in-demand, high-wage technology jobs
- Enhancing tele-health access to improve healthcare outcomes and lower costs
- Supporting small businesses in adopting digital tools to grow, compete, and better serve their customers
Jordana Barton-Garcia, director of the RGV Broadband Coalition, said the plan has been developed through a multi-sector partnership of local governments, internet providers, schools, healthcare institutions, small businesses, and nonprofits. She said the plan addresses long-standing connectivity gaps that have limited education, jobs, healthcare access, and economic growth across the region.
“Broadband is the foundation for opportunity in today’s economy,” Barton-Garcia said. “This plan represents a turning point, ensuring that all residents — no matter who they are or where in the Rio Grande Valley they live — can access the connectivity they need to thrive.”
At the conclusion of the, Barton-Garcia thanked all the stakeholders that had come together to agree on a plan of action. She said the coalition is already working to implement some of the plan’s activities and is actively seeking partners and funding opportunities to put the full plan into action and accelerate digital opportunity efforts.
It was at this point that Cantu asked if he could speak.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian's website to read the full story.
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MCALLEN, Texas - During his 2025 State of the City Address, McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos said he is often asked why he spends so much time in Mexico.
“Simple,” Villalobos said, answering the question. “Mexico believes in McAllen. Mexico embraces McAllen. Mexico invests in McAllen. Quiero que sepan mis amigos Mexicanos. Que McAllen entra alla a Mexico. And we depend on each other for trade and commerce, and tourism. And many times, we are just family. A todos mis amigos Mexicanos. To all my Mexican friends, please stand and be recognized.”
In his remarks, Villalobos spoke about the networking opportunities presented at McAllen’s annual MxLAN Summit. He said the 2024 event welcomed over 40 businesses and 90 participants from Mexican states such as Aguascalientes, Chihuahua, Durango, Jalisco, Tamaulipas and more. “The summit helped build more than 37 emerging business partnerships and new opportunities for McAllen,” he said.
Villalobos also pointed to McAllen’s decision to set up a Department of International Relations. “It has had an immediate impact,” the mayor said, running through some of the cities and countries that have sent representatives to McAllen thanks to the outreach of the new department. He said diplomats from Ireland and France have visited the city, along with the governor of San Luis Potosí, and sister city delegations from Apodaca, Puerto Vallarta, Reynosa and Monterey.
He said they also welcomed delegations from the departments of state in Aguascalientes, Chihuahua, Durango, Oaxaca, Puebla, Quintana Rio, Tabasco, Veracruz, and Zacatecas.
“In Mexico City we hosted McAllen Day, and in Monterrey we secured agreements with World Trade Center Monterrey, with the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo León, and with COMCE Noreste, the Mexican council for foreign aid,” Villalobos said.
“And we just signed a trade agreement with a state of San Luis Potosi and a reaffirmation of sister city agreements with San Luis capital. And McAllen’s first friendship partnership agreement with Tampico.
“McAllen’s agreements will push economic growth, help develop new businesses, build cultural connections, and bring our nation and people closer.”
Editor's Note: The attached audio also includes Mayor Villalobos' remarks on the Anzalduas International Bridge. For the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News website.
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MCALLEN, TEXAS - The Institute for Leadership in Capital Projects (I-LinCP) is partnering with the Rio Grande Valley Partnership to present its inaugural program in the Rio Grande Valley.
Building the Valley - Uniting for RGV Regional Growth will highlight the significant of organizations like the RGV Partnership and UT-Rio Grande Valley in shaping the region’s future.
The program will also explore the opportunities in the region for AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) and allied professionals.
The event takes place Thursday, Feb. 13, between 11:00 and 2:30 p.m. at the Embassy Suites by Hilton McAllen Convention Center.
The target audience is AEC and allied professionals, public sector leaders, developers, financiers, and investors, community leaders and stakeholders.
One of the speakers at the event will be I-LinCP founder Carol Warkoczewski The mission statement of I-LinCP is to “evolve the capital projects industry though sharing of knowledge for optimized leadership, delivery and performance.”
Warkoczewski believes attendees will gain insights into upcoming projects, selection processes, and project delivery methods, as well as foster partnerships that drive RGV engagement and economic growth.
A past president for I-LinCP is Shea Johnson, senior vice president for development at South Texas Facility Partnership. STFP is title sponsor of the event.
Johnson’s colleague at STFP, Brian Godinez, gave the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service a preview of what to expect at Building the Valley - Uniting for RGV Regional Growth.
“Strong partnerships lead to lasting growth. Join I-LinCP, the RGV Partnership, UTRGV, and other industry leaders as we explore the critical role of partnerships and best practices in driving success in the Rio Grande Valley,” Godinez said. “Discover the opportunities, challenges, and impactful initiatives shaping the future of the RGV.”
Here is an audio recording of an interview the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service secured with Godinez about the event:
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AUSTIN, Texas - State Sen. Juan Hinojosa has given a shoutout to retiring Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp for his critically-acclaimed Bordering the Future report.
Sharp published “Bordering the Future: Challenge and Opportunity in the Texas Border Region” in 1998 whilst he was Texas State Comptroller. The report gave an in-depth assessment of the economic, political, and social condition of the Texas border counties. The report showed that if the 43-county region stretching from El Paso to Brownsville were a state unto itself, it would rank first in the nation in poverty, first in unemployment, and first in the percentage of residents without a high school diploma.
“One of the biggest impacts you had, besides statewide and all the different programs pushing A&M to a much higher level, was in the Rio Grande Valley,” Hinojosa told Sharp.
“You will recall, in 1999 you released a report about the challenges and opportunities that the border area offered to the state. And from that report you suggested and recommended certain initiatives. And we implemented those initiatives. They have made such a difference in taking the Valley out of poverty, making it into an economic success.”
Hinojosa made his comments during a Senate Committee on Finance hearing at the state Capitol. Sharp was there to testify on Texas A&M’s funding requests for the next biennium.
“People don't realize the impact that Chancellor Sharp has had throughout our state and the nation, and for that, we are very grateful and thankful for what he did,” Hinojosa said.
Sharp penned a guest column about Bordering the Future for Texas Monthly in September 1999, after he had left the Comptroller’s Office. He said:
“As a son of South Texas—I was born and raised in Victoria—I confess to a certain bias. I think the challenges of the border region demand our attention now, not later. I think the future of our state, even those areas that are far removed from the international boundary itself, will increasingly be subject to the ups and downs of the border.
“The Texas workforce of the future will be drawn largely from this region, where a huge and growing population of young people gives us a comparative advantage envied by other states. If we continue to shirk our responsibility to provide them with the best possible education, those young people will be a liability large enough to drag down the rest of us. But if we offer them the educational and training opportunities they deserve, they will drive a future prosperity so strong that it will make the books of the past look like a barn dance.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read the full story.
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WESLACO, Texas - President Trump said he would pause his planned 25 percent tariff duty on imported goods from Mexico due a “very friendly” telephone conversation with his Mexican counterpart, Claudia Sheinbuam.
Trump said the tariffs would be put on hold for month while further discussions with the Mexican president take place.
Trump’s tariffs were scheduled to take effect Tuesday, with a 25 percent duty on all imports from Mexico and most from Canada. Energy products from Canada would have had a ten percent tariff imposed. He also plans a ten percent tariff on Chinese goods.
Trump explained his decision to hold off on tariffs for Mexican imports on his social media platform, Truth Social. He wrote:
“I just spoke with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico. It was a very friendly conversation wherein she agreed to immediately supply 10,000 Mexican soldiers on the border separating Mexico and the United States, These soldiers will be specifically designated to stop the flow of fentanyl, and illegal migrants into our country.
“We further agreed to immediately pause the anticipated tariffs for a one month period during which we will have negotiations headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent, and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and high-level representatives of Mexico. I look forward to participating in those negotiations, with President Sheinbaum, as we attempt to achieve a “deal” between our two countries.”
Sheinbaum for her part said Trump has agreed to a long-standing request from Mexico to get serious about stopping illegal weapons going south into Mexico. According to the Mexican government, more than 90 percent of guns seized in Mexico come from the United States.
U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez has another theory as to why Trump halted the implementation of the tariffs - stock markets around the world were tanking at the thought of trade wars between the United States and its top three trading partners - Mexico, China, and Canada.
Asked to respond to reports that Trump had paused the imposition of tariffs due to a telephone conversation with Sheinbaum, Gonzalez said:
“Well, I don't know what how productive a short phone call might have been, but I do think that the dropping of futures yesterday, the dropping of the stock market today, just on speculation of tariffs, had a very deep impact on the administration and what was coming. I think that woke up the president and probably the administration and economic advisers to not go through with the tariffs.”
Gonzalez said the imposition of tariffs would have been “devastating” for the country.
“It would have been devastating for the state of Texas more than any other state in the country, because Texas is the most reliant on trade with Mexico, and obviously in South Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley, it would have been devastating. It would have had a direct impact on our small businesses and our local economy,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez made his comments in an exclusive interview with Ron Whitlock of Ron Whitlock Reports. Here is an audio recording of the interview:
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AUSTIN, Texas - The Texas Association of Business is launching a new coalition, Texas Leads Trade, to ensure Texas businesses have a strong voice in the upcoming US-Mexico-Canada Agreement renegotiations.
The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service broke the story through an exclusive telephone interview with TAB President Glenn Hamer.
“We’re trading more than ever with Mexico and Canada. The Texas economy is at the strongest point it has ever been and is gaining strength is that we’re far and away the country’s top export leader,” Hamer said.
Hamer pointed out that with over $800 billion in annual trade, the Texas-Mexico border is a lifeline of the Texas economy. As discussions around USMCA heat up, Hamer said TAB will bring together business leaders, policymakers, and trade experts to protect and expand North American commerce.
Hamer provided the Guardian with some of the latest key trade statistics:
- Texas exports totaled over $444.6 billion in 2023, accounting for nearly 22% of all U.S. exports.
- In 2021, exports from Texas and American owned companies supported an estimated 1 million jobs.
- In 2023, Texas trade totaled $272 billion with Mexico and $71 billion with Canada, our top two trading partners.
- The Texas-Mexico border is the busiest trade gateway in North America, handling 68% of all trade between the United States and Mexico. This critical corridor facilitates $24 million in trade every hour.
- Texas ports of entry facilitated nearly $799 billion of US trade with Mexico in 2023.
Here is an audio recording of the Guardian’s interview with Hamer.
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MCALLEN, Texas - Futuro RGV, a citizenry group dedicated to improving quality of life in the Rio Grande Valley, recently held an in-depth discussion of the region’s water crisis.
The RGV Water Solutions Forum was held at Rio Bank’s corporate headquarters in McAllen.
The panel discussing the water crisis consisted of former McAllen Mayor Jim Darling, former Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 2 Manager Sonny Hinojosa, and Mark Vega, general manager of McAllen Public Utility.
Both Darling and Hinojosa are members of Region M Planning Group. Region M works with state agencies and local stakeholders to develop and update a Regional Water Plan, which guides the development and stewardship of the region’s water resources.
The moderator of the discussion was Futuro RGV’s incoming President Mark R. Murray.
Nedra Kinerk, the founder of Futuro RGV, said the forum “brought together community leaders, experts, and passionate advocates to address critical water challenges facing the Rio Grande Valley.”
Here is an audio recording of the forum:
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EDINBURG, Texas - The agricultural industry of the Rio Grande Valley has great supporters in Congress but needs more help at the state level.
This is the view of Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association. In an exclusive interview with Ron Whitlock Reports, Galeazzi said state leaders could help by providing half the money needed to line the Valley’s irrigation canals.
“We mean we have fantastic federal support,” Galeazzi said, referencing the work of U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, along with U.S. Reps. Monica de la Cruz, Henry Cuellar, Vicente Gonzalez, and Tony Gonzales.
“All six of them have been advocates, champions for us for the last 18 months. They have been wherever we need them. But what we need is the state. We need the state to step up and put skin in the game.”
Galeazzi said the state of Texas should match the federal government’s investment.
“We need the state to match what the federal government can do. Because it's a huge price tag just to line the 3,500 miles of canals that are responsible for moving 85 percent of the water in the Rio Grande Valley,” Galeazzi said.
“It is going to cost $5 billion. That’s a huge price tag for anybody. But if we can get the state to take half and the federal government to take the other half out of the Infrastructure Bill, those monies… now you're talking about a very different figure. Now you're talking about something that can have an impact.’
Galeazzi continued: “If we were to line all those canals, that could give us anywhere between 300,000 to 900,000 acre feet of water saved every single year. That is a huge savings.”
Galeazzi pointed out that the Valley’s canal system was largely developed in the 1940s.
“It has largely not been updated. You've had a few pockets where you've had some improvements, but a vast majority of that 3,500 miles are still earthen canals. With this money, we can create immediate savings, and in the next two to four years, we could see a significant impact to the Valley, enough so that I believe it would get us to a point where we would we would have some savings that would allow us the time we need for big projects like salt water desalination, larger brackish water treatment, reverse osmosis.”
Galeazzi added: “This has to be a multi -pronged approach, but most importantly, it has to start today. The longer we delay, the worse this issue gets, and more importantly, the more expensive correcting this issue becomes.”
Here is an audio recording of the interview Dante Galeazzi gave Ron Whitlock Reports:
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WESLACO, Texas - Javier Guerra, Channel 5 News morning co-anchor, gave the introductory remarks at the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council’s first ever State of the COG.
COG stands for Council of Government. LRGVDC represents Hidalgo, Cameron and Willacy counties.
Guerra pointed out that the gathering represents an evolution of the LRGVDC’s annual report, a meeting traditionally held during the second week of January.
“Historically, the LRGVDC would convene its board members in this very room to review the outcomes of the current year and outline performance goals for the year ahead,” Guerra said.
He said it would also present the group’s fiscal budget as a testament to the sound stewardship of the finance department.
“This new format elevates that tradition, fostering greater transparency and offering a platform to showcase how the LRGVDC continues to thrive, innovate and serve the Rio Grande Valley through its various programs and collaborative efforts,” Guerra said.
“The LRGVDC remains steadfast in its mission to act as a conduit - a conduit between our communities and the state and federal agencies working within our region.”
Guerra added: “Today marks a significant step in the strengthening of our commitment to improving the lives of Valley residents and regional development as well. This event is the first of its kind, and it serves as a springboard for the broader community engagement, not only with municipalities, but also directly with the residents of the Rio Grande Valley.”
Editor’s Note: Here is an audio recording of Guerra’s introductory remarks:
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Area residents Daniel Garcia and Joel Tijerina have been thinking about doing business with the state government for some time.
In particular, they would to sell their services and/or products to one of the Lone Star State’s biggest buyers of goods and services but don’t know how to go about.
But this week, the two are among a group of 20 people attending a Business in Development Academy hosted by the Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Extension Service, held at the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization in downtown Brownsville.
The academy is an eight-day course to prepare the participants to be certified in what is known as Historically Underutilized Businesses to do contracts with the government.
A HUB applies to person who owns at least 51 percent of a businesses and is economically disadvantaged and/or is a member of minority group, including Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American.
Women and service-disabled veterans with a service-related disability of 20 percent also fall in this category.
But to do business with the government each and every one of them must be HUB certified.
“Anybody with a product or a service to sell to the state qualifies,” Megan Rodriguez, the academy instructor and extension agent for Willacy and Cameron Counties, said. “The State of Texas wants you to be certified by offering this free program.”
But in order to that, each participant is required to miss no more than one class and pass a sort of test to graduate.
The academy covers an array of topics such as procurement threshold, tips for completing a HUB application, and an applicant requirement and checklist review, among other things.
In Texas and for HUB purposes, all the counties are divided into 25 geographical highway districts.
This region of South Texas falls in District 21, which includes Brooks, Cameron, Jim Hogg, Kenedy, Starr, Willacy, and Zapata.
Rodriguez said no one should include a county outside District 21 if he or she is not ready to take up a bigger responsibility.
For Garcia, the academy could provide him a better understanding on how to do business with the state.
“I am interested in the starting a drone-type of operation,” he said, “to work in agriculture.”
Tijerina, founder of Brown Rock Builders LLC, would like to do likewise.
After all, there is a lot of money to be made out there.
According to data provided during the academy introductory session held Tuesday, Jan. 7, of the $25 billion the government spent on goods and services in 2024, $2.9 billion was spent with HUBs.
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MCALLEN, Texas - Kathryn Lueders, general manager of Starbase says the local community means a big deal to SpaceX.
Lueders gave the keynote speech at the Vistas from Texas seminar co-hosted by UT-Rio Grande Valley’s Center for Border Economic Studies and the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Her presentation was titled: “SpaceX’s presence and impact on the RGV economy.” The event was held at Rio Bank’s headquarters in McAllen.
“We're vested, right? We are here to stay, and we will be looking forward to many, many launches off of Boca Chica and really understanding and being part of this community,” Lueders said.
In a power-point presentation, Lueders showed what she said was one of her favorite pictures, taken from the harbor.
“If you go to Starbase, none of that hardware happens without the people that are there. When I started a little bit over a year ago, less than 2,000 SpaceXers were there. We're now up to about twenty-five, twenty-six hundred.”
Depending on how the company’s construction and maintenance contracts go, another 700 to 800 workers could be added, she said.
“You can be a rocket scientist, an engineer from the Rio Grande Valley and stay in the Rio Grande Valley. But this is a community endeavor. We're not doing this without huge investment from the community and creating places where our people want to stay and live and continue to live… this is going to take all of us to really be able to grow this enterprise, to be able to conduct all the missions that we want to do.”
Lueders continued: “So community is like a big deal for us. Sometimes you can be so focused on work. But I tell people, wear your SpaceX shirt out in the community. Now, behave yourself when you're wearing your SpaceX shirt out in the community. If you're going to go out to parties, maybe leave your shirt home for that day. But I am proud of the fact of how many people are out there and living in the community, and that we actually do a lot of things to be able to get the community to understand that we do care about the community.”
Lueders ran through some of things SpaceX does to integrate its workers in the community.
“We have a third Saturday, where employees… there’s a new area where we go. Marisela (Cortez) finds this place, across the whole Valley, spreads it out, because it is important for us to be able to show up and show that we do care and want to help,” Lueders said.
Marisela Cortez is external affairs manager at Starbase. She was present for Lueders’ presentation at the Vistas from Texas seminar.
“We also do this thing once a month where we invite employees to work with a local restaurant, and we kind of we pick their day off and so that all their revenues on that day off are from SpaceXers. And we kind of then allow the folks to be able to go experience a new restaurant, like in Harlingen or Brownsville,” Lueders said.
“Sometimes when we have people from out of state… it's just getting them to that first place and feeling comfortable, and then they can start exploring the community themselves. We specifically do that type of event with our Starbasers at least once a month.”
Lueders added: “We also look at, what are the other community and support organizations (we can help)? Obviously, Marisela doesn't have an unlimited budget for support, but she looks around. What are the key things that most impact communities, and how do we make sure that we are showing a presence there? Because obviously, we want people to understand we do feel like part of this community.”
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas - In our latest episode on how to avoid the next coronavirus, through the lens of Dr. Madhavan A. Pisharodi, we discuss bats and rats.
Pisharodi is a neurosurgeon who has been practicing in Brownsville, Texas for the last 31 years. Although a medical physician, some people might mistake him for an engineer, given the number of patents he has been issued.
Outside of the medical field, he has been issued four patents for solar panels, nine for designing an energy saving and device-protecting battery charger, and two for a sub-mechanical vibration device for pain management. He has several patents pending for renewable energy systems such as wind turbine and hydroelectric projects.
Dr. Pisharodi’s current focus is defeating the next coronavirus pandemic. He says this will not be done by sticking to “band aid” solutions such testing, counting, forcing lockdown, social distancing and wearing masks. He has penned a book on the subject, titled “Corona: Be Not Proud.” He has given the Rio Grande Guardian a series of in-depth interview about the book and his four and half years of research.
In the latest episode, via an audio podcast, Pisharodi discusses bats and rats.
“One of the chapters (in my book) is the revenge of the bats, how we invaded their housing,” Pisharodi said.
“Bats and rats together form about 50 percent of the mammalians on this planet, rats and bats. And the rats are more than the bats.
“But anyway, bats have the unique quality of being very resistant to the viruses, and 30 percent of their viral load is coronavirus. And so we went and irritated them by doing things, experimenting with them, and they are having a revenge on us now. So that's what one of the chapters is all about.”
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MCALLEN, Texas - Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA), worries that some of the smaller RGV cities will have their water supply rationed just like it was in Monterrey and Reynosa.
And it will be for the same reason - because water that should be coming to South Texas and Tamaulipas under a 1944 international water sharing treaty is being held back by the state of Chihuahua.
Galeazzi spoke in depth about the Valley’s current water supply crisis when he appeared on panel at UT-Rio Grande Valley’s Vistas from Texas seminar in October. It was held at UTRGV’s corporate headquarters inside the Rio Bank HQ in McAllen.
“The water shortage is not only impacting the Rio Grande Valley, but also dramatically impacting our friends in Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon,” Galeazzi. “Look at what happened in Monterrey, Mexico, and Reynosa, Mexico, just these last two summers. They have been on severe water restrictions. It has been so bad that Reynosa this year shut off water to 260 different communities, and they basically put them on water schedules. I think was every third day that you got water, or every second day, something like that.”
Galeazzi continued: “And so what was happening was, people had scheduled days they could get water. Both in Monterrey and Reynosa. You had to be ready on time, on your day, with buckets, or both days, to fill your bathtub and fill up enough water for three days for your family. That's what could happen here in the U.S. That's what's going to happen in those little cities if we don't invest in what's happening in water.”
Galeazzi said there are a lot of water projects in the works in the Valley but many of them are focused on conservation.
“We need to be looking at new water development. This is important. A lot of our smaller communities in our irrigation districts, specifically small towns, etc., are unable to access federal monies for water projects because it requires a 50 percent cost share,” Galeazzi said. “Our communities are not holding on to stockpiles of millions of dollars for projects.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read the full story.
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HARLINGEN, Texas - The Port of Harlingen will try again to expand its overweight corridor route in the 89th Legislature starting in January.
As in the 88th session, the legislation will be carried by state Rep. Janie Lopez, R-San Benito.
The legislation failed to make it into law in 2023, in part because of opposition from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
But, says Port of Harlingen Executive Director Walker Smith, the legislation has merit because it would improve safety on the road.
In an exclusive interview with Ron Whitlock Reports, Smith explained that three entities in the Rio Grande Valley have the authority to issue permits for shippers to use overweight corridors in the Rio Grande Valley - Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority, the Port of Brownsville, and the Port of Harlingen.
He said trucks weighing no more than the Mexican Legal Weight Limit or 125,000 pounds can use an overweight corridor. On a regular corridor they can only carry 80,000 pounds.
“If we're able to connect these corridors, it provides flexibility to the transportation system and dedicates those overweight trucks to these dedicated routes,” Smith said.
“So, we’re going to be looking to extend our overweight corridor from FM 509 to the Hidalgo County-Cameron County line, a 13-mile strip.
“The legislation would essentially designate this route, FM, 509, US Highway 281, to the Hidalgo County and Cameron County lines. And at that point, the Hidalgo County RMA corridor would pick up and carry the cargo into the Pharr Bridge, or vice versa.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read the full story.
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RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas – The Rio Grande Valley Partnership held its latest Commercial & Investment Tour in Rio Grande City. It was hosted by the Rio Grande City Economic Development Corporation.
One of the sponsors was McAllen-based ERO Architects. The CEO of ERO, Brian Godinez spoke about the work of ERO, plus a new company he has co-launched, South Texas Facility Partnership.
Here is an audio recording of his presentation.
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Dr. Mostafa Malki is a professor at UT-Rio Grande Valley and executive director for business development at America’s Additive Foundry Center for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation and Cyber Systems. He is also the founder of Aaron Economic Consulting.
Dr. Malki recently gave a presentation about business opportunities tied to additive manufacturing at the eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization in downtown Brownsville. During the presentation he said there is a great opportunity for the Rio Grande Valley to forge partnerships with manufacturing and technology companies from Sweden.
The Rio Grande Guardian interviewed Professor Malki at the conclusion of his presentation.
Asked to tell Guardian readers and viewers about Sweden, Malki said: “Where should I begin? There’s so much to say about Sweden.”
Malki said Sweden is a relatively small country, population wise, but area wise, is very big. It has a population of about ten million.
“It has very low population density, but it has also very big presence in terms of industries and innovation and so on. It's one of the top countries in the world in terms of innovation and entrepreneurship and so on,” Malki said.
“If we can calculate a ratio of multi-billion-dollar corporations per capita, they are probably the number one country. There are a lot of very big companies that are household names, Volvo, IKEA and Ericsson and so on that are Swedish companies. There are some that are also very big multinational companies, but they're not very well known because they do business to business type of work.”
Malki visits Sweden a lot. “It’s a very fascinating country, for a very small country to be able to be a major player in manufacturing industry and innovation,” he said.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read the full story.
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EDINBURG, Texas - Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez has been named honorary Field Marshal for the War on Poverty in Hidalgo County.
The award was bestowed by Hidalgo County’s Community Service Agency (CSA) at the group’s inaugural Access to Success Program Banquet, held Dec. 12 at Monza Social Event Center in Edinburg.
“We have amongst us someone who walked the walk and said we're going to do this (wage a battle against poverty). And this is an important award because this is our inaugural event,” said CSA Director Jaime R. Longoria.
Cortez could not be present to accept the award because he was out of town on business. So, Longoria presented the award jointly on Cortez’s behalf to Hilda Salinas, who assists Cortez in the Hidalgo County Judge’s Office, and Mario Reyna, coordinator for the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force. The task force was set up by Judge Cortez to tackle poverty.
From the podium, Longoria pointed out that although Hidalgo County’s Community Service Agency was started in the 1970s it has its roots in President Johnson’s War on Poverty initiative of the 1960s.
“The War on Poverty was declared 60 years ago in 1964. Sixty years ago, LBJ came up with this idea of taking federal money and moving it to the local level and allowing the local communities to spend the money the way they saw fit and develop programs for people that were living in poverty, to make decisions about how best to address poverty,” Longoria said.
Longoria said that is what Hidalgo County does every day.
“We have local control of these two million dollars to assist families. Part of the money is for emergency services, families that are in (a) domestic violence (situation) or lose their house to a fire or something like that. Part of the money actually goes to running this particular program.”
Longoria paid tribute to President Johnson.
“So back in ’64 this whole idea of bringing federal money to a local level was kind of novel. It was new. And so, the community action agencies were formed to administer these dollars. We are the direct descendants of LBJ’s war on poverty.”
A president may declare war on poverty but at the waterfront, a nation still needs people to wage that war, Longoria said.
“We need people to plan for it. We need people to be visionaries, to motivate, to direct and to defend the water. We need leaders dedicated to winning the war,” Longoria said.
“We need to have someone, a champion, who says we can win this war. Even 60 years later, we need to be reminded that the war is important to fight.”
That person in Hidalgo County has been Judge Cortez, Longoria said.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
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In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, land developer Michael Fallek said McAllen South Industrial Park is master planned and divided into ten lots.
“That is the way things are being utilized, sold and marketed,” he said.
“But there are different conversations going on. We have four or five of the lots that are spoken for. We are going to end up building ourselves about 355,000 square feet. And then there are other parcels that we're selling off. It might be land leases or building suites, but it's really to attract business from Central and South America, from Europe or from Asia, whatever the case may be.
“Already, we've got an Asian firm that is purchasing property. We've got a Mexican firm that's purchasing property. It is for end users are coming in to create their own space for their own logistics and distribution needs. A great amount of warehousing that will take place.”
Asked how long the project has been planned, Fallek said: “We’ve actually been working on this project about five years now. It started pre-COVID, if you can actually believe that. So, we're very excited to be at this stage because once you come to the park and you drive the park, you'll see that everything is pretty much in place.”
Asked about the timeframe, Fallek said: “Probably by the end of the first quarter of ’25 there will be new buildings under construction, going vertical. It’ll take a little bit of time to get the park fully built out, but in 2025 we expect to see a lot of activity going vertical here.”
It was put to Fallek that if planning for the park predates the Covid pandemic his company was not influence by the current nearshoring phenomenon.
“That is true. We did kind of think, though, if you're if you can recall back, there was a lot of conversation about the need to change up some of the supply chain because of the issues that were already going on in Asia and other parts of the world,” Fallek said.
“So, no question, you're absolutely correct that we started this project prior to the COVID pandemic, the real supply shortages and what everybody understands as the nearshoring phenomenon. But we could see that the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas and northern Mexico was going to be a real focus for international trade. We wanted to get in on that opportunity.”
Fallek said his company also wanted the park to be built in McAllen.
“We wanted it happening here in the city of McAllen, in the Rio Grande Valley, because we have so much talent here in McAllen and the RGV. We feel like this has got to be the headquarters for where all the opening of the doors into the United States happens.”
So, no question the demand is there, Fallek was asked.
“We’re still going through the entire permitting process; the planning process and so actual sales haven't yet happened. But yes, we have four out of the ten parcels committed. We have talks going on for a couple of the others. We are not concerned that this is not going to work out for the city and the region. We're just excited about the new opportunities that we're going to be able to provide to our community.”
Fallek added: “This industrial park is going to create hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity. It's going to create hundreds of jobs for those living here in the region. We’re excited about the opportunities that this is bringing to the community.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service to read the full story.
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MCALLEN, Texas - The new 125-acre McAllen South Industrial Park is not yet finished but already the owners have sold lots to companies from abroad.
The park, with a buildable area of about 1.8 million square feet, is being going up off Military Highway between 10th and 23rd streets in south McAllen.
“Already, we've got an Asian firm that is purchasing property. We've got a Mexican firm that's purchasing property,” said Michael Fallek, in an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
The Guardian interviewed Fallek at the end of a groundbreaking ceremony. From the podium, Fallek thanked several partners, giving special praise to McAllen Economic Development Corporation.
“MEDC has been instrumental in connecting us with potential users, buyers, interested parties. They have absolutely been a big part of what we've been doing here,” Fallek said.
He also thanked the McAllen city leadership, the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, Brandon Wallace of Alamo System Industries (ASI), and Octavio Cantu and Brian Godinez of ERO Architects. “Brandon’s team is out here doing all the all the dirt work and installing the utilities. ERO have done a lot of work on the master plan,” Fallek said.
Fallek said everyone is aware of the shortage of industrial warehouse space, logistics space, and manufacturing space in the city of McAllen.
“Thankfully, we're here. We're going to be building a number of facilities. You'll see that there is up to about 1.8 million square feet of buildable area that we can put in the park,” Fallek said.
“It's very large. We're very excited about everything that's going to go in here.”
Fallek said it is hard to overestimate the importance of what manufacturing and warehousing can do for the city of McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
“This is going to be a real difference maker for the city and for the region, with up to 1.5 to 1.8 million square feet in the park. This project will mean hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity for the region. There will be hundreds of new jobs created. There will be new industries that will locate here in the park. It's going to make an enormous difference to the opportunities present here in McAllen and the Valley. We're incredibly excited.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service to read the full story.
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RAYMONDVILLE, Texas - Working with Willacy County Navigation District, leaders of the Texas Youth Hunting Program have helped quell the once sizable deer population in the Port Mansfield area.
The Texas Youth Hunting Program, administered by Texas Parks & Wildlife, helps teach young people how to hunt responsibly, with safety to the fore.
“We're helping Fort Mansfield. They were having a little trouble with the deer population inside the city limits,” explained TYHP organizer Gabe Lozano, III.
“The deer were eating too much corn that the people were taking out and they were beginning to founder, which means their hooves start growing up. And they had lost their wild nature. They were no longer grazing. They were just waiting for corn. They were waiting for the candy all the time.”
Founder, also known as laminitis, is a condition that causes a deer's hooves to grow beyond normal, resulting in long hooves. It occurs when the sensitive tissue that connects the hoof wall to the pedal bone, called the laminae, is damaged. This can happen for a number of reasons, including diet. A sudden change in diet to high-carb, high-starch, or high-protein foods, especially corn, can cause a nutritional imbalance. This can lead to a buildup of acid in the deer's system.
Lozano said TYHP and the navigation district brought in the Texas Animal Commission to address Port Mansfield’s deer problem.
“Today, people cannot bring corn anymore and feed the animals here in Willacy County, because they know it's hurting the animals’ grazing. It's hurting what they're doing. You can drive out there now, and they're not all standing around the pad. They're in the fields eating. Instead of them sitting around the pad, waiting and getting fat, they're out grazing again.”
In addition to helping address Port Mansfield’s deer issue, young people are being trained how to become responsible hunters, Lozano said. “So, these kids get to take it home and eat what they harvest,” he explained.
TYHP are doing four deer hunts at Port Mansfield this year, Lozano said. One of them concluded this weekend. The next will take place in January.
“With the help of the State of Texas, we have a $3 million liability insurance plan, which covers the ranches that these kids are hunting on, that these youth are hunting on. This allows the local ranches a chance to let these kids learn to hunt, which means what? (It means) we’re going to have a whole new generation of hunters.”
In a podcast with Ron Whitlock Reports, Gabe Lozano, III, discussed the Texas Youth Hunting Program and the need for safety in hunting. Here is the podcast.
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EDINBURG, Texas - Raudel Garza, executive director of Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, says he expects great things from UT-Rio Grande Valley’s highly anticipated Workforce Economy Research and Community (WERC) Complex.
The complex sits next to I-69 Central in Edinburg. Back in the day it used to be the old Haggar Clothing Company building. Later it became UT-Pan American’s Community Engagement and Student Services (CESS) office.
The WERC project came about thanks to a $2.4 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The EDC grant will fund part of the $8.9 million project, with UTRGV providing an additional $6 million. The remaining $500,000 came from funds secured by U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz in this year’s appropriations bill for the college.
“I think that (the WERC) is going to have a real big impact on business development and small business development in the near future for the entire region,” Garza said, in a recent interview with Ron Whitlock Reports.
“They (UTRGV) are consolidating a lot of the business resources that they have now spread out in the (Edinburg) campus and other locations into this one facility.”
As the Rio Grande Guardian previously reported, construction has been master-planned and involves completely gutting and transforming the 126,000-square-foot building.
“Of that space, approximately 15,000 square feet will be dedicated to classrooms; 10,000 square feet for a manufacturing incubator and commercialization activities; and 10,000 square feet to research and development laboratories specifying in manufacturing and prototyping,” the Guardian reported.
“The complex will also include an environmentally controlled dry room, a high security area for government contract work, and office space for the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center. The goal is to be a one-stop shop for businesses and students to research, design, and manufacture products – from start to finish – for market consumption.”
Raudel Garza told Ron Whitlock Reports that UTRGV has “a great support system” to help small businesses and businesses in general.
“Ron Garza is going to be setting up quite a few exciting things out there, including, possibly, an incubator for advanced manufacturing, so companies that are (thinking of) coming into the Valley and trying to set up shop can get a lot of assistance from all the different organizations that are within the university, under one roof,” Raudel Garza told Ron Whitlock Reports.
“And so I think it's going to be very good for the entire region, and it's great that it's in Edinburg.”
Ron Garza (no relation) is UTRGV’s associate vice president for workforce and economic development. He is spearheading the project.
Ron Garza previously told the Rio Grande Guardian:
“What this does that’s new and different is it takes all that service that we do and it’s also going to add significant square footage for R&D [research and development] laboratories,” said Garza. “We have some on our campuses, but we don’t have enough volume specifically for industry. We have a lot of industry partners … They’re all asking for the physical space for research commercialization. This will be that space.”
Editor’s Note: Ron Whitlock secured an interview with Raudel Garza following the recent Edinburg Commercial Tour. The Tour was co-sponsored by Edinburg EDC and the Rio Grande Valley Partnership.
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RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas - Rose Benavidez, president of Starr County Industrial Foundation, won warm applause when she provided telling statistics that show a vastly improved economic and educational picture in her county.
Benavidez gave the wrap-up remarks at SCIF’s 50th Anniversary Dinner, held at Julabe Reception Hall No. 2 in Rio Grande City on Nov. 21.
Benavidez said that, 30 years ago, Starr County had an unemployment rate of 50 percent. Today it is 8.2 percent, she said, to applause from the audience.
Thirty years ago, educational attainment, as measured by those with a high school diploma, was 20 percent, she said. Today it is over 60 percent. Applause.
Thirty years ago, over 60 percent of Starr County children lived in poverty, Benavidez explained. Today, 67 percent of the county’s children “have an opportunity to be touched in some shape or form by higher education,” she said. Yet more applause.
The last part of the evening was titled, “Reflecting on 50 Years: A Journey of Impact.” Benavidez was given the task of providing the reflection.
She said she had been charged with “trying to put together a message that somehow encapsulates 50 years of great things.” The statistics she gave helped illustrate those great things.
“What I can tell you is that we're incredibly fortunate and humbled to be afforded the opportunity to serve the community. It's an honor of a lifetime. And in this capacity, we have had the opportunity to share the story of this community,” Benavidez said.
“For instance, we've been able to tell the story of how some individuals, 50 years ago, came together as visionaries and understood that the only way that this community could progress was ensuring that there was a united effort from every corner of this county to work selflessly to ensure that every single person in this community had the same opportunity to do better.”
Benavidez paid tribute to SCIF’s board of directors, past and present. Among those she acknowledged were Sam Vale, Noel Benavidez, Richard Gutierrez, Sam Ramos, and Romero Lopez.
"The list is countless. But what they all had in common was the willingness to sacrifice their time and make our community a little better,” she said.
Benavidez admitted that, given the audience, she did not really have to run through all the positive statistics she gave.
“You will know those stories because you have been instrumental in ensuring that those statistics (happened),” she said.
But the work is not finished, she explained.
“We can't stop, because the work is never done. We must continue to collaborate to ensure that we make this community better, that we make this state better, that we make we make this country better, that we make this world better, because that is the true marker of the success of any organization.”
No single organization has been responsible for the turnaround, Benavidez said, as she concluded her remarks.
“So, we want to end tonight simply by saying, thank you. By telling you how fortunate we are to be part of the effort to make Starr County - the place that we call home - a better place for us now. And for those that came before us, it has been one hell of a ride these last 50 years. But trust me when I tell you, the best is yet to come. Here's to another Great 50. Good night.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
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RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas - Starr County Judge Eloy Vera has praised the work of Starr County Industrial Foundation.
Vera spoke at a dinner held to celebrate group’s 50th Anniversary. It was held at Julabe Reception Hall in Rio Grande City on November 21.
“It is truly an honor and privilege to be here to speak to such an outstanding group of people, and also to welcome you to the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Starr County Industrial Foundation,” Vera said, as he kicked off the event.
“It is truly amazing to see how the Industrial Foundation has evolved into the go-to industry for economic growth and economic development. These people have done an outstanding job, and it shows. You can drive around Starr County and, over the last ten years, the change is drastic.”
Vera said the change in Starr County’s fortunes did not happen by accident.
“I want to thank Rose and Nilda, because the Industrial Foundation, with very limited resources and a very small staff, has been able to accomplish miracles,” Vera said.
He was referring to Rose Benavides, SCIF’s president, and Nilda Elizondo, public relations and marketing coordinator for the group.
“You know, they compete with all the bigger cities, the bigger counties, and yet they've been successful in getting some of the businesses to look our way,” Vera said.
“I cannot thank Rose enough for the work that she has helped myself, personally, and the Commissioners Court with. It is her that has really been an instrument helping us, me and the Commissioners Court, in negotiating all the contracts and abatements with all the Green companies that have a footprint in our county.”
Vera concluded his remarks by thanking those in the audience for attending.
“I do want to thank you all for being here this evening,” Vera said. “Have fun, enjoy yourselves, and welcome to the celebration. And welcome to Starr County. Thank you all for coming.”
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RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas - Sam Vale, chairman of the Starr Camargo Bridge Company, has given an update on plans to expand the Starr-Camargo Bridge in Rio Grande City.
Vale said his partner on the project will be Eduardo A. Garza Robles, owner of Nuevo Laredo-based Uni-Trade Group.
“We've been we've been friends for several years and we've decided that we're going to do a joint venture on the expansion,” Vale said.“We are going to be moving forward at a very brisk pace. We have already got contracts, things that we're going to be doing, so we will be spending it on an additional parts of the port of entry,”
Vale made his comments during a speech at Starr County Industrial Foundation’s recent 50th Anniversary celebrations. He invited Garza Robles to the stage to say a few words also.
“We're getting the state-of-the-art electronic equipment that can examine a truck in three minutes, and if it didn’t pass the three minute test, it has to physically be examined.”
Vale, chairman of the board for the Starr Camargo Bridge Company, said his bridge will be one of the first in the nation to have electronic inspections for southbound traffic. He said this will help catch the illegal entry into Mexico of cash and weapons.
Vale took a trip down memory lane at his speech at the SCIF 50th Anniversary celebrations. He paid tribute to the founders of the organization, pointing out that there were a lot of people in the audience that were part of some very important SCIF activities.
He also spoke about the building of the Starr-Camargo Bridge. “I was working with (now South Texas College President) Ricardo Solis and (future US Ambassador to Mexico) Tony Garza from Cameron County. We built that bridge in three years from start to finish.”
Editor’s Note: Here is an audio recording of the remarks Vale and Garza Robles made at the SCIF 50th Anniversary celebrations. Vale is introduced by Rose Benavidez, president and CEO of SCIF:
Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.
In our early days of travels to Mexico George Gause and I spent several 20 de Noviembres in Mexico City and other places commemorating the start of the Mexican Revolution in 1910.
On November 20, 2024, I was all smiles at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Arts, Culture and Event Center (ACE) in Edinburg. For my longtime library and arts colleague Letty Leija it was the culmination of a long time dream. It was the public celebration of the hard work by her and her colleagues.
Letty credits that dream beginning about 2009. During that year Letty, Evana Vleck and I used to sit around and strategize about what we could do in the Arts if we only had money, because we certainly had the programming ideas! At that time Evana was working at Edinburg Chamber of Commerce focusing half her time on Marketing and the other half on Events. She had already done some fabulous events on at IMAS, including a monumental one day Book Festival.
I had been working since 2006 with my ArtsRGV centralized events calendar which attempted to list events in Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr, and Willacy Counties. And Letty and I had worked since the mid 1990s on library events. And we all had been involved with Dr. Dahlia Guerra as she founded FESTIBA.
At the ribbon cutting Letty credited Evana Vleck and myself and as being members of her original Dream Team.
*Editor's Note: The above commentary was penned by retired UT-Pan American librarian Virginia Haynie Gause to commemorate the opening of the Arts, Culture and Events (ACE) Center in Edinburg. It first appeared on Haynie Gause's social media pages. Go the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full commentary.
Editor's Note: Here is an audio recording of City of Edinburg librarian Letty Leija at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Arts, Culture and Events (ACE) Center:*
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EDINBURG, Texas - At a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the City of Edinburg’s new Arts, Culture and Events (ACE) Center, Mayor Ramiro Garza made a point of singling out for praise Letty Leija.
The director for the office of library and cultural arts played a big role in the project from the very beginning, the mayor said.
“I want to take this moment to highlight the extraordinary contributions of a lady named Letty Leija. We all know who she is. Her dedication and work were vital in bringing this dream to fruition,” Garza said.
"Ms. Letty, I just want to tell you on behalf of myself - and I don't think I'll be off the wall here to speak on behalf of even former leaders here that are in the audience - your leadership has been a driving force behind this project. Your efforts made a lasting impact in Edinburg's cultural future, and we are forever grateful to you.”
Garza said Leija would no doubt pay tribute to the team she had around her and the many volunteers that played their part.
“But you were the driving force. And yes, there are a lot of people here, lot of volunteers that have been behind this, but you were the driving force. And I just want to say thank you for all that you have done and for making sure that no matter who was in office, you guys are pushing and pushing to make this happen. So let's give her a hand please.”
There was loud applause from the audience.
The ACE Center is located at 315 W. McIntyre in Edinburg, next to City Hall. The 36,000-square-foot venue is a $14 million joint investment by the City and Edinburg EDC. It's designed to be a hub for creativity, discovery, and artistic growth.
“Let me just mention real quick what this facility is about. This is a hub for artistic expression, cultural celebration and community connection. It's a place where creativity has no boundaries, welcoming all ages with programming that reflects the diversity and richness of our evolving culture,” Mayor Garza said.
"This state of the art facility features spaces for dance, theater and music, studios for painting, a digital and graphic arts computer lab and gallery spaces to showcase the talent of local, national and international artists. It will serve as a home for theater performances, creative workshops, and, of course, as a heartbeat to all our Edinburgh many festivals.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
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EDINBURG, Texas - Pharr businessman Robert Lozano, CEO of F&P Brands, and his wife Laurie are to donate $1 million from the Robert & Laurie Lozano Family “Life Currency” Endowment to benefit Driscoll Children’s Hospital in the Rio Grande Valley.
Driscoll’s leadership says the funding will ensure children in the Valley will always have access to world-class care while supporting Driscoll’s healthcare workers.
F&P Brands run the Dairy Queen franchise in the Valley. Dairy Queen RGV said:
“Together with Driscoll Children’s Hospital, we announced the $1 million Robert & Laurie Lozano Family “Life Currency” Endowment. This fund will support Driscoll Healthcare workers and ensure that local children can always access world-class medical care. A portion of the funds will provide monetary incentives to frontline staff, while the rest will support the Driscoll Way program, offering training and development opportunities.
“F&P Brands believes that “Life Currency” are those intangible gifts like learning and personal development that are provided to team members through programs like the Driscoll Way, which enrich their lives personally and professionally and extend beyond the hospital walls.
“We're incredibly grateful to our team and fans for their unwavering support. Your contributions are making a real difference in the lives of countless children and families and allows us all to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.
“Together, we are Miracle Makers. Together, We Heal.”
Here is an audio recording of the remarks Robert and Laurie Lozano made at a press conference held to announce the donation.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
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MCALLEN, Texas - A former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico says chambers of commerce and the business community in general can help turn down ugly political rhetoric.
Antonio Garza was asked if political rhetoric hampers trade negotiations and good trade policies. He was asked this question by Cynthia Sakulenzki, president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, during a recent webinar that RGVHCC organized.
“I'm kind of glad you asked that one, because I do think it gives me an opportunity to say something to the role that the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber can play, and other private sector (entities can play) as we prepare for the (USMCA) sunset review process - whether it initiates on day one of the new administration, or whether you have a more institutional process that allows for some time to think about it,” Garza said.
“I think, typically, the rhetoric coming out of really all three countries (the United States, Mexico, and Canada), at times acts as a headwind. That outsized rhetoric makes it hard for people to sit at the table and work towards solutions and the ability for the private sector to help shape the debate, drive the debate, inform the debate is very good.”
Garza said he is of the view that the notion of political leadership is almost an oxymoron.
"You get more leadership out of the private sector. And office holders, if they know that the private sector is active and engaged, are more likely to listen and more likely to be responsive. So, it can create kind of a virtuous thing, but I think it has to be driven by the private sector,” Garza said.
“Without the private sector involvement, the political rhetoric tends to be kind of loud, not as well informed, and acts as a headwind to actually getting good and constructive things done.”
Garza noted that while the question from Sakulenzki was asked in relation to trade matters between the United States and Mexico, it could just as easily apply to immigration policy.
“Immediately, the political class injects kind of a level of rhetorical excess that makes it hard, because people are locked down and take positions before you get into the nuances of, what does reform mean? What do we need in terms of our economy? what do we need in terms of our security? What do we need? And you don't have those conversations if the rhetoric gets too loud and the private sector isn't at the table saying, turn down the volume. Let's try to get something done.
“So, I do think chambers and individual businesspeople play an enormous role in offsetting or at least muting some of the potential harm that outside rhetoric can cause.”
The webinar took place just before the U.S. presidential election.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.
AUSTIN, Texas - Viva Benefits, which was co-founded by former Rio Grande Valley teacher Michael Barnes, has announced a $2.2 million pre-seed fundraising round led by Chingona Ventures.
Viva Benefits is a network of affordable housing partners that helps renters access essential benefits like health, education, and financial wellness.
Chingona’s motto is: Investing in the founders of tomorrow at the beginning stages of today.
Samara Hernandez, founding partner at Chingona Ventures, said the new funding will accelerate Viva’s mission to make renter benefits mainstream and help bridge the 40X wealth equity gap between renters and homeowners.
“We are excited to invest in Viva because the founding team understands the real estate and property technology market and Viva has a clear path to scale,” said Samara Hernandez, founding partner at Chingona Ventures.
With the cash infusion, Hernandez has become a member of Viva’s board of directors.
While Chingona has led the fundraising effort, additional investors include Graham & Walker, Techstars Ventures, Altari Ventures, Everywhere Ventures, Vitalize Angels, and Atlanta Technology Angels. Notable angel investors including PadSplit CEO Atticus LeBlanc, and Bob Simpson, founder of the Multifamily Impact Council.
In an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Barnes, Viva’s CEO co-founder, said the median net wealth for a renter is approximately $10,000. He said this compares to $400,000 for the median homeowner.
“This is primarily due to home equity. Viva addresses the 40X disparity by empowering housing partners to offer life-changing renter benefits,” said Barnes, a former classroom teacher turned software engineer.
“We are ready to help make renter benefits as commonplace as employer benefits, and for our housing partners to reap the same rewards employers do – from increased retention to reduced expenses.”
Barnes explained that Viva enables renters — including primarily diverse, low- to middle-income families — to access essential benefits such as health, education, and financial wellness. He gave examples such as telehealth, virtual tutoring for kids, cash back in a high-yield savings account, and pre-qualification for grants to buy a home.
“This helps renters to stay healthy and happily employed, so they can pay their rent, maintain a stable home, and build wealth to make forward progress on their personal goals, like homeownership.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story,
Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.
AUSTIN, Texas - The Texas Transportation Commission has appointed Teclo J. Garcia, CEO of the Mission Economic Development Corporation, to two advisory committees.
They are the Border Trade Advisory Committee (BTAC) and the Freight Advisory Committee (FAC). Both make recommendations to the Texas Department of Transportation.
TTC Commissioner Alejandro “Alex” Meade nominated Garcia. Meade said both committees are instrumental in developing policy recommendations and initiatives aimed at streamlining trade and freight transport across Texas, particularly along the U.S.-Mexico border.
“Texas needs leaders who understand the importance of a robust, efficient transportation network, and Teclo is exactly the kind of advocate who will help us build on our strengths and support economic growth across the state,” Meade said. “His expertise in economic development and deep understanding of the region’s trade dynamics brings a vital perspective to these committees, where decisions made impact the flow of goods across Texas’ highways and ports.”
Garcia said his appointment reflects Mission EDC’s commitment to positioning South Texas as a leader in efficient trade, strengthening the local economy, and addressing infrastructure needs that support business growth and public safety.
"It’s a tremendous honor to join the Border Trade and Freight Advisory Committees,” Garcia said. “This is a valuable opportunity to represent not only the City of Mission but the entire South Texas region. I look forward to working with Commissioner Meade and the TxDOT team to develop infrastructure solutions that advance economic resilience and growth for our communities. I also want to thank Secretary of State Jane Nelson and TxDOT Executive Director Marc D. Williams for their leadership in supporting Texas’ trade and transportation priorities.”
In an audio interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Garcia thanked Meade and the Mission EDC board of directors.
Mission EDC Board President Richard Hernandez commended Garcia for his dedication to advancing public policy.
“We are incredibly proud of Teclo’s appointment and what it means for our organization and community,” Hernandez said. “This recognition by Commissioner Meade affirms Teclo’s strategic leadership and our commitment to a thriving South Texas economy.”
Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.
PHARR, Texas - DHR Health has held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new public-private behavioral health facility it is building in north Pharr.
The hospital campus will be located at 4800 North Jackson Road in Pharr and will include a new 161,000 square foot building. The City of Pharr is providing the land.
Following an appropriation by the Texas Legislature last session, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is providing a $85 million dollar grant for the state-of-the-art project. The City of Pharr is providing the land.
“This morning, we are here to mark a major milestone, a very meaningful step going forward in addressing mental health needs, not only here in the Rio Grande Valley, but throughout the state of Texas,” said Marissa Castañeda, senior executive vice president, at the start of the groundbreaking ceremony.
“This day would not be possible without the invaluable support of our partners across the region. We are especially grateful for the City of Pharr. DHR Health's new behavioral hospital will soon be built. This partnership has truly helped bring our vision to life.”
Yuri Gonzalez, the City of Pharr’s news director agreed.
“I'm truly honored to be here representing everybody that works with the great City of Pharr. This project really represents our shared commitment in improving mental health services, but also building a stronger, healthier, more resilient community, and that's what we plan to do,” said Gonzalez, who shared emceeing duties with Castañeda.
“I'm truly inspired and seeing our leaders with the City of Pharr and just other great leaders coming together, making sure that this project, but most importantly, that this vision becomes a reality. So once again, congratulations to everyone involved in this great project,” Gonzalez said.
DHR Health currently operates an 87-bed inpatient behavioral hospital in Edinburg. The DHR Health Behavioral Hospital will have 100 beds, with a focus on providing a comprehensive approach to mental health care for pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients. The hospital will also house intensive outpatient therapy programs.
“What an honor it is for me to stand before you this morning at what I call a transformational change in healthcare that is going on at the greater bedside that is our community. We as physicians are trained to heal and to treat patients and take those powers and knowledge and wisdom to be able to assess and then properly treat an individual mind, body and soul,” said Dr. Carlos Cardenas, MD, chairman of the board of DHR Health, in his remarks from the podium.
“Today, we stand at a crossroads. DHR health has been at the forefront of transforming healthcare in South Texas. It has been a transformational journey. One point four million people deserve the same level of healthcare to any other similar sized metropolitan area. And that is us.”
Piece by piece, DHR has been adding to the jigsaw puzzle, Cardenas said.
“Today, we break ground on a tremendous piece of that puzzle that has come forth as a cooperative, corroborative, public-private venture between DHR Health, the City of Pharr, the State of Texas, and our greater community at large. This is how great things happen. It's how transformation happens.”
The new hospital is expected to open in the summer of 2026 and will represent Pharr’s first hospital. Pharr Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, MD, said the new hospital is “a transformative milestone” for Pharr and the Rio Grande Valley because it will bring critical mental health services directly to the community.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.
MCALLEN, Texas - Dr. Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera, Ph.D., still calls the Rio Grande Valley home, even though she is now a professor at the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University.
The renowned scholar taught for many years at UT-Rio Grande Valley in Brownsville. She came back to the region recently for two speeches. One was titled “Beyond Boundaries: A Dialogue on U.S.-Mexico Border Security.” The other was titled, “Frontera: The Rio Grande Valley Advantage.” Both were held at South Texas College’s Pecan Campus in McAllen.
In her remarks, Correa-Cabrera said the United States’ policies on illegal drug consumption, immigration, and asylum had all failed.
“More drugs are consumed in the United States than ever in the history of this country. Billions of dollars have been spent in drug prevention, in the administration and in collaboration with countries of the Americas. And we're not solving this problem,” Correa-Cabrera said.
“The same way with immigration policies. Operation Hold The Line, all the money that has been spent on enforcement on both sides and militarization of both sides of the border, spending on more on boots on the ground. And the reality is that we are still seeing that the immigration system is broken, the asylum system is broken.”
Correa-Cabrera said these issues are not being addressed in the appropriate way.
“Everything is being focused on the border, when really the problems and the root causes are not on the border. They can be solved in the places where this problem originated, such as addiction or drug consumption,” Correa-Cabrera said.
“Why do we have to focus on the border to solve a problem that originated in different cities of the United States. In a society that cannot offer the promised dream… the American Dream is not anymore for a number of people. What is driving the drug epidemic in United States are not the cartels. Therefore this proposal of declaring a war on Mexican cartels is completely out of place.”
The first of Correa-Cabrera’s presentations at STC came the day before the U.S. presidential election. The second came on Election Day morning, before the results were known. Correa-Cabrera acknowledged that the election would have far reaching implications.
"We're going to see a major change in terms of discourse if one candidate wins and some type of continuity if the other candidate wins. We know what we're talking about,” Correa-Cabrera said.
Correa-Cabrera noted that some Republican leaders have proposeddirect action by the US military on Mexican soil in order to thwart the Mexican cartels. “This will have a very important effect on US-Mexico relations,” she said.
Correa-Cabrera currently lives in Mexico. “I'm doing research on human smuggling and criminal networks,” she explained. “It's really worrisome what I am observing in terms of the criminal dynamics.”
Editor’s Note: Here is an audio recording of the first of Correa-Cabrera’s presentations at STC. It was titled: “Beyond Boundaries: A Dialogue on U.S.-Mexico Border Security.”
Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.
HARLINGEN, Texas - Eugenio Marín, CEO of Fundación México-Estados Unidos para la Ciencia (FUMEC), gave an in-depth presentation on the semiconductor industry at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen on Nov. 5.
The "Friends of COSTEP" event was titled “Navigating the Growing Semiconductor Industry.” It was co-hosted by the Council for South Texas Economic Progress and Harlingen Economic Development Corporation and drew economic development leaders from Matamoros, Harlingen, and McAllen.
Here is an audio recording of Marín’s presentation, along with a Q&A that followed. Marín is introduced by COSTEP Economic Development Director Rick Carrera.
Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.
MCALLEN, Texas - Former U.S. ambassador to Mexico Antonio Garza recently appeared on a webinar hosted by the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
In his remarks, Garza gave his predictions about future US-Mexico relations and what the new presidency of Claudia Sheinbaum in Mexico might mean. Garza also spoke about violence in Mexico and international trade.
The first question was posed by RGVHCC board member Julian Alvarez. He asked what the US and more specifically the border region can expect from Sheinbaum's administration. This audio recording features Garza's answer to this.
Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez has presented a $2 million-plus check to Brownsville Public Utilities Board to support the city’s Resaca Restoration Project.
In his remarks at the check presentation, Gonzalez said he wished other cities in his district had the beautiful resacas that Brownsville had.
“It’s always a pleasure to bring money home, right, to celebrate with our constituents,” Gonzalez said. “But we would not have been able to do it without all the local support.”
And he acknowledged more funding is needed for the project. He said he will work on this.
Gonzalez said his job is made easier when he has excellently run cities to work with. He said Brownsville is unquestionably one such city.
Here, attached, is an audio recording of Congressman Gonzalez’s remarks at the check presentation event.
Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to watch video interviews from the event.
Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.
PHARR, Texas - An expert in manufacturing told students from Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD and IDEA Public Schools about the benefits of working in the industry.
Mike Willis, executive director of the South Texas Manufacturers Association, managed a maquiladora plant in Reynosa for 26. He was one of the keynote speakers speakers at Pharr Economic Development Corporation’s 4th Annual Manufacturing Day in Pharr. The event was held at The Forum by Regency.
“We have about 16,000 people working in manufacturing in the (Rio Grande) Valley at over 500 businesses. They range from size to one or two people doing custom word sign shops, print shops, boot shops, all the way up to Space X and Seatrium AmFELS with 3,000 to 4,000 employees each,” Willis said.
“I like to say in the Valley, we make everything from tortilla chips to rocket ships.”
The average wage for manufacturing workers in Hidalgo County, Willis said, is $1,040 a week. “That is about 26 bucks an hour. That's an average. A lot of the entry level jobs, or low skilled jobs, are below that. A lot of the higher skilled jobs are above that.”
In United States there are 13 million people working in manufacturing, Willis reported. He said Texas has almost a million of those 13 million. “So, Texas is the manufacturing powerhouse in the United States.”
As for the STMA, Willis said the trade association has around 100 manufacturing companies as members. “A lot of the maquilas (in Reynosa) also belong. And a lot of them have manufacturing plants on this side of the river. And if they don't have manufacturing plants, most of them have pretty good sized distribution centers where the finished product comes over here to be shipped.”
The big trend in manufacturing is automation, Willis revealed.
“We've always used technology and embraced constant improvement, continuous improvement, but it's really accelerated the last five to seven years. Now we're looking at things like robots, automated assembly machines that talk to each other, unmanned, guided vehicles. There's a lot of changes coming in the industry.”
This trend is going to make manufacturing more competitive in the United States, Willis predicted.
“If you can use more automation, and you have higher skilled workers that can operate that more technical machinery, repair and maintain all that machinery, there's not as much labor cost,” Willis explained.
“So, the cost of labor in Mexico or China is less of a factor when companies decide where to put their plants. So, I like to say that we're what we need today in manufacturing is strong minds, not strong backs.”
Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - To coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, DHR Health Brownsville has unveiled its newest mammogram unit.
Aida Coronado-Garcia, DHR Health Brownsville executive vice president and chief operating officer, said the new unit - a Siemens Mammomat Revelation - represents the latest in breast imaging technology, allowing for enhanced screening and diagnostic services.
“Early detection through regular mammograms are the most important tools in the fight against breast cancer, and with the advanced technology now available, we can offer our patients even greater peace of mind,” Coronado-Garcia said.
According to DHR, the new mammography software, Volpara, provides an advanced Al software platform that enables a high-quality, optimized and personalized cancer screening experience. The health system says Volpara collects and analyzes information to better understand a patient's personalized breast cancer risk and provides in-depth patient education and technologist analytics for performance improvement.
“At DHR Health Brownsville, we are dedicated to providing the highest level of care to our patients, and this new mammogram unit is a testament to that commitment,” said Marissa Castañeda, DHR Health senior executive vice president.
Soon after the new mammogram unit was unveiled, DHR Health Brownsville held a press conference to emphasize the importance of regular breast cancer screenings.
Among those to speak at the press conference was Dr. Karen Brooks, an experienced general and breast surgeon who has been serving the Cameron County community for well over 20 years. Brooks encouraged attendees to prioritize their health and take advantage of the life-saving screenings services available at DHR Health Brownsville. She pointed out that early detection dramatically increases survival rates.
Other speakers at the press conference included Coronado-Garcia, Castañeda, and Esmy Villarreal, president of Brownsville Chamber of Commerce. Villarreal said she wished she had had a mammogram earlier.
Editor’s Note: Here is an audio recording of the DHR Health Brownsville press conference, featuring the remarks of Dr. Brooks, Castañeda, and Villarreal. They are introduced by Coronado-Garcia.
To schedule a mammogram at DHR Health Brownsville or at any DHR Health imaging location, call the hospital system’s radiology centralized scheduling phone number at (956) 362-7503. A doctor’s referral is needed for mammogram services.
To schedule a mammogram at DHR Health Brownsville or at any DHR Health imaging location, call the hospital system’s radiology centralized scheduling phone number at (956) 362-7503. A doctor’s referral is needed for mammogram services.
Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.
PHARR, TEXAS David Ortiz, director of UT-Rio Grande Valley’s Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center, has encouraged high school students to consider manufacturing as a career.
Ortiz spoke to students from Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD and IDEA Public Schools at Pharr Economic Development Corporation’s 4th Annual Manufacturing Day in Pharr. The event was held at The Forum by Regency.
“There's a myth that manufacturing is boring, that it's very industrial, but it's actually exciting,” Ortiz told the students. “It is always exciting because there is always innovation. happening at a manufacturing site. There's always problem solving happening with great people and great teams. There's always technology developing.”
Ortiz included a slide showing the development of manufacturing in the auto industry in the United States. He said when Ford Motors created the Model T, which effectively replaced the horse and cart, they were able to mass produce it and get one vehicle built every 47 hours. Today, he pointed out, the vehicles are largely assembled by robots.
“I know it sounds a bit cheesy but (manufacturing) is an opportunity to change the world,” Ortiz said. By way of example, Ortiz pointed to SpaceX.
His presentation included a slide showing SpaceX using its famous “chopsticks” to capture a rocket booster as it returned to earth.
Ortiz said he has visited SpaceX’s Starbase at Boca Chica. He said he was proud to see UTRGV alum working as engineers at the assembly plant. “For the first time in human history SpaceX was able to do that. How cool is that?” Ortiz asked.
Ortiz added: “There’s no limit in manufacturing. There are so many great companies, so many great people and opportunities.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.
MCALLEN, Texas - Texas Transportation Commissioner Alejandro “Alex” Meade says his efforts to bring more highway project funding to the Rio Grande Valley is being made easier thanks to nearshoring.
Meade said that these days his fellow transportation commissioners are coming forward to ask what more they can do to help the region.
And, he said, this is happening in large part because of the phenomenon that is nearshoring.
“On the topic of nearshoring… now the coolest thing is starting to happen. I don't have to advocate for the Valley anymore because the other commissioners are learning about nearshoring and they're telling me, hey, what are we doing about nearshoring? What are we investing on the border now?”
Meade said TTC commissioners know that nearshoring in Mexico is benefitting the entire state of Texas.
“Now, all of a sudden, there's an I-27 that's going to connect… there’s all these other projects that we're working on. And it's not me telling them, it's just, with nearshoring we’re creating so much noise with the value that we can (provide) to rest of the country, that folks are coming to us and saying, how can we help the border?
“That, to me, is really cool because when you can show value, when you can be a resource, you don't have to spend your time on trying to sell anything.”
Meade said the economic growth of the border region is adding value to the rest of the state and the nation.
“I really do feel that these next (few) years… we have some really interesting times coming up along the border.”
By way of example, Meade pointed to 13 million square feet of industrial space coming to the El Paso region. He also cited a new international bridge being built at Eagle Pass.
“Nearshoring? It’s happening,” Meade said.
Meade made his comments in a presentation to Valley leaders at an event titled Vistas from Texas: An Economic Outlook. The event was co-sponsored by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, UTRGV’s Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship, UTRGV’s Center for Border Economic Studies, and the university’s Department of Economics.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.
PHARR, Texas - Engineering consulting firm Raba Kistner was one of the sponsors of the recent IWS4 summit hosted by Pharr Economic Development Corporation.
IWS stands of industrial warehouse summit. The fourth such event was held at the Pharr Development and Research Center.
Katrin Leonard, vice president for Rio Grande Valley operations at Raba Kistner, spoke at IWS4. She also gave the Rio Grande Guardian an interview about the company’s work in the region.
Founded in 1968 in San Antonio, Raba Kistner initially started as a geotechnical engineering firm, but soon expanded to offer more services. Today, the company covers multiple markets including education, transportation, commercial and energy.
“At the end of the day, our business is all about people, both employees and clients, and we have incredible employees and incredible clients. Our employees have extensive local knowledge of construction practices, and are passionate about what they do and how they do it,” said Chris Shultz, president of Raba Kistner, in 2021.
“One of my favorite facts about Raba Kistner is that our first client is still one of our biggest 54 years in. Integrity is at the core of our inspection and testing services, and our growth through the years is based on the mutual trust our clients share with our employees and our company.”
In December 2021, Raba Kistner joined the Kiwa group of companies.
“We are proud of our history, what we have accomplished in the industry while always giving back to the communities we serve and look forward to adding to that history as a part of Kiwa,” Shultz said.
Here is an audio recording of the Guardian’s interview with Katrin Leonard, along with her remarks at IWS4.
Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.
MCALLEN, Texas - Luis Torres, a senior business economist in the San Antonio Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, spoke recently at UT-Rio Grande Valley’s Vistas from Texas event.
Torres focused his presentation on maquiladoras, nearshoring, and the impact of China on the Mexico’s economy.
Vistas from Texas: An Economic Outlook was co-sponsored by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, UTRGV’s Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship, UTRGV’s Center for Border Economic Studies, and the university’s Department of Economics.
The event, held at UTRGV’s corporate headquarters in McAllen, was organized by Salvador Contreras, professor of economics at the Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship and associate dean of the graduate college at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
Here is an audio recording of Luis Torres’ presentation at Vistas from Texas.
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PHARR, Texas - Business leader Brian Godinez is perhaps best known in the Rio Grande Valley as a marketing and communications specialist and CEO of ERO Architects.
But recently he has been busy promoting a sister company to ERO - South Texas Facility Partnership.
The Rio Grande Guardian caught up with Godinez at IWS4, the big industrial warehouse summit hosted by Pharr Economic Development Corporation that is held at Pharr Development and Research Center. South Texas Facility Partnership helped sponsor the event.
Godinez said he was pleased to co-sponsor IWS4 because he is partial to Pharr.
The attached audio recording includes the Guardian's interview with Godinez, followed by his speech at IWS4.
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, Jr., has congratulated SpaceX on the successful fifth flight test of Starship.
Scientists say SpaceX’s Starship, the largest rocket ever created, passed a crucial stage in its development journey on Sunday after engineers successfully caught its booster on the way down.
“This achievement is another remarkable step forward in space exploration, and we’re proud to witness such innovation right here in our community,” Cowen said, in a posting on social media. “Great work, SpaceX. We look forward to seeing what’s next.”
Brownsville City Manager Helen Ramirez was equally enthusiastic.
“Incredibly proud of SpaceX; 3,400-plus employees (at Boca Chica), 70 percent of whom are local,” Ramirez said. “Now is the time to work for SpaceX, City of Brownsville, Texas and companies at the Port of Brownsville, Texas.”
SpaceX founder Elon Musk hopes the Starship will eventually take humans to Mars. The rocket is designed to be reusable.
Capturing a rocket’s booster mid-air, using mechanical arms on the launchpad, is nothing new. Russia has been able to do this with its rockets for some time. SpaceX eventually hopes to catch the upper part of the rocket as well.
Mayor Cowen spoke about SpaceX and other big projects currently in the works in Brownsville at a recent BTX Developers Tour. The event was co-hosed by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership and the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation.
“This particular event is very important for me, to be able to showcase exactly what's happening here. I think everyone realizes the transformation that's happening in Brownsville. We have so many things happening when it comes to SpaceX, when it comes to what's happening at the Port of Brownsville,” Cowen said.
Editor's Note: Here is an audio recording of the remarks Mayor Cowen made at the BTX Developers Tour event. Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Eleazar Rodriguez, director of industrial park development and special projects for the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, has given an update on the North Brownsville Industrial Park.
Rodriguez spoke about the project during a reception following a BTX Developers Tour. The tour was organized jointly by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership and GBIC. The tour, for which Rodriguez was the tour guide, took in visits to the North Brownsville Industrial Park, the Port of Brownsville, and SpaceX at Boca Chica. The reception was held in the courtyard of GBIC’s offices on E. St. Charles Street.
In his remarks from the stage, Rodriguez said there would be a tech component to the industrial park. And he said the recruitment of manufacturing companies would be priority no. 1.
After Rodriguez had given his presentation he gave a video interview to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
Here is an audio recording of Rodriguez’s remarks from the stage.
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PHARR, Texas - Rachel Connell is vice president of NASCO, which stands for North American Strategy for Competitiveness.
NASCO is a tri-national coalition that connects businesses, governments, educational institutions and stakeholders across the US, Canada and Mexico.
Connell recently spoke at a Trade Talks session hosted by the Pharr Bridge Board and held at the Pharr Development & Research Center. Here is an audio recording of her remarks.
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For Pharr, 2023 was the second best year ever. Pharr’s trade totaled $45.82 billion in 2023. That's a better-than 50% increase from just eight years ago - but 1.26 percent less than the 2022 record.
When you're looking at Pharr’s trade over time, the norm is record-breaking trade. Sixteen times in the last 20 years, in fact. The fact remains, however, that the total is the second-largest ever.
What led to the decline? It wasn't imports. Imports actually increased 4.48 percent to a record 28.93 billion. Two imports, miscellaneous electrical machinery and vehicle audio systems increased more than $300 million.
It wasn't most exports, either. Anti-knock additives increased $260.39 million. Pork increased 180.19 million. In fact, save one category, exports were up more than $501 million.
That one category was natural gas, which registered phenomenal growth nationally and in Pharr for a number of years. Almost all of that gas travels via pipeline into Mexico rather than by truck over the bridge.
Even with that, Pharr remains a top port nationally for a variety of exports. It ranks third for pork and anti-knock additives. And, in particular, it ranks high among perishable imports. First for the category dominated by broccoli, first in the carrot category, first in the lemon and lime citrus category, first in the avocado category, second in the berry category.
Pharr ended the year as the nation's 29th most important airport, seaport or border crossing, the third most important border crossing in Texas, and the seventh nationally.
Hard to view 2023 as anything other than another stellar year in a long line of stellar years.
Editor's Note: The above editorial was penned by Ken Roberts, founder and president of World City, for a publication his company produced called 2024 Pharr Trade Numbers.
Editor's Note: Ken Roberts spoke about Pharr International Bridge's trade numbers at a recent Trade Talks session hosted by Pharr Bridge Board. It was held at the Pharr Development & Research Center. Attached is an audio recording of everything Roberts said at the event. He was introduced by Pharr Bridge Director Luis Bazan.
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RIO GRANDE CITY, TEXAS - Between them, the counties of Starr and Zapata will receive close to half a billion dollars for transportation infrastructure projects over the next ten years, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar has announced.
The federal funding will go towards the Texas Department of Transportation’s 2025 Unified Transportation Program, which is the state’s ten-year plan to guide the development of transportation work across the state.
“These funds will go towards constructing traffic relief routes, sidewalks, and improving existing roads, bridges, traffic control devices and safety features,” Cuellar said. “I will continue to fight for the funding we need to improve our infrastructure.”
Cuellar spoke about the funding at a press conference held at the Starr County Annex Building in Rio Grande City. Among the VIPs present were Starr County Judge Eloy Vera, Roma Mayor Jaime Escobar, Jr., and Starr County Industrial Foundation President Rose Benavidez. Daniel Flores, TxDOT’s area engineer, gave a breakdown on the projects his district will be working on.
Cuellar said $232.3 million in federal funding will go towards transportation infrastructure in Starr County, while $220.4 million in federal funding will go towards transportation infrastructure in Zapata County.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
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MISSION, Texas - Mission Economic Development Corporation believes its Ruby Red Ventures Build Mission Fund helps attract small businesses to the city.
Under the program, small businesses that have been going for two years, are in good standing, and based in Mission, can apply for up to $15,000 in grants. The grants can be used to help with operation sustainability, facility improvements, expansion, working capital, and job retainment and creation.
Brianna Casares, manager of marketing and programs at Mission EDC, granted an interview to the Rio Grande Guardian. She said of Ruby Red Ventures: “It’s something that the entrepreneurs and business owners kind of wait for and are constantly asking, when is it coming back? How can I apply? How can I get ready for this? So, it's definitely popular and it kind of entices people to move here so that they can apply for it or move their business to Mission for the chance that funding.”
Asked what the program is all about, Casares said:
“Ruby Red Ventures is a grant program that we have here at Mission EDC. Previously, it was a competition, a pitch style Shark Tank type competition. But we really wanted to go back and honor our existing businesses. So prior, it was just for startups, but now, any businesses that have been in operation for the last two years are eligible to apply.
“And they can apply for whatever it is that they may need, whether it's equipment, operations, sustainability, if they need to hire anybody, if they have any marketing initiatives, anything that's unique to their business, they can apply for that. So, there's not really any strict parameters as to what you are ineligible for, and you also don't have to compete. So it's just a simple application. You apply online, and kind of just tell us about your business. You give us a detailed project plan, and then we go from there.”
Casares continued: “This grant provides financial support to businesses that might otherwise face barriers to growth. It’s just one more way Mission EDC is creating more jobs and opportunities for investment in our community.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
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MCALLEN, Texas South Texas College’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Program recently celebrated National Manufacturing Day.
The event, held at STC’s Technology Campus in south McAllen, showcased the opportunities available to students interested in making a career in the manufacturing industry.
South Texas Manufacturing Association Executive Director Mike Willis was one of the speaker at the event.
For more than 20 years Willis managed a manufacturing plant in the region.
In his remarks, he spoke about the state of the manufacturing industry, both nationally and locally. He also gave advice to students interested in entering the manufacturing sector.
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BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - Harlingen resident Federico “Fred” Garza delivered a handwritten note to Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador when he met him in Matamoros last Monday.
Asked what he wrote in his note, Garza said: “I basically just thanked him for having made all the effort to finally recognize Catarino Garza, my great-great-uncle. I gave him a little note thanking him and telling him, it has taken 131 years but thanks to you, it happened.”
President López Obrador, otherwise known as AMLO, was in Matamoros to commemorate one of his heroes, Catarino Erasmo Garza Rodriguez, a Mexican revolutionary who fought to overthrow Mexican dictator Porfirio Díaz. AMLO unveiled a monument to Catarino Garza, and also had the remains of Garza’s body returned to Mexico from Panama.
Catarino Garza, a former Mexican Consul in Missouri, was born in Matamoros on Nov. 25, 1859. He died in combat in Panama on March 8, 1895. He lived for a time in Brownsville. He is described in Wikipedia as a journalist, folk hero and revolutionary.
Catarino Garza was Fred Garza’s great-great-uncle. Catarino Garza’s brother, Encarnación, was Fred Garza’s great-grandfather. Catarino and Encarnación Garza fought together against Díaz’s army and the Texas Rangers.
The Rio Grande Guardian secured an exclusive audio interview with Fred Garza following the unveiling of a plaque for Catarino Garza last Wednesday at the old city cemetery in Brownsville. Mexico’s Consul in Brownsville, Judith Arrieta Munguia, gave the keynote speech at the event. This was immediately followed by the showing of a documentary about Catarino Garza that had been commissioned by the Mexican government. Fred Garza is featured in the documentary at the Harlingen gravesite of his great-grandfather. The documentary was shown at the Brownsville Historical Museum.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Students participating in the Frontera Leadership Institute at the eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization in downtown Brownsville have nothing but praise for the program.
The 12-week program is run by LMNTS, a nonprofit based at eBridge whose aim is to empower diverse talent with the elemental skills needed to become transformative leaders.
“Our goal is to inspire and equip the next generation of diverse leaders with cutting-edge training in technology, leadership, and emotional intelligence,” said Ruben Cantu, founder of LMNTS.
The program covers topics such as product management, executive leadership, and emotional intelligence.
“Our students get to learn about user experience, user interface, design from one of our former alumni who actually went through the program,” Cantu explained. “And the students are phenomenal. They show up, they're putting in the work, and they're going ahead and asking for more resources. So, this is a good sign for where we're going. We want more students to sign up in the next cohort.”
One of the students on the course, Mykel Delangeo, Brownsville, said his goal as a future entrepreneur is to open a music venue. “That's one of the projects my team is working on. So hopefully, by the end of this course, we will have the foundations and the plans to bring that to life soon,” he said.
Asked what he thought of the course, Delangeo said: “It's amazing. It’s really transformative. I'm not the same person I was before this course. I’ve learned so much, and I’ve grown as a person and a leader, as an entrepreneur. They teach you not just how to run a business, but they teach you how to understand the people you want to help with your business.”
Another student, Martin Cuevas of Brownsville, said he wants to give back to his community.
“Right now, my goal is to create something that will help out my community, that will eventually outlast me. I want to build either a business or an organization or something that will eventually help people. Because for me, that's my ideal goal… to help people.”
Asked what he liked most about the Frontera Leadership Institute, Cuevas said: “It isreally good seeing other people who have already achieved their goals, already have their own businesses, or who are just like me or ever so slightly older than me, doing their dream. That's ideal. It gives me it gives me something to follow.”
Another student, Daidree Wright of Brownsville said she learned about the Frontera Leadership Institute when she visited the eBridge Center for One Million Cups event. She said she is pleased to have signed up for the course.
“It's really interesting. We're getting different perspectives from my peers, other business owners who have years of experience in product management and product development,” Wright said.
“And it's also more than just management and how to manage a company. It’s how to truly be a leader and lead from the front and show others how to lead also.”
Cantu, the LMNTS founder, added: “We really want to thank the City of Brownsville for investing in this effort, because we're already seeing the fruits of the labor. It’s really going to be something amazing.”
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Ramiro Aleman, Cameron County’s economic development director, says there has not been a better time to invest in his county than now.
Aleman participated in a recent panel discussion about economic development in the Lower Rio Grande Valley at the eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization. The event was co-hosted by Comce Sur and the McAllen chapter of Asociación de Empresarios Mexicanos. The two groups had brought 45 business owners and entrepreneurs from southern Mexico to the Valley to learn about investing in the region.
After the panel discussion had ended, Aleman gave an in-depth interview to Ron Whitlock of Ron Whitlock Reports. In the interview, Aleman explained why Cameron County set up an economic development office and what the office is currently working on. He said:
“We're trying to make a really big push in marketing Cameron County. We want to really promote our international bridges, and commercial development in and around the bridges. I think that now is an exciting time to be in Cameron County, with all these projects coming into town,” Aleman.
By way of example, Aleman cited SpaceX rocket launches from Boca Chica, Element Fuels’ plans to build an oil refinery at the Port of Brownsville, and, potentially, liquefied natural gas export terminals, also at the port.
“I believe now that the age of Cameron County has arrived. You can see it with all the development on the outskirts of the port, SpaceX, the downtown areas of development. I believe that now is the time to invest in Cameron County and that the age of Cameron County is here,” Aleman said.
Here is an audio recording of the interview:
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PHARR, TEXAS - Francisco Peña-Valdes, an attorney with Cacheaux Cavazos & Newton, helped facilitate a recent trade mission to the Rio Grande Valley involving 45 business owners and entrepreneurs from southern Mexico.
The trip was organized by the McAllen chapter of the Asociación de Empresarios Mexicanos and COMCE Sur. It included stops in McAllen, Pharr and Brownsville, including the Port of Brownsville.
Halfway through the tour the Rio Grande Guardian secured an interview with Peña-Valdes about the tour. Here it is.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The Rio Grande Guardian was recently given a tour of Texas Southmost College’s ITEC Center.
The Center houses the college’s workforce training and continuing education programs.
During the tour, Ricardo Treviño, TSC’s director of industry relations and outreach, introduced us to one of TSC’s industry partners, DFG Solutions, LLC. DFG places the pipe fitters trained at the college in jobs from Brownsville all the way north to Houston.
“We wanted to tailor the pipe fitting program to meet the demands that DFG has at the moment, because they're the ones out there who are placing our students in good paying jobs,” Trevino said. “So that's what we continue to do. We try to find more partners that we can connect with so that we can open more doors for our students.”
Editor’s Note: Here is an audio recording of the Guardian’s interview with Michael Sandoval of DFG and David Garcia, TSC’s pipefitting program lead instructor:
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RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas - International trade between the United States and Mexico has increased to $1.4 million per minute, reports Congressman Henry Cuellar.
Cuellar spoke about border commerce on the floor of the House of Representatives as he thanked his colleagues for passing legislation to help Starr Camargo Bridge.
“Trade between the U.S. and Mexico has been tremendous,” Cuellar said. “In fact, just last year, trade between the U.S. and Mexico, our number one trading partner, reached $798.9 billion.
“I would say that in the next four or five years, trade between the U.S. and Mexico will increase to a trillion dollars. And if you look at it right now, every minute, you have $1.4 million of trade between the U.S. and Mexico.
"What does that mean? That means jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs.”
Explaining the bill that helps the Starr Camargo Bridge Company, Cuellar said the Starr Camargo Bridge Expansion Act would give authority to increase the number of lanes for the bridge between Rio Grande City, Texas, and Camargo, Mexico.
Cuellar said the bridge’s previous authorization for construction expired, and an extension is required to pursue a planned expansion project and rail bridge addition.
Cuellar said the bridge will not require a Presidential permit to expand since the bridge predates the 1972 International Bridge Act.
“This bill allows the Starr Camargo bridge, a privately-owned toll bridge between Texas and Mexico, to expand and become multimodal. This bridge’s previous authorization for construction expired. So, we are coming back for an extension to make sure that we pursue the planned expansion project and also add a rail bridge.
“Also, the planned expansion will ease congestion, reduce truck idling and waiting at the port of entry, and alleviate the supply chain issues.”
Cuellar added: “This expansion will be paid by tolls, at no cost to any of the taxpayers. But this bridge also will serve as a vital trade link between the United States and Mexico.”
Starr County Judge Eloy Vera supported the legislation.
“The passage of the Starr Camargo Bridge Expansion Act is a significant step towards continuing our promotion of efficient cross-border commerce,” Vera said. “In addition, the ability for multimodal growth will greatly increase the capacity for diverse trade and enhanced economic opportunities. We congratulate everyone involved in making this effort a reality.”
Cuellar’s legislation in the House was cosponsored by U.S. Reps. Michael McCaul of Austin, Texas, Joaquin Castro of San Antonio, Texas, and Michael Lawler of New York.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas - William Dietrich, port director and CEO of the Port of Brownsville, says the South Texas-Northern Tamaulipas region is something special and unique.
Dietrich gave an exclusive interview to Ron Whitlock Reports at the conclusion of a tour of the port by 45-plus business owners from southern Mexico. The tour was arranged by the McAllen chapter of Asociacion de Empresarios Mexicanos and COMCE Sur.
“When I was at the BTAC meeting last week, I explained up there about how the border region is quite different from both countries. And what I mean is the distance between Mexico City and the border, and the distance of the border to Washington, DC., I think we've created our own culture down here and that culture interrelates amongst each other no matter what the national rhetoric is,” Dietrich said.
“I think we've created a country within a country down here and understanding that our relationship, our cross-border relationships, are so strong that I believe it's going to be something that's going to magnify in the future and be something that we build on and we create this new economy down here in the Rio Grande Valley.”
BTAC stands for Border Trade Advisory Committee. It is run by the Texas Department of Transportation, and it met two weeks ago in Houston.
“I think I was received very well. It was very celebratory, and I think we brought a lot to the table. And most of all, we were able to showcase the Rio Grande Valley's port, the Port of Brownsville. I believe that statewide we are respected, and I think everyone's starting to see this potential and what's going on down here. We definitely have something spectacular going on.”
Dietrich was also asked how much involvement the Port of Brownsville has with the automotive industry. He said it is mostly involved through the importation of steel.
“We bring in 5.9 million metric tons of steel every year. That’s sent off to the maquila industry, for the (manufacture of) vehicles, white appliances and all that. We do send some north,” Dietrich said.
"I think we're going to see more as it relates to the vehicle industry. Some of the Pacific Coast ports, they’re trying to find a nexus to the Gulf side. And we should be looking at bringing in container service within the next couple years. And a lot of that is going to be related to the automotive industry.”
Dietrich continued: “About 90 to 95 percent of our steel is actually going into the maquila industry, into Monterrey, Saltillo, San Luis Potosi, and the other five to 10 percent is going north.”
Asked if the Port of Brownsville will benefit from Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's decision to build a container freight rail corridor between the Pacific to the Gulf coasts, Dietrich said:
“Absolutely. To be able to take advantage of what the west coast of of Mexico has with its naturally deepwater ports, to be able to bring some of that over here will be great. And we can definitely be a component of that.”
In his interview, Dietrich also spoke about SpaceX’s use of the Port of Brownsville, the new training center being built at the port by Texas A&M, and the port’s new industrial park.
Here is an audio recording of the interview:
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas - If elected president for a second time, former President Donald Trump says he will impose tariffs on automobiles manufactured in Mexico.
Trump made the announcement in the presidential debate in Philadelphia on Tuesday evening.
“They're building big auto plants in Mexico, in many cases owned by China. They're building these massive plants, and they think they're going to sell their cars into the United States because of these people (Biden Administration),” Trump said.
“What they have given to China is unbelievable, but we're not going to let that. We'll put tariffs in those cars so they can't come into our country, because they will kill the United Auto Workers and any auto worker, whether it's in Detroit or South Carolina or any other place. What they (Democrats) have done to business and manufacturing in this country is horrible.”
Democratic Party nominee Kamala Harris pushed back in the debate. She said the Biden Administration has created over 800,000 new manufacturing jobs.
“Donald Trump said he was going to create manufacturing jobs. He lost manufacturing jobs. And I'm also proud to have the endorsement of the United Auto Workers,” Harris said. “(They) know that part of building a clean energy economy includes investing in American made products, American automobiles. It includes growing what we can do around American manufacturing and opening up auto plants, not closing them, like happened under Donald Trump.”
Imposing tariffs on cars built in Mexico would fall foul of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, a free trade agreement then-President Trump supported as a successor to the North America Free Trade Agreement.
ABC’s debate moderator, David Muir pointed out that many economists have criticized Trump’s tariff plans, saying the increased costs of the goods would be passed on to U.S. consumers. Harris agreed.
“My opponent has a plan that I call the Trump Sales Tax, which would be a 20 percent tax on everyday goods that you rely on to get through the month,” Harris said. “Economists have said that the Trump Sales Tax would actually result for middle class families in about $4,000 more a year.”
Trump defended his proposals. He said the tariffs would be paid by the countries that the companies importing into the U.S. come from, not U.S. consumers.
“I have no sales tax. That is an incorrect statement. She knows that. We are (going to do) tariffs on other countries. They are finely, after 75 years, pay us back for all that we have done for the world. And the tariff will be substantial in some cases.”
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MCALLEN, Texas - Paul Rodriguez, a board trustee with South Texas College and CEO of Valley Land Title, Co., has praised the work of Futuro RGV.
Rodriguez was presented with a Rio Grande Valley Leader award by Futuro recently. The event was held at the Radisson Airport Hotel in McAllen.
After being presented with the award, Rodriguez gave remarks. Most of them were aimed at Futuro.
“I think Futuro RGV is an incredible organization. For those of you that may not know or may not remember, it actually goes to the turn of the century, when it was Futuro McAllen, and its real emphasis was to let people know what was going on in McAllen,” Rodriguez said.
Futuro McAllen was formed in 1999. It changed its name to Futuro RGV about a decade ago.
Rodriguez acknowledged that since Futuro started there have been a lot of digital advances. However, he said many people still do not know of the decisions that are being made on their behalf by elected bodies.
“Despite all of the electronic advances we make, we still don't often know what's going on. We don't often know important issues. (We don’t know about) decisions being made at all kinds of levels, whether it's a school, the city, state, county. And I think there's really a vision that they (Futuro) had… this outstanding organization led by Nedra for so many years, of getting that awareness out there.”
The “Nedra” Rodriguez was referring to was Nedra Kinerk, longtime president of Futuro RGV.
Rodriguez said Futuro was not bipartisan. “They’re nonpartisan. And when you look at the makeup of the volunteers and the board members, it’s really quite a group in their own right.”
Rodriguez continued: “They get involved to the degree of trying to get to the citizens of the city, of the county, of the area… to be aware of who is running for mayor, who's running for city commission, who's running for state rep, senators, etc.”
Rodriguez said Futuro RGV has a stellar reputation.
“Their integrity is unmatched. People know that if you get an invite from Nedra, if you get an invite from Futuro RGV, you're going to get treated, right. It's not partisan. If you want to get your message out, if you really want to get out and talk to people, let them know where you stand and what you want to do and what's on your mind, man or woman, Democrat or Republican, Independent, people know you can trust Futuro RGV to do that.”
Rodriguez said Futuro RGV has embraced the digital age, and this has benefitted the communities of the Rio Grande Valley.
“Now, in fact, they've even upped the game. It used to be in person, conversations, debates. Now they're high-tech. They're on Facebook. They have Zooms, they have all kinds of capacities now to be able to (carry out the discussion on public issues),” Rodriguez said. “So, it's an outstanding organization.”
Rodriguez said Futuro RGV does not only educate the public on political matters and political races.
“There are other things that impact our community, economic development projects, things that are going on, that they (Futuro) are a sounding board for. And so, I think it's a critical organization. It's filling a tremendous gap, and their board members and volunteers, advisors, really go out of their way to do what's right.”
Rodriguez said the group’s solid standing in the community is “testament” to Kinerk. But he said there are others that work hard in the background, such as Laurel McLeaish.
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MCALLEN, Texas - As the sun rose over McAllen on a milestone day, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement.
FIRST in Texas, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering STEM education, marked its 10th anniversary in serving the Rio Grande Valley by revealing the latest season challenge for the FIRST® Tech Challenge program.
In a region that has long needed more educational programs like FIRST®, this celebration wasn't just about a game—it was about a decade of transformation in the Rio Grande Valley, a community that has embraced the power of robotics to inspire and uplift its youth.
At the McAllen kickoff event, hosted at McAllen Memorial High School, students, educators, and community leaders gathered to witness the unveiling of INTO THE DEEP, a new challenge that will take students beneath the surface of the oceans to innovate solutions for a better future. Across Texas, similar kickoff events were held in eight different areas, each one brimming with teams representing a diversity of backgrounds and experiences. These University Interscholastic League (UIL) approved competitions will culminate in the 2025 State Championship in Belton, Texas, where the best of the best will showcase their ingenuity and teamwork.
For Jason Arms, one of the founders of FIRST RGV and now CEO of FIRST in Texas, the day was especially meaningful. Reflecting on his journey in supporting teams since 2014, Arms shared his deep pride in the growth and impact of FIRST® programs in the Valley. "In 2014, a few of us STEM enthusiasts came together to support the 40 or so robotics teams that existed in the Rio Grande Valley at the time," Arms recalled. "Within just a few years, that number grew to more than 300 teams across all three programs, and we achieved parity with other regions in Texas in terms of representation and grant funding." Arms’ vision and dedication have been instrumental in bringing STEM opportunities to a region that previously lacked the resources to fully participate in such programs.
McAllen teacher and robotics competition referee David Ruiz has been with FIRST in the Valley from the beginning. Here is an interview he gave the Rio Grande Guardian.
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EDINBURG, Texas - Dr. Hiram Moya is associate professor and graduate coordinator in the Department of Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering at UT-Rio Grande Valley.
In a recent interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Moya spoke about a new collaboration UTRGV is forging with the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico.
Moya said UTRGV will collaborate with LANL and its partner, TechSource, Inc., with LANL committing $1.5 million over three years.
He said the goal is to create a robust pathway for engineering and scientific talent to meet LANL's critical needs, particularly in preparing engineers and technologists to help solve national security challenges.
“So, we are one of the universities that are partnering with Los Alamos National Lab to bring in exposure and opportunities to the students of the Valley,” Moya said.
“We're helping Los Alamos in manufacturing and industrial engineering, but we're also helping them with engineering technologists and a variety of other engineering fields.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
Editor's Note: The attached audio file features a press conference held by UTRGV and LANL.
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MCALLEN, Texas - Elizabeth Suarez, president of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, spoke at a conference hosted by the McAllen chapter of Asociación de Empresarios Mexicanos.
AEM brought dozens of business owners from the south of Mexico to the Rio Grande Valley to learn about doing business in the United States. The business owners also visited Pharr and Brownsville.
The McAllen leg of the tour took place at the McAllen Convention Center.
Here is Suarez’s presentation. It is in Spanish.
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PHARR, Texas - Pharr International Bridge Director Luis Bazan is in Mexico City today for a meeting of the US-Mexico Binational Bridges and Border Crossings Group.
At the meeting, Bazan will give an update on the second span project.
Delegates from the United States and Mexican governments, the states of New Mexico and Texas, and the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Laredo, and Tamaulipas are participating in a regional meeting of the U.S.-Mexico Binational Bridges and Border Crossings Group. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss operational matters involving existing and proposed international bridges and border crossings and their related infrastructure and to exchange technical information as well as views on policy.
The meeting will include a public session. This session will allow proponents of proposed bridges and border crossings and related projects to make presentations to the delegations and members of the public.
“It’s called the BBBXG and that stands for binational bridges and borders crossings group,” Bazan said. “And that is the binational delegation, the federal delegation that we've gotten in front of since day one. Any bridge, any entity that's out there trying to get their port, their projects, off the ground, that’s the delegation that you go in front of in order to either proceed or be told that you have to several steps that to take.”
The meetings alternate between Mexico City and Washington, D.C. Bazan said he attended the last BBBXG meeting March of 2024. He said the meeting in Mexico City should be a formality for Pharr.
“We're moving forward. We're in that spot right now where we're just going there to update them, to let them know this is where the (second span) project stands. This is where it's going. This is where we are. These are our consultants. These are our engineers, project managers, and that way they can see that we've been doing all the legwork as we've been doing, as they've told us along the way, and have guided us.”
Bazan says construction of the second span is expected to take up to 18 months and should be completed by the end of 2025.
Bazan added: “We've been very fortunate. We've been very lucky that we've done things the right way, by the rules, as they say. But we've had strategic partners along the way, and that's what's helped us get to where we are now.”
In an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Bazan also spoke the City of Pharr’s Avocado Festival, which is part of Fresh on the Border Week. He also praised the Texas Department of Transportation for hosting the Border Trade Advisory Committee meetings. Bazan attended the agency’s latest meeting in Houston last week.
Here is the interview.
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MISSION, Texas - U.S. Sen. John Cornyn says the U.S. is “almost” coming close to a trade war with Mexico due that country’s failure to comply with an international water treaty.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Mission Event Center, Cornyn said the Texas agricultural industry is facing an “existential crisis” because Mexico has not released water under the 1944 U.S.-Mexico water sharing treaty.
“We’ve tried everything from diplomacy to threatening the withhold financing from Mexico, and we're not done yet. Unfortunately, the current administration has said that if we push too hard on Mexico to release the water that they're obligated to do under the 1944 treaty that they may push back,” Cornyn said.
“But the fact of the matter is, as we have heard, Mexico continues to use that water to grow its own agriculture industry and then export that into the United States.”
Cornyn said Mexico is keeping back water owed to the United States and using it to develop its own agricultural industry. He said it is then exporting that product to the United States.
“You don't need to be a rocket scientist to figure out what that's going to mean to production agriculture here in the Rio Grande Valley,” Cornyn said.
“But we're not going to let that happen. We're going to continue to push back on Mexico until they do the right thing, which is to release water they are obligated to under that 1944 treaty.”
Cornyn said Mexico “routinely” holds back water it is supposed to provide the U.S. In the current cycle, he said, the hope was that the Biden Administration, and specifically Secretary of State Tony Blinken, could negotiate with the Mexican authorities.
“Basically, they came away empty handed,” said Cornyn, referring to the Biden Administration.
“As you heard today, their response was, ‘well, we don't want to push too hard, because Mexico might push back’. But the fact of the matter is, this is an existential threat to agriculture in the Rio Grande Valley.”
With farmers, ranchers, and irrigation district managers from South Texas joining him for a roundtable discussion, Cornyn said:
“We can't take no for an answer. We don't intend to take no for an answer. We're not looking to pick a fight. But we’re not going to run away from the fight. We're going to use every tool in the toolbox.”
One of those tools, Cornyn said, was withholding foreign aid to Mexico.
“It remains to be seen whether that be necessary. Our goal really is to get Mexico's attention.”
Cornyn said he hoped the incoming Sheinbaum Administration will be more receptive to the United States.
“You've heard from some of the descriptions, Mexico has the routinely withheld water that it is obligated to provide under this treaty since 1944. It never really quite came home to me until I heard the explanation here how much Mexico, by withholding the water, can advantage their own domestic agriculture sector and then export it to the United States while withholding the water necessary for the United States to be able to grow those same products here in South Texas.
“So, it seems to be that we're coming very close to almost a trade war with Mexico. We have long standing treaties, with NAFTA, the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. What we will insist upon is reciprocity. We will treat Mexico exactly the way we expect to be treated, and we expect that they will treat us the way we expect to be treated. That means with respect and putting them to the legal obligations contained in that 1944 treaty.”
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BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - Norman Roy Garza, Jr., executive director of the newly formed Texas Space Commission, is in great demand in South Texas.
On Aug. 27, Garza was a panelist at a luncheon hosted by the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce. Held at the Brownsville Events Center, the event was titled “Bridging Borders & Beyond - The Impact of US-Mexico Relations and Space Exploration in the Rio Grande Valley.”
On Sept. 19, Garza will give the keynote address at the 31st Annual Pathways for Trade summit hosted by Laredo Economic Development Corporation. The event takes place at the Laredo Country Club.
And on September 24, Garza will give the keynote address at a State of Education and Industry summit hosted by RGV LEAD (Linking Economic and Academic Development). It will take place at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg.
Born in Harlingen, Norman is an eighth-generation Texan with roots across the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas. Reared in Pleasanton, his family maintains a Beef Master Cattle operation near Verdi in Atascosa County.
In his remarks at the Bridging Borders & Beyond event, Garza spoke about the interaction between the Texas Space Commission and Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium, both of which were launched by Gov. Greg Abbott last April. He also spoke about the ways higher education institutions in Texas can work with the commission.
Here is an audio recording of Garza’s remarks as a panelist at the Bridging Borders & Beyond event.
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EDINBURG, TEXAS - The College of Engineering & Computer Science is the fastest growing and most productive college at UT-Rio Grande Valley, says its dean.
Dr. Ala Qubbaj gave an update on college activities at CECS’s 2024 Convocation. He said one in seven students at UTRGV are part of CECS and, pro rata, its faculty bring in the most grants and research dollars.
“I'm happy to report that we have the largest freshman class ever, 1,128 students. It sounds exciting, but we are having challenges finding classes and space for them,” Qubbaj said.
“But that’s a good problem to have because I talk with other deans, and they tell me they are having problems fighting students. I don't have that problem.”
Qubbaj said CECS has grown 75 percent in the last five years.
“We have over 5,000 students in this college. Can you believe it? Five thousand prospective engineers,” Qubbaj said, proudly.
That number is even more impressive when one considers that engineering classes at UTRGV only started back in the 1990s (at its predecessor, UT-Pan American), Qubbaj said. Before that state leaders would not give accreditation to UTPA for an undergraduate engineering program because, Qubbaj said, they did not think its students were smart enough to enter that profession.
“If we didn’t have a College of Engineering here, how many of those 5,000 students (would make it)? Maybe ten percent of them, maybe 15 percent? So, this is tremendous,” Qubbaj said.
UTRGV has grown to 34,000 students so CECS represents 15 percent, Qubbaj said.
“So, if you walk across our campus, one in each seven students is an engineer. You cannot find that in any other university.”
Another thing Qubbaj is excited about is the fact that 20 percent of the students within CECS are females.
"Actually, last semester, I had the president of the Society of Women Engineers (visit). When I told her we have 1,000 female engineering students, she was astonished. And, by the way, 20 percent are Latina. You know what's the representation of Latinas is in engineering? One percent. We have 20 percent. So, this is amazing.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
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EDINBURG, Texas - The chairman of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board was awarded the Dean’s Medallion at the UT-Rio Grande Valley College of Engineering & Computer Science 2024 Convocation.
Dr. Fred Farias, a Valley native, received the award Dr. Ala Qubbaj, dean of the college. Qubbaj noted that Farias has helped CECS secure accreditation for two PhD program’s from THECB.
In his remarks, Farias said CECS deserves praise for helping its students secure internships across the country.
Here is an audio recording of Dr. Farias’ remarks at the convocation.
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RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas - Congressman Henry Cuellar has announced $14.4 millionin federal funding for Starr County school districts for free or reduced meals for students.
The federal funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National School Breakfast Program (SBP) and National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
Cuellar said the funds can be used to provide free school breakfasts, lunches, dinners and after school snacks.
“This is so important for the child, because if the child is not hungry, they're ready to learn,” Cuellar told the Rio Grande Guardian.
“It’s important for the school, because the kids are ready to learn. It’s good for the parents also, because they don't have to buy the breakfast, the lunch or the dinner. And it is important for Starr County because 85 percent of all the kids here et either free lunches or reduced-price lunches.”
Cuellar, a senior member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, gave an interview to the Guardian after making the announcement at Delia G. Garcia Elementary School in Roma.
He said Roma ISD received a total of $5,922,078, Rio Grande City Grulla ISD received a total of $8,366,325, and San Isidro ISD received a total of $189,320.
“This funding ensures that each student in Roma ISD, Rio Grande City Grulla ISD, and San Isidro ISD can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at no cost,” said Cuellar, proudly.
“These federal dollars will provide free, quality, and nutritious meals for our students,” Cuellar said, pointing out that the funds can also be used by school districts for essential equipment to allow staff to provide food services in Starr County.
“In Congress, I will continue to fight to ensure our students have the resources they need to succeed. I would like to thank Starr County school district superintendents, food service workers, and educators for their continued commitment to our students' success.”
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MCALLEN, Texas - Ten new industrial parks are to be built in the City of Pharr or its ETJ, with almost 11 million square feet of warehouse space.
This news was conveyed by Janie Cavazos, vice president of business recruitment, at a meeting of the South Texas Manufacturers Association. The meeting was held at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton in McAllen.
“We have a lot of activity going on in Pharr. We're really excited about that,” Cavazos said.
ETJ stands for extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Details about the new industrial parks were provided when Cavazos spoke about the next Warehouse Summit, which will take place in October. As with previous summits, it will be hosted jointly by Pharr EDC and the Pharr Bridge Board.
“In that summit, we are going to have a lot of… we currently have about ten industrial parks that are in the mix. Six of them are within the Pharr city limits. The rest are within the ETJ. We're going to be announcing how much square footage each park is going to be constructing. The total amount of square footage for those proposed parks will be close to 11 million square feet. This will be cold storage and dry warehouse construction.
“Also in October, I'll be showcasing some of the construction that is currently happening in Pharr, especially in the industrial warehouse sector.”
Cavazos also spoke about a commercial and investment tour scheduled for September 24.
“We are targeting a lot of the different companies. We will have some developers, some site selectors. We have Mexican investors that are coming in to look at commercial property and industrial property as well,” Cavazos said.
In addition to a tour of land available for development, there will be a panel discussion, Cavazos explained.
“Our panel is going to be really interesting. We are going to be announcing the Pharr Global Business Hub. We are going to have the Consejo Empresarial Mexicano de Comercio Exteriores. It is a Mexican private sector organization dedicated to promoting the area and bringing foreign investors. So, we're looking forward to that.”
Cavazos said the Council for South Texas Economic progress will also be involved.
“We will be having them as panelists. And we're also going to be having TeamPharr.Net broadband service team. This is a digital divide type of solution for our citizens in Pharr and it is fast fiber internet for the next generation WiFi. So, we're going to be having a panelist on that.”
Cavazos added: “We are going to have a bus tour to showcase the different areas that we have available for either commercial, retail, maybe residential, apartment complexes, and more specifically for industrial.”
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Mexico can play an important role in helping the United States with its space exploration endeavors.
This is the view of Judith Arrieta Munguía, Mexico’s consul in Brownsville. Arrieta was a panelist at a Brownsville Chamber of Commerce luncheon titled “Bridging Borders & Beyond - The Impact of US-Mexico Relations and Space Exploration in the Rio Grande Valley.”
Moderating the panel discussion was Glenn Hamer, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Business. In a question to Arrieta, Hamer said one of the “great developments” of recent years was Mexico becoming the United States’s No. 1 trading partner. He put some of this down to nearshoring.
Arrieta agreed. She said trade between the two nations was worth almost $900 billion in 2023.
“Nearshoring is a win-win because nearshoring is coming to North America and Space allow us to see North America with no frontiers. If we were up there in a rocket, that’s how we would see North America,” Arrieta said.
“What is our place in Space? We have around 400 enterprises producing for France, for European countries, etc., for the U.S., of course. And we are now the 12th (largest) exporter worldwide of aerospace parts. And we are into low satellite research.”
Arrieta stressed the importance of human capital.
“You cannot have those beautiful rockets we have seen without the minds of young and creative people. So, we are investing in that,” Arrieta said, referring to a video shown earlier by Kathryn Lueders, general manager of SpaceX’s Starbase facility at Boca Chica.
“So, yes, we can partner here with Texas and with the Valley because just next door in Matamoros we have an amazing technological university. Besides these science hubs in, of course, Monterrey, Queretaro, but other places as well.”
The other panelists were SpaceX’s Lueders, Norman Roy Garza, Jr., executive director of Texas Space Commission, and Helen Ramirez, city manager of Brownsville.
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RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas - The eagerly anticipated State Loop 195 project in Starr County is now a priority for the Texas Department of Transportation, Gov. Greg Abbott has announced.
The 17.4 mile State Loop 195 project is located in Starr County and traverses the limits of Rio Grande City, the City of Escobares and the City of Roma. The project consists of constructing a new location 4-lane divided highway beginning at FM 755, which is 2.5 miles northeast of US 83 in Rio Grande City and ending approximately one mile West of Loma Blanca Road along US 83.
The project was listed as a priority for TxDOT’s Pharr District in a press release from Gov. Abbott that highlighted a record $148 billion in total investment for Texas’ transportation infrastructure.
The press release stated: “In the TxDOT Pharr District, priority projects include State Loop 195 in Starr County, a U.S. 83 relief route from Roma to Rio Grande City; the International Bridge Trade Corridor (IBTC), a proposed non-tolled, four-lane divided highway that would provide direct interstate access for several international ports of entry; and upgrading US 281 (Hidalgo County) and US 77 (Kenedy County) to interstate standards.”
It also stated: “The Pharr District is also prioritizing the development and construction of a second South Padre Island Causeway and currently providing upgrades and pavement improvements for the existing SH 4 between Brownsville and Starbase Texas (SpaceX).”
TxDOT Pharr District Engineer Pete Alvarez said: “State Loop 195 is a relief route in Starr County, basically from Loma Blanca, where this project begins, back to FM 755, north of Rio Grande City. Why is that important? This relief route will provide an alternative route for US 83 so that the trucking industry and others will be able to utilize this relief route. The idea here is basically to move the trucking component of this to north of the urbanized area.”
Abbott said this investment includes the unanimous adoption of the more than $104 billion ten-year transportation plan by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to improve safety, address congestion and connectivity, and preserve roadways for Texas drivers. He said it also includes over $43 billion for development and routine maintenance. This is a $5.6 billion increase in total investment from the previous year.
“Strengthening our roadways and transportation infrastructure is critical for Texas to remain the Best State for Business in the nation,” Abbott said. “With the adoption of this record-breaking $148 billion transportation investment, Texas will continue to meet the needs of Texans in rural, urban, and metropolitan communities while also improving roadway congestion and safety. People come to Texas because we provide the freedom and opportunity they can’t find anywhere else, and that’s why we’re investing in the future of Texas roads. Projects like this will ensure our products and people can move quickly to keep the Texas economy booming. Together, we are building a bigger, better Texas for years to come.”
Texas Transportation Commission Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, Jr., agreed. He said: “With a booming population and economy, TxDOT is meeting the moment with a record investment in our state roadway system to ensure Texas remains the preferred destination for families and businesses. Thanks to the vision of Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Legislature, this historic transportation investment focusing on safety and congestion relief will help meet the needs of Texans for years to come.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian to read the full story.
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Activity at SpaceX was front and center during a panel discussion that took place at a luncheon event hosted by Brownsville Chamber of Commerce on Aug. 27.
The event, held at the Brownsville Events Center, was titled: “Bridging Borders & Beyond - The Impact of US-Mexico Relations and Space Exploration in the Rio Grande Valley.”
The moderator was Glenn Hamer, president of Texas Association of Business. The panelists were Norman Roy Garza, Jr., executive director of Texas Space Commission, Helen Ramirez, city manager of Brownsville., Judith Arrieta Mungia, Mexico’s Consul in Brownsville, and Kathryn Lueders, general manager of SpaceX's Starbase facility at Boca Chica.
During the conversation, Hamer said: “You can make a very strong argument that SpaceX isn’t only the most important company in the United States. Maybe (it is) the most important company in the galaxy.”
Editor’s Note: Here is an audio recording of the entire panel discussion:
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas - SpaceX is about to bring another 300 engineers and technicians to its Starbase facility at Boca Chica.
This news was revealed by Kathryn Lueders, general manager of Starbase, at a luncheon event hosted by Brownsville Chamber of Commerce. Lueders was the keynote speaker for a program titled: “Bridging Borders & Beyond - The Impact of US-Mexico Relations and Space Exploration in the Rio Grande Valley.” It was held at Brownsville Events Center.
Lueders said: “So, we're investing. We feel like the Starbase and the Rio Grande Valley is our place to be able to run the Starship program, and so we're obviously investing in the people here to be able to do this mission.”
During her power point presentation, Lueders said she really liked one particular slide. It showed a group photo of hundreds of workers at Starbase. According to Wikipedia, by late 2023, over 2,1000 full-time employees were working at the site.
“Next slide. I love to show this picture because it really… we tend to show pictures of the rockets and the pads and the buildings, but really, it's about the people. None of this would be able to happen without the people, and so just seeing the folks there and the numbers that we have… we are actually in the process right now of really beginning another round of rampups, because we're bringing another 300 engineers and technicians to the Rio Grande Valley to help us (with) increasing our cadence for the missions that we have coming up,” Lueders said.
“And so, all this means that we need even more capabilities at Starbase to be able to take care of these people. It's why you see us building more houses, investing in schools in the different areas, looking at how can we continue to bring talent down here and attract as many people to this area? Because we want the best and brightest working at Starbase.”
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HARLINGEN, Texas - Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Nanette Barragán said she was recently with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris when they announced plans to save money on prescription drugs.
Asked about the plan, U.S. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez said:
“Those are basic needs that I think communities like those in Rio Grande Valley need. We need to control prescription drugs. We need to control inflation, which has come down, we need to increase wages, and we need to make college education more accessible. There are so many other proposals that I think are coming from this administration.”
Asked if the Inflation Reduction Act played a role, Gonzalez said:
“The Inflation Reduction Act is what capped insulin and other prescription drugs at $35 a month, which kicks in next month. It'll be extraordinarily impactful for our community, (as we have) one of the highest rates of diabetes in the country.
“Many people are on this particular prescription, and I think it'll be a huge benefit. Medicare recipients will be capped at, I think, $1,500 a year. So, we're going to see a lot of inflation relief coming in this next cycle.”
Gonzalez was in San Benito recently to make an announcement about a federal grant for Cameron County Irrigation District No. 2. He said this grant, too, came about thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act.
“We're doing conservation projects that are going to be very helpful to the water problem that we have here in South Texas. Not a single Republican voted for those proposals. Yet, we’re getting hundreds of millions of dollars invested in water infrastructure here in South Texas that came from that bill,” Gonzalez said.
“That's something that I supported, something that I continue to support, to try to give the nourishment to small communities and municipalities and water districts to get those resources.”
Gonzalez was asked if no Republican member of Congress from Texas voted for the Inflation Reduction Act, or no Republican from across the United States voted against it. He said, no Republican from across the country.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The CIL Group has provided the Rio Grande Guardian with some exclusive photos from the two recent American Chamber Mexico (AmCham) events in Brownsville.
The first event was a half day conference held at the Brownsville Events Center. It was titled: US-Mexico Leaders’ Summit: Binational High-Level Dialogue.
Among those giving the opening remarks were Brownsville Mayor John Cowen and Roberto Velasco from Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Among the guest speakers were Adriana Cruz, executive director of economic development and tourism for Gov. Greg Abbott’s Office, Glenn Hamer, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Business, U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, state Sen. Morgan LaMantia, and Joaquin Spamer, president of CIL.
This event was not open to the public or media.
The second event was an evening reception held at IBC Bank-Brownsville. This was open to the public and the media.
Spamer said he wanted to introduce AmCham to the Rio Grande Valley.
“AmCham is 106 years old and it’s a very well organized, very professional entrepreneurial organization in Mexico,” Spamer said. “I’m just proud that they accepted me a couple of years back as a member, and I was invited to become a board member in the Northeast chapter in Monterrey last year.”
Spamer said he “wanted to do something” for AmCham in South Texas.
“I think that the last two days were something spectacular. AmCham is very powerful. We got some very big names (to come to the summit). Adriana Cruz came to the event. A lot of different local businessmen, local mayors (came also). We are very grateful that Senator LaMantia was there, (and Congressman) Vicente Gonzalez. He’s a very good friend of mine, a very good friend of business. And we had a great event.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
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EDINBURG, Texas - The median U.S. renter has $6,300 in net wealth. The median U.S. homeowner has $254,000 in net wealth.
Edinburg-based Viva Home Team wants to reduce that gap by helping renters.
"At Viva, we are a mission-driven team dedicated to closing the 40X renter wealth equity gap. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to build wealth and achieve financial stability, regardless of their housing status,” said Viva CEO Michael Barnes.
“We strive to empower renters by providing access to essential benefits - resources, tools, and support to help them improve wealth and well-being - to achieve lasting financial resilience. Our goal is to bridge the gap between renters and homeowners, fostering a more equitable and inclusive society.”
The Rio Grande Guardian conducted an audio interview with Barnes to ask how Viva is going about this. In the interview, Barnes said homebuyers in Hidalgo County are missing out on more than $5 million in free grants every month, with each family potentially losing out on over $5,000 in grant money when purchasing a home.
Barnes said this “alarming trend” means that, in a year, homebuyers in Hidalgo County could collectively miss out on $60,000,000. “Why spend $5,000 cash at closing when this money could be saved for emergencies or essential home renovations after the purchase?”
In the interview, Barnes said Viva has uncovered that a significant majority of Rio Grande Valley homebuyers - more than 90 percent - qualify for a time-limited grant worth $5,250. He said this grant, backed by Fannie Mae, can be accessed directly through their Viva Home Team program.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
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SAN BENITO, Texas - Craig Harmon, general manager of Cameron County Irrigation District No. 2 and Cameron County Drainage District No. 3, recently had a private meeting with U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez.
Also at the meeting were officials with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
In his power point presentation, Harmon did not hold back. He said he wanted to give the bottom line up front. So, the first slide said:
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There is a sustained water crisis in the RGV.
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The water crisis is destroying the RGV agricultural community and industry.
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The water crisis is threatening municipal water security.
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Funding is desperately needed to mitigate the impact of 2 and 3 above.
To find out exactly what he said in that private meeting, the Rio Grande Guardian asked Harmon for an audio in-depth interview. He obliged.
To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
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EDINBURG, Texas - The president of Driscoll Children’s Hospital-Rio Grande Valley says the future is bright for pediatric healthcare in the region.
Matt Wolthoff spoke in depth about the services on offer at the new hospital at the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the facility. He said DCH-RGV is already planning to expand.
“Most importantly, we will continue to grow and expand our pediatric subspecialty base here in the Valley and create more and more access to care for kids in pediatric specialties that we've not had access to in the past,” Wolthoff said.
Wolthoff started his speech by saying “It's all about the kids.” He said DCH has had a vision to improve healthcare in the Valley for a long, long time.
“Today we're celebrating the culmination of that work and that vision to get this done,” Wolthoff said. “Today, we are celebrating a new standard of care in children's health care in the Rio Grande Valley.”
The speeches were given under a large tent on the parking lot of DCH’s neighbor and partner, DHR Health. The event drew a large crowd of community members and VIPs.
“Many of you were here with us in November of 2021 when we broke ground on this very spot. And over the last two and a half years we have recruited a world class pediatric healthcare team that is dedicated to taking care of kids,” Wolthoff said.
"And I think the one thing they all have in common is that they have a passion for taking care of children, and it shows every day. And that's what distinguishes us from any other healthcare system or hospital in South Texas.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
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PHARR, Texas - The RioPlex region should otherwise be known as the Land of the Incredible, says businessman Joaquin Spamer.
The Rio Grande Guardian caught up with the founder and president of CIL Logistics at the official opening of the Pharr Global Business Hub. In an exclusive interview, Spamer talked about Pharr’s prominence as an international trade corridor, the impact SpaceX will have on the regional economy, and the importance of the American Chamber Mexico, otherwise known as AmCham.
Spamer helped AmCham host a summit at the Brownsville Events Center the day before the opening of the Pharr Global Business Hub. It was titled the US-Mexico Leaders’ Summit: Binational High-Level Dialogue.
“AmCham is 106 years old and it's a very well organized, very professional entrepreneurial organization in Mexico,” Spamer said. “I’m just proud that they accepted me a couple of years back as a member, and I was invited to become a board member in the Northeast chapter in Monterrey last year.”
Spamer said he “wanted to do something” for AmCham in South Texas.
“I think that the last two days were something spectacular. AmCham is very powerful. We got some very big names (to come to the summit). Adriana Cruz (head of economic development in Gov. Greg Abbott’s Office) came to the event. A lot of different local businessmen, local mayors (came also). We are very grateful that Senator LaMantia was there, (and Congressman) Vicente Gonzalez. He's a very good friend of mine, a very good friend of business. And we had a great event.”
Spamer said the RioPlex region, which encompasses the Rio Grande Valley and North Tamaulipas, needs to do more to attract the major companies in AmCham.
“That's what we need to promote, we need those kinds of investors. All of the members of AmCham are investors. They are big companies. A lot of them came to this event. They were like close to 20, and they all were very impressed about what we're doing with RioPlex. What the Valley is doing, what North Tamaulipas is doing, and I could not be more proud,” Spamer said.
“We have to showcase our region. Now quote me on this - it is the Land of the Incredible. RioPlex is the Land of Incredible. It's incredible what we have accomplished here in the past 30 years, and, again, it's going to be incredible what we're going to accomplish in the next 30 years. So, hold on. Grab your seatbelts.”
In his remarks at the Pharr EDC event, Spamer spoke about the incredible change that has taken place in the Valley over the last 30 years. He said the region has changed from predominantly agrarian to being home to one of the most technologically advanced companies in the world. He was referring to SpaceX.
“We have a logistics location here in the Valley. Of course, Pharr is the most important bridge in RioPlex. It is handling a lot of merchandise that comes through Mexico. Brownsville has a good port of entry as well, the same as Donna and Roma,” Spamer said in his interview with the Guardian.
“But now we have another logistics operation that is going to the outer space. So (Captain) Kirk (of Star Trek) get ready, because we're going to go to outer space. This is unique. It's beautiful. I went there (to SpaceX) yesterday. It's impressive.”
Spamer said the RioPlex region needs to tell its story to the world.
“That is what we need, to tell the world that we are the port of the future. RioPlex is the home of (SapceX’s) Starbase. This is this is huge.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The national president of the American Chamber Mexico says RioPlex will become one of the most powerful regions economically in the world.
Carlos Garcia, who is based in Mexico City, spoke at an evening reception AmCham hosted at IBC Bank in Brownsville. He said he had not been to the Rio Grande Valley for several years. He said he was “blown away” but what he saw.
“It's been a real, real pleasure being here. It's been, I think, six or seven years since I've been to the RioPlex area - we’ve got to start getting used to using that brand. And it's amazing. It's amazing what's happening,” Garcia said.
“We had the good fortune of touring SpaceX this morning, early, and I was blown away. There are a couple engineers back there, fellow Michigan Wolverines, who are amazing. I feel like SpaceX is changing the world and space and outer space, and with the port, everything that's happening at the port, it's great to be a part of it.”
Garcia and other members of AmCham had toured the Port of Brownsville and SpaceX in the morning. In the afternoon the chamber held a private, by invitation only, gathering at the Brownsville Events Center. The event was titled US-Mexico Leaders’ Summit: Binational High-Level Dialogue.
Among those giving the opening remarks were Brownsville Mayor John Cowen and Roberto Velasco from Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Among the guest speakers were Adriana Cruz, executive director of economic development and tourism for Gov. Greg Abbott’s Office, Glenn Hamer, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Business, U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, and state Sen. Morgan LaMantia.
“We're very excited at AmCham to join forces with Joaquin and RioPlex to really promote bilateral trade. Well, trilateral trade with Canada as well,” Garcia said, at the evening reception.
The “Joaquin” Garcia was referring to was Joaquin Spamer, a member of the board for AmCham’s northeast chapter in Monterrey.
“As I mentioned earlier this morning, I'm convinced that working together, we're going to solve our same challenges. And this region is going to be the most powerful economic region in the world,” Garcia said.
Earlier, Garcia had listened to a presentation on RioPlex from Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force leader Mario Reyna. Reyna had pointed out that RioPlex is a marketing effort to attract more businesses and high-paying jobs to the region. He said the campaign came about through discussions on how to tackle poverty in the county. Garcia said Mexico, too, suffers from poverty.
“I think it's amazing what you guys are doing with RioPlex. because one of the things in Mexico we've struggled with is economic prosperity across the board. In Mexico, we still have 40-something percent of the population living in poverty. I think that's a crime, and we need to work on that,” Garcia said.
“And so, we share that vision. And it's a vision that we really have to share across North America. So, I applaud you. Thank you again for wonderful day, and for this unbelievable event.”
Another speaker at the reception was Lorenzo Barrera, president of the American Chamber Mexico northeast chapter in Monterrey.
Editor’s Note: Here is an audio recording of the remarks given by Garcia, Barrera, and Spamer at the AmCham reception.
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas - RioPlex, the new regional marketing campaign set up to promote the Rio Grande Valley and Northern Tamaulipas, is going to be housed within the Council for South Texas Economic Progress.
The announcement was made by Mario Reyna at a reception held by the American Chamber Mexico (AmCham) and held Wednesday evening at IBC Bank in Brownsville.
Reyna is a co-founder of the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force, which has since expanded to include the entire Valley. One of the 15 committees set up by the task force is the CEO Group. The CEO Group, which comprises over 40 business leaders from both sides of the border, is led by CIL President Joaquin Spamer. It was the CEO Group that proposed the RioPlex marketing campaign.
“Adam is not here, but Rick is here. So, RioPlex is going to be housed in COSTEP, and they're going to have the brand within their organization,” Reyna said, in remarks made at the AmCham reception.
“We're going to do all that we can to get the money that we need to promote RioPlex.”
The “Adam” Reyna referred to is Adam Gonzalez, CEO of COSTEP. The “Rick” Reyna referred to is Rick Carrera, economic development director of COSTEP.
Reyna said there are still a few of things that still need to be done before RioPlex is officially launched.
“We have a request for information right now. We’re looking for a marketing company that can give us a suggestion on how to promote RioPlex. Once we know that we’re going to obviously start doing everything else.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
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EDINBURG, TEXAS - A Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Business Analytics has just started at UT-Rio Grande Valley and it is the first of its kind in the region.
To learn more about the degree program, the Rio Grande Guardian secured an in-depth interview with both Giorgio Gotti, Ph.D., dean of the Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship, and Jerald Hughes, Ph. D., associate dean for undergraduate studies and an associate professor at the Vackar College.
Gotti said the program is designed to provide students with essential skills to develop strategic business insights and enhance decision-making processes across different industries.
“Offering an approved BBA. in Business Analytics reflects positively on the university’s reputation and academic standing,” Gotti said. “A specialized program can attract students interested in data science and analytics who otherwise would go elsewhere.”
Gotti said the degree aligns with industry needs, enhancing the region’s workforce and fostering regional economic growth.
“Graduates contribute to the local workforce, potentially attracting businesses seeking data-driven professionals to drive innovation and economic growth in the region,” Gotti said. “This approval from the THECB ensures that the curriculum aligns with industry demands and fosters collaboration with businesses.”
Hughes agreed. In the interview, Hughes said he expects the program to have a big impact on the Valley economy.
Hughes pointed out that the new degree program was approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, an organization that serves to develop and implement innovative higher education services throughout the state of Texas.
Hughes said THECB approval ensures the program meets rigorous academic standards, enhancing education quality, credibility and employability for UTRGV students.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which was cited in the UTRGV program proposal, job growth in a variety of fields is projected to be significant by 2031, including:
• 108,400 new management analyst jobs.
• 24,200 new operations research analyst jobs.
• 40,500 new data scientist jobs.
Hughes said the projected growth – which indicates an increase from 11 percent to 36 percent in business analytics positions – motivated the university to develop the degree program.
Hughes said the BBA undergraduate program complements current degrees offered within the Vackar college and utilizes current coursework with the addition of three new courses.
He said the new curriculum empowers students with the ability to extract valuable insights from vast datasets to drive strategic decision-making, and covers:
• Statistical analysis.
• Descriptive analytics.
• Business intelligence.
• Data mining.
• Machine learning.
• And predictive modeling.
Program graduates will be prepared to enter a field of business analytics, or to continue their education in the field, Hughes added.
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MISSION, Texas - How do Rio Grande Valley leaders best get the word out that SpaceX launches rockets from their region, not Florida.
That was a question posed to Walt Ugalde, who is part of NASA’s technology transfer expansion program at the Johnson Space Center.
Ugalde gave an in-depth presentation on the work of NASA at an event hosted by the Council for South Texas Economic Prosperity (COSTEP). The event was held at the Center for Education & Economic Development in Mission.
In his presentation, Ugalde said he has specialized in the past in marketing. So, the Rio Grande Guardian thought it appropriate to ask him to address a conundrum private sector leaders like Joaquin Spamer have found in the past.
Spamer has said he has gone abroad to promote the region and when he has told prospective investors that SpaceX is in the Valley, he has been shocked to find those prospective investors say no, SpaceX is in Florida.
SpaceX is one NASA’s biggest private sector partners. It launches rockets from its facility at Boca Chica, near Brownsville, Texas.
Here is an audio recording of Ugalde’s response to the Guardian’s question.
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas - State Sen. Morgan LaMantia says she is working with U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez to bring more primary care residency slots to South Texas.
LaMantia participated in a panel discussion about a range of healthcare issues at New Horizon Health Center. The center’s CEO, Jason Wallace, organized the event to celebrate National Health Center Week.
Asked by Wallace to give some examples of how her office is working with that of Congressman Gonzalez, LaMantia said:
“We have a very high level of communication and we've been working with Congressman Gonzalez on a number of different topics. Both of us recognize and many people in the state legislature recognize that health centers are really the key to solving our medical issues and our accessibility and affordability. A lot more focus and a lot more funding needs to come to you guys,” LaMantia said, referring to New Horizon.
“We're also working with Congressman Gonzalez to work on the residency program issues. A lot of residency programs when it comes to doctors are capped by the federal government at certain numbers. Right now, in Texas, there are only 334 residency slots for primary care. And given that we're ranked 48th in primary care when it comes to) patient (to doctor) ratio throughout the entire country, we definitely need to address this.”
LaMantia said around 45 percent young medicaldoctors leave Texas once they have completed their residency program.
“That is something that we want to change. We want to have more residency slots. We want to be able to bring more doctors to South Texas, and we also want to keep the doctors that are from our backyards,” LaMantia said.
Another topic covered during the panel discussion was mental health.
“After the pandemic mental health became really got highlighted about how much disparity we have in mental health providers. So that's come to the forefront and (we’re having) a lot of discussions to try and solve that problem.”
Sen. LaMantia said she recognized she was “preaching to the choir” when discussing mental health with fellow panelists and those in the audience.
“Mental health has always been needed in South Texas and in every one of our communities. But it was a pandemic that finally highlighted that and really shone a light on the issues we're having in regards to making sure that we have providers and access to care,” LaMantia said.
“And so, we're trying to make a big concerted effort and a big push to try to get more mental health providers throughout the state and especially in our rural areas. And in South Texas where we are in mental health desert.”
Asked by Wallace what else she is working on, LaMantia said: “We've always been fighting and trying to help with chronic diseases like diabetes, and now that we have UTRGV and the medical school here, it's opened a lot of doors and hopefully this will get us more specialists and providers down here in South Texas where we need them the most.”
In addition to this, La Mantia said, maternal and women's health is “incredibly” important. “There was a study and a report that just came out that said Texas is ranked 50th, including Washington, DC and throughout the entire country, when it comes to women's health care. And it gets worse when we come down to South Texas and that's one (area) that we really need to focus on and work on as well,” LaMantia said.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
Editor’s Note: Here is an audio recording of the New Horizon panel discussion.
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HARLINGEN, Texas - Valley International Airport Aviation Director Marv Esterly recently spoke at a Rio Grande Valley Partnership’s Commercialization and Investment Tour event.
Esterly participated in a panel discussion moderated by Harlingen Economic Development Corporation Chief Operating Officer Beverly Ticer Loftus. It was held at Texas State Technical College-Harlingen.
Esterly spoke about the fact that he and the board of directors have to run VIA like a private business because they receive no funding from the City of Harlingen. He also spoke about the big projects happening at the airport and the need to find industry partners to fill land adjacent to the airport.
Here are his remarks in full:
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MCALLEN, Texas - Could you ever see our Rio Grande Valley cities consolidating?
Ron Garza, associate vice president for workforce and economic development at UT-Rio Grande Valley, says he sometimes gets asked that question by his students.
“I think we're 100 years past that,” Garza said. “But that doesn't mean we can't operate within the same policies.”
Garza gave what he said is a good example of cities operating under the same policies.
“One very hard example: the cities of Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Mission, just a few years ago, when I was still city manager (of Edinburg), collectively adopted the same ordinance for stormwater detention. Prior to that, every city you went to, if you were a developer, you had to navigate different things. So, that at least standardized one platform.”
Garza said more can be done.
“Could you imagine if we took more of the codes, the planning and zoning codes, and actually unified some of the standardized (ones), so at least we're working off a base? It could be done.:
Garza said what’s needed is political will.
“Yes, there needs to be a lot of political will to that, but there's been a lot of examples, UTRGV, the MPO (RGV Metropolitan Planning Organization), and other collaborative efforts of political will coming together and creating more resources.”
Garza made these remarks during a presentation he gave recently to the CEO Group at the McAllen Country Club.
He said the private sector in the Valley and Northern Tamaulipas is now coming together. “The public sector needs to do the same thing,” he said.
Editor’s Note: Here is an audio recording of Ron Garza’s presentation to the CEO Group.
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HARLINGEN, TEXAS - The top project at the Port of Harlingen is expanding the turning basin by about 700 feet on both sides of the ship channel.
If this happened there would be host of new opportunities, says Port Director Walker Smith, including going after the lucrative container-on-barge business.
Smith gave an update on Port activities during a panel discussion at the Rio Grande Valley Partnership’s recent Commercialization and Investment Tour. It was hosted by Harlingen Economic Development Corporation and held at Texas State Technical College-Harlingen.
Smith started by explaining that the Port of Harlingen is a shallow draft port located east of the city of Harlingen. He said it mostly handles fuel, agricultural products, fertilizers and aggregates.
Asked by Harlingen EDC Chief Operating Officer Beverly Ticer Loftus to list some of the Port of Harlingen’s top projects, Smith said:
“One of the big projects that we're working on right now is we're engaged in a Cap 107 study with the Army Corps of Engineers. We're looking to expand our turning basin by about 700 feet on both sides of the channel.
“Once that is complete and we get a favorable response by the Army Corps of Engineers from the study… we will begin building out the bulkhead and new dock space for that expansion as well.”
Smith said the project is vitally important.
“We’ve had almost a 200% growth in commodities since 2017. And so, with that growth in commodities obviously comes a growth in vessel calls. We've had about a 150% increase in vessel calls to the Port of Harlingen. And we're still doing that with infrastructure that was built in the 1950s,” Walker said.
“So, our infrastructure is very outdated at the Port of Harlingen. The growth that we've been seeing came on very, very quickly. So, we're looking to expand that turning basin to help facilitate that growth as well as take on new opportunities. Some of those new opportunities could possibly be a container-on-barge service.”
Smith said that in 2018 the Port of Harlingen received designation from the Maritime Administration to apply for grants to create a container-on-barge service.
“We wouldn't be able to do that without this expansion of the turning basin. And so, we're looking at doing that. That's probably our biggest project that we've got going on right now.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
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HARLINGEN, Texas - On his recent visit to the Rio Grande Valley, Rolando Pablos gave advice on how to grow the RioPlex marketing brand.
Pablos, a former Texas Secretary of State, wrote the roadmap for the Borderplex Alliance, the regional economic development entity for El Paso, Ciudad Juarez, and Santa Teresa.
As a guest of the CEO Group and the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force, Pablos spoke to an audience of VIPs at the Harlingen Convention Center. The CEO Group and the task force wanted to glean best practices from Pablos as they develop RioPlex, a branding initiative to help market the Valley and northern Tamaulipas across the globe.
After his speech, Pablos gave an interview to the Rio Grande Guardian. In the interview he spoke about his key takeaway from the meeting, the underlying reason the Texas economy is booming, how the BorderPlex Alliance came about, the state of the El Paso economy, the huge multi-modal facility in Santa Teresa, the importance of advocating in Austin and Washington, D.C., and the advice he had for RioPlex.
“Here in the Valley, you have access to the entire world. And so my recommendation is take advantage of it. The sea port, is it in Brownsville? Yes, but it benefits the entire region. And so why not use that as a starting point to reach out to the world. The port here is already doing well. It needs to be supported and it needs to be marketed along with the entire region,” Pablos said.
Here is the interview:
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RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas - Congressman Henry Cuellar has announced $9,436,120 in federal dollars for Union Water Supply Corporation in Rio Grande City.
The project was made possible by the Bureau of Reclamations WaterSMART Drought Response Program, one of the agency’s Drought Resiliency Projects for Fiscal Year 2024.
The grant will enable Union Water Supply Corporation to add a second water source and end its need to lease water from other providers. Cuellar said this will increase drought resilience, create jobs, and foster further growth for Starr County.
In his remarks, Cuellar spoke about Mexico’s water debt to the United States.
Among those attending the event were Starr County Commissioner for Precinct 3, Eloy Garza, Starr County Sheriff Rene Fuentes, Marelene Mendoza Mendoza-De La Torre, the UWSC Board President, Cynthia Garcia Chapa. Th UWSC Board Vice President, Encarnacion Saenz III, the UWSC Board Secretary/Treasurer, Francisco Chapa III, a UWSC Board Member, Alejandro Lee Garza, a UWSC Board Member, and Jorge Bazan the UWSC General Manager.
In his remarks, Cuellar spoke about Mexico’s water debt to the United States. Here is an audio recording of Congressman Cuellar’s remarks:
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KENEDY COUNTY, Texas - The groundbreaking ceremony was held by the Texas Department of Transportation to celebrate the start of a $191 million project to get US 77 up to interstate standards near the Willacy-Kenedy County line.
Another $173 million will be spent by TxDOT on a similar project further north in Kenedy County.
“The projects, in general, in Kenedy County will have overpasses every five miles or so to allow turnarounds for emergency vehicles and to provide access to major ranches in the area,” said Pete Alvarez, TxDOT’s Pharr District Engineer.
“Both of these projects have two lanes in each direction with shoulders, and in the future, they will have two-lane main lanes in each direction. We're adding overpasses, and we're adding frontage roads to the major ranch entrances.”
Among the speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony were Alvarez, Alliance for I-69 Texas Executive Director Jennifer Shepard, state Sen. Morgan LaMantia, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn’s district director for South Texas, Anna Garcia, Kenedy County Judge Charles Burns, Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr., Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda, and Cameron County Commissioner David Garza.
Here is an audio recording of the event.
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HARLINGEN, Texas - Harlingen City Manager Gabriel “Gabe” Gonzalez has outlined the likely city budget for the upcoming year.
“The budget we're looking at for this upcoming year is $110 million in revenue with $108 million in expenditures. That's a big budget,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez made his comments at a graduation ceremony for the Leadership Harlingen Class of 2023-2024. The event was hosted by the Greater Chamber of Harlingen and held at Stefano’s Brooklyn Pizza.
Gonzalez was introduced by Javier De Leon, the Greater Chamber of Harlingen’s president and CEO. De Leon described Gonzalez as “Harlingen’s rock star.”
Gonzalez said city administrators have “done our best” to keep tax rates low.
“In fact, I was talking to Commissioner (Ford) Kinsley and explained to him that this year, we're going to propose having the lowest tax rate in the City of Harlingen in the past 22 years,” Gonzalez said. “That's not easy to do when you've got so many needs.”
Gonzalez then ran through some of those needs.
“This year we gave the firefighters their three-year collective bargaining agreement. We’re in year two for the police department. And we're giving the employees who are earning less than $75,000 a year their second raise.”
Gonzalez said the city administration utilized the services of a consultancy firm before deciding to give those earning less than $75,000 a year a second pay raise.
“The Commission felt the best (thing was) to look at those employees earning less than $75,000 and make an adjustment to their salaries to give them an increase. This is year two of that increase. So that's going to be included in the budget. Without a tax increase to our property taxes.”
Gonzalez also highlighted a huge jump in building permits.
“Our highest year for building permits was in 2012. That year we had $116 million in building permits. And ever since then, it had been below that number, which is really not that good because you want to try to exceed those dollar amounts every year,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez then explained how the jump in the value of building permits came about.
“A couple of years ago, the city commission and the mayor called me and said we want to have a meeting with the developers. We want to hear what we are doing wrong. And my first reaction was, oh my God, it's going to be a complaint session,” Gonzalez said.
“And so, we did. We sat down. The mayor and commissioners were troopers because they listened to every complaint that was leveled against the city regarding building permits.”
Coming out of that meeting, city leaders changed tack, Gonzalez explained.
“We made a few changes, and they weren't easy. And in 2023 we had $176 million in building permits issued that year. And that was a great number. But it just didn't happen by itself. It happened because of the collaboration with the City Commission and the changes they were willing to make in our processes.”
Gonzalez said this year, the value of the building permits are on schedule to beat the 2023 number.
“This year, through this month, we're at $119 million for building permits. We've surpassed that number from 2012. Two years in a row (we have beaten the 2012 number) and we still have two more months to go reporting for building permits. So, again, the changes that the Commission did were in valuable to having economic prosperity in the city.”
Editor’s Note: Here is an audio recording of Gabe Gonzalez’s entire remarks at the Leadership Harlingen event.
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MCALLEN, Texas - Rio Grande Valley Partnership President Daniel Silva recently sat down for an in-depth conversation about marketing the region with Rio Grande Guardian anchor Mark Hanna.
The Partnership has been tasked with marketing the Valley and has selected “One Region, One Voice,” as its mantra.
However, Silva said his group is not averse to promoting the Valley and northern Tamaulipas as RioPlex, a brand name adopted by Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force and the CEO Group.
In the podcast, Silva also spoke about the Partnership’s work advocating in Washington, DC, for more federal dollars for infrastructure, and assisting Valley economic development corporations at a big retail conference in Las Vegas.
Here is an audio recording of the podcast:
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MCALLEN, Texas - Rashmi Chandran, executive director of AltaCair Foundation, says her group is going to focus on unserved colonia residents, rather than the underserved.
On a Rio Grande Guardian podcast, Chandran said “very helpful” research conducted by UT-Rio Grande Valley has helped AltaCair identify the colonias that need the most help.
“Living in cities like Edinburg, McAllen, we don't feel like there will be areas (close by) where the houses are made of plywood, but that research actually brought to the surface that there are really bad areas where no one can go in. So, those are the areas where we want to,” Chandran said.
Chandran acknowledged that there has been a lot of good work done in Rio Grande Valley colonias by other nonprofits.
“It just so happens when there is a help center at one place, it is just that ten-mile radius that keeps getting served over, and over again. But there are other areas in the perimeter which do not get touched. So, we want people to expand their services there. So that's why that is our mission to touch the unserved.”
During the podcast, Guardian editor Steve Taylor recalled an AltaCair “cluster meeting” where Eduardo Olivarez, Hidalgo County’s public health director, said the biggest impediment to health was substandard living conditions. Taylor said Olivarez painted this very graphic picture of houses in some colonias where the houses consist of nothing but tarpaulin sheets, pallets and plywood.
“Especially when there is weather turbulence. Like, right now, the preparations that we're doing for Hurricane Beryl. Imagine those places. Like, what are they going to do with one sandbag? Like they live in in such fragile conditions,” Chandran said.
“What are they going to do? They don't even have a vehicle that they can just get into and escape should things get bad. Those roads are so bad that you probably cannot even drive properly on that (road).”
Referring to the proliferation of colonias, Chandra said: “There are just like so many things that are unresolved and that exists right around us, maybe just one or two blocks away. And we're not aware.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
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MCALLEN, Texas - Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year.
The community-based nonprofit came about thanks to the efforts of Valley Interfaith and private-industry business leaders.
The impetus was the need to empower the underserved residents of in the Rio Grande Valley with the tools, education, and training needed to become self-sufficient while fueling the growth of existing employers and increasing recruitment of new investment to the area by developing a highly skilled workforce.
Recently, VIDA President and CEO Felida Villarreal came to the Rio Grande Guardian studios for a podcast conversation with editor Steve Taylor.
Villarreal said VIDA’s philosophy is very simple: a well-trained, well-educated population will not only be ready for tomorrow’s jobs. It will also be able to live a more prosperous, healthy, and happy life.
“The ultimate goal is job retention–not job placement–which will develop strong citizens who are self-sufficient taxpayers providing a clear return on investment of federal, state, local, and private funding,” Villarreal said.
“Our graduates have not only helped the families they support and the businesses that now employ them. Their ability to successfully move from the ranks of the low-income has helped us all. Their increased earnings have also enhanced their contributions to our tax system and reduced their dependence on public welfare.”
Villarreal said VIDA demonstrates a model for success by graduating participants into high-demand occupations that normally remained unfilled or were filled, at a very high cost, by people from outside the Valley.
During the conversation, Villarreal spoke about a recent podcast she was on with former Housing & Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro, VIDA’s history, the group’s new annual report card, and its interaction with the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
REYNOSA, Tamaulipas - COBIFER members learned all about the new RioPlex marketing initiative at a meeting at Grupo Río San Juan on July 24.
And they liked what they heard. Indeed, the Q&A portion of the meeting went on for an hour and 15 minutes, with members wanting to know more and expressing their support.
RioPlex, created by the CEO Group and adopted by Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force, is a branding campaign to promote the Rio Grande Valley and northern Tamaulipas to potential investors from around the world. The campaign has quickly won the support of the business leaders in the Rio Grande Valley, the Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP) and the Rio Grande Valley Partnership.
COBIFER stands for Consejo Binacional de Fomento Económico de Reynosa. It comprises business and chamber leaders in Reynosa, along with representatives from universities and some government agencies.
More than 30 COBIFER members attended the meeting to watch and hear presentations from Mario Reyna, Adam Gonzalez, and Sergio Gracia.
Reyna is the point person for the Prosperity Task Force. Gonzalez is CEO of COSTEP. Gracia is publisher of Mexico Industry. Reyna gave an overview, Gracia presented a pdf showing the assets the RioPlex region has, and Gonzalez explained why COSTEP backs the branding initiative.
COBIFER’s president is Luis Cantu.
“We held this meeting to basically trademark this region under the RioPlex brand,” Cantu said. “We were hoping our members would acknowledge they are part of the project so we can go out and sell it. And they did, enthusiastically.”
Cantu said the reality is that northern Tamaulipas and the RGV are one region.
“We have a unique location, a unique infrastructure. It is just that we never figured out how to put it all together. Now, through RioPlex, we have the tool we need to go out and sell it the proper way.”
The presentations and the Q&A were conducted in Spanish, naturally enough. Here is an audio recording of part of Cantu’s remarks, plus the entire Q&A.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
McALLEN, Texas - CEO Group leader Joaquin Spamer recently sat down for an in-depth conversation about the new RioPlex marketing initiative with Rio Grande Guardian anchor Mark Hanna.
The CEO Group is an offshoot of the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force and comprises business men and women from the Rio Grande Valley and northern Tamaulipas.
When the CEO Group proposed a marketing initiative that would brand the Valley and northern Tamaulipas as the RioPlex region, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, founder of the Prosperity Task Force, was receptive.
In the podcast, Spamer went to great lengths to explain that RioPlex is not an entity and therefore would not be seeking to oust existing economic development organizations or regional chambers of commerce.
Here is an audio recording of the podcast.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - All the stucco on the outside of the new Hidalgo County Courthouse has to be taken off and replaced, County Judge Richard Cortez has revealed.
The reason is that water is leaking in between the stucco and the outer wall. Cortez says the stucco cannot be replaced at the moment because we are in hurricane season.
Cortez first revealed the problem publicly on a Rio Grande Guardian podcast with anchor Mark Hanna. He then gave more information in an interview with veteran broadcaster Ron Whitlock of Ron Whitlock Reports.
Cortez said he hopes the stucco issue will not delay the timeline for getting a certificate of occupancy from the City of Edinburg’s health and safety department. However, he does not know when that certificate will be issued. He said certificate of occupancy has to be granted before Texas Jail Standards officials can give the green light to county inmates being housed on the bottom floor of the new courthouse.
Construction problems have dogged the new courthouse for years. County leaders had hoped to have moved in to the new facility years ago.
“The best information that I can give you is information given to me because I don't have first hand knowledge of the status of the roof and the status of other construction,” Cortez told Hanna.
“So, I am relying on the information that has been given to me. The information given to me is that the courthouse is finished enough where all of the life and safety issues are taken care of. We're looking now at other things that need to be fixed. But all those life and safety issues have been have been completed. That's the good news.
“The bad news is that one of the things that isn't completed correctly and properly as it was designed, was the stucco. If it were to rain there would be water falling between the hard wall on the courthouse and the stucco.”
“We think it would be unwise to start fixing the stucco knowing that we could be interrupted with a hurricane,” Cortez told Whitlock.
Asked by Whitlock if he knows how much the overall cost of the new courthouse will be, Cortez said, not yet. “That is still a moving target.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - All the stucco on the outside of the new Hidalgo County Courthouse has to be taken off and replaced, County Judge Richard Cortez has revealed.
The reason is that water is leaking in between the stucco and the outer wall. Cortez says the stucco cannot be replaced at the moment because we are in hurricane season.
Cortez first revealed the problem publicly on a Rio Grande Guardian podcast with anchor Mark Hanna. He then gave more information in an interview with veteran broadcaster Ron Whitlock of Ron Whitlock Reports.
Cortez said he hopes the stucco issue will not delay the timeline for getting a certificate of occupancy from the City of Edinburg’s health and safety department. However, he does not know when that certificate will be issued. He said certificate of occupancy has to be granted before Texas Jail Standards officials can give the green light to county inmates being housed on the bottom floor of the new courthouse.
Construction problems have dogged the new courthouse for years. County leaders had hoped to have moved in to the new facility years ago.
“The best information that I can give you is information given to me because I don't have first hand knowledge of the status of the roof and the status of other construction,” Cortez told Hanna.
“So, I am relying on the information that has been given to me. The information given to me is that the courthouse is finished enough where all of the life and safety issues are taken care of. We're looking now at other things that need to be fixed. But all those life and safety issues have been have been completed. That's the good news.
“The bad news is that one of the things that isn't completed correctly and properly as it was designed, was the stucco. If it were to rain there would be water falling between the hard wall on the courthouse and the stucco.”
“We think it would be unwise to start fixing the stucco knowing that we could be interrupted with a hurricane,” Cortez told Whitlock.
Asked by Whitlock if he knows how much the overall cost of the new courthouse will be, Cortez said, not yet. “That is still a moving target.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez recently sat down for an in-depth conversation about county matters with Rio Grande Guardian anchor Mark Hanna.
Among the topics discussed were the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force, the RioPlex marketing initiative, the new Hidalgo County Courthouse, and utilizing jail space for county inmates in Willacy County.
Here is an audio recording of the podcast.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas - Construction is underway for yet another cold storage facility within the Pharr Produce Park.
The latest project sees Greenway Construction building a 50,000 square foot warehouse for its sister company, LakeWay Produce. This is just the first phase. The second phase will see it expanded to 94,000 square feet.
The new building is less than half a mile from another cold storage facility build by the same company that was officially opened earlier this year. The first one has 44,000 square feet of space.
LakeWay/Greenway held a press conference and groundbreaking ceremony on July 18.
“We believe in this region greatly because of all the potential and all the investments that have been happening in the last few years that have given us the advantage as produce companies, as a produce industry, to be more competitive, more efficient, and better positioned,” said Ramon Mery, CEO of LakeWay Produce and Greenway Construction, in an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian.
“So, as much as we believe in the area and the industry, we want to share those those goods with other produce companies like us through our construction company. That is why we are investing in a new warehouse here by the Pharr Bridge that will be also host other produce companies.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro held a Zoom call to discuss President Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race.
In a statement about the decision, Castro, a Democrat from San Antonio said:
“Nearly four years ago, American voters swept Joe Biden into office with faith in his vision for our nation. Since his first day in office, he has delivered. The Biden-Harris administration rescued our country from the worst pandemic in a century, launched a renaissance in American manufacturing, and made unprecedented progress to lower drug prices, support America’s veterans, and curb gun violence. At a critical moment, President Biden restored America’s place as the leader of the free world. He will be remembered as one of the most accomplished presidents in our history.
“President Biden’s announcement today is a fulfillment of his promise to be a bridge to our future. This is the decision of a strong leader who believes America’s best days are ahead of us. I am grateful to the President for his decades of service to our country and I look forward to working to elect Kamala Harris as the next president of the United States.”
Here are some of the key parts of the Zoom call.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas - Luis Bazan, director of the Pharr International Bridge, has given an early preview of the 4th Industrial Warehouse Summit, which takes place in October.
IWS is an event co-hosted by the Pharr Bridge Board and Pharr Economic Development Corporation.
Bazan gave details of the next IWS when he attended a groundbreaking ceremony for LakeWay Produce’s new cold storage facility in the Pharr Produce Park.
In an interview, Bazan was asked to respond to a statement Edinburg Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Raudel Garza gave to the Rio Grande Guardian. Garza said 91 percent of all industrial warehouse space is full.
“I can believe it,” Bazan responded. “As a matter of fact, back in late 2022 to early 2023 we got wind of some stories that were out there in the press about those specific numbers. We are pretty much at max capacity right now.”
It was put to Bazan that by the time LakeWay Produce’s cold storage facility is complete, the Pharr area would need more.
“You’re going to need more. You’re going to need the next one and the next one,” Bazan said. “So, what we did as a bridge back then, solely as the bridge, was, we put together the Industrial Warehouse Summit. IWS. We're going on Part Four of the series this October. And what we're doing there is we're bringing in the financial institutions, the bankers. We’re bringing in the industrial developers, the real estate guys, we're bringing in the investors and anybody else that's interested in seeing this area grow.”
The message at the 4th IWS, Bazan predicted, will be to start building more warehouses.
“W don't have enough. As we continue to push for more trade, as we continue to open the doors with more bridge projects and stuff like that, how are we going to be able to sustain that on the US side? How are we going to be able to sustain that on the Mexican side?” Bazan asked.
“We need the infrastructure. We need water, we need energy, but more importantly, we need to space. We need warehousing. We need distribution. We need better logistics.”
Bazan added: “We've been going at it for a long time. But it's not adequate enough for what we're trying to capture here in the future, particularly as we see some of the nearshoring or friendshoring opportunities that are coming as well. So, we're getting prepared for that.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, TEXAS - Pharr Economic Development Corporation President Victor Perez went off script to recognize industrial developer Joaquin Spamer at a groundbreaking ceremony.
The focus was supposed to be on another warehouse developer, Ramon Mery, and later in the proceedings it was. But Perez said he wanted Spamer to come to the podium because he, Perez, is a member of the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force and his EDC is supporter of the RioPlex marketing initiative.
Spamer started his speech by praising Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez. He said he was one of the first leaders in the Valley he partnered with. Spamer then went on to talk about “the port of the future.” He was talking about SpaceX.
“The only message that I have is that we have the port of the future because Pharr has a door to outer space and that door is SpaceX. And it is here. But it is not just at Boca Chica it is all over the region, on both sides of the border. What we are calling RioPlex,” Spamer said.
Spamer said RioPlex, a marketing strategy that seeks to promote the Rio Grande Valley and northern Tamaulipas, is not trying to diminish the importance of RGV Partnership.
“On the contrary. RGV Partnership has a mandate to promote the US side, just like COSTEP. The only thing that we're doing with RioPlex is naming the region from Roma-Miguel Aleman to Brownsville-Matamoros, on both sides of the border,” Spamer said. “When you put that region together, we have the port of the future.”
Spamer said he wanted to repeat a story he told the day before. The event was held at Harlingen Convention Center by the Prosperity Task Force and the CEO Group in order to promote RioPlex.
“I was explaining the advantages of the region together: 13 international bridges, led by the Pharr International Bridge, seven airports, four ocean ports. We have (a) 3.5 million population. We have over 100,000 students in college on both sides of the border. So, we have a unique region,” Spamer said.
“But I was explaining this to a friend. We will not name names. And I told him that we have the port of the future. And he said, what is that? (I said) we have SpaceX. (He said) no you don’t. (I said) yes, we do. It is in Boca Chica. But (his friend said) Boca Chica is next to Boca Raton. They actually think it is in Florida. And that just proves how bad of a job we are doing in promoting the region.”
Spamer said the individual cities in the RGV do “a very good job” in promoting themselves.
“And I commend Victor and (Pharr Bridge Director) Luis (Bazan) for what you do for the City of Pharr. And you do a great job. But it's like selling a store inside a mall. At the end of the day, you need to make sure that people come to the mall and that's what we're trying to do with RioPlex,” Spamer said.
“And we are doing it with the private sector, trying to support the local EDOs. Because something that I need to mention is that the EDOs cannot do it themselves. They need the support of local businessmen. And what I want to say is, if you are small businessman or a medium or large businessman, get involved. Get involved with the Chamber of Commerce. Get involved with EDC.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
HARLINGEN, Texas - When Mario Reyna, a leader with the Prosperity Task Force, made his opening remarks at a RioPlex event he described Harlingen as the center of the Rio Grande Valley and the center of the universe.
Up next was Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda. She was happy to receive Reyna’s accolade.
“Good morning, everyone. I like that welcome to the center of the universe. I love it,” Sepulveda said. “It's truly, truly wonderful to see so many innovators and leaders within community right here in the city of Harlingen.”
For far too long, Sepulveda said, people would think and talk about Houston, Dallas, and Austin when considering development and growth in Texas.
“However, we are now witnessing a pivotal shift, if you will, and all eyes are on South Texas. Our region is emerging as the new center of growth and opportunity.”
But, said Sepulveda, the region can only benefit if everyone collaborates.
“By uniting our efforts, we can drive economic development, foster innovation, and improve the quality of life for all of our residents.”
And as the region includes northern Tamaulipas, Mayor Sepulveda said, talks “must include cross border collaboration with our partners in Mexico.”
She said: “I'm so excited to see folks from both sides of the border here united in this room together with one common purpose and that is to ensure that both sides of the border are able to maximize and leverage the specific and special qualities that we have within each of our communities and to do that together. So that way we grow together.”
Sepulveda said it is all about harnessing the collective potential the region has.
“That is what we're doing here today. So, let's engage in this meaningful dialogue for this new partnership and explore ways to drive our region forward.”
Sepulveda continued: “Thank you all for being here in the center of the universe right here in Harlingen. Thank you, Joaquin Spamer (founder of RioPlex) for choosing Harlingen and recognizing that we are centrally located, and we are ripe for development. We want to make sure that everyone knows that Harlingen is open for business, South Texas is open for business, and we are stronger together.”
Sepulveda said it is no longer of value to say the city of Harlingen has a population of 80,000. “It is how strong are we on both sides of the border and that's three million strong.”
Sepulveda concluded her remarks by saying it is incumbent on everyone present to be sharing that story.
“To say we have the largest workforce in Texas right here in South Texas. We have a young demographic, we have plenty of opportunity, we are not landlocked, and we are ready to grow our community, and we do that together,” she said.
“So, thank you so much. I am excited to hear about all the wonderful work and excited to hear more about Rioplex, and to making it a reality. So, thank you so much. Thank you for having me.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
HARLINGEN, Texas - There was an absorbing discussion at Harlingen Convention Center over whether the creation of RioPlex duplicates the work of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership and/or COSTEP.
The discussion occurred in a Q&A session that followed a keynote address by businessman and consultant Rolando Pablos. The event was co-hosted by the CEO Group and the Prosperity Task Force.
Pablos wrote the business plan for BorderPlex, an economic development group covering the El Paso, Ciudad Juárez, and Santa Teresa region. The CEO Group and the Prosperity Task Force invited Pablos to speak in the hope that they could learn best practices as they develop RioPlex.
There is a big difference, however. The Borderplex Alliance is an economic development group that has brought tens of millions of dollars of inward investment into its region. The plan is for RioPlex not to be an economic development group but rather a brand name for the Valley-North Tamaulipas region.
The participant in the audience who kickstarted the discussion about RioPlex and its interaction with COSTEP (Council for South Texas Economic Progress) and the RGV Partnership was Greater Chamber of Harlingen board member Lizzy de la Garza Putegnat.
Others in the audience who participated in the discussion included Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza, RGV Partnership President Daniel Silva, and COSTEP CEO Adam Gonzalez.
Responding to the questions were Pablos, CEO Group leader Joaquin Spamer, and Prosperity Task Force leader Mario Reyna.
Here is an audio recording of the discussion.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
WASHINGTON, Texas - U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar says that if all the trucks that cross the border each year at the Laredo port of entry were lined up they would go around the world 3.4 times.
Cuellar, who hails from Laredo, Texas, was a panelist at the Mexico Institute’s 10th Annual Building a Competitive U.S.-Mexico Border Conference, held recently in Washington, D.C.
The panel was titled “The Border from the Congressional Perspective.” It featured three members of Congress from the border: U.S. Rep. Lou Correa of California, U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton of Arizona, and Cuellar.
The panel moderator was IBC Bank’s president for Eagle Pass, Hector J. Cerna.
In his opening remarks, Cuellar was dismissive of elected officials who come to the border region for just a few hours.
“Some folks go visit the border for a few hours and they think they know the border better than some of us breathe the air, drink the water, etc. etc. We understand that the Rio Grande, the Rio Bravo, doesn't divide us but actually unites us as two countries,” Cuellar said.
“And certainly is trade is very important as was mentioned a few minutes ago. Mexico is our number one trading partner. I'll give you one example about Laredo. If you look at the number of trucks that pass Laredo in one day, just line them up. They will go from Laredo up to 200 miles north of Laredo.
“If you look at the number of trucks that pass through Laredo in a month, line them up all the way to Rio de Janeiro. If you look at the trucks that pass through Laredo on a yearly basis and line them up, they will go around the world 3.4 times.
“And I checked with the CBP and the trucking industry to make sure I was right on those numbers. So trade is very important.”
Editor’s Note: Here is an audio recording of the opening remarks of Congressman Cuellar at the Mexico Institute’s 10th Annual Building a Competitive U.S.-Mexico Border Conference:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton of Phoenix, Arizona, says this is an incredibly important moment in U.S.-Mexico relations.
And the reason it is important is the nearshoring phenomenon.
Stanton, was a panelist at the Mexico Institute’s 10th Annual Building a Competitive U.S.-Mexico Border Conference, held recently in Washington, D.C.
The panel was titled “The Border from the Congressional Perspective.” It featured three members of Congress from the border: U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas, U.S. Rep. Lou Correa of California, and Stanton.
The panel moderator was IBC Bank’s president for Eagle Pass, Hector J. Cerna.
“Right now, this is such a important moment in US-Mexico relations, this kind of what I call the nearshoring moment. This moment that if we take full advantage of it, with tensions with China. Given that Mexico is now our number one trading partner overall, we can grow that exponentially if we take advantage of it and have smart policies on our side and smart policies on the Mexican side,” Stanton said.
“And there is opportunity with his new administration, if they get it right, to see that trade relationship grow exponentially.”
Editor’s Note: Here is an audio recording of the opening remarks of Congressman Stanton at the Mexico Institute’s 10th Annual Building a Competitive U.S.-Mexico Border Conference.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Rep. Lou Correa of California says the elephant in the room that no one talks about is the United States’ attitude towards Mexico and Mexico’s attitude to the U.S.
Correa was a panelist at the Mexico Institute’s 10th Annual Building a Competitive U.S.-Mexico Border Conference, held recently in Washington, D.C.
The panel was titled “The Border from the Congressional Perspective.” It featured three members of Congress from the border: U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas, U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton of Arizona, and Correa.
The panel moderator was IBC Bank’s president for Eagle Pass, Hector J. Cerna.
Cerna asked Correa to talk about a bill he had introduced about infrastructure at land ports of entry.
Correa responded: “I think there's a bigger issue here and I think it's the elephant in the room that we don't talk about, which is the attitude that we have towards Mexico and Mexico as towards the US. We're all interdependent.”
Correa pointed out that his grandfather came to the U.S. from Mexico around 1900 to work on the railroads.
“When you grow up you think you're the only odd duck with these characteristics. Then you find out everybody in the room (is the same). Orange County, California Republican Orange County… three quarters of the population (is Mexicano). We forget the historical connection.”
Correa asked, where does the border start and where does it end.
“Those relationships, those economic relationships, are deep and interdependency is the lifeblood of Mexico's economy. And now the US,” Correa said.
“We’re going to build a border wall. It has been built since the days of Clinton. It's a bad thing because it sends the wrong message, which is us versus them. But it's going to be built.”
Correa said Mexicanos, Latin Americans, Central Americans, don't want to be Americans. But they want the American Dream.
"We talk about the Chinese, the Russians. We can compete with them one-on-one. But it's up to us to figure out that roadmap. Work out a free trade agreement with China. Are you kidding me? Have we been asleep at the wheel in the United States? Then, only complain about what is going on in our own backyard,” Correa said.
“It’s our attitude. We're more focused on Europe, Asia, until we see a fire in our backyard. Then that's when we want to figure out, why did it start?”
Correa said the first thing to do is take care of business. He said the first order of business is understanding the importance of the relationship with Mexico and the rest of the Americas.
“USMCA is going to provide a tremendous opportunity to kick the tires, to see what's been working and what has not been working and to modify it and to begin to have that as a blueprint for the rest of the Americas in terms of trade,” Correa said.
“I've been talking to other countries south of the border. They want in. They want to work with us, as they should. And, ultimately, I've talked about what we need to do as a nation. We want to be leaders. Let's be leaders. We should have a Marshall Plan to restart the economy south of the border.”
Border Security? It is very important, Correa said. “But how you address it, the fundamentals is even more important and we are not talking about it. And I'm going to tell you, we are the reflection of our constituents. You have to help us plow the field, change the narrative. The narrative should be the bigger picture. Where are we going to be 10, 15, 20, 30 years? We can do better than we've done. This is not the US his fault. This is not Mexico's fault. It's all our fault.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
When I ran the Bob Krueger campaign, I was his campaign manager, San Juan had just elected a majority of city councilmen who were Hispanic. Because, let's face it, the white Anglo political establishment was running everything down here.
And when Bob Krueger put his campaign together, he put Juan front and center. And when they wanted to have a campaign meeting, all of Juan's people were sitting at the table because, somebody said it earlier, Juan just wanted a seat at the table. And once he had a seat at the table, hell, he was running everything. Let’s be honest.
I'm so proud that I got to be friends, not only with Juan Maldonado… you know, most people, when I ran for office, thought I was Hispanic. I'm really Sicilian. Thank God my name was Mauro because I would never have got elected.
But I am so pleased to have been a friend. You know, in 1972, when I was 23 years old, I worked for Ralph Yarborough and somehow I got named chairman of Young Texans for McGovern. And so from ‘72 on I got to see everybody in politics. And I'm going someplace with this.
You know, Billy Goldberg, Jess Hay, Mickey Leland, Ed Wendler, George McGovern and, yes, Juan Maldonado. He was a hero of mine. I knew a lot of elected officials who were a lot more powerful. I should probably put Bill Clinton into that category, too. But he was a real hero of mine. And you know what all those people have in common with Juan? And this is where I will keep it short. Juan was absolutely fearless.
I remember when I called him up on the phone and said Juan, a lot of people think a Democrat needs to run against George W. Bush for Governor but the polls don’t look too good. What do you think? And he said, you have an obligation to run, Gary. You can't (give Bush) a free ride.
Juan Maldonado was fearless. And he expected those around him to be fearless as well.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full commentary former Texas Land Commissioner Garry Mauro gave at a Celebration of Life event for the late Tejano Democrats leader, Juan Maldonado.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Orlando Campos, executive director of Harlingen Economic Development Corporation, made a pitch to potential investors from India.
Campos made his pitch at an event hosted by the Council for South Texas Economic Progress that was held at the Port of Brownsville.
Here is an audio recording of Campos’ remarks.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Businessman René Xavier González recently gave a presentation on the work of CODEM to investors from India.
CODEM is a privately run economic development corporation based in Matamoros. Gonzalez’s company, SIDEE Construction is a member of the group.
González made his remarks at the Port of Brownsville at an event hosted by the Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP). Also making a pitch to the potential investors were Brownsville Navigation District, Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, Harlingen Economic Development Corporation, and NovaLink.
On the same day, COSTEP also took the Indian investors to McAllen for a meeting with EDCs from the Mid and Upper Rio Grande Valley.
According to its website, CODEM has supported the most important economic projects in the region for the last 18 years. The nonprofit was “set up by local business men with the firm intention of promoting the further economic development of Matamoros and Brownsville.” The nonprofit’s objective is to “serve as a promotion, consulting and support organism that fortifies the economic and sustainable growth of Matamoros.”
Here is an audio recording of González’s presentation to the investors from India. It includes questions from the visitors.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Jason Wolfe, president and CEO of NovaLink, recently made a sales pitch to potential economic development investors from India.
He made his remarks at the Port of Brownsville at an event hosted by the Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP). Also making a pitch to the potential investors were Brownsville Navigation District, Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, Harlingen Economic Development Corporation, and CODEM, the private economic development organization from Matamoros.
On the same day, COSTEP also took the Indian investors to McAllen for a meeting with EDCs from the Mid and Upper Rio Grande Valley.
According to its website, NovaLink is “a leading outsourcing solution for companies looking to relocate or start up manufacturing in Mexico in a low-cost labor environment close to the U.S.”
The website states: “We at NovaLink are committed to helping our partners succeed in their manufacturing endeavors. Our company's success depends on the success of our partners, and our objective is to ensure they are satisfied with the service we provide for their nearshore manufacturing needs for years to come.”
Here is an audio recording of Wolfe’s presentation to the investors from India:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - McAllen businessman Michael Fallek says he fully supports the new RioPlex marketing initiative started by the Prosperity Task Force’s CEO Group.
Fallek was attended a recent meeting at the McAllen Country Club where the name RioPlex was adopted. The Rioplex region encompasses the Rio Grande Valley and Northern Tamaulipas.
Here is an exclusive interview the Rio Grande Guardian secured with Fallek at the conclusion of the meeting.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - On the day he announced his retirement as chancellor of Texas A&M University - effective a year from now - John Sharp was happy to recall his love for South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley.
In an audio interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Sharp recalled that back when he was running for office and he was in a bad mood, his secretary would change his schedule for the day and send him to South Texas.
Asked why South Texas is so special for him, Sharp, who was born and raised in Victoria, said: “I don’t know what it is about the Valley and South Texas. But you're exactly right. I'll tell you this story that nobody knows except my secretary at the time. But when I was running for office, and I've had been in a bad mood or whatever it is… you know, I'd be pissed off at the world or whatever, my secretary would automatically cancel whatever I had on the rest of my agenda and send me to South Texas. I’d go down to McAllen or Weslaco or Brownsville or go to Laredo… and it's just the warmth of the people in South Texas that just makes me love the place.”
Sharp said the region reminds him of his days in elementary school.
“It's a special place. It reminds me of the elementary school I grew up in. Lots of, you know, majority Hispanic students and stuff like that. Just good folks that were always warm to be around. I don't know how to explain it. I just love the place and I love people down there and I wanted to do something in that neck of the woods and I'm proud we did.”
Among the things he has done for the Valley are open a higher education campus in McAllen, start a workforce training program at the Port of Brownsville, start the Healthy South Texas Initiative, continue to support the Promotoras program in colonias along the border, and appoint Manny Vela as chief operating officer of the McAllen facility.
Asked about the Healthy South Texas program, Sharp said he knew from the very beginning it would make a positive impact.
“So, the first meeting we had, if you remember, we had a meeting in a Brownsville civic center. And we had it in a little room. We put out invitations but not too many. I mean, we just ran some stuff in the in the papers and a radio station saying, hey, if you want to know if you're pregnant, or you're going to be pregnant, and you want to know how to take care of your unborn child come here. Doctors and folks are going to be here to talk to you,” Sharp said.
“And Lord Have Mercy. I think it started at 9 or something and at 7 o’clock in the morning there must have been 500 people, maybe 1,000 in line waiting to get in. I'm going Holy crap. There were thousands of people that came in there and that's when I knew that there was a need for Healthy South Texas.”
Asked about its impact, Sharp said it is hard to measure but he knows it connects with many people.
“I think that it's made a big difference with a lot of people. People that have diabetes, to prevent diabetes. And to educate folks. I mean, we have a lot of people that don't have personal physicians. And so, they depend on the emergency room and it’s only when somebody gets sick… so they don't get that kind of advice.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Various economic development organizations from across the Rio Grande Valley recently made a pitch to three investors from India.
McAllen Economic Development Corporation had an advantage: it could point to a successful collaboration with an Indian firm.
McAllen EDC Vice President Ralph Garcia told the story of how Zoho, a billion-dollar tech company, was recruited to his city.
“They're a tech company out of India, a billion-dollar business,” Garcia said of Zoho. “They don't need to be asking for support. But what we did with them was very unique.”
Garcia explained.
“In visiting with them the challenge they were having (is that) they had purchased a site in Austin and were trying to launch that project there. They were having a lot of trouble, especially with recruitment competing with Tesla, Dell, and others, not being able to find that labor pool of people.
“So, they expanded that search and when they did that, they started noticing a lot of people coming from the Rio Grande Valley. Rather than uproot those folks, bring them to Austin and have them go into an economy that's already challenged with costs, they chose to come here instead.”
Garcia said that was when McAllen “got creative” with Zoho.
“We incubated them the first year in McAllen at no cost to them. We put them in a facility, set them up and they started recruiting and hiring people. Today, they have about 60 employees,” Garcia said,
“They’re still being incubated. But they're actually purchasing a piece of land here in the city where they're going to build a technology campus. And for us, that's exciting.”
But, said Garcia, it took effort on MEDC’s part to make Zoho feel at home.
“It took effort on our part also to understand that it wasn't just getting the big fish here. It was helping them find a way to be successful in the community. And that was really important to them. They see that relationship. They like the Valley. They like working with the other communities in this room. So, there's there's been some good opportunity that's developed with that.”
Garcia made MEDC’s pitch at an event hosted by the Council for South Texas Economic Progress. COSTEP brought three Indian investors to the Valley, with a morning gathering at the Port of Brownsville and an afternoon gathering at Casa de Palmas in McAllen.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
WESLACO, Texas - The Council for South Texas Economic Progress is working on an agreement with Startup Runway, a Frisco-based company that brings manufacturing and tech companies across from India.
COSTEP CEO Adam Gonzalez said his organization will make sure any potential companies are well-vetted. Then, he or his colleague Rick Carrera, the group’s director of economic development, will connect with economic development groups in the region to see if the companies are a good fit for their community.
Recently, COSTEP brought three Indian consultants to the Rio Grande Valley, including Jyothsna Kondapuli, executive director of Startup Runway. The consultants heard from the larger economic development corporations in Hidalgo and Cameron counties.
One of the Valley groups hoping to land an Indian tech or manufacturing firm is Weslaco Economic Development Corporation. In his pitch to the consultants, Weslaco EDC’s executive director, Steve Valdez, stressed the central location of his city.
“So, the first thing that we talk about (to prospective clients) is that we're centrally located in the region. If South Texas is one of your regions, then we like the fact that we're right in the middle,” Valdez said. He said Weslaco is popular with warehousing, distribution and food processing companies.
“I think our numbers are increasing in the Mid Valley because we're getting sandwiched in and now being centrally located means a little more because we're growing as a region all together,” he said.
With a population getting close to 50,000, Weslaco is one of the bigger of the small cities and one of the smaller of the big cities in the Valley, Valdez said. “We consider ourselves a small community but with large community amenities,” he said.
Most of the growth in Weslaco is happening in the north of the city, Valdez told the consultants from India. “Every five miles (in radio) we basically double our population,” he said. He also said Mid Valley International Airport, which is located in Weslaco, just received a $5 million grant to continue expanding.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The Rio Grande Guardian has posted a number of stories featuring support for liquefied natural gas export terminals at the Port of Brownsville.
Here are the links to a couple of stories featuring such support for the Texas LNG project:
https://riograndeguardian.com/serna-projected-revenues-from-texas-lng-to-cameron-county-over-19-years-is-76-7-million/
https://riograndeguardian.com/prestidge-texas-lng-will-have-a-massive-positive-impact-on-cameron-county/
Here are the links to a couple of stories featuring such support for the Rio Grande LNG project:
https://riograndeguardian.com/serna-projected-revenue-from-rio-grande-lng-to-cameron-county-over-31-years-is-262-6-million/
https://riograndeguardian.com/keane-nextdecade-has-set-aside-more-than-five-times-the-rio-grande-lng-plant-size-to-protect-wetlands-habitat/
Below we have an audio recording featuring local residents opposed to the two projects. The residents oppose the projects on environmental grounds and do not believe tax abatements should be given to the two LNG companies.
Their comments were made at a recent Cameron County Commissioners Court public hearing.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - The CEO Group, which comprises business leaders, entrepreneurs and bankers from across the Rio Grande Valley and North Tamaulipas, has confirmed its brand name for the region - Rioplex.
The announcement was made at a meeting at McAllen Country Club on Wednesday, June 19, with white T-shirts bearing the brand being distributed to everyone present.
The marketing effort has the support of elected officials also, such as Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, and Congressmen Vicente Gonzalez.
The ad-hoc CEO Group, part of the Hidalgo County Property Task Force, may now rebrand itself as the Rioplex Alliance, to promote the region on marketing trips abroad.
The group hopes to get buy-in from cities and economic development organizations across the Valley. It already has the support of the leaders of the Council for South Texas Economic Progress and the Rio Grande Valley Partnership. Both Adam Gonzalez, of COSTEP, and Daniel Silva, of the RGVP, attended the meeting.
Joaquin Spamer, president of Commodities Integrated Logistics, leads the CEO Group. He made an impassioned plea for the new marketing effort at the meeting.
“We're trying to make sure that all of us entrepreneurs, bankers and businessman, that we help in the efforts to unite this region,” Spamer said.
Spamer said the Valley’s economic development organizations (EDOs) have been doing a good job sticking to their mandates. “They're trying to accomplish their goals. The problem is that they're doing it separately. We can accomplish a lot more by being united.”
Spamer then ran through the numbers on how much Valley’s EDOs combined spend on marketing. He said it topped $115 million a year. “If you put it all together, the amounts are huge.”
Spamer said that with a much smaller budget, Avocados of Mexico achieve a much bigger bang for their buck. Their $55 million gets them national commercials during the Super Bowl and name recognition across the world.
“So, what is our problem? The problem is that we are spending a lot of money. We have a lot of people involved in economic development. We are not working synchronized. Everybody is working differently from each other. And that's what we're trying to accomplish today.”
Helping Spamer with his marketing pitch was Sergio Gracia Badiola, president of Mexico Industry. In a powerpoint presentation, Badiola showed a map of the Rioplex region.
“What we're going to do with Sergio is basically define our region because we have an identity problem. The Valley works like a 15-year-old with an identity crisis. We don't even know who we are,” Spamer said.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
ROMA, TEXAS - Adam Gonzalez, CEO of the COSTEP, the Rio Grande Valley’s regional economic development organization, has praised everyone involved in developing Las Americas Roma Logistics and Industrial Park.
Gonzalez attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a secondary Customs and Border Protection inspection station at the new park on June 18.
Gonzalez said the state-of-the-art 30,000 square-foot facility will ensure efficient cargo examinations offering dry and cold inspections, unified cargo processing, and USDA inspections.
The inspection station will foster the development of warehouses, manufacturing plants and other businesses related to the import/export industry.
“This is awesome. The inspection station will foster the development of warehouses, manufacturing plants and other businesses related to the import and export industry,” Gonzalez said of the park. “It creates a lot of energy and a lot of synergies for us to be able to attract new industry to the region.”
COSTEP stands for the Council for South Texas Economic Progress.
“Roma has always had a bridge but now I think this is going to augment the opportunity for industry attraction. The wait times here are not as bad as other bridges. This is exciting for us. I think all the people that have worked on this deserve praise, the bridge owner, the county judge, the mayor, the city commission, US customs. We are glad to be part of it.”
Interviewed after the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Roma Mayor Jaime Escobar, Jr., said: “This is a community I have loved wholeheartedly. I have grown up here so this is a dream come true. It is a game changer for Roma and the region. It is a catalyst for economic development. So, I am very proud of all the work that has been done in Roma.”
Roma is the nearest U.S. city to Monterrey as the crow flies.
“We are finally going to take advantage of that. We have not been able to capitalize and monetize that in the past. But now we are positioned - thanks to all the nearshoring - to do extraordinary things, especially in terms of economic development. The city commissioners, the EDCs, Mr. Andres Guerra (the port director), I am so very grateful for all the team work.”
In his remarks Congressman Henry Cuellar said:
“Thank you for joining us today. I am honored to join you for the grand opening of CBP’s Secondary Examination Station. The station inspects refrigerated produce crossing the border and will ease congestion at the port.”
Cuellar pointed out that the new 30,000 square-foot facility includes 12 cold bays, 11 dry bays, and overflow parking.
“This is a privately funded facility, leased by the City of Roma and operated by CBP. CBP has transferred their cargo operations to the station, where they will continue to offer Unified Cargo processing for all imports.”
Cuellar said the facility has an ANAM official from Mexico and a CBP officer working side by side, so commercial trucks only need to make one stop at the border for processing and inspection. “This is really important for the produce industry because it will make sure the cold chain isn’t broken.”
Cuellar said the city has also partnered with the Texas Cooperative Inspection Program, so it can assign a USDA inspector and offer an improved and smooth inspection process. “The improved facilities and connections will be crucial in handling the growing demand and helping the economy to grow.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
Judge Treviño, commissioners, thank you very much for allowing me the time to be here this morning. I know I don't have very much time so I'm going to jump right into this.
The first thing that I wanted to start off with was safety. Safety is our number one concern with regards to community, with regards to our employees, and with regards to the environment. There's a number of things that we're doing. All people on site today and all people that will be working in operations have a mandate that if they see something unsafe, they have the obligation to stop work. So, if there's a maintenance person or a person mowing the lawn, if they see something unsafe, they can stop work.
Additionally, all the tanks once are built are full containment tanks, meaning that if there was a rupture in the tank, there's enough space within the outer tank to hold 100% of the capacity of that tank.
Additionally, LNG is not explosive. It's not propane, it's not butane. It's not stored under pressure. It's not volatile. It's not flammable in its liquid form. It's not corrosive, it's not toxic. So, we have all of that and we're building the facility to mitigate risk to the community, to mitigate risk to our employees and to the environment. When you look at LNG ships, these are some of the most robust machines on the planet.
Editor's Note: The above commentary was provided by David Keane, senior vice president, policy and corporate affairs for NextDecade at a public hearing held by Cameron County Commissioners Court on June 4, 2024. The hearing was held to discuss amending NextDecade's the tax abatement agreement with Cameron County.
Editor's Note: The read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
Just to refresh everybody's memory. Rio Grande LNG leased a 984-acre site from the Port of Brownsville. The project will consist of five LNG trains. The estimated investment on the project is $18 billion with $12 billion of that being for phase one alone, with trains one to three.
At the peak there will be over 5,000 construction jobs or five to seven years. At full build out the project will have 437 permanent jobs with an average salary of $100,000 per year and the annual payroll will be $43.7 million.
Tax receipts are projected in Cameron County alone from expenditures in local businesses at $136.9 million.
Cameron County granted NextDecade/Rio Grande LNG a tax abatement in 2017 for trains one and two, for trains three, four and five. Cameron County approached Rio Grande LNG about considering some amendments to the agreement to smooth out the revenue stream for the county which would benefit the county.
And I'll pass this on to David King with NextDecade. But before I do, I'm going to show a slide. So, I wanted to show this, the list of taxpayers. That is the top taxpayers in Cameron County, and you can see there, the total assessed value on the top taxpayer, AEP Texas is $331 million. That's the current tax rate. The tax calculated revenue to the county would be about $1.4 million. The blue number there for NextDecade/Rio Grande LNG, that is during the abatement period. That is not at 100% taxable values. During the abatement period, for the five trains, they will become the highest paying taxpayer in Cameron County.
So, during the abatement period, I want to point that out again. So, you can see that the first year is $9.6 million, and it goes on to $4 million and it stays consistent. That's how we smooth out the revenue and about $4.2 million in revenue. So, they become the highest paying taxpayer in Cameron County. This is with the abatements and only during the abatement period. This number jumps up substantially after the abatement period is over.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Belén Guerrero, Mission Economic Development Corporation’s chief operating officer, recently spoke to investors that are keen to bring manufacturing and high-tech companies from India to the Rio Grande Valley.
The event was hosted by the Council for South Texas Economic Progress and was held at the Casa De Palmas in McAllen.
Guerrero said there were great opportunities for Indian companies to expand into Mission.
“We focus on four major functions: corporate attraction, business retention and expansion, incentive navigation, and business development within our community,” Guerrero said.
She also spoke about a feature of Mission EDC’s work that sets the entity apart.
“I think one thing that sets the Mission EDC apart from other communities is that we are very keen and very bullish on growing our startups and our small businesses within our community. We really have a tailored and creative approach to be able to assist businesses from the time of inception to funding, to growing. and developing into larger corporations with pretty large investments and job production.”
In her pitch to the investors from India, Guerrero also spoke about the 55,000 square feet of incubator space available at the Center for Education and Economic Development
She said tenants housed within the CEED building are “really set up for success in a space that is about innovation with like-minded companies that are on the same track for growth.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PORT MANSFIELD, Texas - Several tons of trash was collected during the annual Port Mansfield Cut & Beach Cleanup.
Hundreds of volunteers participated in the event Miller and Kathie Bassler began organizing 15 years ago with the idea of keeping the area clean of debris and trash from across the harbor all the way to the cut.
Dozens of boats owned by fishing guides, private individuals and from the assistance of a San Benito-based boat dealers, The Sportsman, hit the waters of the Laguna Madre with people on board and who spent several hours walking along both sides of the water way picking up whatever they could find.
A lot of the debris consisted of plastic and glass bottles, caps, jugs, shoes of all sorts, old gill nets, vehicle parts and even a truck tire with the rim still attached.
Once the trash was collected, it was transferred over two large boats and taken to a dumpster provided by the Port Mansfield Navigation District.
Students, parents, and friends all helped with the cleanup.
Andrew Butler has been bringing family for a number of years.
Two of his daughters, Logan, 11, and Morgan, 13, said they like to contribute because of their love for the outdoors and the wildlife.
“We like to help the environment,” Morgan Butler said. “We know harmful plastic is for the sea turtles.”
The Millers said everything went well even though attendance was down this time.
“We had more than 350 people saying they will be here,” Miller Bassler said. “I would estimate a little more than 250 showed up.”
Perhaps one reason that was attributed to the brutal weather and the strong winds pounding the area.
But on the day of the event, held Saturday, June 7, the wind came down but the heat started to pick up later in the morning.
The Millers got the idea for cleaning the area after Hurricane Ike trashed the same spots people have been cleaning since.
That was in July 2008.
They said they couldn’t let bad weather ruin the places they really enjoy.
Several small pockets of sand are frequented by the locals off the water way. So is the beach on both sides of the north jetty.
Many of the volunteers come from all the Rio Grande Valley and from as far as Houston and Corpus Christi.
The cleanup also is supported by dozens of sponsors that contribute with meals, lodging and supplies for the cleanup.
They included local and out-of-own businesses, energy companies, food distributors and many others.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
HARLINGEN, Texas - While there were a few surprising omissions in her 2024 State of the City Address, Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda did cover a lot of ground in her one-hour presentation.
Sepulveda did not mention the work of the Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce, Texas State Technical College, the Port of Harlingen, and Los Indios International Bridge. But she did feature UT-Rio Grande Valley’s growing presence in the city and the accomplishments of Valley International Airport, calling aviation director Marv Esterly, “Harlingen’s superstar.”
And she announced a new shark tank-type program to boost Harlingen’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
In a posting on social media after the event, Sepulveda listed the highlights of her speech. She wrote:
“Reflecting on last night… thank you for the incredible support - the convention center was packed and sold out for the second year in a row! Watching my son and his buddies join Father Alex for the invocation was a highlight of the night for me and set the stage for a memorable evening."
“Here are a few takeaways for those who couldn’t attend:
“Saving Taxpayer Money: $1.2 million saved through in-house projects including Hale Ditch, TXDOT Drain Ditch, Dixieland Sidewalk, Lon C. Hill Trail, Lozano Pond, and expressway lights.
“Grants: Applied for $93 million for city improvements.
“Sales Tax Growth: Taxable sales exceeded $1.6 billion in 2023, with expectations to surpass this in 2024.
“Lower Tax Rate: This fiscal year, we lowered our tax rate by 10% to 54¢ per $100 of valuation, the lowest in over 20 years!
“ Total Investment: Current and upcoming projects represent $237 million dollars, creating 430 jobs, and contributing $6 million in local sales tax revenue over the next 10 years."
In her posting on social media, Sepulveda concluded:
“Thanks to our incredible sponsors, no tax dollars were spent on this event, and proceeds will go to these wonderful organizations: Blue Sunday Child Abuse Prevention, Valley Haven, Inc., Sunny Glen Children's Home and the Junior League of Harlingen.
“Together, we’re making Harlingen a financially responsible and thriving community. Thank you for your support!”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service for the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
HARLINGEN, Texas - Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda says the South Texas border region does not get fair news coverage at the national level.
Too many of the stories are negatively slanted, she says, which is why the South Texas Coalition of Mayors is so important.
Ron Whitlock Reports interviewed Sepulveda on a range of subjects just before she went on stage at the Harlingen Convention Center to deliver her 2024 State of the City Address.
“Mayor Sepulveda, you are one of the driving forces behind the South Texas Alliance of Cities. Why is this group so important and what are its next steps in your opinion?” Sepulveda was asked.
“It's incredibly important,” Sepulveda responded. “It's important for all things RGV, in terms of making sure that we have a voice and a strong voice in Austin, have a strong voice in Washington, and we do that collectively by aligning ourselves to what is important for the entire region and making sure that those priorities are what are front and center when we're talking to our delegation, whether it be at the state or the federal level.”
Sepulveda said immigration is a good topic to look at.
“Looking immigration, for example… immigration can be a very hot topic button issue, but you have mayors from all across the region that can get behind the fact that South Texas is a safe place to work to play, to invest,” Sepulveda said.
“This community is not given enough good press, if you will, at the federal level when you're looking at, you know… you turn on CNN or Fox News and they start talking about what's happening at the border. We're at the border and we know no matter where you are in South Texas, it is a safe place to be, and we are a thriving place.”
Sepulveda noted that on his visits to the Rio Grande Valley, Gov. Greg Abbott says all eyes are on South Texas. “And that's because this is the place to be. So, we want to make sure that we are collectively sharing that message.”
Other topics covered in the interview included the state of Harlingen’s economy, Valley International Airport, Los Indios International Bridge, and supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Here is an audio recording of the interview.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - South Texas Manufacturers Association members heard about apprenticeship programs at their most recent monthly meeting, held at the Doubletree Suites by Hilton in McAllen.
The presentation was made by Dr. Carlos Margo, associate dean in the Office of Industry Training & Economic Development at South Texas College.
Margo gave an overview apprenticeship programs, including:
· What is apprenticeship?
· Components of Apprenticeship Programs
· Internal vs Department of Labor Sponsored Programs
· Challenges/Opportunities in Manufacturing Sector
· How to Develop an Apprenticeship Program
· Benefits of Apprenticeship Training
· Best Practices
Mike Willis, executive director of STMA, spoke about his group’s involvement in apprenticeship programs and introduced Margo.
Here is an audio recording of the presentation.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Adrian Villarreal, president and CEO of IBC Bank-McAllen, says the North American Free Trade Agreement - now known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement - has transformed Deep South Texas.
Villarreal spoke about his bank’s heavy involvement in NAFTA and USMCA while participating in a bankers panel at the City of McAllen’s recent 2024 MxLAN International Economic Summit. The discussion was titled “Future of Banking.”
In his remarks, Villarreal pointed out that IBC Bank has been around for about 58 years.
“We were organized, founded, born here, as a Deep South Texas institution. And so having that type of profile, it's always been very important for us to be champions of economic development here in this area,” Villarreal said.
Villarreal said that when he first started at IBC Bank, in the early 1990s, NAFTA was being born.
“I remember that there was this sort of electricity in the bank. There were trips being made to Washington, DC. There were executives from the bank that were participating in think tanks, in business committees and councils to give feedback on that original NAFTA agreement. And we're very much engaged in that.”
Villarreal continued: “As we know today, when NAFTA first came around, it really transformed this area. I remember back, growing up and we had double digit unemployment numbers. Today, here in the city of McAllen, I believe it's about four to four and a half percent. Incredible progress.”
Villarreal said IBC Bank played a key role in fashioning USMCA, just as it did NAFTA.
“Even in this last update, to turn NAFTA into USMCA, we were invited to participate, to be part of the think tanks around that.”
Villarreal said he remembers talking to the head of IBC’s international department (Gerry Schwebel) about the USMCA negotiations.
“At the very beginning of those negotiations, he was saying that the table was kind of pretty much empty. It was him, a bunch of policy makers and politicians involved. And then, as the agreement was coming towards an end, everybody showed up. Big Corporate America, big multinational banks, transportation companies, the automobile industry. Obviously, the table was full.”
Villarreal said he remembers Schwebel telling him a particular story about the USMCA negotiations.
“I remember him telling me a story that, around the table they were kind of looking at him and saying who are you? And it really wasn't a question about how did you sneak into this table? What it really was about is, how do you know so much? I think the reason why is because we take a deep commitment and being a champion of this area, being involved in this area and promoting economic activities that make a real difference.”
He continued: “Now, when you look at us transforming from an agricultural society to a trade society, now becoming a medical hub, and the growth in institutions down here, it really kind of started with NAFTA opening that floodgate.”
Villarreal added: “And so we take that responsibility very seriously, of being, just as all my peers here want to be, really good corporate citizens. And I think, overall, that engagement and being able to provide economic opportunity for everybody, I think that's one of the things that I've been the most proud about in terms of IBC Bank.”
Editor’s Note: Here is an audio recording of the bankers panel at the 20214 MXLAN International Economic Summit. To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service's website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas - Manny Vela, vice president and chief operating officer for Texas A&M McAllen, said the excitement in the room during a panel discussion about higher education at the recent IWS3 was palpable.
Vela was joined on stage by South Texas College President Ricardo Solis and UT-Rio Grande Valley Associate Vice President for Workforce and Economic Development Ron Garza. The moderator was Interlink Trade Service President Jorge Torres. The event was co-hosted by the Pharr Bridge Board and Pharr Economic Development Corporation.
“The excitement that you hear from us is real. The excitement, I hope, is palpable. But most importantly, I hope it's contagious. Not necessarily for you all. You already have that sense of excitement because you're here today,” Vela said.
“But spread this word. We are so well positioned in the (Rio Grande) Valley to do very, very well. To do even better than we've already done.”
Vela noted that he and STC President Solis were recently in Rio Grande Cit for an event hosted by Starr County Industrial Foundation.
“We were emphasizing to them… just look at the improvements that have been made in South Texas, the Rio Grande Valley, in particular over the last two decades with regard to socioeconomic status, poverty levels, those kinds of things,” Vela said.
“Oh my God, we are years and years ahead of where we were 20 years ago, in an incredibly positive way. And it's not happened by accident. It's happened by this and by this and all of us working together.”
Vela said it was imperative that Valley leaders work together. He recalled the statement he made when he was appointed vice president and COO of Texas A&M McAllen, just over a year ago.
“I made the statement; this is not the time to look at our world from an academic perspective through a competitive lens. My very good friend Nolan Perez is very fond of saying, we have yet to match the number of opportunities that we create with the immense talent that we have in the Rio Grande Valley,” Vela said.
“Until we do that we're not done. We're not nearly there. The time right now is not to compete in the traditional sense. The time right now is to collaborate.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story, go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas - Maroula Khraiche, an assistant economics professor at UT-Rio Grande Valley, spoke about a range of economic topics at the recent IWS3.
She concluded her remarks by saying, “the conclusion is the next five years are likely to be experiencing less globalization and more protectionism, which can damper competition.”
Before that Khraiche discussed inflation, interest rates, the federal deficit, the U.S. and Mexican presidential elections and how the results might impact the economy, tax cuts for the wealthy, protectionism, tariffs on Chinese imports, renegotiating USMCA, and globalization.
Industrial Warehouse Summit 3, or IW3, was co-hosted by the Pharr Bridge Board and Pharr Economic Development Corporation.
Here are Khraiche’s remarks in full:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
HIDALGO, Texas - The first cohort of students have graduated from Valley View High School with a high school diploma and a minor in Spanish from UT-San Antonio.
Valley View, one of the smallest school districts in Hidalgo County, used to have a similar tie-up with UT-Pan American and then UT-Rio Grande Valley. But these days, the emphasis on helping students that excel in Spanish is being championed by UTSA.
“We're so very happy to receive and celebrate this first group of eight students who are graduating with a Minor in Spanish,” said Glenn Martinez, dean of the College of Liberal and Fine Arts at UTSA.
“Our director of dual credit always says that dual credits are about more than credit. Dual credit is about creating a relationship, creating a sense of identity with the university. We want these students to feel that they're Road Runners from 10th grade all the way through graduate school. So, we look forward to receiving them on our campus and living in our dorms, eating in our cafeteria, enjoying our sports and our student life that we have prepared for them.”
Asked how the connection between Valley View and UTSA came about, Martinez said: “It came about from a personal relationship. I was employed at UTPA for nine years and began this program with Mr. David de Leon. I was recruited away from UTPA to the Ohio State University. I was there for eight years and then was recruited back to UTSA. And when I came back the first person that I looked up was David de Leon.”
David de Leon is a Spanish language teacher at Valley View. At a school awards ceremony, de Leon awarded Seal of Biliteracy certificates to the eight students. They are Mia N. Cruz, Learsey A. Escamilla, Pedro Espinoza, Sugey N. Gonzalez De La Llave, Sadrach Mancha, Orlando Martinez Cabriales, Nicole Montoya, and Jesus A. Treviño.
Luisa Saenz has been an advisor to Valley View on the Spanish Minor program from the beginning, back when the high school worked with UTPA. In an audio interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Saenz explained how the program about, giving a lot of credit to Valley’s View’s De Leon. Here is the interview.
Editor’s Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian news website to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas - South Texas College President Ricardo Solis says his college would be in a much stronger position to help the Rio Grande Valley grow if it was also operating in Cameron County.
Currently, STC is limited by statute to Hidalgo and Starr counties. But maybe one day that might change, Solis said.
“South Texas College by the way, we are just limited to Hidalgo and Starr counties. One of the days maybe Cameron County. Then we would be in a really big position (to help with higher education and workforce development),” Solis said, during a panel discussion at IWS3.
The 3rd Industrial Warehouse Summit was co-hosted by Pharr Economic Development Corporation and Pharr Bridge Board. Held at the Pharr Development and Research Center, the event was emceed by InterLink Trade Services founder Jorge Torres.
Solis appeared on a panel with Manny Vela, COO of Texas A&M University McAllen Higher Education Center, and Ron Garza, associate vice president of workforce and economic development for UT-Rio Grande Valley.
Solis said these are exciting times from the Valley, in part because regionalization in replacing globalization.
He predicted the Valley could become an economic cluster with Laredo and Monterrey.
“What better place to be? We are the most enviable location, the most strategic location. We are no longer the backdoor. We are the front door, the front yard of the largest economy on the planet,” Solis said, as he referenced the United States, Texas and Mexico economies.
Here is an audio recording of everything President Solis said at IWS3.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - A collaboration between McAllen Economic Development Corporation and a team of four marketing students from UT-Rio Grande Valley is already paying dividends.
The Xolat marketing agency - comprising Karla Medrano, Susana Ibarra, Melanie Garza, and Regina Cerna-Matamoros - was formed within the Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship on UTRGV’s Edinburg campus.
Medrano and Ibarra are seniors who graduated from UTRGV this past weekend. Garza and Cerna-Matamoros are juniors.
Xolat put their marketing strategy for McAllen EDC to work at the recent MxLAN festival and immediately recruited two Mexican companies for McAllen.
“The two companies coming to the McAllen area… they had never heard of us before. But, because of their (Xolat’s) marketing campaign, that they ran for us at MxLAN, we got two new companies,” MEDC President Keith Patridge told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
Here, below, is an audio recording of the interview:
Editor's Note: To read the full story, go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The City of Harlingen and Harlingen Economic Development Corporation are working hard to make sure access to capital is not a barrier for budding entrepreneurs in the city.
This was the message Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda gave when she appeared as a panelist at RGV StartUp Week.
The weeklong event, held at the eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization, was designed to foster and celebrate entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as help startup businesses in the Rio Grande Valley.
“I know one of the biggest barriers is capital. And so having conversations and having workshops and having conferences such as this… to be able to provide that opportunity, to make those connections, so that they (budding entrepreneurs and are able to access the capital, so that they can get to do the actual work that they need to get done is important and crucial,” Sepulveda said.
“And I know that that is a concern in our community. And… we'll have more discussions but through our EDC, we have been really focused on that to ensure that access to capital is not a barrier for entrepreneurs.”
Sepulveda was a panel with Daniella Lopez Valdez, executive director of the Mitte Cultural District and vice president of Brownsville ISD board of trustees, state Rep. Erin Elizabeth Gámez of Brownsville, and Ron Garza, associate vice president of workforce and economic development at UT-Rio Grande Valley. The panel discussion was titled “Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders.”
The event was co-hosted by the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation and UTRGV’s Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center.
Sepulveda said she was at a conference recently with officials from UTRGV. She said it was “mind-blowing” to learn that 99 percent of all businesses in the U.S. are considered small.
“It is truly important for us to foster that entrepreneurial spirit within every single person, whether it be in our communities, at the state level, at the federal level, it is our future as a country. So, I think it is it's truly vital,” Sepulveda said.
“And in terms of the future, I think I think that it is incumbent upon all of us to ensure that we are providing the resources available for all entrepreneurs to be able to reach their potential.”
In her remarks, Lopez Valdez pointed out that Brownsville ISD is the largest employer in the city, with 6,000 employees.
“We have 38,000 kids and we are making sure that in our career and technology center… 79 percent of our kids actually graduate with a career path that is (connected) to what going on in the local economy.”
Lopez Valdez said BISD has a lot of great partnerships with local stakeholders. She said Lopez High School will have the first pipe fitting class thanks to a partnership with a local company. “We're making sure that our students are prepared,” Lopez Valdez said.
Here is a podcast featuring some of the remarks of Sepulveda and Lopez Valdez from the panel discussion.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, Jr., won many plaudits for his first ever State of the City Address.
“Epic is an understatement when your mayor, John Cowen, rocks the 2024 State of the City,” said Brownsville City Manager Helen Ramirez.
The event was held at Texas Southmost College’s Performing Arts Center. TSC had never staged such an event before.
In his closing remarks, Cowen praised TSC and UT-Rio Grande Valley students for joining him for the address.
“Thank you to all the UTRGV and TSC students who are joining us today. This is your city and its future lies in your hands,” Cowen said. “I know the strides we're making today will be a solid foundation that helps propel the endeavors your generation will soon be taking on.”
Cowen said he is “immensely proud” to lead a city that “exemplifies resilience and dynamic growth.” He said the city’s recent initiatives “have successfully attracted a wave of investments that promise to bolster local businesses and create more job opportunities.”
Cowen added: “Looking ahead, I am exhilarated by the future of Brownsville. Our focus on technological advancements and sustainable development is setting the stage for a thriving, forward-thinking community of limitless mindsets. Thank you for attending our state of the city. God bless you. God bless Brownsville and hold on as 2024 brings our city continued success.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas - Steve Valdez, executive director of Weslaco Economic Development Corporation, gave a presentation recently to visiting national site selectors.
The site selectors were brought to the Rio Grande Valley by the Council for South Texas Economic Progress and Pharr Economic Development Corporation.
Valdez met up with the selectors at a breakfast event held at the Forum by Regency in Pharr.
Interviewed after the event by the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Valdez spoke about the key points he wanted to get across to the site selectors. Here is an audio recording of the interview:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas - Rick Carrera, economic development director for the Council for South Texas Economic Progress, recently gave an in-depth presentation about the Rio South Texas region to four national site selectors.
The event, held at the Forum by Regency in Pharr, was co-hosted by COSTEP and Pharr Economic Development Corporation.
In his remarks, Carrera said the Rio South Texas region, which includes the Rio Grande Valley, Laredo, and northern Tamaulipas, has “remarkable trade advantages. He said the binational region of the U.S.-Mexico border offers manufacturers the best of two worlds. Firms have the opportunity to work within two trade zones, thereby offering tangible returns on investment.
Carrera said the region also offers “unlatch” transportation and logistics infrastructure.
“Rio South Texas is at the heart of North America’s supply chain. You have access to the region’s 18 bridges, North American Class 1 rail network, deep-water seaports, interstate highways, regional airports, and a top air cargo international airport, providing seamless connectivity.”
Carrera said the region offerers immediate access to major trade routes on the east and west coasts of the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Carrera told the site selectors that the Rio South Texas region has a large and growing population with an extremely young workforce.
“With a growing population of four million people and an average age of 29, employers empower their businesses with a diverse and dynamic workforce, now and in the future.”
A brochure prepared for the site selectors said Rio South Texas offers:
- A strategic geographic location between to counters that leverages worker e talent and trade agreements
- A growing, young labor force
- Developed land and seaports
- One of the largest, trainable workforces
- U.S.’s lowest cost of living
- Synergistic manufacturing closer/process between the U.S. and Mexico
- Available land and wide open spaces for development
- Business-friendly environments
- No winter season, 365 fly days
Here is an audio recording of Rick Carrera’s presentation to the site selectors
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
DALLAS, Texas - Senior executives from two border-based banks were on a panel that discussed nearshoring.
Michael Scaief, chairman of the board and CEO of Texas Regional Bank, and Gerald ‘Gerry’ Schwebel, executive vice president of IBC Bank, spoke at the Texas-Mexico Business Forum in Dallas.
It was hosted by the Dallas chapter of the Asociación de Empresarios Mexicanos (AEM). The title of the panel was “Shaping the Future. Financial Services and Nearshoring Insights.”
Also on the panel was Rodolfo Hernandez Sada, executive director of international trade and agribusiness for Santander Mexico Bank. The moderator was Fernando Sepulveda, founder and CEO of Emtech and chairman of AEM.
In his remarks, Scaief spoke about disruption and risk. He also spoke about China getting a “foothold” in the North American economy thanks to manufacturing companies moving their operations to that country. But now, he said, some of those companies are coming back.
“What we're seeing today is a disruption event that is allowing the opportunity for Mexico and the U.S. to benefit. The question is, how long will it last? And what is the risk of us losing that down the road? What do we have to do today to preserve that long term? So those are the types of things that I'm thinking about when I think about cross border trade,” Scaief said.
"There’s a lot of nuances that go into making it successful and those are the guys that can do it.”
Scaief was referring to the bankers in his team.
“I am not the banker. Those are the bankers over there. Those are the guys that do it all. I'm the strategist. So, I can't give you a lot of insight on how we do it in Mexico. What I reflect on is history and how history is repeating itself over time,” Scaief said.
Scaief added: “What we're interested about are two things. Well, three things: disruption, risk, and certainty.”
In his remarks, IBC’s Schwebel spoke about his four decades in the business. He said much of the first 20 years was spent helping U.S. companies enter the Mexican market. He said much of the last 20 years has been helping Mexican companies establish themselves in the U.S.
Schwebel said he was more interested in doing business that resulted in long term relationships, rather than one-off deals. He said he sends those deals to other banks.
“In my 40 years plus of work, and I've seen a lot of changes. There has been a lot of changes, and it's all been for the good because at the end, as I said last night, it’s (about) the people, our customers, our employees. It’s that relationship that really builds and allows us to grow together and be part of that economic development and vitality.”
Schwebel said he would like those in the audience to leave with a particular thought.
“I would like for us to leave today with thinking that, in the competitive world that we're in, we're North American. We're thinking North American. And we need to understand that together as three countries we can compete and work together and compete globally, rather than competing against each other,” Schwebel said.
“So instead of saying, I’m from Mexico, how about saying we’re from North America and I'm creating jobs in North America, with companies in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. And vice versa, US companies thinking that I'm North American working with with Mexico and creating economic vitality with the whole North American region.”
Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service to read the full story.
Here is an audio recording of the panel discussion.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Ralph Garcia, vice president of international business recruitment for McAllen Economic Development Corporation, has spoken about new industrial space being created on the north side of his city.
“As we continue to grow as a community, one of the challenges that we have on the south side, being close to the border, is availability of real estate. And so the City took the initiative on the north side,” Garcia explained.
“They purchased a 1,200-acre site along with the McAllen Foreign Trade Zone. The FTZ purchased an additional 211 acres and it's right between an airport and an old military base.”
Moore Air Base is an inactive U.S. Air Force facility that was sold to private concerns and partially transferred to the Department of Agriculture.
“That airport is still used, so that's a site that we're promoting for new development, new projects,” Garcia said.
Garcia made his comments in an in-depth presentation to site selectors who were brought down to the Rio Grande Valley by the Council for South Texas Economic Progress. The event was held at the Forum by Regency in Pharr.
“We're currently working on a project for a high-tech facility that's being quoted out to several different construction companies in our area. It's about us $50 million or $60 million project we're excited about. We hope to get something going here pretty soon,” Garcia said.
Garcia also spoke about the McAllen Foreign Trade Zone. He said it was established in 1968 and covers 800,000 square feet.
“The Foreign Trade Zone really was our community trying to establish a base for industrial developments. The Foreign Trade Zone still caters to a lot of our industry. If you're bringing in raw materials from other parts of the world and you want to bring it into an FTZ without having to pay duties or taxes you can still do that,” Garcia said.
Some of the revenue the McAllen FTZ generates goes to McAllen EDC, Garcia explained. “Some of that we get to spend an economic development which is quite unique. It helps fund a lot of the things that we do.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
It is with great pride and excitement that I stand before you today for this historic groundbreaking ceremony for the new air traffic control tower here at Valley International Airport.
This project marks a significant milestone in our continuous efforts to enhance and expand our facilities to better serve the citizens of the Rio Grande Valley.
Over the past decades, Valley International Airport has not only witnessed tremendous growth, but also demonstrated a remarkable recovery from the impacts of the pandemic. Our resilience and ability to adapt quickly have ensured that we continue to serve as a vital link in the economic fabric of the region, even during the most challenging times.
The city fathers knew what they were doing when they made a decision in 1950 to form the Harlingen Airport Board. The board's organizational structure in itself has been vital to our growth, as well as admired by our peers.
Valley International Airport is undeniably a major asset for the Rio Grande Valley. It has enormous potential for future growth and expansion. It is poised to serve the diverse needs of our community for many years to come.
As we break ground on this state of the art air traffic control facility, we reaffirm our commitment to safety, efficiency and innovation.
The dedication and commitment of the airport board have been crucial in bringing to completion projects that will propel us and our success into the future.
I would like to thank our FAA partners at the Texas district office. We have (FAA Texas Airports District Office Manager) Anthony Bryant here today.
Today as we embark on this new chapter with the construction of our advanced air traffic control tower, we also celebrate the near completion of the new Runway Extension Project and the new special Category 2 instrument landing systems that come with that. We want to thank Bryan and the FAA.
Together these initiatives are set to significantly enhance our operational capabilities and ensure that valley International Airport remains the airport of choice in the Rio Grande Valley.
So again, thank you thank you to each and every one of you here in attendance today. This groundbreaking is about laying groundwork for new opportunities and continuing to dream big together.
Let’s celebrate the bright future that lies ahead for Valley International Airport, the city of Harlingen and the entire Rio Grande Valley.
Editor's Note: The above commentary is based on remarks Marv Esterly gave at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new air traffic control tower at Valley International Airport in Harlingen. Easterly is aviation director for VIA. The ceremony took place e on April 24, 2024.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - Bret Gardella, executive director and CEO of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, was in the audience for a presentation about the possible creation of a Greater Brownsville Municipal Development District.
The presentation was made by Brownsville City Attorney Guillermo (Will) Treviño at a breakfast event hosted by the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce.
Brownsville voters are currently being asked if they support the creation of a Greater Brownsville Municipal Development District (MDD). If they do, both Gardella’s group, GBIC, and the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation would be collapsed to make way for the MDD.
Gardella was not slated to speak at the event. However, Brownsville Chamber President Esmy Villarreal asked if Gardella would answer a question in the Q&A portion from Larry Jokl, a real estate agent and former chairman of the Brownsville Chamber board of directors. Gardella obliged.
Jokl asked if any jobs would be lost if voters said “yes” to the creation of the MDD and the termination of GBIC and BCIC. Gardella responded:
“So that is not my decision. I am not the director of the MDD. I have not been told I'm going to be the director of the MDD if it's created. So, it would be my anticipation, if the commission does create this, that they're going to combine forces. Are there going to be some redundancies? Probably.
“But, the nice thing that the mayor and the city commission have told both organizations (GBIC and BCIC) is that nobody loses a job. Nobody loses their title and nobody loses their salary.
“Now that does not mean they're all going to be combined under the MDD umbrella. Some people may transition to go to work for the city. So the goal is not to fire people, alright, to put people out in the street. The goal is to make sure that the resources, the folks, are brought together to do what is in the best interest of the City of Brownsville. How are we going to grow this? So that's what I've been told.”
Gardella stressed he was providing information about the two propositions currently before Brownsville. He said he was not advocating for or against them.
The election for the propositions is May 4. Early voting starts April 22.
Here is an audio recording of everything Gardella said from the stage at the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce event. The emcee is Esmy Villarreal, president of the Brownsville Chamber.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - Brownsville City Attorney Guillermo (Will) Treviño says he believes SpaceX’s rocket launching facility at Boca Chica will one day be annexed by Brownsville.
Treviño made his prediction at a breakfast event hosted by Brownsville Chamber of Commerce.
The event was held to discuss the two propositions Brownsville residents are currently being asked to vote on - the creation of the Greater Brownsville Municipal Development District (MDD), and the termination of the city’s two current economic development entities, the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation and the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation.
In the Q&A session, Brownsville entrepreneur Steve Perez referenced a map Treviño had shown in his powerpoint presentation. “I noticed on the map, the ETJ (extra-territorial jurisdiction) map, When do you expect for it to cover SpaceX? Because I didn't see it covered all the way to Boca Chica beach. That's my question,” Perez said.
Treviño responded: “I have an idea for that. But we haven't gone down that rabbit hole yet. And so I know that sounds a little like code. But, would I like for us to include SpaceX in our ETJ? Of course. If I could include it in our city limits and it was up to me, I would do it.”
Treviño continued: “The Texas Legislature has made it difficult for cities to annex, so you have to as a landowner petition to be annexed. We haven't received any petitions from the Musk Foundation or Elon Musk to move towards that area.”
“Will we be there one day? Yes, I think so. I think with the way infrastructure is needed in the ETJ, the regulations are needed, they're gonna want to be part of Brownsville city limits, and we'll go out there right.
“When you say ETJ, when we talk about it as our city growth area, that is where we plan to move one day, as annexation happens, or as we grow out that way. But it's a process. It takes time. It's not in the ETJ right now but it will be.”
Businessman and investor Elon Musk owns SpaceX.
In his presentation, Treviño spoke about what a “yes” vote on the MDD proposition would mean. With an MDD, the land in Brownsville’s ETJ would be subject to sales tax collections, meaning more money for the city. Currently, sales tax revenues are not collected by the city in the ETJ.
“The Texas Comptroller estimates $400,000 in uncollected tax revenue from the ETJ but it's not being collected by the city. So that's money that we're leaving on the table,” Treviño.
“There's been chatter and newspaper articles written about SpaceX building a $14 million Rec (recreation) center and sushi restaurant. The sushi restaurant is what's estimated to be about $500,000.”
That $400,000 will grow, Treviño. He pointed to a sushi restaurant SpaceX wants to build in the ETJ.
At the conclusion of the presentation, entrepreneur Perez again asked Treviño about the ETJ map shown in the presentation. He wanted to know if the sushi restaurant would be in the ETJ. Treviño said he would get back to him and the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
Treviño later emailed the Guardian. He wrote: “It appears that the shopping center is inside the ETJ, but the factory and sushi restaurant will be just outside. Still, great for the surrounding area and there is room for the ETJ to grow should the commission so desire it.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story, go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
Editor's Note: Here is an audio recording from the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce event of Brownsville City Attorney Will Treviño discussing the Greater Brownsville Municipal Development District proposition.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas - It is not often a mayor in Texas runs a video during his or her state of the city address that includes messages from eight dignitaries from Mexico.
Sometimes a mayor from the border region will have a video message from one or two of his counterparts in Mexico. But rarely eight.
But that is what Rio Grande City Mayor Joel Villarreal had in his recent 2024 State of the City Address. This, surely, is testament to how interwoven Rio Grande City is with its neighbors to the south.
Introducing the video, Villarreal said: “It is imperative that Rio Grande City continues to be on the forefront of international relations and the concept of near-shoring, which is simply bringing business operations closer to home to minimize supply chain interruptions. That includes faster customer delivery, faster market access, as well as operational flexibility, lower customs expenses, and the overall company's bottom line. So with that our City Commission… we have the vision to continue to promote and foster international relations.”
Here is an audio recording of the messages of goodwill that the eight dignitaries from Mexico delivered to Mayor Villarreal:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
Dr. Can (John) Saygin says when he gets together with UT-Rio Grande Valley President Guy Bailey, the discussions are often about ways the university can create visible societal impact.
Dr. Saygin is senior vice president for research and dean of the graduate college at UTRGV.
“So, any any topic I bring up with him, we always get to the point and say, when are we going to see this impact in the community?” Saygin said, in an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
Saygin said he had visible societal impact on his mind when he recently met with the South Texas Alliance of Cities.
“Meeting with the mayors, it's almost like starting with the end in mind. You can paint the picture with them and say, if we have the land, if we have this, if we have the economic development corporation working with us, we could build this infrastructure,” Saygin said.
“And then, when you go backwards, and you put in the layers of technology, people, and workforce development training. Then the whole formula looks very exciting.”
The South Texas Alliance of Cities comprises mayors from most of the big cities in the Valley, plus those from San Antonio and Laredo. The group met recently at UTRGV’s School of Medicine and invited Dr. Saygin to make a presentation.
Saygin said he took the opportunity to tell the mayors about UTRGV’s plans to become a leading research university.
“When I think about the research topics from genome research to cancer research, smart technologies for safer railways, sustainable agriculture, mental health initiatives, clinical research, well, these are pretty high-level research topics and UTRGV is there,” Saygin said.
"I tell everybody, we have R1 faculty, just the institution needs to reach the status of R1. So, explaining this to the mayors, they were very excited.”
Saygin lived in San Antonio for 16 years when he worked for UT-San Antonio. He therefore knows San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg quite well.
“So, we talked about UTSA’s success story how it changed the city. But the formula is a little bit different for South Texas. It's not just the verbal partnership, yeah, let's go ahead and do it with mayors, school districts, economic development corporations. We can go after big, large brands, and actually put words into actions and that's what I told them. And, actually, it was very timely because we are going after an Environmental Protection Agency grant proposal.”
Saygin said the EPA grant would involve technology and have an impact on the community.
“In order to make that impact, we need 100 percent the mayors’ buy-in. They have to support it. If they don't support it, our research is going to come to a dead end. So, they are true partners for us.”
Saygin said his presentation was well received by the mayors.
“We talked about what's next, what can we do. So, I pretty much talked about reaching out to their offices for letters of support. But not just letters of support, letters of commitment, which is the highest level of partnership,” Saygin said.
“And then we talked about involving the economic development corporations into our workforce development programs. They're already part of it but we need more expanded coverage when we do these things. So, they were very excited.”
Here is the full interview with Dr. Saygin.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The Port of Brownsville has secured more than $1.1 million in funding from the federal government for its Port of Brownsville Vessel Suitability Analysis and Feasibility project.
Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen, announced the award as part of $15,622,100 in Community Project Funding for the 34th Congressional District of Texas.
“The Port of Brownsville is the only deep-water seaport directly on the U.S.- Mexico border and is a key gateway for international commerce and shipping,” Gonzalez told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
“The over $1.1 million secured for the port’s Vessel Suitability Analysis and Feasibility Study is a crucial effort as it will increase the region’s, state’s, and nation’s economic development and ensure we’re ready to handle commercial demands for generations to come.”
Brownsville Navigation District (BND) Chairman Esteban Guerra said the Vessel Suitability Analysis and Feasibility project is essential to plan and prepare infrastructure improvements at the port. Guerra said the project will evaluate a range of nonstructural and structural options to support and increase the port’s capacity to accommodate larger vessels efficiently and safely contributing to a greater economic impact.
"Congressman Vicente Gonzalez time and time again continues to deliver for the Port of Brownsville and the people of South Texas. By securing the crucial funding for major infrastructure projects, we continue building towards a brighter future with thoughtful and strategic planning. Our Vessel Suitability Analysis and Feasibility project seamlessly aligns with our ongoing efforts to sustain safe, reliable, and effective infrastructure so that businesses continue to thrive," Guerra said. "On behalf of the Brownsville Navigation District, we extend our gratitude to Congressman Gonzalez for his steadfast dedication to the port, our industries, and the communities we serve."
Major infrastructure projects in progress at the Port of Brownsville include the construction of a 118-acre business park to support the industrial and manufacturing industries of the Rio Grande Valley as well as the Brazos Island Harbor Channel Improvement Project to deepen the Brownsville ship channel from its current 42 feet to 52 feet, Guerra explained.
Advanced Manufacturing Training Center
Chairman Guerra spoke recently at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new $30 million advanced manufacturing training center to be built by Texas A&M University. The project will take up 22 acres at the port.
Organized by the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, the center will provide training to RGV residents for in-demand jobs, while stimulating advancements in manufacturing through research and initiatives.
“As the leading economic engine and major job creator for the region, the Port of Brownsville understands the critical importance of developing a highly skilled workforce to sustain our existing industries and attract new ones,” Guerra said.
“The advanced manufacturing training facility exemplifies our dedication to creating career opportunities and fostering innovation in manufacturing. We are proud to partner with The Texas A&M University System to empower our workforce for the future.”
Here is an audio recording of Chairman Guerra’s remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - Dr. Can (John) Saygin, senior vice president for research and dean of the graduate college at UT-Rio Grande Valley, is going to be involved in the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium (TSIC).
TSIC was formed recently by Gov. Greg Abbott and it follows the signing into law of House 5174, otherwise known as the Texas CHIPS Act.
Nineteen universities will work with TSIC, including UTRGV.
The CHIPS Act established both the TSIC and the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF). Abbott said the purpose of the TSIC and TSIF is to leverage Texas’ investments in the semiconductor industry, encourage semiconductor-related companies to expand in the state, further develop the expertise and capacity of Texas institutions of higher education, and maintain the state’s position as the nation’s leader in semiconductor manufacturing.
“Texas is the birthplace of the integrated circuit, and we now lead the nation as the No. 1 state for semiconductor manufacturing,” Abbott said. “In the last legislative session, I signed the Texas CHIPS Act into law to help further cement Texas' position as a national leader in the semiconductor industry. We will leverage the expertise of industry leaders and our world-class higher education institutions to ensure we not only remain the best state in America for semiconductors but we become a global leader for semiconductor innovation. Thanks to the Texas CHIPS Act and the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium and the Executive Committee, our great state will continue to dominate in the semiconductor industry for years to come."
Abbott said the Texas CHIPS Office is a newly formed division within the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office in the Office of the Governor, created to provide support to the TSIC and assist in the administration of the TSIF.
Here is an audio recording of Dr. Saygin discussing his involvement with TSIC.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MERCEDES, Texas - The United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) Lower Rio Grande Citizens Forum board hosted an in-person and virtual public meeting on April 2, 2024.
At the event, held in Mercedes, Texas, the head of the US section of IBWC, Maria-Elena Giner gave a detailed update on the State Department’s efforts to get Mexico to sign a new Minute related to the 1944 U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty. Under the terms of the treaty, Mexico is seriously behind in water payments.
After Giner gave her update she took questions from the audience. She was asked why it is that Mexico has not signed the new Minute. She said, speaking personally and not for the commission, the delay is likely caused by the upcoming presidential election in Mexico.
Here is an audio recording of Commissioner Giner’s remarks about the Minute negotiations.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - A discussion was held recently on what can be done to fight back against the narrative that the border region is dangerous.
The discussion took place on a zoom hosted by Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez and the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force.
Former Texas Secretary of State Rolando Pablos was invited to talk about the work of the Borderplex Alliance, which works to bring new investment to El Paso, Texas, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, and Las Cruces, New Mexico. Pablos used to lead this organization and devised its business model.
Pablos was asked about the negative press the border region gets. South Texas College’s dean of liberal arts, Christopher Nelson, started the conversation.
“How willing are all of us going to be to sort of galvanize a counter narrative to what everyone else, everywhere else in the country is saying about this region?” Nelson asked.
Nelson said the narrative the border region is saddled with is extraordinary.
“It's a war zone. It's a terrible place to live. Crime is rampant. They're shooting fentanyl at each other with BB guns.,” Nelson said.
“Having lived here 20 years this is a fantastic place. (It is great) to live one of the safest places in the world to live. The border is not a problem to us that live on it.”
However, Nelson said, Governor Greg Abbott does not seem to agree.
“And the rest of the country, following the lead of that kind of rhetoric doesn't seem to think so either. So did you deliberately address that in your marketing,” Nelson asked Pablos, referring to his leadership of Borderplex.
Pablos responded: “So, quick anecdote. We discovered very quickly that the staff on Capitol Hill in Washington in charge of advising members of Congress about the border have never been to the border. They don't even know what the border looks like.”
As an education exercise, Pablos said, Borderplex started inviting the staffers to El Paso, couple at a time.
“You're absolutely right,” Pablos told Nelson. “They think that the cartels are overriding us. They think that we're a war zone.”
The biggest challenge, Pablos said, was convincing members of Congress that they would not die if they crossed into Ciudad Juárez.
“As a matter of fact, we took Senator Cornyn and his wife to Juarez. We walked downtown… just to prove to the world that Juarez was safe, right. So, you have to get clever.”
Border members of Congress can help educate their colleagues in Washington, Pablos said.
“On the private sector level, we engaged the U.S. Chamber, we engaged the trade organizations to also get that message out. And so it's a multifaceted approach,” Pablos said.
“But, you (STC’s Nelson) are absolutely right. The problem is that we start out as a deficit because of the perception that has been created about us, about the border itself. And people who don't understand the border, you can tell them it's the safest place, it’s the greatest place to raise a family. (But) you have to sell it, you have to get out there and that's the challenge. But again, coming together and having one unified voice will get the job done.”
Here is an audio recording of the exchange between Nelson and Pablos.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Texas A&M University’s South Texas Workforce Development Project at the Port of Brownsville will “train Texans to lead the workforce of tomorrow.”
This is the view of Gov. Greg Abbott, who spoke at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the $30 million advanced manufacturing training center project.
Organized by the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, the center will provide training to RGV residents for in-demand jobs, while stimulating advancements in manufacturing through research and initiatives.
“This new state-of-the-art facility here at the Port of Brownsville will train Texans to lead the workforce of tomorrow,” Abbott said. “Students here will be prepared for in-demand jobs and receive hands-on instruction on real-world projects that are often encountered by workers on the job. They will get the experience and training they need to excel in cutting-edge manufacturing jobs here in the Rio Grande Valley and throughout Texas. Texas is the economic engine of America, where workers know that they live in a state where they can gain the skills necessary to help build the future. I am proud to be here today to celebrate the new South Texas Workforce Development Project as we continue to build an even bigger, better Texas.”
Speaking to business and education leaders, Abbott highlighted the Rio Grande Valley as the epicenter of economic growth and innovation in Texas. He said this is where the next generation of manufacturing leaders will be trained.
The governor also touted Texas' booming economy, pointing to the state’s unmatched business-friendly climate and reasonable regulations that ensure “Made in Texas” remains a powerful global brand.
Additionally, Abbott lauded the state’s robust manufacturing industry, mentioning that Texas is the top exporting state for 12 consecutive years and the eighth largest economy in the world — an achievement that would not be possible without Texas' highly skilled and diverse workforce.
Here is an audio recording of Gov. Abbott’s remarks at the event:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Public health official Eduardo 'Eddie' Olivarez says the biggest impediment to a healthy population in Hidalgo County is substandard housing in unincorporated areas.
Hidalgo County's chief administrative officer for health and human services made an impassioned plea for tougher minimum housing standards at a recent AltaCair Foundation event.
The “cluster meeting,” featuring dozens of healthcare professionals and academics, focused on ways to improve the quality of life of colonia residents.
Olivarez said two environmental issues would help - public transportation and better housing.
“We need a public transit system that's functional, we are desperate for that,” Olivarez said.
But he spoke at much greater length about housing.
“We need a minimum housing standard. You're saying what does that have to do with health care? If you don't have a minimal housing standard, the county does not have building codes. We have no building codes. And the State of Texas Constitution does not allow that,” Olivarez said.
Inside city limits, stricter rules are in place, Olivarez said.
“You got to have a frame house… elevated off the ground. In the county, there are no rules,” Olivarez said.
“So, how are we going to improve the quote, unquote, colonias in our community? By developing a minimum housing standard. We cannot get healthcare any better without that, and I'm not talking about a big, fancy, subdivision, or a big house. Just four walls, composition roof, adequate sewer, either septic system or main sewer line, adequate water supply. But the main thing is the composition of the home, four walls, a roof.”
Olivarez said when there are severe storms, his team has to go and rescue families living in a house made of pallets and a tarp. Poor quality walls allow mosquitos to enter a home, leading to Dengue Fever, he said.
“If we get the rules in place for a minimum housing standard, our health care, our health future, will be astronomically increased because you're not living in those sub-poverty conditions,” Olivarez said.
Olivarez said the Legislature should allow counties above a certain population, say 500,000, to set minimum housing standards. He said he has tried for years to get such legislation passed but to no avail.
Former state Rep. Veronica Gonzales, now a senior vice president at UT-Rio Grande Valley, agreed with Olivarez that developers have always been able to thwart legislation aimed at setting tougher minimum housing standards.
Here is an audio recording of Olivarez’s remarks about minimum housing standards at the AltaCair event.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
WESLACO, Texas - Robots were on the mind of businessman Mike Hernandez last week.
The Texas A&M University System regent had two public speaking roles and on both occasions he mentioned robotics.
One of his speeches was given at the Port of Brownsville. Hernandez was on the bill when Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp announced plans to build a $30 million advanced manufacturing trading center.
The other speech was made in Weslaco, when Hernandez gave the keynote address at a Governor’s Small Business Summit.
Weslaco speech
Hernandez also mentioned Texas A&M’s advanced manufacturing training facility in his speech in Weslaco. Even though it is being located at the Port of Brownsville, it has big implications for the Mid and Upper Valley, Hernandez argued.
“Texas A&M has a big project going on in the Port of Brownsville. What we're building there is a huge workforce training center for advanced manufacturing and other skills that are needed for the industries that are going to be coming.
“But beyond that we also have an area to do R&D, research and development and innovation for the companies that are coming into the Port. And why is that important to Weslaco, what is going on at the Port of Brownsville? The future of the Mid and Upper Valley is basically getting into the mass manufacturing business.”
Before, Hernandez said, “it was all about maquilas and people utilizing cheap labor on the other side of the border to assemble things and put them together.”
But, things are changing, Hernandez argued.
“The future of manufacturing and really most businesses… is that things are going to be made by robots, not by humans. Humans aren't going to be putting stuff together. So, what's going to be most important are having people that can work on these robots when they go down because when a robot goes down for a company we're talking about thousands and thousands of dollars in losses, every minute that robot is down.”
Hernandez continued: “The reason I'm saying this is because the Valley for the last 50 years has been, for lack of a better way of saying it, nothing more than that truck stop. Goods are coming in, the trucks stop here, fill up for gas, buy a hotdog. Same at the Port. Goods come in, ships are unloaded, and reloaded.
“My vision and many other people's vision for the future of the Valley is that, for example, avocados come in and guacamole goes out. The raw materials come in here. We don't just fill up the truck and pass it on the way. We use those materials to make stuff.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
WESLACO, Texas - Robots were on the mind of businessman Mike Hernandez last week.
The Texas A&M University System regent had two public speaking roles and on both occasions he mentioned robotics.
One of his speeches was given at the Port of Brownsville. Hernandez was on the bill when Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp announced plans to build a $30 million advanced manufacturing trading center.
The other speech was made in Weslaco, when Hernandez gave the keynote address at a Governor’s Small Business Summit.
Brownsville speech
In his speech at the Port of Brownsville, Hernandez said the new training facility was important because “the jobs in the future are going to come down a lot to… what I have distilled it down to, robotics.”
Hernandez said that no matter what industry you look at, “there is going to be a robotics involvement.”
He said: “So, if that's the future, we need engineers to be able to design these things (robots). We also need some hands-on people that have IT skills and also can turn a wrench and fix something.”
Hernandez said these are very much new skill sets.
“It has come about due to all the technology changes and advances that we've had. And Texas A&M is here to make sure on the workforce training side that we're on the cutting edge of that so that our workforce here has the tools and skills that no one else has in the country.”
Another part of the training facility will be geared towards research and development, Hernandez said.
“For companies that are here and future companies that are coming, (it is important) that they know Texas A&M is here to help them with their R&D needs. And with all those things, our hope is to create an economic development boom starting right here at the Port of Brownsville.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - Dr. Can Saygin says a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to UT-Rio Grande Valley is a significant step towards moving the university to Carnegie R1 status.
Saygin is a senior vice president for research and dean of the graduate college at UTRGV.
R1 signifies that a university has “Very High Research Activity.”
The $5 million grant, awarded by the Biden-Harris Administration, is part of a $93 million initiative funded under the U.S. Department of Education's Research and Development Infrastructure (RDI) program.
In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Saygin pointed out that UTRGV is one of only two Texas institutions to receive the award. The other is Texas Southern University.
Saygin said the grant extends beyond achieving R1 status. He said it reinforces UTRGV’s commitment to the community in addressing regional challenges and contributing to the global economy.
“It marks a pivotal moment in our strategic expansion, including increasing successful grant proposals, increasing research expenditures, broadening our research base and strengthening our doctoral pipeline,” Saygin said.
The four-year project runs from September 2024 through August 2028 and focuses on critical improvements to research infrastructure, research development and student support.
Saygin said the funding not only will strengthen UTRGV's research infrastructure, but also will provide competitive graduate assistantships, support for postdoctoral researchers, and faculty-led research projects, which will further improve its Carnegie metrics, including total research expenditures and doctoral degrees.
“This grant serves as a catalyst for our 'Target Carnegie R1' plan, directly contributing to our strategic efforts in research development and enhancement,” Saygin said.
“By investing in these key areas, we are not only advancing our university's research capabilities, but also significantly enriching the academic and professional environment for our students, faculty and staff.”
Moreover, Saygin said, the grant will position UTRGV as a center for innovation, focusing on seven research pathways, from Human Health to Space Sciences to Societal Transformations.
UTRGV's faculty and research staff will benefit from a robust support system, Saygin believes. He said this will include a research fellow program, tailored mentorship and grant writing services, all aimed at fostering research productivity and increasing funding opportunities.
Here is the interview with Dr. Saygin:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - Recently, Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force invited Rolando Pablos, former leader of Borderplex Alliance, to participate in a zoom conversation about regional collaboration.
Borderplex links the cities of El Paso, Texas, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, and Las Cruces, New Mexico and brings in hundreds of millions of dollars of investment to boost their region.
In his remarks, Pablos acknowledged there was some resistance at first to setting up such a broad, regional, group, in part because it meant collapsing other organizations.
Adam Gonzalez, CEO of the South Texas Council for Economic Progress (COSTEP), was on the zoom call. After listening to Pablos’ remarks, Gonzalez warned against completely adopting the Borderplex model.
“So, the idea that Rolando Pablos mentioned about collapsing all the rest of the organizations, I think it's going to be a lot more of a difficult task for us because it wouldn't just be collapsing COSTEP or collapsing the (Rio Grande) Partnership and joining in one organization,” Gonzalez said.
“Just in Hidalgo County, as the judge (Richard Cortez) said, you have 22 municipalities, potentially 22 EDOs (economic development organizations) that we would need to agree to collapse and merge into one. And that's just one county.”
Gonzalez said it is a challenge to create economic development unity in a region as big as the Rio Grande Valley and North Tamaulipas. However, he said he was confident it could be achieved.
“I think it can be done. And I think we need to take baby steps. And I think the fact that we are creating a regional brand that everybody's going to embrace, I think is the first step.”
Here are the remarks Gonzalez made on the zoom:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño says the $18 million primary lane expansion project at Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates is of regional, national, and international significance.
Of the $18 million, $10.6 million came through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Treviño oversaw a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the project on April 3. Among the other speakers at the event were U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, Jared Bradley, the U.S. General Services Administration’s deputy regional commissioner, and Michael Reyes, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s acting port director for Brownsville.
“The Veterans International Bridge is a partnership between Cameron County and the City of Brownsville,” Treviño said.
“As the starting point of I-69 East, the Veterans international Bridget at Los Tomates has facilitated the movement of passenger and commercial vehicles between Brownsville and Matamoros for over 30 years.
"With the completion of the project we will now increase the capacity for passenger vehicles entering the United States at the Veterans International Bridge with the addition of four Customs and Border Protection primary inspection lanes.
"The new Headhouse and enhanced security features will now allow CBP to operate the Port of Entry with more efficiency.
“These additional lanes have now completed a gap that was included in the original General Services Administration’s master plan for the Los Tomates Border Station and a total project cost of $18 million.
“Funding for the project was made possible through the Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization’s allocation of Category 7 federal funds and local contributions.
“The Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates project is a demonstration of the innovative partnership between Cameron County, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. General Services Administration, the Texas Department of Transportation, and Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority, coming together to complete a project of regional, national and international significance.”
Here is an audio recording of the remarks of Treviño, Cornyn, Gonzalez, Bradley, and Reyes at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - Jaime Longoria is executive director of Hidalgo County Community Service Agency.
Recently, Longoria participated in a zoom meeting organized by Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force. The task force was set up by Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez to address poverty in the county.
In his remarks on the zoom call, Longoria spoke about an event he organized to help around 500 workers who are about to lose their jobs at the sugar mill in Santa Rosa. The cooperative that runs the sugar mill is closing operations due to a lack of irrigation water.
The meeting Longoria set up was held at the city hall in La Villa. It was held to launch Operation Soft Landing and was billed as the Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers Resource Fair.
“So, we put together under the auspices of the Prosperity Task Force, really a kind of a strike team of agencies that went out… it wasn’t just a resource fair, it wasn't just where we offer people benefits as we like to call them in social services. But, we actually offered them opportunities to apply for jobs on the spot,” Longoria said.
The local workforce board was present, along with different social service agencies, and educational institutions like South Texas College and Texas State Technical College.
“We offered, really, hope for many of those families that came in,” Longoria said. "We hope to head off what I called it in the paper the bumps and bruises associated with unemployment and being displaced.”
Longoria said that even after the event he still had employers calling his office offering positions and assistance to the displaced workers, be they trained or unskilled.
“We're really excited about that,” Longoria said.
Here is an audio recording of the remarks Longoria made at the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force zoom meeting.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MERCEDES, Texas - Dire is how the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission is describing the water situation along the Texas Mexico border.
Periods of droughts plus a debt Texas’ neighbor south of the Rio Grande has concerning water is creating a crisis that is set to intensify if a solution is not resolved soon.
More than 300,000 people living along the border from El Paso to Brownsville are already feeling the impact and things could get worse as summer approaches.
Maria-Elena Giner, the US commissioner for the IBWC, described the situation as dire in light of Mexico’s water debt with Texas which today stands at some 750,000 acre-feet of water.
“The lack of rain is a reason,” Giner said, during a citizens forum held Tuesday, April 2, at the IBWC Field Office in Mercedes, “but the delivery (issue) has made it more difficult.”
A 1944 treaty between the two countries set a framework for sharing water from the Colorado and Rio Grande rivers.
Under it, Mexico was guaranteed an annual quantity of 1.5 million acre-feet of water from the Colorado River and committed the country to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet to the U.S. every five years.
Under the current five-year cycle, however, Mexico, has a shortfall of nearly a three quarter of a million acre-feet.
And to take care of this matter, Mexico needs to sign a document called a Minute stating it will fulfil its water obligation.
The issue has been so profound that elected representatives from Texas to Washington, D.C. have been pressing the Mexican government to abide by its contract.
They include U.S. Reps. Vicente Gonzalez, Monica de la Cruz, and Henry Cuellar, and even U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
According to an unconfirmed report, Blinken’s Mexican counterpart, Alicia Barcena, has said they will sign the Minute but there has been no new development on this matter.
Giner said the water levels at both Amistad and Falcon dams are also dire, adding the chances for Mexico to have wild water, or water spilling over a reservoir, are nil today.
In the meantime, farmers and people living along the Texas border will keep facing hard days ahead if the water issue is not revolved soon.
Some municipalities are already implementing Phase 2 in their water plans which call for restricted usage.
Farmers and growers are not getting enough water to irrigate their fields, which they usually buy through the many water districts found throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
The crisis reportedly led to the closing of Texas’ only sugarcane mill in Santa Rosa, leaving hundreds of people without jobs and causing millions of dollars to the economy in losses.
Keith Patridge, president and CEO of McAllen Economic Development Corporation, said the water issue has to be addressed regardless of what Mexico is doing.
“We need to start looking at other alternative sources of water,” he said. “I understand salt water is one but it’s more costly that brackish water.”
The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service also caught up with Commissioner Giner at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for an expansion project at Brownsville's Veterans International Bridge.
Giner said Mexico is likely praying for a hurricane.
"The volume is so large at this point, they are 750,000 acre feet behind. At this rate, it's gonna be close to a million if we don't get serious deliveries," Giner said.
Here is an audio recording of the interview.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
LAREDO, Texas - U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar says his push to get Hispanic Serving Institutions equal footing with Historically Black Colleges and Universities has pulled in hundreds of millions of dollars.
Cuellar, a senior member of the House appropriations committee, gave an exclusive interview to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service about this push, along with news of the latest appropriations bill, which contains major wins for South Texas colleges and universities.
“Higher Ed has always been very important. So, what I've been doing since I've been a member of the appropriations (committee, is) I’ve added literally hundreds of millions of dollars into developing Hispanic Serving Institutions, which serves UTRGV, South Texas College and so many universities and colleges in Texas and across the country,” Cuellar said.
“So that is one thing I have focused on, (to) put money in there. But, on top of that, I went through the appropriations (process) and I did something that has not been done before - and I started this years ago - and that is making sure that every appropriation bill, if they do research, that they also include Hispanic Serving Institutions.”
Cuellar cited examples such as the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Defense.
“I added language there to make sure that monies would go not only to Historically Black Colleges but also to Hispanic Serving Institutions. So that opened up the door for a lot of research dollars from agencies that might have not been there in the past.”
Another thing Cuellar is proud of is getting the National Science Foundation to change its policies.
“There was a program that was set up for Historically Black Colleges. So, when I tried to add the language, the director called me up and said how we can do this? I said, why can’t we have the same type of funding (that goes to) Historically Black Colleges for Hispanic Serving Institutions?
“And she basically told me, ‘No, we can't do that because Hispanics are not monolithic. You’ve got Mexican Americans and Puerto Ricans and Cubans.’ And I said, it doesn't matter.
"So, they resisted for a while, but we finally got it done. And so now, at the National Science Foundation, there's a fund for Hispanic Serving Institutions. It took me a year or so to get it done, but I got it done.”
Here is an audio version of the exclusive interview with Congressman Cuellar:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Two of the three leaders of the Texas Workforce Commission attended South Texas College’s 2024 Workforce Summit.
They were Joe Esparza, who serves as the commissioner representing employers on the TWC board, and Alberto Treviño III, who serves as the commissioner representing labor on the board.
The two workforce development experts spoke on a panel titled: Microcredentials, Credentials of Value, Industry-Recognized Credentials and What They Mean for Employability and Living Wages. The moderator was Lone Star National Bank Executive Vice President Julian Alvarez, himself a former TWC commissioner.
After the panel discussion had ended one question was taken from the audience. It came from Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez but it was more of a statement. Cortez said he wished the local workforce commissions had more leeway in how they were allowed to spend their money. He said the Rio Grande Valley is unique and as a result, the local workforce groups should have more discretion on what can do with the funds sent down by the state.
Here are the biographies of the two commissioners that spoke:
Alberto Treviño III
Alberto Treviño III serves as the Commissioner Representing Labor for the Texas Workforce Commission. Governor Greg Abbott appointed him to the three-member Commission on January 9, 2023.
Prior to his appointment, Commissioner Treviño of Harlingen served as a retired U.S. Border Patrol agent. Treviño has nearly 33 years of combined law enforcement and border patrol experience, with 21 years of service to Local 3307 of the National Border Patrol Council (NBPC), where he served as executive vice president, and later, as treasurer.
Prior to NBPC, Commissioner Treviño served as a police instructor, background investigator, and patrol officer for the Harlingen Police Department. He is a 3rd degree knight of the Knights of Columbus, former member of the City of Harlingen Tennis Advisory Board, and former volunteer for Little League Baseball.
Treviño received an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Texas Southmost College.
Joe Esparza
Joe Esparza currently serves as the Commissioner Representing Employers for the Texas Workforce Commission. Governor Abbott appointed him to the three-member commission on November 7, 2023.
In his role, Commissioner Esparza serves as an advocate for over 660,000 Texas employers and over 3 million small businesses. He and his team serve as a key resource for all Texas employers to help businesses grow and thrive in Texas.
Prior to his appointment, Commissioner Esparza was sworn in as Texas Deputy Secretary of State on December 14, 2018. In addition, Esparza previously served as a Senior Appointments Manager in the office of the Governor, overseeing numerous gubernatorial appointments during Governor Abbott's first term.
A graduate of Texas Tech University, Esparza earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications. Esparza received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Marine Corps and is a Veteran of the Global War on Terrorism, having served in Iraq.
South Texas College’s 2024 Workforce Summit was held in the Student Union Building of STC’s Pecan Campus in McAllen.
Here is an audio recording of everything the two workforce commissioners said on the panel.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - La representante federal Mónica De la Cruz, de Edinburg dio la respuesta oficial republicana en español al discurso sobre el estado de unión de 2024 del presidente Biden. Michelle Vallejo de Alton, el rival del partido demócrata De la Cruz, respondió a los comentarios de la congresista.
Aquí están sus comentarios:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
RAYMONDVILLE, Texas - Raise Your Hand Texas, a nonprofit group that supports public education, recently hosted a forum in Raymondville for the candidates running for Texas House District 37.
Four candidates appeared, all Democrats. They were Ruben Cortez, Jonathan Gracia, Carol Lynn Sanchez, and Alex Dominguez. Incumbent state Rep. Janie Lopez, R-San Benito, did not attend. The moderator was Rio Grande Valley education leader George McShan.
Perhaps the most striking part of the one and a half hours of discussion came when Cortez was asked a question about full state funding for Pre-K education. Cortez, a former member of the State Board of Education, said the reason it has not happened is due to racism.
Cortez said: “The majority population of kids in public school today are Latino. They they are Hispanic kids, the majority of our students, and I continue to believe that some of our top leaders try to create this institutional racism that we have to keep our people down and we need to fight against these things. And universal Pre-K would only help in this.”
In the HD 37 primary election, Sanchez came fourth and Dominguez third. Cortez came in first and Gracia second. As none of the candidates secured more than 50 percent of the vote a runoff was triggered. It will be between Cortez and Gracia.
Now that there is a runoff, the Rio Grande Guardian has edited audio from the forum to only include the opening and closing remarks of Cortez and Gracia, plus the questions posed by McShan and the responses of Cortez and Gracia.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas - The Rio Grande Valley is no longer a secret to the big franchise stores. They know about the region and they want to be here.
This is the view of Daniel Galvan, principal broker at Coldwell Banker Commercial-Rio Grande Valley.
CBC-RGV is a full-service real estate firm based in McAllen that services all of South Texas.
Galvan gave his analysis of the current state of real estate in the RGV at a recent Rio Grande Valley Partnership 2024 Leadership Class event. It was held at the Center for Education & Economic Development in Mission.
“We used to be a little bit of a secret down here, right? Not anymore. We're on everybody's radar. Everybody wants to be here. We have a list of franchises that want to be in our market, but don't have franchising. It is just another testament to the strength of our region,” Galvan said.
Galvan told the Partnership’s latest leadership class that real estate in the RGV is “special and unique.”
He said: “If you watch the financial news, it paints a totally different picture than the picture that we've got going on in the Rio Grande Valley. There are external forces contributing to the Rio Grande Valley that can make us very resistant to recession when the rest of the country is actually feeling recession, right? And so we're very lucky to have some of the best real estate market conditions in the country.”
Galvan said the demand for retail space and commercial pad sides in the Valley has never been higher. He said everything that is being built is quickly being leased.
“That's a testament to the demand. There is an extremely high demand for commercial land and retail in the space.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, Jr., spoke at a press conference held at the Border Patrol Station in Brownsville on Feb. 29, 2024.
Cowen joined President Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas at the conference, having earlier received a briefing from Border Patrol officials at the border, as well as immigration, law enforcement and asylum officers.
At a press conference with Biden, Cowen spoke about Brownsville’s approach to migrants passing through his city. He said the policy, known as the Brownsville Model, is humane and efficient.
Here are Cowen's remarks in full:
My name is John Cowen and I am the Mayor of the City of Brownsville. Mr. President, thank you for visiting our beautiful city, the largest city in the Rio Grande Valley.
I believe I speak for all of the elected officials here when I say it's an honor to have you here. We stand united in our commitment to protect our communities, secure our border and uphold our values. I'm a member of the South Texas Alliance of Cities, a group of mayors from South Texas communities. We work in partnership with the federal government, local law enforcement, and nonprofits to address the challenges created by the border issue.
We understand the complexities, the diversity of thought on possible solutions, and the compelling need for to ensure that immigration is not a wedge issue.
As local leaders we are responsible for our communities, our safety and well-being. We cannot play politics with this. I am proud of the work we have done in Brownsville to help people entering the country.
Our approach, called the Brownsville Model is as compassionate and humane as it is efficient. It prioritizes It prioritizes dignity and care. For two years in a Brownsville has been named one of the 20 Safest Cities in America.
Mr. President, all of us here are overworked and understaffed. In Brownsville. We have assisted over 240,000 migrants since 2021. Our population is just below 200,000.
From El Paso to San Antonio to Brownsville, we all need help. So to our federal partners, we cannot afford to wait. We need to pass the Senate's promising bipartisan border bill that you have championed. We've studied it and it will give cities critical resources to respond humanely to the migrant challenge.
Thank you for your leadership. It's a big deal to have the President of the United States in the Rio Grande Valley. And thank you all for visiting beautiful Brownsville. Texas.
Thank you.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez spoke at a press conference held at the Border Patrol Station in Brownsville on Feb. 29, 2024.
Gonzalez joined President Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas at the conference, having earlier received a briefing from Border Patrol officials at the border, as well as immigration, law enforcement and asylum officers.
Gonzalez took the opportunity to push one of his top immigration proposals.
“I continue to urge safe zones in places like Guatemala and Panama and possibly Colombia, where migrants can process their asylum claims thousands of miles from our southern border. It takes the pressure off our southern border and assures that cartels don't continue to enrich themselves by trafficking people to our southern border,” Gonzalez said.
However, Gonzalez said setting up safe zones in Central America cannot be done without bipartisan cooperation. He said a “small, rogue group” of Republicans in Congress were blocking important bipartisan border security legislation that could “really take the pressure off our southern border.”
Here is an audio recording of Congressman Gonzalez’s remarks at the press conference.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
SANTA ROSA, Texas - Sean Brashear, president and CEO of Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers, Inc., has given an in-depth interview to Ron Whitlock of Ron Whitlock Reports.
After 51 years in business, the Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers co-operative decided recently to cease operations.
In the interview, Brashear discusses his upbringing in a farming community, why sugar growing in the Valley was not sustainable without more irrigation water, his frustration with Mexico over fulfilling the terms of a water sharing treaty, and his efforts to find jobs for his workers.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas spoke at a press conference held at the Border Patrol Station in Brownsville on Feb. 29, 2024.
Mayorkas accompanied President Biden on a visit to the border, receiving a briefing from the Border Patrol, as well as immigration, law enforcement and asylum officers. He said he and the president learned a lot.
Mayorkas said they heard about the “dynamic and challenging phenomenon of irregular migration we face as our hemisphere and the world experiences the greatest displacement of people since World War Two.”
At times last year, Mayorkas said, 30 percent of the encounters across the entire southern land border occurred in the Rio Grande Valley sector.
“Today we discussed the dramatic changes our partners in the South have helped bring about by increasing their enforcement before people reach the United States border,” Mayorkas said.
Mayorkas said he and Biden also heard from DHS leadership about how “resource-starved” Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection are.
“Only Congress can address our desperate need for more Border Patrol agents, field operations officers, immigration enforcement agents and officers, asylum officers, immigration judges, support personnel, facilities and technology.”
Here is an audio recording of Secretary Mayorkas’ remarks about border security at the press conference.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - President Biden spoke at a press conference held at the Border Patrol Station in Brownsville on Feb. 29, 2024.
He said he had just received a briefing from the Border Patrol at the border, as well as immigration, law enforcement and asylum officers.
“They're all doing incredible work under really tough conditions, really tough conditions. They each told me what you already know and we already know: They desperately need more resources,” Biden said.
“I’ll say it again: they desperately need more resources. They need more agents, more officers, more judges, more equipment in order to secure our border. Folks, it's time for us to move on this. We can't wait any longer.”
Biden urged passage of a border security bill currently before Congress.
Here is an audio recording of President Biden’s remarks about border security at the press conference.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Among the sponsors of the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s “RGV Intergovernmental Update” luncheon were two top internet service providers in the region - AT&T and VTX1.
As such, both were given the opportunity to have representatives speak from the podium at the start of the program.
Mario Barragan, director of external and legislative affairs for AT&T in South Texas, spoke on behalf of his company. Barragan is a board member of the RGV Hispanic Chamber.
Barragan said:
“Similar to other areas in the state, our region is experiencing growth in a wide variety of ways. I think the McAllen, Edinburg, Mission area has experienced a population growth of over 12% and employment levels keep rising as well. It now accounts for a third of the workforce in South Texas. And when you have that type of population and employment growth, industry, investments and economic growth also follow suit.
“AT&T is proud to have invested between 2020 and 2022 to over $90 million into our infrastructure in our wireless and wireline network here. And we're not nearly being done. And by the way, a lot of that investment has a lot to do with the leadership and advocacy of the elected officials that are going to be speaking here today. So thank you all for that.
“But whether it's investing in our infrastructure or investing in collaborations with community nonprofits to help close the digital divide, we are very committed to continuing to help the RGV be a place where individuals, families and businesses thrive for decades to come. So again, just thank you all for being here. Thank you to the chamber for for bringing us all together, for our elected officials for spending the time with us today. And to all of you for being involved and being here.”
Orlando Quintanilla, COO of VTX1, spoke on behalf of his company.
Quintanilla said:
“Just like our counterparts at AT&T, we want to make sure that we understand everything that's going on with our region. Having partnerships and being a part of the Hispanic Chamber is very important right to companies like ours, to make sure that we're meeting everybody and understanding what the needs are in our communities is very important.
“And saying that, I am honored to stand here before everyone, as we gather to highlight the vertical government updates that we're looking to discuss. Ultimately, our presenters in the Rio Grande Valley are looking at the best interests of everyone here. VTX one also has a similar mindset. As Cynthia mentioned, I'm with VTX1 Internet, And as a Hispanic it fills me with great pride to be part of this event, to represent the RGV Hispanic Chamber.
“Basically it's a platform that celebrates the richness of the culture that we share. So it's very important for us, At VTX1 Internet, we are more than just a service provider. We are dedicated to bridging the digital divide. We understand the importance of connecting today's world and we are committed to ensuring that every individual in the RGV has access to the resources and opportunities that the internet brings.”
The lunch was held at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton in Mcallen. The main part of the program featured a four-person panel. It comprised U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz, state Sen. Juan Hinojosa, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, and McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. The moderator was Julian Alvarez, senior vice president of Lone Star National Bank.
Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
SANTA ROSA, Texas - Although Rio Grande Valley sugar growers are upset that a 1944 US-Mexico water sharing treaty has been adhered to, they do not blame the head of the US section IBWC.
IBWC stands for the International Boundary and Water Commission. It is a binational entity that, among other things, governs the distribution of water along the Rio Grande.
“I would like to point out that the IBWC Commissioner, Dr. Maria Elena Giner has been the most communicative, the most supportive and the biggest advocate that South Texas has ever had in my history with them,” said Tudor Uhlhorn, chairman of the board of directors for Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers, Inc., a co-operative comprising more than 90 sugarcane growing farms.
“At the IBWC she (Giner) has been fantastic in fighting for water for us. But she can only do what she can do without the proper support for the State Department. Their (the IBWC’s) ultimate bosses are the United States State Department. So without pressure from them (the State Department) on Mexico, she's pretty limited. But she's been great.”
Ron Whitlock Reports secured an in-depth interview with Uhlhorn soon after RGVSGA decided to close its sugar harvesting, grinding and milling operation at the end of the season. As a result hundreds of jobs will be lost and the Valley economy will take a $100 million hit.
Uhlhorn said the decision to close the mill in Santa Rosa was a lack of reliable irrigation water. If Mexico had releasing water from the Conchos River Basin to the Rio Grande, as per the terms of 1944 treaty, Uhlhorn said, the sugar industry in the Valley could have been saved.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
Editor's Note: Here is the in-depth interview Tudor Uhlhorn gave Ron Whitlock Reports.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
WESLACO, Texas - Three Weslaco leaders have spoken about their first time visit to the International Council of Shopping Centers conference in Dallas.
Mayor Adrian Gonzalez, City Manager Martin Garza, and Weslaco Economic Development Corporation Vice President Sandra Charlton gave remarks at a press conference hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership.
ICSC holds conferences around the country to bring cities and communities closer to potential retail store developers.
ICSC, according to the group’s website, “promotes and elevates the marketplaces and spaces where people shop, dine, work, play, and gather as foundational and vital ingredients of communities and economies.”
It also “produces experiences that create connections and catalyze deals; aggressively advocates to shape public policy; develops high impact marketing and public relations that influence opinions; provides an enduring platform for professional success; and creates forward-thinking content with actionable insights — all of which drive industry innovation and growth.”
ICSC’s annual national conference occurs in Las Vegas in May. An annual regional event for Texas and nearby states takes place in Dallas. It is called ICSC@Red River.
This year’s Red River event was held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, and ran from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2.
For the first time the RGV Partnership, the Valley’s regional chamber of commerce, had a booth at ICSC@Red River. The idea of the booth was for the Valley to promote itself as a region. After all, the Partnership’s new motto is One Region, One Voice.
On Feb. 12, the RGVP held a press conference to tell Valley media outlets how well the RGV did at the Dallas conference.
The emcee was Daniel Silva, CEO of the RGV Partnership.
The panelists were Rene Alcala, of Killam Development, Steve Valdez of Weslaco EDC, Daniel Rivera of Elsa EDC, and Victor Perez of Pharr EDC.ICSC.
Valdez asked Weslaco leaders to speak from the podium about their experience of ICSC. Gonzalez spoke first, followed by Garza, and Charlton.
Here is an audio recording of their remarks.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Texas Southmost College and Texas A&M University Kingsville have signed a memorandum of understanding to solidify their collaboration and enhance educational opportunities for students.
The MOU was signed by TAMUK president Dr. Robert H. Vela Jr. and TSC president Jesus Rodriguez at the TSC Performing Arts Center in Brownsville on Monday, February 12.
The two presidents said the signing expands the partnership already established between the two organizations. That expansion includes the addition of more articulation agreements, allowing for even more 2+2 academic programs between the institutions to be built.
Rodríguez said these programs will provide students with a more seamless avenue through which they can transfer to Texas A&M Kingsville once they have completed their first two years at TSC.
“Our students believe in themselves as much as we believe in them, and that belief is a shared value between TSC and Texas A&M Kingsville,” Rodriguez said. “Together, we have forged a new pathway for economic mobility to move our communities forward.”
Rodriguez said signing the MOU is a win-win for both institutions.
“Providing high quality affordable education remains a focus for both institutions. TSC is the most affordable institution of higher education in the entire Rio Grande Valley. A student can complete their (general education) or associates degree at one third the cost of a local university and then transfer to Kingsville and be confident that their credits have maximum transferability. They are earning time and money,” Rodriguez said.
TAMUK’s Vela said TSC students will be eligible for his university’s Javelina Promise Program, which covers tuition gaps remaining after Texas grants and scholarships have been applied.
“Students need choices. Wherever they feel comfortable and feel like they can thrive, that’s the institution for them. We just want to be a part of that because we know the tradition that we have in this community is powerful,” Vela said.
“Texas Southmost College and Texas A&I University were the [originals] of South Texas. We were here for these communities when no one else believed in South Texas. There is an array of excellence that has come from (both institutions). When you can marry those values and you can bring what we do day in and day out and the commitment to strategize and figure out ways to make things easier for our students, there’s something special in the air with this partnership,” Vela continued.
Editor’s Note: Click here to read the full story on the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
Editor's Note: Here are the remarks President Vela made at the MOU signing ceremony.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Texas Southmost College and Texas A&M University Kingsville have signed a memorandum of understanding to solidify their collaboration and enhance educational opportunities for students.
The MOU was signed by TAMUK president Dr. Robert H. Vela Jr. and TSC president Jesus Rodriguez at the TSC Performing Arts Center in Brownsville on Monday, February 12.
The two presidents said the signing expands the partnership already established between the two organizations. That expansion includes the addition of more articulation agreements, allowing for even more 2+2 academic programs between the institutions to be built.
Rodríguez said these programs will provide students with a more seamless avenue through which they can transfer to Texas A&M Kingsville once they have completed their first two years at TSC.
“Our students believe in themselves as much as we believe in them, and that belief is a shared value between TSC and Texas A&M Kingsville,” Rodriguez said. “Together, we have forged a new pathway for economic mobility to move our communities forward.”
Rodriguez said signing the MOU is a win-win for both institutions.
“Providing high quality affordable education remains a focus for both institutions. TSC is the most affordable institution of higher education in the entire Rio Grande Valley. A student can complete their (general education) or associates degree at one third the cost of a local university and then transfer to Kingsville and be confident that their credits have maximum transferability. They are earning time and money,” Rodriguez said.
TAMUK’s Vela said TSC students will be eligible for his university’s Javelina Promise Program, which covers tuition gaps remaining after Texas grants and scholarships have been applied.
“Students need choices. Wherever they feel comfortable and feel like they can thrive, that’s the institution for them. We just want to be a part of that because we know the tradition that we have in this community is powerful,” Vela said.
“Texas Southmost College and Texas A&I University were the [originals] of South Texas. We were here for these communities when no one else believed in South Texas. There is an array of excellence that has come from (both institutions). When you can marry those values and you can bring what we do day in and day out and the commitment to strategize and figure out ways to make things easier for our students, there’s something special in the air with this partnership,” Vela continued.
Editor’s Note: Click here to read the full story on the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
Editor's Note: Here are the remarks state Sen. Morgan LaMantia made at the MOU signing ceremony.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Texas Southmost College and Texas A&M University Kingsville have signed a memorandum of understanding to solidify their collaboration and enhance educational opportunities for students.
The MOU was signed by TAMUK president Dr. Robert H. Vela Jr. and TSC president Jesus Rodriguez at the TSC Performing Arts Center in Brownsville on Monday, February 12.
The two presidents said the signing expands the partnership already established between the two organizations. That expansion includes the addition of more articulation agreements, allowing for even more 2+2 academic programs between the institutions to be built.
Rodríguez said these programs will provide students with a more seamless avenue through which they can transfer to Texas A&M Kingsville once they have completed their first two years at TSC.
“Our students believe in themselves as much as we believe in them, and that belief is a shared value between TSC and Texas A&M Kingsville,” Rodriguez said. “Together, we have forged a new pathway for economic mobility to move our communities forward.”
Rodriguez said signing the MOU is a win-win for both institutions.
“Providing high quality affordable education remains a focus for both institutions. TSC is the most affordable institution of higher education in the entire Rio Grande Valley. A student can complete their (general education) or associates degree at one third the cost of a local university and then transfer to Kingsville and be confident that their credits have maximum transferability. They are earning time and money,” Rodriguez said.
TAMUK’s Vela said TSC students will be eligible for his university’s Javelina Promise Program, which covers tuition gaps remaining after Texas grants and scholarships have been applied.
“Students need choices. Wherever they feel comfortable and feel like they can thrive, that’s the institution for them. We just want to be a part of that because we know the tradition that we have in this community is powerful,” Vela said.
“Texas Southmost College and Texas A&I University were the [originals] of South Texas. We were here for these communities when no one else believed in South Texas. There is an array of excellence that has come from (both institutions). When you can marry those values and you can bring what we do day in and day out and the commitment to strategize and figure out ways to make things easier for our students, there’s something special in the air with this partnership,” Vela continued.
Editor’s Note: Click here to read the full story on the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
Editor's Note: Here are the remarks TSC Board Chair Adela G. Garza made at the MOU signing ceremony.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Texas Southmost College and Texas A&M University Kingsville have signed a memorandum of understanding to solidify their collaboration and enhance educational opportunities for students.
The MOU was signed by TAMUK president Dr. Robert H. Vela Jr. and TSC president Jesus Rodriguez at the TSC Performing Arts Center in Brownsville on Monday, February 12.
The two presidents said the signing expands the partnership already established between the two organizations. That expansion includes the addition of more articulation agreements, allowing for even more 2+2 academic programs between the institutions to be built.
Rodríguez said these programs will provide students with a more seamless avenue through which they can transfer to Texas A&M Kingsville once they have completed their first two years at TSC.
“Our students believe in themselves as much as we believe in them, and that belief is a shared value between TSC and Texas A&M Kingsville,” Rodriguez said. “Together, we have forged a new pathway for economic mobility to move our communities forward.”
Rodriguez said signing the MOU is a win-win for both institutions.
“Providing high quality affordable education remains a focus for both institutions. TSC is the most affordable institution of higher education in the entire Rio Grande Valley. A student can complete their (general education) or associates degree at one third the cost of a local university and then transfer to Kingsville and be confident that their credits have maximum transferability. They are earning time and money,” Rodriguez said.
TAMUK’s Vela said TSC students will be eligible for his university’s Javelina Promise Program, which covers tuition gaps remaining after Texas grants and scholarships have been applied.
“Students need choices. Wherever they feel comfortable and feel like they can thrive, that’s the institution for them. We just want to be a part of that because we know the tradition that we have in this community is powerful,” Vela said.
“Texas Southmost College and Texas A&I University were the [originals] of South Texas. We were here for these communities when no one else believed in South Texas. There is an array of excellence that has come from (both institutions). When you can marry those values and you can bring what we do day in and day out and the commitment to strategize and figure out ways to make things easier for our students, there’s something special in the air with this partnership,” Vela continued.
Editor’s Note: Click here to read the full story on the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
Editor’s Note: Here are the remarks President Rodriguez made at the MOU signing ceremony.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
HARLINGEN, Texas - The City of Harlingen has to reignite its relationships in Mexico and in particular those in Matamoros.
That is the message from Harlingen Economic Development Corporation CEO Orlando Campos.
Campos and his EDC team recently accepted an invitation to meet with Index, the maquiladora industry trade association, in Matamoros. Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda joined the delegation. Campos said the visit was productive.
“One of the strategies our city commission as well as our board of directors had for me when I came on board was obviously reconnecting and redeveloping the relationship with our sister cities right across the border,” Campos told Ron Whitlock Reports and the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service. “So, over the last few months, we had been in contact with them, working with them.”
Campos said the visit to Matamoros included a meeting with the secretary for economic development for Tamaulipas, Ninfa Cantú Deandár, the national president, Humberto Martínez Cantú, and Matamoros Mayor Mario López Hernández.
“So, this was a great opportunity to meet with some of our key partners across the border and re-establish relationships with them. Our mayor, Norma Sepulveda was given an opportunity to address the (Index) membership. And so we felt that it was very, very successful, and the start of reigniting the relationship that Harlingen once had with the city of Matamoros.”
Campos continued:
“Following the Index Matamoros meeting, the Harlingen delegation participated in a quick tour of the Las Ventanas Industrial Park, which is located on the west side of the community and is the industrial park park closest to Los Indios Bridge. So we met with the developers and also got a quick tour of the park. It was very, very impressive to see and to learn about the companies that have established manufacturing facilities at that park.”
“So, overall, we felt that it was a great visit, and it is definitely the start of something great between Harlingen and our communities to the south in Mexico.”
Asked why it is important for Harlingen to reconnect with Mexico, Campos said:
“Well, we are located in a binational region. And so a rising tide raises all ships. So if our Mexican cities are successful, we're successful here in Harlingen as well. A lot of the manufacturing facilities that maintain operations here in Harlingen are suppliers to a lot of the maquiladoras on the Mexican side. So as they continue to grow and expand their operations on the Mexican side, so will the companies here in Harlingen.
“In addition to that, we also have quite a bit of space for expansion. So anything that we can do to support the maquiladoras’ efforts to attract suppliers, we are there to work with them. If they don't establish on the Mexican side, hopefully we can track them here toHarlingen so that they can be closer to them.”
Campos has led Harlingen EDC for just seven months. Before this he worked in economic development in the Dallas region. He started his career helping the economic development efforts of Brownsville.
Here is an interview Campos gave Ron Whitlock of Ron Whitlock Reports.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Dr. Nolan Perez, MD, a Harlingen native and University of Texas System regent, spoke at the official opening of the state-of-the-art Jackson Medical Plaza on N. Jackson in McAllen.
Texas Digestive Specialists (TDS), a company Perez heads, is situated on the second floor. TDS offers a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic services for diseases of the digestive tract, liver, and pancreas. It also specializes in treating the full range of diseases and disorders that affect the colon, rectum, anus, appendix and small bowel.
On the first floor of the Jackson Medical Plaza is the McAllen Surgery Center, run by HCA Healthcare. Rio Grande Regional Hospital is part of HCA. Its CEO, Laura Disque, spoke at the official opening.
Many hundreds of VIPs were in attendance.
In his speech at the official opening, Perez pointed out that Texas does not fare well in national healthcare rankings.
“Texas, not the Rio Grande Valley, ranks 45th. I'm just going to merge the numbers but… 42nd for specialists, 48th for primary care doctors, 45th for the number of physicians per capita in the United States. That's Texas, as big and as fast as we are growing. So, you can imagine how far behind we are for the Rio Grande Valley.”
Perez said Texas Digestive Specialists “loves” to create partnerships. He gave some examples.
“Our partnership downstairs with HCA, the McAllen Surgery Center. We partner in so many ways with other hospitals and facilities, UHS, our physicians work there. I know that UHS is now getting involved with graduate medical education. That's incredible. HCA is now getting involved with UTRGV with graduate medical education. Incredible. Down the street we're not too far from DHR and we're really proud to partner with them in many ways and help them get a liver transplant program. We desperately need a live transplant program in this region and so hopefully we'll have one soon. We partner with Prime across the Valley. Incredible facilities. And then, of course, Tenet hospitals as well. Incredible. They have a long standing tradition of supporting undergraduate and graduate medical education. I love creating partnerships and creating collective impact solutions for all the healthcare needs of our region.”
Perez thanked the “amazing leaders” from the world of healthcare that attended the official opening. One of them was Matt Wolthoff, president of Driscoll's new children’s hospital in Edinburg.
“I told Matt Wolthoff, one of the CEOs who was here earlier… we can't stop until we can say that 99 percent of our people can get their health care in the Rio Grande Valley. In our lifetime, let’s make that possible.”
Here is an audio recording of Dr. Perez's remarks at the official opening of Jackson Medical Plaza in McAllen.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
WESLACO, Texas - The Rio Grande Valley Partnership will allow all the smaller cites in the region to use its booth at future ICSC trade shows.
RGVP President Daniel Silva made the announcement at a press conference the Partnership hosted to discuss ICSC@Red River, which was held a couple of weeks ago in Dallas.
“Small cities may not have a budget to go to ICSC Vegas or ICSC Dallas. But we still want for them to participate in the activities that we have because the Partnership is here for the whole region,” Silva told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, in an interview following the press conference.
“And the smaller cities may say, well, we're not a member of the Partnership. But, we're going to put together events, we're going to put together regional activity, and we want for them to be there.”
Obviously, the smaller cities would still have to pay to be at ICSC. But they would not have to pay for a booth of their own, Silva explained.
“We want them to show up and understand that we're going to still showcase them, whether they can afford a booth or not, whether they're going to be there or not. We're taking the entire region wherever we go.”
ICSC is a retail trade show held every year. The main show is held in May in Las Vegas. Smaller regional events are held around the country. The regional event for Texas is held in Dallas in February.
“The next ICSC will be in Vegas. We will have a big booth and every city in the Valley is welcome to use it. They don't have to be a member of the Partnership. They can show up, bring some of their literature and stand there and be available,” Silva said.
“As long as they register for the event because it takes membership and registration for ICSC. But yes, they (the smaller cities) can be there. They can bring literature. They don't have to incur the extra expense of having their own booth. They can utilize the space that we have because we are here for the entire region.”
The RGVP press conference was held at Weslaco city hall. Silva was the emcee for a panel discussion involving three economic development organizations and one land developer. During his remarks, Silva made more news when he said RGVP is looking to stage a site selector tour.
Here is an audio recording of the highlights of Silva’s remarks:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos has received lots of plaudits for his 2024 State of the City Address.
Many of those in attendance liked both the dynamic nature of the event and the remarks the mayor gave.
Here are some of the plaudits:
McAllen City Commissioner Seby Haddad said:
“Such an energizing McAllen State of the City 2024! There are so many projects on the ground and initiatives getting done.”
South Texas College said:
“Today, we were honored to join the City of McAllen for its 2024 State of the City Address to celebrate their achievements and success. STC has been in McAllen for 30 years, and the city’s continued support and dedication to higher education helps us fulfill our mission and our goals.
“Congratulations and thank you Javier Villalobos and the City of McAllen.”
Thelma Tamez, CEO and founder of La Encantada Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, said:
“I feel incredibly proud and inspired after attending our McAllen State of the City address today. It's not every day you live in a city that's ranked as the 3rd safest in the U.S., hosts over 800 cultural events and a booming economy. Congratulations to the commission, staff, and community. This is The Spirit of McAllen.”
Susie Torres of Killam Development said:
“Excited to have attended the State of the City Address today. It was inspiring to hear Mayor Javier Villalobos’ vision for our vibrant community in McAllen. Looking forward to contributing to its growth and success with Killam Development.
McAllen Economic Development said:
“Great things are happening in McAllen. The State of the City Address took place at the McAllen Convention Center, where Mayor Javier Villalobos provided an update on the City of McAllen and its various projects, partnerships, and accomplishments that are making an impact in the city. We are honored to be a part of this beautiful city and to contribute to our community's success.”
State Sen. Juan Hinojosa said:
“Enjoyed the State of the City address presented by City of McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos at the McAllen Convention Center earlier today. The theme for today's event was ‘The Spirit of McAllen.’ It highlighted the City's advancements in quality of life, access to medical care, investments in infrastructure, the growth in border trade, and additional educational opportunities for students. There are great things happening in McAllen and much of it is due to the leadership of Mayor Villalobos, the City Commission, and the staff who work tirelessly to take care of our community. Congratulations on a great event.”
Attorney Avia Castillo said:
“So honored to be able to attend today’s McAllen State of the City address. It was with great pride that I was able to support my good friend, mentor, and colleague Mayor Villalobos. McAllen has grown in population, business, and infrastructure and will continue to grow with guidance. Congratulations Mayor.”
McAllen Heritage Center said:
“MHC Board members enjoyed a vibrant, informative State of the City luncheon today. Congratulations to Javier Villalobos, the McAllen mayor, and all the team that produce this event.”
Editor’s Note: Here is an audio recording of Mayor Villalobos’ 2024 State of the City Address:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - At a recent ceremony at the Cameron County courthouse, County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr., and VTX1 CEO Patrick McDonnell signed an MOU to bridge the digital divide that exists in the county by expanding broadband services
At the signing ceremony, Cameron County leaders were asked why those chose to partner with VTX1 rather than another internet service provider. The other ISPs that made a bid for the project were AT&T, Charter Communications, and SmartCom.
In answer that same question - why partner with VTX1 - Cameron County Judge Treviño said: “I think the one of the overriding factors was the fact that they (VTX1) were not requesting nor requiring that the county foot the bill. Some of the other proposals we looked at wanted quite a bit of money from the county. Not that that was the only determining factor.”
Another reason, Treviño said, was the fact that VTX1 is a local cooperative, based in Raymondville.
“They have been very aggressive in helping to provide services for those most underserved areas. I mean, they're based in Willacy and they're having good success. And I know that they're utilizing up to date technology. So to us, it just made it made sense (to choose VTX1).”
Here is an in-depth audio interview with Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño about the new Cameron County-VTX1 partnership. It is conducted by Rio Grande Guardian editor Steve Taylor.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - At a recent ceremony at the Cameron County courthouse, County Judge Eddie Treviño and VTX1 CEO Patrick McDonnell signed an MOU to bridge the digital divide that exists in the county by expanding broadband services
At the signing ceremony, Cameron County leaders were asked why those chose to partner with VTX1 rather than another internet service provider. The other ISPs that made a bid for the project were AT&T, Charter Communications, and SmartCom.
In answer to that question - why partner with VTX1 - Cameron County Commissioner David Garza said: “The key attribute was that VTX1 was willing to sit down and work with the county and allow us to put a system in place for broadband service in Cameron County that involved Cameron County having to spend zero tax dollars. That was one of the main attributes, besides the reputation VTX1 brings to the table.”
Here is an in-depth audio interview with Cameron County Commissioner David Garza about the new Cameron County-VTX1 partnership. It is conducted by Ron Whitlock of Ron Whitlock Reports.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
LAREDO, Texas - The Port of Laredo was the busiest port - be it maritime, air, or land - in the United States in 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The value of imports and exports passing through Laredo in 2023 topped $300 billion, a record for the port.
The news was not a surprise to Gene Lindgren, president and CEO of Laredo Economic Development Corporation. The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service interviewed him a month or so back and he was fully expecting his city to be named No. 1.
“We’re waiting on the edge of our seats for the entire 2023 numbers to be official and published, and we'll probably see those around February 11, as reported by the US Census Bureau,” Lindgren told the Guardian.
“Then those numbers will probably be repeated in a more user-friendly fashion through a media think-tank called World City. But I highly anticipate that we're going to be in the neighborhood of ending the year with total import and export values passing through Port Laredo at $320 billion.”
Lindgren said that through November, 2023, the value of imports and exports at the Laredo port stood at $296 billion. “It is not unheard of to have $24 billion in December. So that would be an increase from 2022 to $298.5 billion.”
Lindgren said that while global trade was down about four percent, Laredo’s trade was up almost eight percent.
Lindgren was asked if the growth in Laredo is due to the impact of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
“Well, USMCA is, as you know, the new and improved version of NAFTA, which is celebrating its 30th year this year. It was ratified in 1994 and it has completely changed the landscape of manufacturing in North America, in the supply chain between Mexico, the United States and even Canada,” Lindgren said.
“And so it's USMCA and then, post pandemic, it is near-shoring, ally-shoring, re-shoring, all of the above.”
Lindgren continued: “International manufacturing companies have re-evaluated their footprint since the pandemic recovery. These footprint moves take years to evaluate and implement and get into production. We're now seeing that happen. So, it’s the industrial boom in Monterrey and Saltillo and Torreón in northern Mexico and even southern Mexico.”
Lindgren said Laredo is benefiting from industrial activity in the interior of Mexico also.
“The automotive market is starting to recover from its chip shortage, and so the automotive plants in Puebla and Guadalajara and Toluca, and more in mid- and southern Mexico… we (Laredo) are in that perfect place.”
Lindgren asked the rhetorical question, how does all that industrial activity in Mexico help the United States. He answered his own question.
“Studies have shown that 40 percent of the raw material for the maquiladora plants still come from the United States. So it helps North America, it helps Mexico and it helps the United States and it even helps Canada,” Lindgren said.
“The more competitive that we can be as a continent, as a region, under USMCA, the more manufacturing we can do within North America, the less and less dependent we have to be on China. And that contributes to national defense as well.”
In his interview with the Guardian, Lindgren also spoke about positive national and international news coverage for Laredo, including in Spain, planned improvements to his city’s international bridges, development of the city’s airport, and the likely impact of the Tesla gigafactory in Monterrey.
Here is an audio recording of the interview.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
LAREDO, Texas - LAREDO, Texas - U.S. Reps. Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez participated in a virtual press conference to respond to what they say is “Republican-led extremist chaos and obstruction at the U.S. Mexico border.”
The event was hosted by U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro of San Antonio and also featured Sheila Jackson Leeof Houston, Sylvia Garcia of Houston, Greg Casar of Austin and Jasmine Crockett of Dallas.
Cuellar, of Laredo, and Gonzalez, of McAllen, said Governor Greg Abbott was trying to provoke a standoff at the border. As a result, they said, Abbott was inciting extremist violence, obstructing federal immigration enforcement, and endangering asylum-seekers, Border Patrol agents, and border residents.
Here is an audio recording of the opening remarks of Reps. Cuellar and Gonzalez at the virtual press conference:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
ROMA, Texas - The North American Development Bank and U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar recently hosted a press conference to announce new federal funding for Roma, Texas.
In total, NADBank is providing $835,000 for Roma. Some of the funds will help in the restoration of Roma’s historic suspension bridge and some will be used for the acquisition of a new compactor for the city’s landfill site.
Before the press conference, which was held at the entrance to the suspension bridge, NADBank and Cuellar hosted a town hall meeting at Roma City Hall.
In the audience was Iliana Alamar Garcia Garcia, secretary of economic development and tourism for the City of Miguel Aleman. She thanked NADBank and Congressman Cuellar for assisting Mexico in ongoing studies related to the rehabilitation of the suspension bridge.
Garcia spoke at both the town hall meeting and the press conference. Here is an audio recording of her speech at the town hall meeting.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
ROMA, Texas - The North American Development Bank and U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar recently hosted a press conference to announce new federal funding for Roma, Texas.
In total, NADBank is providing $835,000 for Roma. Some of the funds will help in the restoration of Roma’s historic suspension bridge and some will be used for the acquisition of a new compactor for the city’s landfill site.
Before the press conference, which was held at the entrance to the suspension bridge, NADBank and Cuellar hosted a town hall meeting at Roma City Hall.
In the audience was Iliana Alamar Garcia Garcia, secretary of economic development and tourism for the City of Miguel Aleman. She thanked NADBank and Congressman Cuellar for assisting Mexico in ongoing studies related to the rehabilitation of the suspension bridge.
Garcia spoke at both the town hall meeting and the press conference. Here is an audio recording of her speech at the press conference.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Kevin Marti, president of Wisconsiin-based Intelligent Video Solutions, says the simulation hospital South Texas College has built for its nursing students is “world class.”
Marti was present for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at STC’s Nursing and Allied Health campus in McAllen.
His company designs cutting-edge video simulation software that enhances and creates virtual training opportunities for nursing students.
The software, valued at half-a-million-dollars and provided and installed by Intelligent Video Solutions, was acquired through a $3 million Department of Labor Health Care Professional Expansion Initiative Grant, facilitated by STC’s long-time partner, Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA).
“I’m going to be very transparent, my expectations were a little tempered, okay? That was until I walked into this facility,” Marti said. “When Ruben took me on a tour and we started walking around your hospital, I was blown away. I mean, really blown away. And I told Ruben at that time, I said, Ruben, this is world class.”
Those present for the ribbon-cutting ceremony applauded Martin’s remarks.
“Over the past 11 years since we started IVS… I’ve had the privilege of visiting a lot of other places, and going on a lot of different tours,” Marti said. “And I want you to know that this isn't just best class for South Texas. This is world class, what you guys are doing.”
Editor’s Note: Here is an audio recording of some of Marti’s remarks from the podium at the ceremony, along with some of those from VIDA Chairman Tony Aguirre.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Texas had the 12th largest economy in the world when the state’s comptroller, Glenn Hegar, took office.
Now, Texas has the eighth largest economy. “That is hard to imagine,” Hegar said, in a speech in Brownsville on Jan. 30. He said the state’s budget is roughly $150 billion.
The event was titled “Texas Talks: A Luncheon with Comptroller Glenn Hegar – Navigating Fiscal Frontiers.” It was hosted at the Brownsville Events Center by the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce.
Hegar said four times in the last two decades tax collections in Texas grew ten percent, from one year to the next. But in fiscal year 2202, two years ago, the growth was 26 percent.
“It was literally off the charts,” he said. He pointed out that some of this was due to the federal government pumping money into the economy.
The population of Texas is also growing fast, the comptroller said.
“Think about the fact that tomorrow morning, somewhere in this great state of 254 counties, somewhere there will be a another 1,200 to 1,300 people that call Texas home tomorrow that didn't call Texas home today.”
Texas also has a more youthful population than most of the rest of the nation, Hegar said. “It's hard to imagine, ten percent of all the children in the entire United States call their home Texas.”
Editor's Note: Read the full story in the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
AUSTIN – The Texas oil and natural gas industry paid $26.3 billion in state and local taxes and state royalties in fiscal year (FY) 2023 – the highest total in Texas history.
This shattered last year’s record by more than $1.5 billion.
The information comes from newly released data from the Texas Oil & Gas Association.
TXOGA President Todd Staples spoke about his group’s Annual Energy & Economic Impact Report in a webinar on Jan. 30, 2023.
He also spoke about the oil and gas industry’s global energy leadership, environmental progress, and policy priorities.
“American energy leadership starts in Texas and our nation, our economy and our world are better because of the unparalleled stewardship of Texas oil and natural gas companies,” Staples said.
“2023 was such a blockbuster year that the Texas oil and natural gas industry effectively rewrote its record book, clocking unmatched economic and energy achievements across the board.”
Staples said the record-breaking performance of the Texas oil and natural gas industry amounts to much more than phenomenal statistical achievements.
“The natural resources, fuels and essential products produced here cement America’s energy security, fortify Texas’ Staples said.
Here is an audio recoding of Staples’ remarks on the webinar.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Leaders in the world of education in the Rio Grande Valley pitched questions to Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar at an event in Brownsville on Dec. 30.
Those leaders included Texas Southmost College President Jesús Roberto Rodríguez, UT-Rio Grande Valley Vice President Veronica Gonzales, and Brownsville ISD interim Superintendent Jesús H. Chavez.
Hegar spoke at a Brownsville Chamber of Commerce luncheon held at Brownsville Events Center. “Texas Talks: A Luncheon with Comptroller Glenn Hegar – Navigating Fiscal Frontiers.”
Responding to Chavez’s question, Hegar said he was a big supporter of public education, having sent his children to public schools. Chavez told the Rio Grande Guardian later that he was pleased with Hegar’s response.
Hegar also took a question about liquefied natural gas, from veteran broadcaster Ron Whitlock, broadband infrastructure, from Brownsville City Manager Helen Ramirez, and industry innovation, from Andrea Figueroa Benton, head of community relations for NextDecade/Rio Grande LNG.
Here is an audio recording of the Q&A session with Comptroller Hegar.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas - Victor Perez, president of Pharr Economic Development Corporation, is expecting another great year for his city.
Perez gave Ron Whitlock Reports an exclusive interview immediately following a groundbreaking ceremony for a new warehouse at Capote International Business Park in south Pharr.
In the interview, Perez spoke about all the new warehouses springing up near the Pharr International Bridge. He also spoke about the positive impact near-shoring was having on south Pharr and recent trade missions he and his team have made to Monterrey and Mexico City.
Here is an audio recording of the interview.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
ELSA, Texas - It may be hard to believe when Elsa’s population is 5,680, but the city’s biggest store, Walmart, pulls in two million visits a year.
This is the point Elsa Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Daniel Rivera wants potential investors to know.
Rivera gave a powerpoint presentation on current and future plans for Elsa at a Rio Grande Valley Partnership Commercialization and Investment Tour. One of the projects that has been resurrected, Rivera said, is development of a new industrial park.
“The first question I get from someone who hasn't been to Elsa, who does not know Elsa is, what's the population? That's the wrong question. The question is not what is the population. The population of Elsa, if you Google it, is 5,680,” Rivera said.
“The real question is, what is your retail impact? What is the what's going on in Elsa. So this is a heat map of Walmart. This is where people travel to come to our Walmart. We have two million visits every 12 months. That doesn't happen with a population of 5,600.”
Rivera said the Walmart heat map “paints a better picture” of what's happening in Elsa right now. Elsa is based in Hidalgo County but Rivera said the city’s catchment area spreads into the counties of Cameron and Willacy also.
Rivera acknowledged that in comparison to McAllen, Edinburg or Mission, Elsa is a small town.
“But this small town for the past few years has annexed over 100 acres of property. I think that's a testament to our growth. I think that's a testament to the amazing team here and everyone's working really hard to make the city a great city and a better place.”
The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service interviewed Rivera after his presentation. He was asked what was the key message he wanted to get across to the realtors, bankers and land developers that were in the audience.
“First, look in this direction. I know that a lot of people don't normally travel through here unless they have family but there's a lot of stuff happening and unless you kind of turn your attention towards what's happening over here you probably won’t be aware of it,” Rivera said.
“And so, I am hoping that this message and the message of the growth that is happening here spreads across the Valley as these people go into their networks and their offices. This is not the Elsa people remember from 30 years ago.”
Rivera was also asked about a project that would be a real game changer for not only Elsa but the entire Delta area: TxDOT’s plans to build another east-west corridor in the north of the Valley. Its project title is the I-69 Connector because it will connect I-69 Central with I-69 East.
“We're already seeing some expansion out that way. Without these announcements, subdivisions are kind of popping up around that area. We have a lot of room to grow towards the north and I think the industrial park or the commercial park that we're trying to highlight is right along that corridor,” Rivera said.
Here is the audio interview the Guardian secured with Rivera at the RGV Partnership event.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
HARLINGEN, Texas - Tax season is almost here.
Rev Torres, a paralegal with the Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project, says that over the last few years there has been an increase in the number of individuals that are self-employed and individuals that work in the gig economy such as ride-share or delivery jobs.
The Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project wants taxpayers who are self-employed to be prepared for tax season and know what documents they should have ready when they file their tax return this tax filing season.
Here is the latest in our series of interviews about taxes with Torres. TTAP is a division of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Megan Rodriguez, a community and economic development agent for Prairie View A&M University Extension Service in Willacy and Cameron County, has announced details of this year’s BID Academy.
The Business In Development (BID) Academy helps small businesses access state government contracts. It is free to join.
“The BID Academy is one of our signature programs. Last year we hosted the program in Mercedes. This year, we will be hosting it with our partners, the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC), at the eBridge Center in downtown Brownsville,” Rodriguez said.
“We will be explaining how small businesses can get HUB (historically under utilized) certified. We will also go through the concepts for accessing alternative sources of capital, supplier diversity in subcontracting plans and how to win proposals and bid writing for government contracts.”
The academy starts February 6, with classes held twice a week, Rodriguez explained.
“The program will run all the way until the end of the month, and then it will close out with a graduation ceremony for all the participants that complete the program.”
Rodriguez thanked former BCIC board member Michael Limas for helping secure the use of the eBridge Center. Limas participated in the BID Academy last year.
Editor’s Note: For more information about the BID Academy call Megan Rodriguez at 956-689-2412 or via email at mrguerrero@pvmau.edu.
Here is an exclusive interview with Megan Rodriguez about the program and Prairie View A&M University’s other work in the Rio Grande Valley.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - State Rep. Erin Elizabeth Gámez of Brownsville has led the tributes to former state Rep. René Oliveira, who has passed away at the age of 68.
Oliveira served as Brownsville’s representative in the Texas House for 33 years, from 1981 to 2019. He sat out two terms in the House when he ran unsuccessfully for the Texas Senate. At the time he left office in 2019 he was dean of the Rio Grande Valley legislative delegation and the fifth longest serving member of the House. At various times he chaired the Ways & Means Committee and the Economic Development Committee. And he and then-House Appropriations Committee Chairman Jim Pitts introduced Elon Musk to the Appropriations Committee when the SpaceX was looking for state support.
“I’m heartbroken that our former state Representative René Oliveira passed away. I had the privilege of working in his office during college. He exemplified what it meant to be a public servant. He dedicated his life to working for the people of Cameron County and being a champion for those who needed someone to be their voice,” Gámez said.
“The impact of his decades of work in the Legislature is immense. Particularly the work he did for the children of Texas - from improving public education, making higher education more attainable, and improving child support collections just to name a few. Though he is no longer with us the impact he made on our community will live on.”
Oliveira, who had had heart problems for many years, died Jan. 23. But former state Rep. Juan Escobar of Kingsville said he seemed in good spirits when he spoke to him over the past weekend.
“I cannot believe this. I just spoke to him on Saturday at around 5:00 PM and he sounded in good spirits. Our condolences to the family. May he Rest In Peace,” Escobar said.
Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr., said Oliveira was a great leader, not just for Brownsville but for South Texas in general.
“My relationship with Rene goes back pretty much to my teenage years. His family and my family and my parents, my Dad in particular knew each other for decades. But my most immediate recollection of Rene was when I was in college and unfortunately my younger brother (Ernie) had been killed in a tragic accident when he was nine years old,” Treviño told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
“Rene, shortly thereafter, was in the House of Representatives. And he authored a proclamation recognizing my little brother and it was a gesture that my parents appreciated, our entire family did, because it was something that he did on his own because of the relationship that he had with my family. He knew how this terrible tragedy had impacted us. And he did this this small gesture, but it meant so much to my family.
“After that, he and I always had a very good personal and professional relationship, once I got back to practicing law. So, he was a leader in our community for decades. He gave himself of his community, serving at the House of Representatives. And more importantly, he always had the needs of the community at the forefront.
“He was involved in legislation that helped take care of Brownsville, Cameron County, the Valley, and South Texas. And for that we will always be in debt, on a community level, and, obviously, for me on a personal level for this gesture that I just mentioned earlier.
”But, it's a sad, sad, day for Brownsville, Cameron County, for the Valley, and for South Texas, because he was a true leader in every sense of the word and he will be sorely missed.”
Editor's Note: Here is an audio interview with Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa about Rep. Oliveira.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas - How does Pharr punch above its weight to secure state and federal funding for transportation projects, not just in the city but the Rio Grande Valley as a whole.
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez gave his assessment in his 2024 State of the City address.
“The City of Pharr is proud to have spearheaded and played a monumental role in our regional historical transportation infrastructure accomplishments. Now how does the city achieve or even influence this type of success?” Hernandez asked.
“Well, the real magic occurs behind the scenes, working diligently with our state officials, RGV mayors and county leadership as we continue to capitalize and work diligently through our city departments with our state partners to see all transportation projects through completion.”
The State of the City address was held Jan. 18 at the Pharr Events Center. Mayor Hernandez led with a recap of his administration’s accomplishments in transportation and international bridge accomplishments.
Hernandez said that 2015, the city commission was “instrumental” in securing more than $700 million in state and federal funding for major transportation projects.
“These vital transportation projects within our city limits alleviate traffic, congestion and improve the flow of transportation, freight and indeed commerce. But ultimately benefiting the entire Rio Grande Valley.”
Another big thing the City Pharr was “instrumental” in, Hernandez said, was the “historic” merger, in 2019, of three Rio Grande Valley metropolitan planning organizations. The merger of the three entities led to the creation of the RGV MPO.
“We now have a seat at the table with the big boys, giving us access to billions of dollars in funding to improve and expand roads and transportation infrastructure that was previously inaccessible to the RGV,” Hernandez said, proudly.
“Reflecting back on that it was an honor to have served as the inaugural chairman of the RGV MPO.”
Spurred by the creation of the RGV MPO crucial transportation projects in Pharr have become a reality, the mayor boasted. One of the flagship projects spearheaded by the RGV MPO was the I-69 interchange expansion, he said.
“The I-69 C or better known to us as the 281 Exchange Interstate project, is a prime example of Pharr’s many impactful transportation projects and I'm proud to say that our Pharr leadership spearheaded this amazing project.”
Hernandez said more than $300 million has been allocated by the Texas Transportation Commission, through TxDOT and the RGV MPO. “This (281 Exchange Interstate) project was one of the major achievements during our administration. This monumental project will lead to change for the betterment of South Texas. That's what we call impactful.”
Another project Hernandez spoke proudly of is the International Bridge Trade Corridor.
“IBTC has been a top legislative priority for the city since 2015. This massive infrastructure haul is the main fragment that will provide a direct connection for all commercial trucks to eventually act as a sole corridor. This project is fully funded with $287 million and is now a TXDOT sponsored project and is designated as State Highway 68 and Spur 81,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez also spoke about the State Highway 365 Tollway. He said this new state highway in Hidalgo County is being developed by Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority specifically for heavy commercial vehicles. The Pharr leadership helped the RMA secure $295 million for the project, Hernandez said. HCRMA is a “true Pharr partner,” he said.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas - Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez has explained why his city invested heavily in a blazing fast, citywide, fiber-to-the-home broadband.
“Internet companies chose not to service south Pharr, which excluded many families for this critical service,” said Hernandez, during his 2024 State of the City address. The event was held at the Pharr Events Center.
In his remarks, Hernandez said the COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the need for reliable internet service.
“It went from being just a luxury to an absolute necessity. Without internet service many families lacked the ability to connect to schools, attend to their jobs, seek employment training, or even obtain medical assistance,” Hernandez said.
So to address this need, Hernandez said, the City of Pharr created an internal solution, one that developed broadband internet service as a utility. He said the goal was to provide a service that was affordable, reliable, and accessible to all.
“We lit a Pharr foundational footprint utilizing fiber optic cable with the goal to connect every family, every household, every business to Pharr Connect, which is powered by our very own TeamPharr.net network.”
Hernandez pointed out that Pharr Connect has been highlighted as an innovative solution at the state and national level. He said it now serves “as a model for the delivery of internet service to impoverished communities nationwide.” Hernandez won applause for this line.
“In fact, the visionary project has garnered such positive attention that we successfully secured more than $4.2 million in free grant funding from the Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas for the Pharr Connect Regional Digital Connector program. Talk about leveraging our investment with external funds. Congratulations Team Pharr.”
Today, Pharr Connect is paving the way as a true community outreach platform, the mayor stated.
“Some recent Pharr Connect milestones include monthly double digit growth in subscribers and revenue, with an average 430 new connections per month,” Hernandez said. “And we recently reached the 4,000 customer mark with the ultimate intent of lighting up the entire city of Pharr with high speed affordable and reliable internet connectivity service.”
There was more applause.
“In 2023 Pharr Connect won a prestigious award for our blazing fast, city wide, broadband service by the Smart Cities Council was recognized Pharr Connect as one of the top 50 projects of its kind in the world, not the state or the Valley, in the world,” said Hernandez, proudly.
He said this was in addition to receiving the Cornerstone Award from Broadband Communities Magazine, a national publication.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - State Sen. Juan Hinojosa received applause from the audience when he gave an example of the Rio Grande Valley legislative delegation working together. The example he gave was unity in support of a 2nd Causeway for South Padre Island.
Hinojosa spoke about the 2nd Causeway in remarks he gave at the “Rio Grande Valley Legislators Appreciation Reception.” The event, hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, was held Jan. 18 at the Radisson in McAllen.
Developing the 2nd Causeway was recently taken over by the Texas Department of Transportation, to the delight of Rio Grande Valley leaders.
Hinojosa, D-McAllen, said the Valley’s legislative delegation was one of the best, if not the best in the state of Texas. He praised state Rep. Terry Canales, chairman of the House Committee on Transportation, for helping to bring millions of dollars to the Valley for transportation and international bridge projects.
“He makes sure that we get our fair share of funding, working with the Valley delegation,” Hinojosa said.
“Commerce with Mexico continues to expand and grow. Just the City of Pharr alone does over $40 billion dollars a year in commerce and trade. The Mission Anzalduas Bridge is coming on board to take commercial trucking, which is very important,” Hinojosa said.
“We also worked with Senator LaMantia to make sure that we will build a second bridge to South Padre Island. So you can see that we work together. We work together as a team, as a delegation to make sure we address the priorities of the Rio Grande Valley.”
Sen. Morgan LaMantia, D-South Padre Island, was one of the legislative speakers at the event.
Hinojosa liked the sign the RGV Partnership displayed at the back of the stage. It read: “One Region, One Voice.”
Hinojosa said: The Valley delegation speaks with one voice for one region in the state capitol, making sure that we focus on the priorities that local public officials and constituents discuss with us.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - State Rep. R.D. ‘Bobby’ Guerra is encouraging his constituents to ask as many questions as possible of him.
“Increasing transparency and efficiency in government is the upmost important thing that we do and I hope you all ask us questions, because that's the only way you're going to know what what we're doing,” Guerra said, at an event hosted recently by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership.
The event was titled “Rio Grande Valley Legislators Appreciation Reception.” It was held at the Radisson in McAllen.
Guerra, D-McAllen, represents District 41, covering all or parts of the cities of McAllen, Mission, Edinburg, Palmhurst, Lopezville, and Pharr. He was first elected in 2012 and is serving his sixth term in the Texas House.
In his remarks, Guerra said the “word is getting” about the growth and dynamism of the region. He said he was honored to represent the region in the Texas House.
“There are countless hours that we spend, trying to make sure that we're on the right side of history, trying to make sure that we're on the right side of things that are best for the Rio Grande Valley. And I mean that wholeheartedly,” Guerra said.
“So, when you see the rest of the reps and, of course, the senators, give them a big hug and tell them you really appreciate what they're doing.”
Guerra said his constituents should always feel free to contact him.
“Hopefully, you're gonna like what you hear. And if you don't hear anything, then you can wonder, I wonder what he thought about that. So anyway, we're here to do the very best we can in the Legislature,” Guerra said.
“It can be quite grueling. Sometimes we'll go till 2 or 3 in the morning. And that's always an experience.”
Guerra added: “I just want you to know each and every one of my colleagues works countless hours to make sure that your children will thrive in the future. God bless you. God bless Texas. And my dear colleagues, thank you for serving with me. God bless.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Eric Hamon, president & CEO of Driscoll Health System, says Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley will open within the next couple of months.
Hamon and Matt Wolthoff, president of Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley, spoke about their system’s plans for the region at a recent “Rio Grande Valley Legislators Appreciation Reception hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership.
In his remarks, Hamon said he wanted to tell a quick story about the founding of Driscoll Children’s Hospital.
“In 1903, our founder, Clara Driscoll bought the Alamo. The reason why she bought the Alamo was because the Alamo was going to be tore down. And so she bought it. The next year, Bexar County in San Antonio wanted the Alamo back so she sold the Alamo back for $10,000 less than she purchased it for a year before,” Hamon said.
“She set those dollars aside and designated those dollars for child’s healthcare. In 1945, she passed away and in her will she had a designation that she wanted all children of South Texas to have access to quality health care, regardless of their ability to pay.
“So, since 1945, from Port Lavaca, Texas, to Eagle Pass, Texas, south, including Laredo McAllen, Brownsville, Driscoll has been serving South Texas for north of 70 years. And that was her vision.”
Hamon said he wanted to thank the Valley’s legislative delegation for helping “facilitate” the building of a new standalone children's hospital in Edinburg. To applause from the audience, Hamon said Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley would be opened “in the next couple of months.”
Hamon continued: “I'm here to tell you your elected state reps and senators are the facilitators that made that happen. So when you're around them, thank them for carrying out Clara’s vision. It is absolutely the right thing to do for the children.”
Hamon then introduced Wolthoff.
“He's going to be the president for this children's hospital and he can give you an update on kind of where we are and what we're going to do with the hospital as well as introduce some legislative team members,” Hamon said.
“So thank you for everything you do for the community. The legislators have embraced us and so from the bottom of my heart, we appreciate you. We're going to be here for the next 100 years, taking care of these kids. Thank you.”
Wolthoff said he was excited to talk about the future of children's healthcare in the Valley.
“Eric talked about access to care. And that's what it's about. We recognize… Driscoll has been serving the Valley for decades through outreach and clinics. We recognize the burden that it creates on (Valley) families to have to travel north to Corpus Christi for pediatric specialty care,” Wolthoff said.
“And that's what this is all about, it is about is bringing that care here. And we will continue to build depth in pediatric sub-specialists here in the Valley.”
Wolthoff said the new hospital is really just the “tip of the iceberg.”
He explained: “We are recruiting every day for pediatric specialists and we're getting a lot of traction and bringing depth to specialties that we've just not had in the past,” Wolthoff said,
“So again, (we are) really excited about the future. I am honored to be part of the legacy that is Clara Driscoll and Driscoll Health System. And I just want to thank all of you in the room for your support and particularly the Valley delegation and the legislators in Austin. We could not do what we do without your support.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - State Rep. Terry Canales, a three-term chairman of the House Committee on Transportation, is perhaps best known for securing millions of dollars for transportation in the Rio Grande Valley.
However, he told the audience at a Rio Grande Valley Partnership event on Wednesday evening that henceforth his priority will be water.
The event, held at the Radisson Hotel in McAllen, was titled “Rio Grande Valley Legislative Appreciation Reception.” Other legislators at the event were state Senators Juan Hinojosa and Morgan LaMantia, and state Representatives R.D. ‘Bobby’ Guerra and Armando Martinez.
“Today, you all bring us here to recognize our efforts and I'm very grateful. But I would be more grateful if everybody would join me in one cause from here until the foreseeable future. Everybody in this room,” Canales said.
“Everybody in this room is a stakeholder. Everybody in this room is a mover and a shaker. You are here because you care, because you're involved. You know things work.”
Canales continued: “Water. Water is our future. And the Rio Grande Valley is running out of it quick. If you don't think so you need to speak with the people that are in charge of water.
Canales said the Legislature lost two of its biggest advocates for water due to retirement, Reps. Lyle Larson and Eddie Lucio, III. Because of this, Canales said, he took it upon himself to get informed on the issue and to educate his staff.
“I asked the people involved in water, how does the Rio Grande Valley get water? The response was extreme weather events. That's code for luck. And if we're dependent on luck for the future water, we don't have a plan, ladies and gentlemen.”
Canales said the Valley should be planning the future of water now.
“And I will tell you that that should be our focus. It's nice to have great roads. It's nice to have infrastructure. But we don't have life if we don't have water.”
Canales said his door will always be one to constituents and stakeholders to discuss whatever is important to them.
“You can come to me with all your issues. You can come to me with everything that's important to you and we will focus on everything's important to you. But if you're not focused… if everybody in the Valley is not focused on the future of water, then you haven't prioritized life.”
After Canales had finished his speech, RGV Partnership President Daniel Silva thanked him. "Thank you for that awareness and that challenge,” Silva said.
Incidentally, last year, the RGV Partnership held a huge regional event at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg that was attended by Gov. Greg Abbott. Elected officials, along with community and business leaders, were invited to discuss the future of the region. It was at this event that the Partnership adopted the motto, One Region, One Voice. There was no discussion of water at the event.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Brownsville City Manager Helen Ramirez says the proposed Capital Recovery Fee program is being developed to improve the quality of life of the city’s residents.
The plan is to impose a one-time charge on developers as they begin new projects. The fees raised would go towards roadway improvements. Certain exemptions are being built into the program, such as affordable housing projects and extensions to legacy businesses, which are defined as those based in Brownsville for a minimum of five years.
Asked by Ron Whitlock Reports why the proposed program is important, Ramirez said:
“It's very important because what we've learned is that our population doesn't want to spend all their time in traffic. They want quality of life. Part of that quality of life is having an infrastructure or road network, bike network, pedestrian network, that works for the community and keeps growing as our population grows, right, as our commercial uses grow and our industrial uses grow.
“We need to grow with it. Because, right now, we're behind. Many cities in the United States are behind. There's never enough money and the prices keep going up.”
Ramirez said the roads that will be improved if the Capital Recovery Fee program is approved by city commissioners will be based upon technical documents such as the city’s mobility plan that was recently approved by city commissioners.
“These are very well thought out roads that either need to be widened or expanded. And also, I would say, we're also looking at intelligent transportation systems. So whatever we build out should have the latest software to be able to detect vehicles right and make it make them go through our city faster and more efficiently.”
Ramirez was asked if the city commission is going to be able to satisfy the wishes of developers if it goes ahead with the Capital Recovery Fee program.
“I believe so,” Ramirez answered. “We're going to start very small. While the consultants and the studies show that we could have started at a 25 percent recovery, or a $2,000 per residential lot, I think that we're saying is, we've heard from our constituents, our stakeholders, our community.”
Ramirez said if the community was asked they would say road improvements are a top priority.
“That's the biggest concern that we get, not only from our residents, but from our developers, right? Are you going to improve this infrastructure, when are you going to widen this road? And that's what you'll find nationwide. A city's infrastructure, whether it's new growth or maintaining existing growth, there's never enough money. And so, just having developers give a some small portion of their impact to the road network, that’s all we're asking for.”
Ramirez said the city is still going to have to issue bonds and these will be paid for by existing residents.
“So the question is, how do we widen the pot to be able to accelerate growth? Because it's not only new roads, it's also widening existing roads and also making it safer for us to walk, to drive, to bike and ped within the city.”
Ramirez said the city commission is committed to being open and transparent on the Capital Recovery Fee issue.
“We have much communicating and engagement. We have talked with over 100 stakeholders and developers.”
Ramirez added: “Right now, we don't have any teeth in our codes to require them to build the infrastructure or roads. So this will allow us at least just to start small, while other communities are requiring 100 percent.”
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To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - Edmund Haas, a transportation planning manager with Freese & Nichols, spoke in depth about the City of Brownsville’s proposed Capital Recovery Fee program at a public hearing held at city hall on Jan. 16.
Freese & Nichols are consultants to the City of Brownsville on the Capital Recovery Fee initiative.
The plan is to impose a one-time charge on developers as they begin new projects. The fees raised would go towards roadway improvements. Certain exemptions are being built into the program, such as affordable housing projects and extensions to legacy businesses, which are defined as those based in Brownsville for a minimum of five years.
Here is an audio recording of what Haas said at the public hearing. It includes questions from city commissioners. Haas is introduced by J. Joel Garza, Jr., multimodal Transportation director for the City of Brownsville.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - Affordable housing expert Nick Mitchell-Bennett spoke about the City of Brownsville’s proposed Capital Recovery Fee program at a public hearing held at city hall on Jan. 16.
The plan is to impose a one-time charge on developers as they begin new projects. The fees raised would go towards roadway improvements. Certain exemptions are being built into the program, such as affordable housing projects and extensions to legacy businesses, which are defined as those based in Brownsville for a minimum of five years.
Mitchell-Bennett is CEO of CDCB (Come Dream, Come Build). Here is an audio recording of what Mitchell-Bennett said at the public hearing:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - Real estate attorney Renee Sanchez spoke about the City of Brownsville’s proposed Capital Recovery Fee program at a public hearing held at city hall on Jan. 16.
The plan is to impose a one-time charge on developers as they begin new projects. The fees raised would go towards roadway improvements. Certain exemptions are being built into the program, such as affordable housing projects and extensions to legacy businesses, which are defined as those based in Brownsville for a minimum of five years.
Here is an audio recording of what Sanchez said at the public hearing:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - Land developer Dennis Sanchez spoke about the City of Brownsville’s proposed Capital Recovery Fee program at a public hearing held at city hall on Jan. 16.
The plan is to impose a one-time charge on developers as they begin new projects. The fees raised would go towards roadway improvements. Certain exemptions are being built into the program, such as affordable housing projects and extensions to legacy businesses, which are defined as those based in Brownsville for a minimum of five years.
Sanchez, who was the developer behind the 1,300-acre Madeira upscale, master-planned community, spoke at the public hearing. Here is an audio recording of what he said:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Brownsville City Commission wants to terminate its two economic development organizations - Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation and Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation - and replace them with a municipal development district.
The new entity would be called the Greater Brownsville Municipal Development District.
Whether this happens will depend on voters living within the Brownsville city limits and Brownsville’s extra territorial jurisdiction (ETJ). The vote on whether to set up the new special purpose district and dissolve GBIC and BCIC will take place in May.
Will Treviño, Brownsville’s city attorney, explained what a municipal development district (MDD) is an why it is being proposed during a public hearing held at city hall on Jan. 16. He said that by including the ETJ, the City of Brownsville could pull in more sales and use taxes for the new special purpose district.
“Based on the Texas Comptroller, in the ETJ there is approximately $400,000 apparently that is being left on the table that's not being collected by the city. And so this is additional revenue the city believes would help on projects both within the city and ETJ,” Treviño said.
Treviño pointed out that Brownsville’s ETJ is growing.
“Because of changes in state law… annexation have become very difficult. And so this is a way for the city to be able to fund projects within the city and the ETJ, especially with activities such as SpaceX, the Port, the proposed 2nd Access Point for South Padre Island. All this will start increasing the sales tax in that particular area, the ETJ. So it's a good time right now for the city to go ahead and start collecting that.”
Treviño continued: “This will be replacing GBIC and BCIC with a single organization that would be able to coordinate and streamline the economic development projects and quality of life projects within the MDD.”
Treviño started his remark by explaining what an MDD is.
“So it is a special purpose district whose purpose is to generate economic development and growth opportunities and this includes quality of life projects. They use sales and use taxes. That is the sales tax that you collect when you make a purchase and it funds economic development and quality of life projects.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
Reynosa, Tamaulipas - The State of Tamaulipas will have to improve the educational attainment level of its students if it is to land a giant manufacturing plant similar to Tesla in Nuevo León.
This is the view of Index Reynosa President Raúl Setién. Index is the trade association for the maquiladora industry.
“You mentioned Nuevo León. Nuevo León has been mentioned many times because of the Tesla investment. And Tesla, probably, as we heard before, took into account different factors. One of them is the level of education of the people that are in the area,” Setién told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
“Monterey has the Tecnológico de Monterrey which is recognized (as an excellent) professional school, a university. So that's one of the factors. So that's why, in our objectives, we're trying to strengthen the liaison that we have with the universities (in Tamaulipas), trying to make sure that we communicate continually so the preparation of the students or the professionals are in line with what we need in the industry.”
Setién said the maquiladora industry always needs more skilled workers.
“It (the maquiladora industry) is centered of continuous development skills and more knowledge and specialties and specific activities that we have inside of the plants. So it's a great opportunity, but definitely we need to do more in education.”
Asked if the universities and colleges in Tamaulipas that Index is talking to appreciate the importance of producing a better skilled workforce, Setién said:
“Definitely. They are very interested, not only the universities but the authorities also. The communications that I mentioned before, with the the secretary of development in the State… we always talk about this important aspect to make sure that we continue growing.”
Setién gave his interview at Index Reynosa’s annual Día del Periodista (Day of the Journalist) event at the Holiday Inn Zone Dorada in Reynosa. The subject of Tesla's Monterrey gigafactory had come up in a Guardian question about Tamaulipas' chances of benefitting from the near-shoring phenomenon.
Setién had earlier given his annual report to journalists.
The three key topics Setién outlined in his report were security, labor and energy. He gave a condensed version of these topics in his interview with the Guardian.
Setién said there are currently 157 maquiladora companies operating in Reynosa. Of these, 134 are members of Index. The 157 companies employ around 130,000 workers.
Asked by the Guardian if the maquiladora industry was growing in Reynosa, Setién said: “Well, as I mentioned, we call it organic growth, which means plants that are here are growing. I mentioned investments, over $200 million over the next few years. Next year, we expect $4,250 new jobs in the area. So, we are still growing.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - A ribbon cutting ceremony and open house was held Friday, Jan. 12, for the City of Brownsville’s new Communications and Marketing Department & Convention and Visitors Bureau Complex.
The multi-million dollar complex, which is situated on East Adams Street in downtown Brownsville, will also house the Office of Space Commerce. It is located next door to the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization.
Brownsville City Commissioner At Large “B” Dr. Rose Gowen and Brownsville City Manager Helen Ramirez were the keynote speakers. The City of Brownsville’s Communications and Marketing Director Manuel Chacon and Brownsville eConvention and Visitors Bureau Director Dafne Maldonado also spoke at the event.
Commissioner Gowen said it was important for the Convention and Visitors Bureau to be relocated to the downtown district so that tourists and residents could experience the revitalization of the city’s downtown.
“So, when you walk by and invite others to join you remember that it was a hard fight but that Brownsville deserves this space. We deserve this revitalized downtown and we are not even finished yet,” Gowen said.
City Manager Ramirez said the city deserves a building that is dedicated to a collaboration of communication, tourism, innovation, and space commerce.
“When we look at innovation and creativity, this is a hub. This is a hub for entrepreneurship, it’s a hub for learning and education. It’s also a place where our city of Brownsville employees can have a place to learn and not always be in a stuffy office, be in this cool scene or patio area. Think of all the collaboration we are going to have with our employees,” Ramirez said.
The building is funded through Public, Educational, and Governmental (PEG) funding, which is used to support public-access channels. A City of Brownsville’s press release said this type of funding is “important for maintaining and equipping facilities dedicated to public broadcasting and educational programming.” PEG funding can be used to purchase of studios, video production facilities, and related equipment. All of these, the City’s press release said, are “essential for producing high-quality content for public access television.”
Guests toured the building including the Brownsville TV live recording studio that will enable the production of high-quality, live-recorded content which is a significant asset for local media and can be used for various community and cultural programs.
The new building features offices, workspace areas, and an outdoor courtyard that will function as an outdoor venue for the City of Brownsville.
The building also houses a gift shop operated by the Convention and Visitors Bureau and a lobby area.
The gift shop will offer souvenirs and items promoting Brownsville, which is beneficial for tourism and local branding.
The lobby is designed for the comfort of guests visiting the downtown area, with amenities like seating and smartphone charging stations, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Here is an audio recording of the remarks made by Commissioner Cowen and City Manager Ramirez.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Brownsville City Manager Helen Ramirez has explained how her city is working on a regional to improve transportation ahead of major developments at the Port of Brownsville and the growth of SpaceX at Bob Chica.
The biggest development at the port is construction of a liquefied natural gas export terminal by NextDecade. At the height of construction it is expected that 5,000 workers will be on site.
The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service pitched this question to Ramirez:
There was a discussion about the city setting up a committee to look at how you transport 5,000 workers into the Port of Brownsville in a year’s time for construction of the LNG export facility. How are your preparations going for handling traffic concerns as the LNG project ramps up?
Ramirez responded:
“What I would say is that the City of Brownsville is bringing different players into that discussion because it's not only the city, right? It's Cameron County, it’s the county RMA, it’s TxDOT, it’s the RGVMPO, it’s NextDecade. It's also SpaceX because SpaceX has over 2,000 workers. So what we're doing is collaborating. There's a subcommittee on transportation that NextDecade has created. But, we're even creating a subset of that. Like, what what are we all doing, right? Because what NextDecade did was put $12 million worth of donations for improvements. See, here you have a company that knows that their impact on the community (is great), and (so they) donated $12 million in improvements for their employees.
“But it goes beyond the ingress and egress to that facility. What about the traffic synchronization. I'm going to tell you a story. Many SpaceX employees live in Brownsville, and we would get complaints saying, why isn't Boca Chica (Boulevard) synchronized. Well that takes a million dollars. And we did it. We have accomplishment it and if you go through Boca Chica it is synchronized and it has a great traffic flow. But what I would say is between traffic synchronization, new roads, road improvements, those are conversations on a regional level that we're having. So that's important. We have to continue the conversation, and everyone, even NextDecade, realizes they have to put in their fair share for improved roadways.”
Here is an audio recording of the interview.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MERCEDES, Texas - Rina Castillo, a community and economic development agent for Prairie View A&M University Extension, has announced details of a program to help minority owned businesses become certified for state government contracts.
Prairie View has a HUB workshop slated to be held in Mercedes on January 25. Soon afterwards, the university will host a Business in Development (BID) Academy, also in Mercedes. Both programs will be held at the Mercedes Economic Development Corporation office on Ohio Avenue in Mercedes.
“This is a program associated with the state Comptroller's Office,” Castillo said. “Getting this type of certificate will help small businesses pretty much have an additional point for the scoring if they pursue a state contract.”
Castillo pointed out that, by law, state agencies need to have at least three percent of their vendors HUB certified.
“We do not have enough minority owned businesses winning state contracts,” Castillo said.
Castillo said Prairie View A&M University Extension has been running these programs in the Rio Grande Valley for 11 years.
“Most of our participants, they come in understanding what the certificate is all about. But they don't know how to pursue a contract. And so that's why we developed the Bid Academy. So, once they go into our HUB workshop, they get certified and it's free,” Castillo said.
“But then, many of them do not know how to pursue a contract. So the BID Academy has nine sessions, and we pretty much talk about all the topics needed to have a stronger foundation for their business so they can pursue a contract.”
Castillo said the BID Academy comprises nine sessions, one per week, with each session lasting about three hours.
Castillo said anyone interested in starting a business can also attend the HUB workshop in order to learn more about securing state agency contracts.
“At the end of the day, the most important thing is figuring out what state agency would they like to work with and what state agency will purchase their product. Once they understand what agency they should pursue contracts with, then everything else falls in place as far as like their insurance and access to capital is concerned.”
Castillo’s other work for Prairie View A&M University Extension includes small business development, homeownership, and workforce development.
“If there's anything a business needs, it's my job to figure out if there's a resource for them.”
As one of its community and economic development agents, Prairie View views Castillo as a valuable resource for individuals and families seeking to elevate their standard of living.
“The CED Unit at Prairie View Extension is dedicated to supporting limited-resource communities. It strives to make a positive impact through initiatives such as small business development, youth entrepreneurship, community program involvement, home ownership, government assistance programs, non-profit assistance, and workforce development,” the university states.
“In addition to business support, the CED staff is well-prepared to assist small-scale agricultural producers. Offering technical assistance and counseling, the team ensures the profitability and sustainability of agricultural operations. Comprehensive group training programs cover various topics, including business planning, niche markets, product quality, product distribution, global markets, debt management, accounting, business management, and financial forecasting.”
Editor's Note: For more information about the CED Unit, call Rina Castillo at 956-383-1026.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - The City of Brownsville, working with consultants Freese & Nichols, hosted a public meeting at the Brownsville Events Center on Monday, Jan. 8, to discuss the proposed capital recovery fees program.
The plan is to impose a one-time charge on developers as they begin new projects. The fees raised would go towards roadway improvements.
At the meeting, builder Javier Peña, CFO and co-founder of Luceca Industrial & Commercial Construction, quizzed Edmund Haas, transportation planning manager of Freese & Nichols, about the proposals.
Peña asked Haas if any other city along the border is contemplating the imposition of Capital Recovery Fees. Haas replied that El Paso started such a program in 1988 but sunsetted it in 2016.
Peña asked if cities in the Rio Grande Valley that have industrial and commercial development, such as McAllen, Edinburg, Pharr and Weslaco, had considered imposing such a fee. Peña answered his own question by saying, no.
“Why haven't they?” Peña asked.
“Each city has their own priorities and visions and funding,” Haas responded.
Peña said cities such as McAllen, Edinburg, Pharr and Weslaco, “are offering credits and not fees,” in an effort to attract new business. Brownsville, he said, was going in the other direction.
“Someone has to pay for this infrastructure,” Haas responded.
Peña asked Haas what the feedback was when city officials met with the Brownsville-South Padre Island Board in early December to discuss the capital recovery fees program.
Haas responded: “It was kind of a mixed bag, quite honestly. The board of realtors, there were several of them that were very concerned, that it would have a negative impact, that they would probably go develop elsewhere.”
But, Haas added: “there were some that kind of got it. Like, somebody's got to pay for this stuff.”
In a press release, the City of Brownsville said the capital recovery fee will fund specific improvements that would otherwise be paid for by taxes from residents. “Capital Recovery Fees will ensure an increase in property values and attract businesses that will provide new jobs to the community,” the press release stated.
After the meeting had concluded, Haas gave an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service’s Mario Muñoz. Haas said the City of Brownsville had to find a new way to fund road construction.
“The state has caps on how much they (the City of Brownsville) can tax per year. So, they're at that three, three and a half percent or whatever it is, and so they're really maxed out,” Haas said.
Haas pointed out that around 55 percent of the City of Brownsville’s tax collections are spend on public safety. He said that does not leave much to repair roads and build new ones.
“And so that's really why this whole question came up. The city is going continue to grow. The city does not want to stymie growth but they understand that with new growth and development, there are going to be traffic impacts. You can see the congestion today. Then tack on new development coming in,” Haas said.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service to watch a video of the the exchange between Peña and Haas.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas - Mission Economic Development Corporation board member Noel Salinas says he was saddened to be removed from the organization.
This happened at this week’s Mission City Council meeting. Salinas served on the MEDC board at the pleasure of the council.
Salinas said he believes he was removed for speaking out about a certain city council action. Namely, failing to send the EDC its rightful share of sales tax revenues for many months.
Salinas, the CEO of a healthcare company, said he believes the residents of Mission deserve to know where their tax dollars are being spent. He spoke out publicly when the Progress Times, which covers the western side of Hidalgo County, asked what he thought of the money not being transferred.
Salinas was then criticized by Mission Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza for confirming to the newspaper that the City of Mission held back more than $3 million in sales tax revenues over seven months that should have gone to the EDC. Since the news broke, the City has started paying the EDC back.
Salinas spoke to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service the day after he was removed from the EDC board.
“It’s sad, but I guess we're will keep on getting involved as resident and citizen of Mission,” Salinas said, when asked about his removal from the EDC board. “I think I can still be involved without having to be on a committee.”
Asked if anyone either from the EDC or the city council had called you to explain why he was being removed, Salinas said: “No, nobody. I haven't gotten a call from anybody since the day that I talked about the situation. I would have thought that they somebody would want to know or discuss or even explain something but nobody, nobody reached out.”
Asked why he thinks he lost his slot on the board, Salinas said: “I feel that it's because I talked about the situation of the EDC not getting the sales tax revenue. But, as the (Progress Times) article said, the mayor's claiming that she had already thought of replacing me. The thing that I don't understand, or I would like to ask is, there are five other members or six other members. Why me?”
Salinas said he has never had any disciplinary problems while serving on the EDC board. Asked if he was ever told he was not doing a good job, Salinas said: “Never. If they look at the voting record, I don't think I ever opposed any of the things that we voted on.”
In a previous interview with the Guardian, Salinas said he was looking forward to the next EDC board meeting, scheduled for later this month, so he could ask questions about the EDC funds not being transferred by the city administration.
“My concern was that we had approved inaccurate documents and I guess that's not important. Because that would be one of the things that I would, if I were the other board members, I would be concerned with. We don't know when this started, but the monthly financials showed that we had cash on hand and according to staff, we didn't have that money, and we still approved those documents.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Two opponents of the Texas LNG export terminal project slated to be built at the Port of Brownsville gave public comments at a Cameron County Commissioners Court meeting.
Mary Angela Branch of Port Isabel and Kenneth Saxon of Brownsville urged commissioners not to give tax abatements worth tens of millions of dollars to Texas LNG.
They each had up to three minutes to speak.
Branch said “subsidizing mega industries with taxpayer money at this time would be unconscionable.”
Speaking of the agreement Cameron County Commissioners Court has reached with Texas LNG, Saxon. “I’ve seen more teeth in an apartment rental agreement.”
Judge Treviño thanked the two Cameron County residents and said he would have their remarks entered into the record.
Texas LNG is a subsidiary of Glenfarne Energy Transition LLC. The company has a 50-year lease on a 625-acre site located within the Port of Brownsville. Texas LNG plans to construct and operate a 4 million tonnes per annum (“mtpa”) liquefied natural gas export terminal on a deepwater frontage site at the port. The company expects to close its project financing in 2024 with construction commencing shortly thereafter.
A spokesperson for Glenfarne provided this statement to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service:
“Glenfarne Energy Transition, a global leader in clean energy, and the owner of Texas LNG, is dedicated to Cameron County and improving the social, economic, and environmental quality of life for local residents and businesses. We are proud that Texas LNG will be the lowest emission LNG facility in the United States. The construction and operation of Texas LNG will improve the quality of life for the area bringing hundreds of direct and indirect jobs with competitive pay to the area along with billions of dollars in economic development, and we look forward to continuing to engage in conversations with the community and its elected and appointed leaders to advance our community.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas - A Mission Economic Development Corporation board member says his popularity in the community must have risen since news broke about the City of Mission having financial issues.
Noel Salinas has been criticized by Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza for confirming to a local newspaper that the City of Mission held back more than $3 million in sales tax revenues over seven months that should have gone to the EDC.
But Salinas defended himself. He said he did not give this information to Progress Times reporter Matt Wilson. He said Wilson already had the information and all he did was confirm that the information was correct.
Salinas said he may well lose his slot on the Mission EC board because he serves at the pleasure of Mission City Council and can be removed without cause.
However, he said he feels sure the people of Mission will thank him for helping to publicize something that could have gone under the radar. He said he ran for city council on a platform of greater transparency.
“I am not in office yet, but I feel that this is what I want to do for the people. The people deserve to know what's going on and I guess this is really good for my resume. Because I can prove to people that I haven't even been in office and I'm already fighting for the people and telling them where their tax dollars are going,” Salinas told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
Mayor Gonzalez Garza was not happy with what Salinas told the Progress Times. She said it was politically motivated because Salinas was running for city council. She also disputed the claim that money was withheld from the EDC, even though internal city correspondence obtained by the newspaper uses that term.
“To say the least, it’s disappointing that an EDC member would make comments without knowing the facts,” Gonzalez Garza told the Progress Times. “And that’s very disappointing. I hold all of our board members to a very high standard, and obviously, this is very disappointing. Very disappointing. There is (sic) no issues with liquidity.”
Salinas said he was told that the City of Mission owed Mission EDC about $3.1 million in sales tax revenues. He said he was given this information by Mission EDC CEO Teclo Garcia the day before the city election. Salinas lost the election, coming in fourth in a four-way race.
“I keep on asking myself why they could not have waited until after the election and had a special meeting to discuss what was going on. Instead, we didn't have a meeting, it was just person to person information. And that really makes me think about, why? Why did it happen like that?” Salinas told the Guardian.
“If I would have been in that position I would have had a meeting with the whole board. But I guess if you have a meeting, it becomes open and so the public can come in. But we could have gone to executive session.”
Salinas said he is concerned that he and other board members might have been signing off on financial statements each month that were not accurate. This would have been because there was less money in the EDCs bank account than expected.
Asked if he fears being removed from the Mission EDC board, Salinas said: “Well, being that I was the one that was quoted in the newspaper… I really don't understand how it works and yes, it's up to the mayor and the city council to remove me. They have the right to remove me without cause. So we'll wait and see if that happens.”
Here is an audio interview with Salinas:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas – Mission Mayor Pro Tem Ruben Plata has given more interviews about the failure of city officials to send sales tax revenues to the Mission Economic Development Corporation.
About $3.1 million was withheld, without Plata’s knowledge. The nonpayments started last April. Plata, a banker, said he only learned about it in early December.
In an interview with Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Plata said the City of Mission may have to borrow money in order to pay Mission EDC everything it is owed. Plata said the City of Mission has honest staff and no money has gone missing.
Here is an audio recording of the interview.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas - Mission Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza has given more interviews about the failure of city officials to send sales tax revenues to the Mission Economic Development Corporation.
About $3.1 million was withheld, without her knowledge. The nonpayments started last April. Mayor Gonzalez Garza said she only learned about it in late November.
In an interview with KRGV-TV and the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Gonzalez Garza said she wanted to dispel rumors that money has gone missing. She also said the money was not held back because the city had cashflow problems.
Here is an audio recording of the interview.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
HARLINGEN, Texas - The two official workforce boards in the Rio Grande Valley have been awarded almost $2 million to improve the development of the region’s talent pipeline to high-quality jobs.
The two groups are Workforce Solutions Lower Rio (WSLR) and Workforce Solutions Cameron (WSC). The former looks after workforce development in Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties. They have received a $1,991,745 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, with monies becoming available thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Only two such grants were awarded in the State of Texas.
The Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs grant will support public-private partnerships that provide worker-centered training programs. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which aims to collaboratively build a better America.
A news conference was held at Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in Harlingen on Dec. 15 to announce the grant. Among the speakers were Alberto Treviño, the labor representative on the Texas Workforce Commission, Cledia Hernandez, vice chancellor and chief external relations office for TSTC, Francisco Almaraz, executive director of WSLR, and Pat Hobbs, executive director of WSC.
According to Almaraz and Hobbs, the program is designed to create career pathways to high-quality jobs in the renewable energy, transportation, and broadband infrastructure sectors while prioritizing the delivery of training and supportive services to those from rural and underrepresented communities.
“The ultimate goal is to help job seekers take on high-demand, high-quality career opportunities in advanced manufacturing, information technology, and technical service occupations, “Almaraz said. “This will create a clear path to obtaining good-paying infrastructure jobs that will help our communities thrive in the long run.”
Almaraz said the Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs grant will complement the local workforce boards’ ongoing efforts to meet the Valley’s infrastructure workforce needs.
He said this includes aligning registered apprenticeships and workforce programs at community colleges and supporting state and local partnerships that seek to leverage workforce funding to provide high-quality training and supportive services.
In his remarks, Hobbs stressed the importance of unity in the Valley - something Hernandez also did - and, as he has done in the past, decried the underfunding and under appreciation of training for trade skills.
"The Valley's two workforce boards are collaborating regionally to prepare locals for upcoming high-paying jobs. These jobs include the construction and operation of new LNG terminals at the Port of Brownsville, Space X operations at Boca Chica, clean hydrogen production facilities, and other upcoming technologies. This grant will aid in developing the necessary training and education pathways,” Hobbs said.
Hobbs said the main goal of the two workforce boards is to respond to local employers and workers' needs through locally designed, demand-driven workforce development initiatives.
Editor’s Note: Here is an audio recording of highlights from the press conference.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - The president and founder of Commodities Integrated Logistics says the cities and economic development organizations in the Rio Grande Valley should pool their resources to market the region.
Joaquin Spamer was one of the panelists at the “CEOs Unite – Let’s Get Uncomfortable” summit. The event was hosted by Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force and Futuro RGV.
In his remarks, Spamer said the Valley needed to be marketed, not individual cities. He said it was superfluous for different economic development corporations to be going on trade missions to Mexico.
Instead, he said, the various EDCs should specialize on different parts of the world. For example, he said if San Benito EDC does not have a bit marketing budget, let that group focus on Houston on behalf of the entire RGV. He noted that the Port of Brownsville is strong in Northern Europe, so let it focus on that. McAllen EDC has good ties in the Far East, so let it focus on that.
“You have all these different organizations taking care of different areas of the world and doing something we need to do, that is to be selling exactly the same concept: the RGV. That is my personal opinion,” Spamer said.
“We won’t accomplish anything… I'm going to say something that my sound wrong, but we're not going to accomplish nothing, anything, if we keep on gathering together, coming out very nicely in all the pictures in the Rio Grande Guardian and and different media here. It doesn't work. We are talking to each other. We're preaching to the choir.”
Spamer, who went on a trade mission to China a few months back, said he was pleased to learn Adam Gonzalez, CEO of the Council for South Texas Economic Progress, is going to India next year.
“That's what we need to do. We need to get out of the Valley. We need to get organized. We need to work together and go out and bring business to the RGV. “
Like other speakers at the summit, Spamer also spoke about the bad press the Valley gets.
“We have very bad press. That’s true. One bad press is equivalent to 20 good ones. So, we need to go out there and start talking good about the Valley in order to offset that we have as a region,” Spamer said.
“We need to get all the stakeholders organized. The EDOs, the cities, the developers, the realtors, the bankers. And we need change the mindset.”
Spamer said he wanted to end on this point:
“Whenever they ask me, where are you from, I am not from McAllen. I am not from Mission. I am from the RGV. We need to say that from now on. We are from the RGV.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Businesswoman Val LaMantia was one of the panelists at the “CEOs Unite - Let’s Get Uncomfortable” summit.
The event was hosted by Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force and Futuro RGV.
LaMantia is one of the directors of L&F Distributors, which is a major wholesaler for beer giant Anheuser-Busch.
In her remarks, LaMantia said L&F had to overcome a huge loss in sales that was out of the company’s control.
“About a year ago, we had kind of a little bit of a snafu in the Bud Light debacle. I don't know how many of you remember that or not but it was something that we had nothing to do with. But, because we were affiliated with a national organization, Anheuser Busch…,” LaMantia explained.
“It was one post, one time, and it affected our sales, our Bud Light sales, which was our number one brand. It went from our number one brand down to almost non existent for a little bit. And that kind of threw us through a loop. You know, no matter what you sell, at any point in time in your business you can just drop. For no reason… you did not do anything other than you just sold that product.”
LaMantia was referring to the backlash Anheuser Busch received when it partnered with transgender TikToker Dylan Mulvaney. Many consumers stopped buying Bud Light and other Anheuser Busch beers. Some conservative celebrities pushed for a boycott of the company’s products.
LaMantia said L&F is still recovering.
“Over the months and over this last year, we've kind of come back somewhat but it made it all of us ponder a little bit that, no matter what you do, no matter how hard you are in the community, no matter how hard you work in the community, sometimes things just happen and under your control or not your control things will just… your business will just, you know, suddenly cease,” LaMantia said.
“And so we've come back from that, but I think there's a lot of lessons to be learned in that and a preparedness that everybody needs to take when they are out there trying to sell, whatever they're trying to sell, that you need to be prepared and you need to understand that when things like that happen, you have to have a plan.”
LaMantia said she did not think Anheuser Busch had a plan on how to respond.
“It's just not put your head in the sand but it’s, get out there and explain your reasonings and explain who you are as a company, which we tried to do and I think we've we've done a pretty good job of it since. But it's just one of those many lessons that you learn… if you've been around as long as we have.
LaMantia said she and her family are probably most proud of the scholarships L&F has given out over the years.
“We had started, about 20 years ago, with my father starting this… it was a Stars Scholarship Fund that kind of brought along… as we grew with L&F we asked the community to help us. It was a grassroots organization that provided scholarships for people that came from the area in which we served,” LaMantia explained.
“And so today, we have given out over $38.9 million worth of scholarships to about 19,000 students.”
There was applause in the audience.
“Thank you."
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Businessman and developer James W. Collins was one of the panelists at the “CEOs Unite - Let’s Get Uncomfortable” summit.
The event was hosted by Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force and Futuro RGV.
Collins, who moved to the Rio Grande Valley from Amarillo in 1980, is chairman of Rioco Partners, Ltd., a real estate investor-developer and private equity investment company. He is also associated with Mayfair Private Trust Company and their family investment office. And he is current chairman of Vantage Bank.
According to its website, Rioco is “dedicated to the development of South Texas.”
The website states: “Rioco prides itself on selecting, acquiring, and developing the prime real estate sites that best fit the needs of clients in one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas of the country. Combining an understanding of the region’s unique economics, close proximity to the U.S./Mexico border, and long-established ties to the Mexico business community, Rioco is able to provide services to local, regional and national clients looking to invest in Texas while tapping into the tremendous potential of the Mexico market.”
In his remarks at the summit, Collins spoke a lot about the retail market in the Valley.
“I want to tell a story about retail a little bit. We develop a number of shopping centers in the Valley. We’d go to International Council of Chopping Centers’ meetings and we tried to talk to the directors of real estate at various companies. But… we didn't get very far as an individual company trying to push our one shopping center.
“What really made the difference was the director of real estate for Walmart left Walmart and went to Target. And he he knew these sales that Walmart was creating (in the RGV). And so Target came in with a little bit different (of a) flavor, a little bit higher target market for their customer, and they've succeeded.
“I'm not trying to say that will appeal to the highest per capita people are the highest income earners. But we sure do hit…I think our retailers here know their market, they are discounters, they masters at their art, Ross, the Burlingtons. The discounters are really hitting the market and they really are very successful here.
“I never thought Donna, Texas, would have as many cars in the parking lot in front of Burlington and Ross and DD’s, it's amazing. It's very successful. And that's been repeated up and down, throughout the Valley. So, I think we just need to get the message out of the success. I'm taking one industry, the retail industry. Well, it took word of mouth between real estate directors to really get that where everybody understood.
“I was a doubter of Starbucks. I thought our region was so hot in the summer that who would want to drink coffee in the afternoons. Well look at how many Starbucks… I can tell you that one of the stores I have, they're doing over two and a half million dollars. I mean, it's phenomenal.
“Luby's, I mean time and time, many of the stores, their top stores are along the border.”
Collins also said the Valley deserves better public relations.
“I just want to end on saying we all have to change our public relations, our publicity for the Valley. We need to… for every drug cartel news story, or fentanyl death, or immigration issue, we need to at least have a positive economic fact getting out about how great the Rio Grande Valley is.”
Collins added: “the foundation has been laid and the hard work has been done bringing in the educational institutions.”
Here are the remarks Collins made at the summit.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation is to host, for the first time, a StartUp Week in May 2024 to celebrate entrepreneurialism.
Nathan Burkhart, vice president of entrepreneurship and innovation at BCIC, made the announcement at the group’s StartUp Texas Emerging Industries Pitch Competition, held Dec. 14 at the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization.
StartUp Week will also be held at the eBridge Center, from May 3 to May 10, 2024. BCIC's partner on the venture will be UT-Rio Grande Valley’s Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center.
“We are, proudly, going to be hosting the inaugural RGV Startup Week. It will be held in May. Big round of applause,” Burkhart told the audience.
“It's all over the Texas Triangle, but nothing has been done here in the Valley. We're going to keep it here. So, we are very, very excited about this. So save the dates, May 3 through May 10.”
Burkhart said BCIC’s next StartUp competition will be held during StartUp Week.
Nine startup companies competed in the Emerging Industries Pitch Competition on Dec. 14. The winners with their prize money were:
- iBed by APYCO, $40,000.
- Hemp Lime Homes, $20,000.
- BuildCo. S10,000.
With regard to StartUp Week, BCIC issued this statement:
“The Rio Grande Valley is loud, it is resourceful, and it is booming with business and innovation. We believe that such efforts should be celebrated like never before!
“RGV Startup Week is our way of celebrating and supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of the ones that already started the journey, and the potential of those who are one small push away from snowballing into the fascinating world of startups.
“Texas currently hosts four Startup Weeks in Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio; 2024 is the year that a new Startup Week joins the list and steals the spotlight.
“Throughout an entire week we will offer workshops, networking opportunities, pitch competitions, mentorship, and other activities to connect entrepreneurs with resources, investors, and mentors.
“The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation aims to host the inaugural RGV Startup Week at the eBridge Center and its vicinity, making it open to the public.
“The tentative dates are May 3 to May 10, 2024. The schedule is TBD.”
Here is an audio interview with Nathan Burkhart, along with highlights from the Emerging Industries Pitch Competition:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
AUSTIN, Texas - When the Rio Grande Guardian exclusively interviewed Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr., last week he alluded to some big news on the horizon.
Asked what 2024 might have in store, Treviño said: “We’re hoping to end (2023) with a bang and thankful for all of the progress and development that we’ve had over this past year. Hopefully we’re going to start the new year with some very exciting development and, as soon at it happens, you’ll know what I’m talking about. I don’t want to jinx it.”
Now we know what the judge was referring to. On Tuesday, the Texas Transportation Commission approved a minute order that adds a future roadway, State Highway 104, to the state highway system. The designation opens the door to additional funding sources to accelerate development and construction of the South Padre Island 2nd Causeway project. SH 104 will be built between FM 106 and Park Road 100 on South Padre Island.
Treviño was at the TTC to hear the news. Indeed, he spoke at the meeting just before the new minute order was unanimously approved. Other speakers from the Rio Grande Valley included TTC Commissioner Alex Meade, and RGV Metropolitan Planning Organization Chairman David Fuentes.
Here is a podcast that features their remarks.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force is likely to recommend the establishment of a rapid transit authority, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez has confirmed.
The subject came up at a summit the task force hosted jointly with Futuro RGV at South Texas College’s Pecan Campus last Friday. The summit was titled, “CEOs Unite: Let’s Get Uncomfortable.”
Interviewed later, Cortez told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service:
“One of the barriers and obstacles that we have is moving people from areas, from where they live to where they work. And, as you know, a lot of households only have one vehicle. So, when the husband works and the wife works and what do you do when you only have one vehicle or the husband is gone and the wife needs to go shopping or go to the doctor or whatever is,” Cortez said.
“Transportation is very important. In larger communities such as Austin, Houston, San Antonio, they have a transit authority, that's basically a taxing body to provide for transportation. I think that we're at the size already in Hidalgo County that we need to start looking into that and see if that fits our needs. And everything takes a long time. So we better start looking at it now and start to prepare for it.”
Cortez said he is also concerned about the traffic count in his county.
“We have a lot of people out there on the roads. If we can reduce some of those cars from being on the roads because they have another form of transportation that helps us there also.”
Asked if a rapid transit authority could be part of the final recommendations of the task force, Cortez said:
“Absolutely. No, we're already looking into it. The Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council already has done some work. We just took it off the shelf and started looking at it again.”
Editor’s Note: Here is an audio recording of the Guardian’s interview with Judge Cortez, as well as the analysis of Thomas Ray Garcia, one of the lead coordinators of the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
HARLINGEN, Texas - Mike Reeser, chancellor and CEO of Texas State Technical College, spoke at a recent groundbreaking ceremony at TSTC-Harlingen.
The ceremony celebrated construction of two new facilities and renovation of one existing building at the Harlingen campus, including space for two programs new to the campus: Diesel Equipment Technology and Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology.
The Automotive Technology and Diesel Equipment Technology programs will share nearly 50,000 square feet in one of the two new buildings, while the Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology program will get a new 12,000-square-foot building of its own. A renovated 87,000-square-foot facility will house the Biomedical Equipment Technology, the Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology and the Wind Energy Technology programs.
Here is a podcast from the groundbreaking ceremony.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
RANCHO VIEJO, Texas - Three leaders from the lower Rio Grande Valley have been asked how they think 2024 will go for their respective organizations.
Eduardo Campirano, port director for Brownsville Navigation District, said:
“Obviously, the continued progress of the Port (of Brownsville). The growth and the construction is still ongoing. And, of course, the biggest one of all is going to be the Rio Grande LNG project. That project is underway and is going to be very, very significant. That will probably suck up a lot of the attention over the next year or two or three or four or five or six or seven. It is growing and, of course, we've got projects in addition to that as well. We're looking at a great 2024, another record year.”
Brownsville City Manager Helen Ramirez said the City of Brownsville has been awarded almost $180,000 in grant money from the North American Development Bank. It is the first time the City has received money from this bank, she said, pointing out that the City’s matching fund is about ten percent. Ramirez said the funding will be used to help develop a rapid transit system between the Port of Brownsville and the City in order to get cars off the road.
“NADBank is allowing us to be more innovative in how we handle road congestion. They're great partners, it was easy to get funded,” Ramirez said. “Right now, part of the scope of work… is to study the best route between the City of Brownsville, the city limits and the Port of Brownsville and all the companies that they're serving. Companies such as Rio Grande Valley LNG, SpaceX, Keppel, Steelcoast. Where can we put some park and rides where the employees are happy, the company is, and the city and the county also wins as well?”
Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr., said his city commission colleagues are hoping to end 2023 on a high.
“We're hoping to end with a bang and thankful for all of the progress and development that we've had over this past year. Hopefully we're going to start the new year with some very exciting development and, as soon at it happens, you'll know what I'm talking about. I don't want to jinx it. We're looking forward to continuing to work on all of the projects that we've been working on over the last several years. We hope some of them will come to fruition in a very short period of time,” Treviño said.
The lower Valley leaders were interviewed at a NADBank listening tour hosted by Estrada Hinojosa and Company and held at Rancho Viejo Country Club. Here is an audio recording of the interviews.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - John Beckham, the incoming managing director of the North American Development Bank, was the keynote speaker at a luncheon hosted by Estrada Hinojosa and Company.
The event, which drew many VIPS, elected officials and community leaders from Hidalgo and Starr counties, was held at the McAllen Country Club on Dec. 7.
Estrada Hinojosa and Company hosted Beckham and other NADBank officials so that Rio Grande Valley leaders could learn about the work of the bank, which was set up during the NAFTA negotiations of the early 1990s.
Estrada Hinojosa and Company hosted an identical event for VIPS, elected officials and community leaders from Cameron and Willacy counties at Rancho Viejo Country Club on Dec. 6.
Here is an audio recording of everything Beckham said at the event in McAllen. He is introduced by Noé Hinojosa, president, CEO, and co-founder of Estrada Hinojosa.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Estrada Hinojosa and Company hosted a luncheon at the McAllen Country Club on Dec. 7 so that leaders from Hidalgo and Starr counties could learn more about the North American Development Bank.
NADBank was set up during the NAFTA negotiations of the early 1990s.
The keynote speaker at the event was John Beckham, the incoming managing director of NADBank. Before Beckham gave his speech, there were introductory remarks from Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos, and Estrada Hinojosa and Company President, CEO, and Co-Founder Noé Hinojosa. Hinojosa is a Rio Grande Valley native.
Here is an audio recording of the remarks made by Mayor Villalobos and Hinojosa.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas - Aaron S. Demerson, the recently appointed president and CEO of the Texas Economic Development Corporation, says he loves visiting the Rio Grande Valley because he gets to experience the can-do attitude of its people.
Austin-based Demerson was in the Valley recently. Asked what the region’s best assets are and why investors should take a look, he said:
“The best food America. No, no, aside from that I leave at least five pounds heavier all the time. I joke about that. But, the people. The people are pretty phenomenal,” Demerson said.
“I hold that if they see it, touch it, feel it, they (potential investors) will be impressed as well. And then, the can-do attitude, the innovation, the willingness to get down there to make a difference is extremely important and its exist here in this community.
“And so I'm always excited to get down here to see what's new. See what's happening from the standpoint of… the energy that's here is pretty phenomenal and it is just an opportunity for us to take additional levels.”
The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service interviewed Demerson, the former business representative on the Texas Workforce Commission, at Mission Economic Development Corporation’s Center for Education and Economic Development.
He was at the CEED building for both a meeting with the Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP) and to speak at a ribbon cutting ceremony for an outreach center that Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies was opening.
Asked what the purpose of the Texas Economic Development Corporation was, Demerson said: “We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization set up, really, to showcase and market Texas both domestically and internationally. We're trying to showcase the best of what Texas has to offer so that if a company is looking at expanding to another state, we want them to expand here in Texas. Even international companies that are looking at other states to expand their operations, we want them to come to the state of Texas.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas - Julian Alvarez may have left the Texas Workforce Commission a year ago to go into the private sector but he is still in great demand for all things workforce related.
The senior vice president for Lone Star National Bank not only still gives talks about workforce training, he also helps facilitate key meetings.
For example, he is currently helping Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies (VGI) secure a unique articulation agreement with South Texas College.
“Our discussion (with Anabell Cardona, president of and CEO of VGI) was, how do I get a student that's going to a career school to actually receive college credit at a local community college? Nobody’s doing that, at least not that I know of,” said Alvarez, in an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
“An agreement between two colleges, where one would say, here's a student who graduated as an LVN, a PCT walk next door, and meet with a counselor from South Texas College and say I was informed that my course load here, six hours, nine hours or whatever, articulates into college credit at your school.”
Alvarez was quick to point out, there's no guarantee that such an articulation agreement would afford the VGI student direct entry to STC. “But what a great thing to do to make school affordable,” he said.
Alvarez said the idea for such an articulation agreement came up whilst he was still labor’s representative for the Texas Workforce Commission. However, he said, the discussions have continued since he has left the agency.
“Now that I'm in the private sector, our goal has always been to make sure that people can make a living wages, that they can be self-sustaining. And those people become depositors and they open up their own business,” Alvarez said.
“So, it’s just these ideas that people continue to ask me. How would you do this?”
Alvarez offered another example of negotiations he is currently involved in related to workforce development.
“I won't disclose what school it is, but we're looking at taking an elementary school that's abandoned in a county and we're looking at bringing in six school districts and doing the (workforce) training there because the school districts can't afford the infrastructure for a building for equipment,” Alvarez said.
“So think about it. If you bring in six schools into one location, where you're converting a vacant building into a training facility, like they have in Corpus with the Craft Learning Center, that’s what we're looking at doing down here (in the Valley). So those are conversations we're having with six various superintendents in the Valley. It's because of my experience and it's because of things that we've done in other parts of the state.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
WESLACO, Texas - A senior executive with Killam Development says demand for industrial real estate in Mexico and the southern US is accelerating with his company receiving inquires from Alaska, Indiana and Illinois.
Rene Alcalá, director of business development, RGV leasing and sales for Killam, was a panelist at the recent State of the RGV Real Estate Forum hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership and RGV First. Killam is developing a large industrial park near the Anzalduas International Bridge in Mission.
“The demand for industrial real estate in Mexico and the southern US is accelerating as we saw with Carlos Marquez’ and Carlos Telles’ presentations,” Alcalá said.
Industrial real estate specialists Carlos Marquez and Carlos Telles were on the same panel as Alcalá.
“Within the next five to ten years we expect to see an interconnected web of manufacturing, assembly, warehouse logistic facilities emerge as these corporations seek to optimize their supply chains,” Alcalá said.
Alcalá asked those in the audience if they remember watching news during COVID and seeing shipping containers stretched out for miles at sea trying to get into the Port of Los Angeles. Supply chains were disrupted and some products were unavailable in the stores, he recalled.
“So that is what we want to avoid. The risk mitigation of having to depend on sea transportation of these products rather than buying land (along the border of the US or Mexico). (It) is a lot easier (to buy landO and a lot more cost effective. The distances are shorter. So those are some of the benefits that we see with near-shoring.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas - Starr County leaders such as Rose Benavidez and state Rep. Ryan Guillen are concerned about they say are inaccurate maps showing a high percentage of residents having access to broadband.
Benavidez, president and CEO of Starr County Industrial Foundation, moderated a panel discussion on ways to bridge her county’s digital divide. The panelists were four executives with Rio Grande Valley-based internet service provider VTX1.
Rep. Guillen gave brief remarks at the start of the event and asked a question about the mapping of Starr County during the Q&A.
Benavidez, in an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, said the officials maps say 95 percent of Starr County has access to broadband. Benavidez said she doubts that the figure is as high as 50 percent.
The audio recording below features the interview with Benavidez and the question posed by Rep. Guillen. The question was answered by Orlando Quintanilla, COO of VTX 1.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
WESLACO, TEXAS – Recently, the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service reported exclusively on the Rio Grande Valley Partnership’s inaugural “State of the RGV Real Estate” forum in Weslaco.
The event was sponsored by ERO Architects and Alamo Systems Industries. Here is a link to the story written by Guardian reporter Patricia Martinez.
Now, thanks to Ron Whitlock Reports, we have audio recordings of some of the keynote speakers.
One of the speakers was McAllen-based realtor Esteban Flores.
Here is the audio recording of Flores’ remarks:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas - Patrick McDonnell, CEO of VTX1, says the Rio Grande Valley can learn a lot from the way Chattanooga, Tennessee, embraced broadband.
McDonnell was a panelist at an event hosted by Starr County Industrial Foundation that explored the potential of public-private partnerships to bridge the digital divide.
McDonnell said Chattanooga leaders got the private sector to subsidize the internet service fees charged to poorer families.
“The City of Chattanooga is always the poster child of the right thing to do with the internet. They were the first one gigabyte city and now they're the first 10 gigabyte city,” McDonnell said.
“But the other thing they realized is that they built this huge network, but they had a lower take rate than they expected. And what they found out was that the people that most needed the services couldn't afford it. So they got all the local business leaders together and said, we need to raise money that will hold us for 10 years so that the lowest income people can pay for this. They don't have to worry about that. We take that off the plate.”
During the Q&A section of the program, Rio Grande Guardian International News Service asked McDonnell if the Valley would have to adopt the same approach.
“Absolutely,” said McDonnell. “I think all of us play a part. We've looked hard at our own rates and said what do we really need to provide good quality service at a reasonable cost.”
McDonnell said if VTX1 can get some additional government funding it would make things easier to provide a service and maintain that service. He said that as VTX1 is a non-profit and a cooperative it is not driven by the need to make a profit.
“Our goal is to say that least if we get some of the cost covered by somebody else, we can then drive our rates a little bit lower.”
McDonnell said Connect Humanity is trying to raise philanthropic money to be able to come in, not just with digital literacy, but also on the payments side. And, he said VTX1 has approached Texas A&M University for help.
“You know, we're just one company. But when I look around the room, there's a lot of… even though we have some impoverished areas in the Valley, we also have a lot of companies that are very wealthy and very well funded,” McDonnell said. “Everybody can step up and I think jointly we can agree to do this.”
McDonnell pointed out that he is a board member of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, the regional chamber of commerce.
“One of the things we are pushing is One Region, One Voice, because we think that if we all band together, we can accomplish more. We can also drive economies of scale.”
McDonnell added: “We have to make sure that all the companies step up. We feel that it's our obligation to put back a certain amount of money in the community. You can see one of the large checks back there. Today, while we're here in Starr County, we've given away three decent sized checks, putting money back into the community. We feel like we have to step up. Somebody's got to step up and say we’ll go first.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas - The Council for South Texas Economic Progress is close to landing two big manufacturing firms, one in the food industry and the other in aerospace.
COSTEP cannot reveal many details just yet but CEO Adam Gonzalez has confirmed that, if South Texas wins out, one of the companies would be making a $50 million investment and the other anywhere between half billion dollars and 1.5 billion.
Gonzalez gave the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service an exclusive and wide-ranging audio interview.
“We are working on some projects, of course, because that's our main focus - to bring industry and bring new businesses here to the region that create well paying jobs for our residents,” Gonzalez said.
“And, since we work regionally from Laredo to Brownsville, we feature a vast array of assets that are at our disposal.”
Gonzalez said his colleague, Rick Carrera, is working with the two companies. Carrera is director of economic development for COSTEP.
“One of them is a pretty large investment, $50 million investment. The other one could potentially be starting at a half a billion dollar investment up to $1.5 billion investment,” Gonzalez said.
“I can't divulge a whole lot. You know how this works. But, we are getting some traction, we are getting some leverage. We appreciate the support from all the EDOs in the region that have given us their support in order for us to do our job. And, we welcome any other opportunities to collaborate, regionally.”
EDO stands for economic development organization.
The Guardian asked Gonzalez whether he could confirm that both prospective companies are manufacturers.
“Yes, they are,” Gonzalez replied. “One is in the food industry and the other, all I can say, is in the aerospace industry. So that's about as much as I can give out at this point. But, you’ll start hearing about it in the near future or even sooner.”
So COSTEP is close to landing one or both projects, Gonzalez was asked.
“Yes, we are. We're close,” Gonzalez confirmed.
On its website, COSTEP says it is “advancing regional prosperity through the addition of a strategic framework for economic development.” This framework, the website says, is “data-driven and market-validated, with a strong emphasis on job creation and building a regional talent pipeline, all working toward the goal of creating a virtuous circle of education and employment to drive sustainable economic growth and prosperity for the region and its citizens.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas - Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Center for Education & Economic Development in Mission on Nov. 28.
The Weslaco-based educational institution has opened an outreach center in the CEED building.
VGI has been able to draw down $240,000 through the help of two different hospitals, Mission Regional and Valley Baptist. Each hospital received $120,000 to pay for the education of 40 VGI students. They will be trained at the respective hospitals, with the students learning while they are earning $14 per hour. Once they have completed the program they will be able to earn $18 per hour.
The arrival of VGI at the CEED building means Mission Economic Development Corporation has been able to place four educational institutions in the building this year. The others are UT-Rio Grande Valley, Wayland Baptist University, and Texas Women's University. And, there is the promise of South Texas College to come, probably in the new year.
Other groups that office in the CEED building include Teach For America, RGV First, and COSTEP.
Among the speakers at the ribbon cutting ceremony were Aaron S. Demerson, president and CEO of Texas Economic Development Corporation, former Texas Workforce Commissioner Julian Alvarez, and Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Brenda Enriquez.
“Providing access to education is vital for our workforce and our quality of life. We are super excited to welcome Valley Grande Institute to Mission,” Enriquez told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
Here are some of the remarks VGI President & CEO Anabell Cardona made from the podium.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Mike Willis says he has, for a few years, provided advice to manufacturing firms about how to deal with unions.
He says he has told them that the time to worry about union activity is not when the union is starting a wage campaign. He said the firms need to pay attention to how they treat their workers all the time.
The executive director of the South Texas Manufacturers Association spoke about the recent wage package agreed by the so-called Big Three - General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler - and the unions. He mentioned the deal in his monthly report, which was given at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel in McAllen.
“I've mentioned this to a lot of my manufacturing friends over the last year or two. The time to worry about a union campaign is not when it's underway. It's all the time, by treating your people right and good communications and providing the best paying benefits you can afford to,” Willis said.
“I think it's almost not even needed to be said because the labor market has been so tight (that) everybody’s paying what they can afford to attract and keep people.”
As for the Big Three, Willis said: “Everybody knows the Big Three finished settling their labor contract issues with the United Auto Workers I think they ended up with generally about a 25% pay raise over four years. Some pretty ratifying bonuses to sweeten the pot for them to vote yes. And they didn't get the work for four days and get paid for five they wanted. They didn't get a return from 401k’s back to defined benefit pension plans. But, it's gonna to cost the automotive industry quite a bit of money. The workers are gonna get a lot better deal.”
*Editor's Note: To read the full story, go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
Editor's Note: Here is an audio recording of Mike Willis' executive directors report for November to the South Texas Manufacturers Association.*
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
WESLACO, TEXAS - Last month, the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service reported exclusively on the Rio Grande Valley Partnership’s inaugural “State of the RGV Real Estate” forum in Weslaco.
The event was sponsored by ERO Architects and Alamo Systems Industries. Here is a link to the story written by Guardian reporter Patricia Martinez.
Now, thanks to Ron Whitlock Reports, we have audio recordings of some of the keynote speakers.
One of the speakers was Carlos Telles, first vice president broker in CBRE’s McAllen office. In his remarks, Telles spoke about the industrial warehouse sector in the RGV.
Here is the audio recording.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
WESLACO, TEXAS - Last month, the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service reported exclusively on the Rio Grande Valley Partnership’s inaugural “State of the RGV Real Estate” forum in Weslaco.
The event was sponsored by ERO Architects and Alamo Systems Industries. Here is a link to the story written by Guardian reporter Patricia Martinez.
Now, thanks to Ron Whitlock Reports, we have audio recordings of some of the keynote speakers.
One of the speakers was Carlos Marquez, a veteran industrial commercial real estate broker who works for Partners.
In his remarks, Marquez spoke about the Valley’s chances of landing a semiconductor and/or solar panel manufacturer.
Here is the audio recording.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
AUSTIN, Texas - Civil rights attorney Roberto Lopez does not expect the Biden Administration to come to the aid of immigrants arrested under the sweeping new powers Senate Bill 4 bestows on law enforcement.
Lopez, a Rio Grande Valley native, is the beyond borders senior advocacy manager at the Texas Civil Rights Project. TCRP works to defend the civil and human rights of border communities and of those migrating through the borderlands.
Lopez spoke about the likely impact SB 4 will have on a recent webinar hosted by America’s Voice and Congressman Joaquin Castro of San Antonio.
“Two years ago, we filed a complaint with the Department of Justice. We have continued to provide supplemental complaints on all the abuses that we're documenting. We have several probable cause affidavits that are wrong, where DPS officers said that they knew someone was an alien because of how they smelled. And the federal government has not responded to that. The Biden administration is not going to come to our rescue,” Lopez said.
If that is the case, what can immigrant families do? Lopez said he and other civil rights leaders will be there to help.
"What we're going to be doing now is working with our community, helping ensure that everybody knows their rights, documenting abuses from police as they take on these immense and incredible new powers,” Lopez said.
“And we will be fighting tirelessly as these bills come into effect in the next few months to just make sure that everybody knows what this legislation does, how they can respond to law enforcement when they're pulled over. And we will be doing our best to document and fight this in court as best we can.”
On the webinar, Lopez gave his analysis of Senate Bill 4.
“SB 4 will subject millions of people across the entirety of Texas to racial profiling. And that is not some sort of exaggeration. This bill is not limited to the border. It is not limited to immigrants who have recently crossed (the border). This allows any officer in the entire state of Texas with a gun at their hip, to detain and arrest someone who they suspect of being here without papers.”
Lopez said there is no clarity from the authors of the legislation on how it should be applied. He said dozens of amendments were filed to try to clarify the meaning of the legislation, to give officers guidance on how to implement SB 4. “All of those (amendments) were just swept aside,” Lopez said.
Lopez said what this tells Texans is that the state is not making good public policy. “This is all political theater.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service to read the full story.
Editor's Note: Here is an audio recording of testimony Roberto Lopez gave at a recent Senate Committee on Border Security hearing.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Joey Treviño, executive director of the Rio Grande Valley Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America, was a panelist at a recent summit on apprenticeships.
The 2nd Annual Apprenticeship Summit was hosted recently by South Texas College.
In his remarks on the STC panel, Treviño said he was proud to have set up a women’s committee that promotes women in the construction industry.
He also spoke in support of apprenticeships, pointing out that many skilled workers are reaching retirement age.
Here is an audio recording of Treviño’s remarks at the STC summit.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service's website to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - On this, Thanksgiving Day, we would like to give thanks to the Ditch Diggers of America.
Joey Treviño, executive director of the Rio Grande Valley Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America, recommended we watch a video on YouTube titled Ditch Diggers.
Treviño said he tries to play the video at all the classes he hosts.
“It's a poem that a construction worker put together. And I put it in some of the meetings that I put together and I've had people crying,” Treviño explained.
The video features a poem by Eric Borden about the importance of people that work in the construction industry and those that make a living through a skilled trade.
The caption to the video reads: “After hearing someone refer to people who don't go to college as "ditch diggers" in a not-so-flattering way, Eric was inspired to write a powerful poem that reversed the negative connotation of blue-collar workers.
“Eric's poem has inspired many individuals in and out of skilled trades by shining a light on the importance of people who build this world and love what they do. In turn, it inspires acts of kindness, which is how #ThankADitchDigger was born.”
Responding to Treviño’s request, the Guardian agreed to check out Borden’s video and upload it to our website. Which we have.
*Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read the full story.
Editor's Note: The attached is an audio recording of our interview with Treviño.*
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - The executive director of the South Texas Manufacturers Association has given an overview of apprenticeship programs in the Rio Grande Valley.
Mike Willis was a keynote speaker at South Texas College’s 2nd Annual Apprenticeship Summit.
“The apprenticeship program is a proven model that has been used for many years, as Dr. Solis pointed out. In our region, the construction industry continues to use it widely. In Texas and elsewhere, electricians and plumbers are actually required to complete an apprenticeship to even take the state licensing exam,” Willis said.
“In the manufacturing industry, apprenticeship was widely used in the past but some structural changes like outsourcing to smaller and more specialized manufacturing firms, and, of course, the offshoring that's been taking place over the last 20 yeas has made it more challenging but not impossible to support apprenticeship programs.”
The “Dr. Solis” Willis was referring to was Ricardo Solis, president of STC.
Willis said that in 2002 his organization started working on apprenticeships with STC, Texas Southmost College, Texas State Technical College, VIDA and McAllen Economic Development Corporation. “We formed a regional partnership to create, develop and support manufacturing apprenticeship programs across the Valley.”
Willis said STC secured a Department of Labor grant to support the creation of DOL registered, STMA sponsored, apprenticeship programs for industrial machinery mechanics, tool and die makers, and plastic process technicians. He said the grant helped produce highly skilled workers for the manufacturing industry.
“The strategy was to have our organization create regional standards for all the manufacturers in the region,” Willis said.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Educator Beatrize Valenzuela received one of the biggest cheers at South Texas College’s 2nd Annual Apprenticeship Summit.
The Region One Education Service Center STEM/CTE specialist received warm applause following her opening remarks during a panel discussion on partnerships and apprentice perspectives.
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Education and Math. CTE stands for Career & Technical Education.
Here are Valenzuela’s opening remarks:
“Hi, good morning everyone. My name is Beatrize Valenzuela and I was a teacher at La Joya ISD 19 years. This is my second year working with Region One. I have the honor of being STEM/CTE specialist for one of the GEAR UP grants called Pathways to the Future.
“In my 19 years as an educator I worked in low socio-economic communities. I was in Sullivan City for ten years, and then I was in Pueblo De Palmas. So I worked with those students from low income communities.
“I was in love with what I did. And those students have so much potential, but nobody was tapping into it because they were in rural areas. There were not a lot of teachers there that have a STEM background.
"So, when my students started asking for that assistance and I didn't have it, I made it my personal goal to learn. I started learning about robotics, I started learning about coding, I started learning all about STEM, and I started taking it to those communities and, lo and behold, they started placing and winning at the state level.
“You know, we started to see that passion ignited in those communities and that's when I said, Oh my gosh, we are not tapping into the talent and potential that we have out there.
“So I did my best to try to promote and try to foster that creativity and that passion amongst my students. But, as a teacher, we're limited in what we know about what's available, what's in demand, what are the jobs, what are the needs, what are the pathways. And, as I came up and started to collaborate more and network more and learn about the grants from Texas Workforce, I started to learn about the wonderful resources that are out there, that are available for us to be able to educate our educators.
"And so that is the key. That is what is missing. We need to bridge that gap. So, we are working with Texas Workforce, we are working with STC, so that we can start to make a four-year plan, to bring those students in. We have students that are currently freshmen and what we want to do or what we're working on is, we're working on starting to prepare those students for those pre-apprenticeships and those apprenticeships so that when they come in, they're coming in with those necessary skills.
“We want to work on those micro-credentials which are going to give them the problem-solving, the collaboration, the communication, what we call soft skills. But we want them to be able to have those badges, those micro-credentials, and we're so honored to be able to work with STC to hopefully be able to reach more students and the broader community so that we can fill these positions. We can fill these gaps that we know exist.
“So, the main thing is that I want to take away from this is that we just need to have more of an open line of communication between industry and ISDs and educators and Region One can help bridge that gap. So thank you for having us here.”
Valenzuela also responded to three other questions from panel moderator Carlos Margo. Margo is dean of industrial training and economic development at STC.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Educator Beatrize Valenzuela received one of the biggest cheers at South Texas College’s 2nd Annual Apprenticeship Summit.
The Region One Education Service Center STEM/CTE specialist received warm applause following her opening remarks during a panel discussion on partnerships and apprentice perspectives.
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Education and Math. CTE stands for Career & Technical Education.
“Hi, good morning everyone. My name is Beatrize Valenzuela and I was a teacher at La Joya ISD 19 years. This is my second year working with Region One. I have the honor of being STEM/CTE specialist for one of the GEAR UP grants called Pathways to the Future.
“In my 19 years as an educator I worked in low socio-economic communities. I was in Sullivan City for ten years, and then I was in Pueblo De Palmas. So I worked with those students from low income communities.
“I was in love with what I did. And those students have so much potential, but nobody was tapping into it because they were in rural areas. There were not a lot of teachers there that have a STEM background.
"So, when my students started asking for that assistance and I didn't have it, I made it my personal goal to learn. I started learning about robotics, I started learning about coding, I started learning all about STEM, and I started taking it to those communities and, lo and behold, they started placing and winning at the state level.
“You know, we started to see that passion ignited in those communities and that's when I said, Oh my gosh, we are not tapping into the talent and potential that we have out there.”
After her remarks, the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service secured an exclusive interview with Valenzuela. In the interview she pointed out that a four-year college degree is not for every student. She said some students can make very good money by learning a trade. Indeed, she said she has a family member who did not do well in school but learned a trade and is now earning more than she is.
Here is the interview:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas – The Rio Grande Valley is going to hear a lot more about a new technology platform designed to help nonprofits and governmental agencies collaborate to help vulnerable members of society.
This is the prediction of Mario Reyna, one of the leaders of the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force. The task force was set up by Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez to help reduce poverty.
Reyna said the new technology platform is called Unite Us. He said it was designed to help navigate health and social services options.
“So we have 14 subgroups within the Prosperity Task and I just happened to be listening to the medical services group,” Reyna said. “They were talking about something called Unite Us. And the conversation was all about how this platform could help people with what’s called the social determinants of health. So, we asked more and more questions. And we come to find out we can use this thing all over the place.”
According to Unite Us’ website, the platform “brings sectors together through technology to ensure people’s needs are met. We drive the collaboration to identify, deliver, and pay for services that impact whole-person health.”
The “About Us” page on the website states:
“Unite Us was founded with a single purpose: to improve people’s health and well-being by connecting communities to our technology. We’ve built a team of good humans, collaborators, and big thinkers building solutions meant to last.
“In 2013, co-founders Dan Brillman and Taylor Justice set out to serve the people they served with. Seeking to alleviate the problems veterans and their families experienced during the transition back to civilian life, Dan and Taylor designed a solution to eliminate the barriers and inefficiencies in trying to navigate health and social services.”
Reyna said he expects great things from Unite Us.
“Unite Us is a platform that’s going to help the nonprofits, government entities, any kind of institution that wants to help our community. They will be able to use this platform to help with whatever they need help with. And then, if they need additional help, they will send this information to the next agency, the next nonprofit, to help these individuals, whatever the situation may be.”
Editor's Note: Click here to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - Jeff Ward, dean of the college of fine arts at UT-Rio Grande Valley, moderated a panel discussion at the 6th Annual International Conference on Border Studies.
The conference was co-hosted by UTRGV and the Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas. The theme of the conference was “Transborderism: Reimagining Social Space.”
As well as asking questions of the panelists, Ward offered his own perspective.
Ward said that before moving to the Valley just over a year ago, he knew very little about the region.
Just about the only thing he had heard of was migrant children being separated from their parents. He said his heart went out to them.
Ward grew up on the east coast and before taking up his position at UTRGV, Ward was director of Kansas State University’s school of music, theater, and dance. He said the UTRGV’s women’s Vaquero soccer team played a game at Kansas and as a soccer fan he went along to watch. He remembers thinking, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, that’s a long name for a university.
Now, he is in the Valley Ward feels like he is on a mission. “I feel like my mission is to be the ambassador to all of the people… my friends and family who don't live in the Valley to say, you don't understand what an amazing place this is.”
Ward said it is important that UTRGV students have a “huge sense of pride” in who they are and what they are doing.
“Many of our students here at UTRGV have grown up in the Valley. They’ve never been anywhere outside of the Valley,” Ward explained.
“They need to realize what an amazing place they live in. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. We all know that phrase.”
Ward said he speaks to people that visit the Valley for film festivals. He said they tell him: “I had no idea what a cool place this is.” He said they tell him they are going to go back to LA and tell everyone how cool the Valley is.
He said one of the goals of the college of fine arts is to bring people to the Valley to enhance and grow the arts economy.
But, a secondary goal, Ward said, is to turn those visitors into ambassadors for the Valley.
“That they go back to wherever home is and say, whatever you hear on NPR, CNN, Fox News, name your news outlet, whatever flavor you have, they don’t have it right. Let me tell you what the Valley’s really about.”
Ward added: “Ultimately, that is such an important message that many times we can only convey that through the arts.”
Here is an audio recording of some of Ward's remarks at the 6th Annual International Conference on Border Studies.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - Marcela Ronquillo Hinojosa, director of EarthX Latin America and former first lady of Matamoros, was a panelist at the recent 6th Annual International Conference on Border Studies.
The event was co-hosted by UT-Rio Grande Valley and the Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas. The theme of the conference was “Transborderism: Reimagining Social Space.” Speakers from 15 countries and more than 30 national and international academic institutions participated.
In her remarks, Ronquillo Hinojosa said the arts have no borders.
“The arts have no borders and proof lies in the development of the unique culture that has emerged across the US and Mexico border, showcasing our shared heritage and historic friendships over time,” she said.
Ronquillo Hinojosa said she was a big supporter of an initiative started by a fellow panelist. Diane Milliken Garza, a commissioner for the Texas Commission on the Arts, is spearheading a project called Cultural Corridor. The first two events saw Brownsville and Matamoros residents come together to celebrate the arts on the Gateway International Bridge. Hidalgo and Reynosa residents did the same at the Hidalgo International Bridge.
Here is an audio recording of Ronquillo Hinojosa’s remarks at the 6th Annual International Conference on Border Studies.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - The 6th Annual International Conference on Border Studies was co-hosted by UT-Rio Grande Valley and the Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas. The theme of the conference was “Transborderism: Reimagining Social Space.”
Speakers from 15 countries and more than 30 national and international academic institutions participated.
According to the organizers, the conference sought to “facilitate discussion and research that will positively impact the Rio Grande Valley community as well as migrants, asylum seekers and border communities around the world.”
A press advisory promoting the conference said: “The proximity of UTRGV to the U.S.-Mexico border is a special opportunity for scholars and researchers from around the globe to collaborate in a unique geographic region and present multidisciplinary research on the important and timely issues related to borders.”
One of the panelists was Diane Milliken Garza, a commissioner on the Texas Commission on the Arts. Milliken Garza spoke about the "Cultural Corridor" project she is spearheading. Here is an audio recording of everything Milliken Garza said at the conference.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - Former state Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., is recommending the revival of the Good Neighbor Commission.
According to the Texas State Historical Association, the Good Neighbor Commission was established in 1943 as a state agency "to handle social, cultural, and economic problems of Mexican Americans in Texas and to strengthen political ties of Texas with Mexico and other Latin American nations.”
TSHA said the commission's origins are traceable in part to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's fears that German sentiment was sweeping Latin America. The Good Neighbor Commission was placed on the state payroll in 1945.
“In 1977 the commission was reviewed under the Texas Sunset Act by the Sunset Advisory Commission and retained as a coordinating, planning, and advisory agency responsible for overseeing migrant problems, developing national and international cooperation, and supporting educational exchange programs with Mexico,” TSHA said.
“During the following ten years the duties of the Good Neighbor Commission were gradually absorbed by other agencies, however, and budget cuts in 1987 resulted in its abolition.”
Speaking at the 6th Annual Conference on Border Studies, Lucio made known his fondness of the the Good Neighbor Commission.
“Texas had a Good Neighbor Commissioner appointed by the governor, confirmed by the Senate, back in the day. And I can’t see why we can do that. And then Mexico can do the same thing. A Good Neighbor Commissioner to Texas, or to the United States, but in Texas. So we can work together and strengthen our countries and our state,” Lucio said.
The 6th Annual Conference on Border Studies was co-hosted by UT-Rio Grande Valley and the Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas. The theme of the conference was “Transborderism: Reimagining Social Space.”
Speakers from 15 countries and more than 30 national and international academic institutions participated.
According to the organizers, the conference sought to “facilitate discussion and research that will positively impact the Rio Grande Valley community as well as migrants, asylum seekers and border communities around the world.”
A press advisory promoting the conference said: “The proximity of UTRGV to the U.S.-Mexico border is a special opportunity for scholars and researchers from around the globe to collaborate in a unique geographic region and present multidisciplinary research on the important and timely issues related to borders.”
Here are the remarks Lucio made at the 6th Annual Conference on Border Studies.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
AUSTIN, Texas - Educate Texas wants to see more state funding for teacher residency programs, similar to the one set up by UT-Rio Grande Valley and Harlingen CISD.
In an exclusive audio interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Ryan Franklin spoke in-depth about the topic. Franklin is senior director for policy and advocacy at Educate Texas.
“With regard to the retention for teachers, we really think it's important to invest in educator preparation. We saw, statewide, that almost 30 percent of the newly hired teachers last school year entered the classroom with no certification or preparation whatsoever,” Franklin said.
“I think most people were surprised to hear that. The state has very flexible policies and when we allow people in the classroom who are underprepared that ends up creating a revolving door of vacancies.
“So we think by investing in stronger preparation models, like teacher residencies, that this will create a better prepared workforce of teachers who are more likely to stay in the classroom longer and who won't be moving on and jumping out to the next thing.”
Franklin said Educate Texas has seen some positive results from teacher residency programs around the state in a variety of places.
“There's really encouraging work going on in partnerships between UTRGV and Harlingen CISD. We think these models should include state investment to put them on the fast track and get more candidates trained in these high quality preparation routes.”
Asked if education policy makers should be paying attention to what is happening in the Valley, Franklin said:
“We do. We think that the Valley is often a place where we see lots of educational innovation and we're seeing it with these teacher residency programs and these strong partnerships where those who are preparing teachers and those who are hiring future teachers are working together to get a well prepared workforce where those candidates have hands on experience, and they're ready to hit the ground running as a teacher on day one.
“So, we've seen good evidence and good indications of what this can look like in the Valley and we think it's time for the state to learn from those models and help expand and grow those so that we have every student in the state able to benefit from a well-prepared teacher.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Luis Diaz, the interim executive director of the RGVMPO, gave a detailed update on his group’s work at a recent South Texas Manufacturers Association meeting.
RGVMPO stands for Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization. The STMA meeting took place at the DoubleTree Suites McAllen.
Diaz has temporarily taken over the hot seat at the MPO because the previous executive director, Andrew Canon, has taken a job with the Texas Department of transportation in Austin. Canon is now director of international trade, freight and corridor planning for TxDOT. The RGVMPO board of directors is currently conducting a nationwide search for a new executive director.
In his 30-minute power point presentation to STMA, Diaz explained what the RGVMPO does and which entities it works closely with, such the bigger cities in the Valley, TxDOT, Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority, and Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority.
He also spoke about the overall transportation funding that is coming to the RGV, not just MPO monies. Diaz said that in 2026 the total funding for transportation will jump to an astonishing $1 billion.
“So going on to the next slide… I can talk about the timeline here. So the next slide talks about our funding. Keep in mind that this is funding overall, this is federal money, this is state money, all of the money for the region,” Diaz said.
“So in 2023, we had $39.47 million. And you could see that it actually goes up, which is a good thing of course. So in 2024 we go to $325.4 million and in 2025 we'll have $414.6 million. And in 2026. this is a big jump, we go into $1.1 billion with a ‘B’.
"So you can see the progression and growing funds towards the region. So all of these things are for overall projects. Those are your state facilities, the local facilities, all facilities put together. So this is money that's for the entire region put together, not just MPO funds.”
Diaz also spoke about the staffing situation at the MPO. He said the organization is currently understaffed but will be hiring additional staff soon. Among them, for the first time, will be communications specialists.
“If we go on to the next slide… so this is the structure of the MPO. So, starting all the way on the right which is RGV MPO staff, which is myself, all of our planners. We have GIS staff. We’re going to be acquiring more public information people into our office, people to do social media and those type of things, public outreach. So we have a total of four positions open actually. So we're short staffed right now, but we're hopefully fill those by the turn of the new year.”
Diaz also spoke about another TxDOT project, the I-69 Connector.
“This is a really relevant project to the region because this will be the gateway from I-69C to I-69E, which will be a gateway to the eventual new causeway to the island. So this is important for that reason. So, right now, what is undergoing is actually a feasibility study to identify where would be the good alignment for that project.”
Here is an audio recording of Diaz’s entire presentation. He is introduced by Mike Willis, executive director of the South Texas Manufacturers Association.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, TEXAS - In an effort to provide more of its programs away from its two main campuses, UT-Rio Grande Valley has opened satellite centers across the region.
One of those is in Mission, where full-time program specialist Omar Rodriguez assists local businesses from the Center for Education and Economic Development (CEED).
Bringing UTRGV to Mission was one of the issues Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza campaigned on when running for office.
Ron Garza, associate vice president for workforce and economic development at the university, explained the concept.
“A few months back we established a relationship with the Mission EDC (economic development corporation) and created our hub office here,” Garza said. “That is six different centers and departments dedicated for small business development, workforce programs, and just economic development in general.”
Garza said Rodriguez works to “generate leads and activities and then does a “very soft handoff to generate all this activity.”
From January the Mission center will offer a Kaufman cohort training program, Garza said, as part of Mission EDC’s Ruby Red Ventures program.
“So, really, it is the footprint, the front door of UTRGV here in the city of Mission, here at CEED, which is perfect environment to do that.”
Here is an audio recording of an interview with Garza and Rodriguez.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Luis Diaz, the interim executive director of the RGVMPO, gave a detailed update on his group’s work at a recent South Texas Manufacturers Association meeting.
RGVMPO stands for Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization. The STMA meeting took place at the DoubleTree Suites McAllen.
In his 30-minute power point presentation, Diaz explained what RGVMPO does and which entities it works closely with, such the bigger cities in the Valley, TxDOT, Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority, and Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority.
With regard to the RMAs, Diaz listed all the major projects the two entities are working on. Some of the projects Hidalgo County RMA has listed as a priority do not have funding, Diaz explained. He said these were effectively on a “wish list.”
The project that garnered the most interest from the audience was a TxDOT project - the Pharr Interchange. Diaz said the completion of the project should come next Spring. This drew a round of applause from the audience.
Here is what Diaz said about the Pharr Interchange project:
“So here is, I guess, the project that's on most people's minds nowadays, the (Pharr) Interchange, It's a headache for everybody, I know, but it's going to be done soon. So, I want everyone to know that the MPO is not involved in any way. What's going on there? That is TxDOT right now along with the consultant, Dragados-Pulice. They're developing the project. They're actually moving very quickly, believe it or not. The eastbound lanes right now, they're expected to be done mid- to late-November, which is your top picture there. And the bottom picture, which is your Harlingen to Edinburg, they plan on having that one done by December of this year as well. With ultimate completion of the Pharr Interchange spring of 2024.”
The audience applauded.
Diaz also spoke about another TxDOT project, the I-69 Connector.
“This is a really relevant project to the region because this will be the gateway from I-69C to I-69E, which will be a gateway to the eventual new causeway to the island. So this is important for that reason. So, right now, what is undergoing is actually a feasibility study to identify where would be the good alignment for that project.”
Here is an audio recording of Diaz’s presentation.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - Ron Garza, associate vice president for workforce and economic development at UT-Rio Grande Valley, has provided the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service with his analysis of America’s Additive Foundry.
UTRGV was awarded $5 million by the Department of Defense. With the funds the university has set up the America’s Additive Foundry Consortium. It launched last week.
“I think the most important part of this entire project, especially from the community standpoint, is really displaying how much impact applied research makes for economic development,” Garza told the Guardian.
“Economic development means a lot of different things to different people. But research and the use of what we call applied research… applied research is the type of research that is used very specifically for applications in business. This is a manufacturing applied research project but the ultimate creation of using that applied research is creating new businesses that spur out of that and new jobs.”
Garza said UTRGV’s goal is to become a recognized research institution. He said America’s Additive Foundry will help with that endeavor.
Here is an audio recording of the interview.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas - Index Reynosa Fundación wants to add additional charity events throughout the year in order to augment its main fundraiser, an annual golf tournament held at the City of Pharr’s Tierra Del Sol Golf Club.
Index is the largest trade association for the maquiladora industry in Mexico and one of its largest chapters is in Reynosa.
Index Reynosa Fundación’s most recent golf tournament was held on October 28 and had the aim of raising a record high $100,000. Around 180 golfers took part, most of whom work in or are associated with the maquiladora industry.
Among the charities the foundation is helping this year are Miradas de Esperanza, Children’s Haven International, Centro de Capacitación y Talento Empresarial, and Rio Bravo Ministries.
Checks will be presented to these charities at an event at the Cambria Hotel in McAllen on December 14. Mike Myers, an Index Reynosa board member who leads Index Reynosa Fundación, said that while the check presentations are “moving" he gets most fun from raising money through the golf tournament. “That’s where the rubber hits the road,” he said.
In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service on the eve of the tournament, Myers spoke about his plans to raise additional funds.
“Our committees are our strength and so we’re going to push the foundation down to the committees, where the rubber hits the road and get more input on their side so we can have more events,” Myers said.
“There are other things that we can be doing out there. And so we’re getting ready to take the next step and create a social responsibility group.”
Myers said former Index Mexico President Enrique Castro is “Mr. Social Responsibility” within the Index Reynosa group. Myers said Castro will lead the social responsibility group.
“He’s going to get down into the committees and come up (more ideas for events) so we are not just doing one golf tournament a year. (Instead we would be) doing events throughout the year,” Myers said.
“It would be nice if we could put the money in the bank and spend just the interest, kind of like an endowment. I mean, that is the ultimate goal. That way that money never disappears.”
Not wishing to get too far ahead of what is possible, Myers added: “I know you’ve got to walk and crawl. We have crawled already and we’re doing some walking. But we do see a vision of making it bigger and that’s by using our committees.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas - Those attending a recent conference in the Rio Grande Valley heard how 20 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product is spent on health.
“That is more than twice that of other industrialized nations. And we lead the world in chronic disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, neonatal mortality rates,” said Eric Weaver, executive director of the Institute for Advancing Health Value.
Weaver gave the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service an exclusive interview at the conclusion of the Accelerator 2023 RGV Health Equity Conference. The event, held at the Mission Event Center, was co-hosted by Western Governors University and AltaCair.
“I think now we are realizing, societally, that we’re on an unsustainable path in terms of health care costs. Twenty percent plus of our GDP and growing,” Weaver said.
“There has to be a way where we can put the patient at the center, to go upstream, to address the things that are happening in the zip code, the social determinants and address these unnecessary admissions (to hospital), the high utilization that's impacting health outcomes because of that over intensity of procedural.”
In the same interview, Edwin F. Estevez, co-founder and principal at AltaCair and market president at Prominence Health, spoke about the same issue. Estevez was asked a question about getting value for money in the health sector by Guardian reporter Patricia Martinez. Estevez answered it this way:
“Someone walks in through the ER. Just walking in through the ER is $2,000 to the system, whoever that is. Taxpayer money, the payers, whoever that is. It is a $2,000 click. If they are seen, evaluated, and then eventually admitted through the ER for non-emergency reasons, it's another $5,000 a day.
“So, someone who has a urinary tract infection that goes into the ER for such a medical condition that can be treated at the primary care level, will likely be hospitalized three days, four days if it's over the weekend.
“So, a urinary tract infection, that could be seen in primary care for $30 and then $120 on the codes associated with seeing somebody there, that that office will get paid. So I'm giving you the cost, right? That translates into easily a $15,000 admission. That's cost that is unnecessary. That's unnecessary healthcare.
“And so that person would say, well, I was in pain. No, you can go to your primary care. The problem is that we don't have enough primary care. For every 4,500 people that live in this county (Hidalgo) there's one primary care doctor that can provide the care. They have to wait two to three hours when they go and so that's a difficult challenge there and you compound the problem. So now you have high cost and low quality.”
Here is an audio recording of the interview with Weaver and Estevez.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas - Keith Smith, senior vice president at Western Governor’s University’s Leavitt School of Health, says his university will continue to help the Rio Grande Valley.
In partnership with AltaCair, WGU recently hosted the Accelerator 2023 RGV Health Equity Conference at the Mission Event Center.
“Not everybody came today that we would like to have seen here. But, it's really important for us to share that this isn't a one and done. This is an event that's going to catalyze other things happening,” Smith told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
Smith said Edwin F. Estevez, co-founder and principal at AltaCair and market president at Prominence Health, is “knocking it out of the park” in the Rio Grande Valley. “We want to be just a part of facilitating that,” Smith said.
Smith has not been at the Leavitt School of Health for long. However, he is very impressed.
“One of the things that attracted me to this university - and I've been here nine months - is every organization has a mission statement. Hardly any organization lives it. Western Governors University is about changing lives for the better through creating a path that is so in sync with what needs to happen here in health care that’s what we're investing in.”
The key themes for discussion at Accelerator 2023 were:
- Access to healthcare and value-based care
- Innovative, high-quality health and nurse education programs
- Nutrition security
- Prevention care
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas - Teach For America has released a list of colleges and universities contributing the greatest number of alumni to its teaching corps.
Among large schools, UT-Rio Grande Valley is part of the top ten contributing the greatest number of alumni to the TFA corps, with more than 19 graduates leading classrooms this school year.
“Establishing strong recruitment partnerships with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is crucial for TFA RGV because it allows us to access a diverse and culturally aware talent pool that intimately understands our community's needs,” said Ana González, executive director of Teach For America Rio Grande Valley.
“UTRGV provides a wealth of local expertise and academic diversity, enabling us to place dedicated educators with a wide range of skills in our classrooms. These partnerships also foster a sense of local collaboration, unity, and long-term commitment to addressing educational disparities and improving the quality of education in the Rio Grande Valley.”
UTRGV President Guy Bailey was equally pleased. He pointed out that Teach for America has a long history at UTRGV and its legacy institutions.
“We are proud to help lead the charge in preparing UTRGV students to teach in a multitude of disciplines through Teach for America,” he said. “That preparation is not just about teaching, though. It’s also about making sure that our increasing focus on multidisciplinary education graduates teachers schooled in everything from STEM to dance, from medicine to macroeconomics, and everything in between.”
Editor's Note: The attached audio features an interview with Jon Stevens, senior managing director for Teach For America-RGV.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - State Sen. Eddie Lucio recently held a pro-school choice event in Brownsville.
Veteran broadcaster Ron Whitlock, of Ron Whitlock Reports, interviewed Lucio afterwards. Here is an audio recording of the interview.
Editor's Note: The interview took place before Gov. Greg Abbott's decision to add public school finance to the call of the current special legislative session.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read a guest column from Lucio on school choice.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas - Four Republican senators held a press conference at Anzalduas Park in Mission last week to denounced President Biden’s border security policy.
With the Rio Grande and Mexico as a backdrop, Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz of Texas, Mike Lee of Utah, and Pete Ricketts of Nebraska claimed the president has an “open borders” policy and all migrants from across the world have to do is show up on the US-Mexico border and they will be admitted into the country.
Here are their remarks in full.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - The reason dozens of universities and colleges from other parts of the country are actively recruiting in the Rio Grande Valley can be explained in part by the so-called “Demographic Cliff.”
This is the opinion of Dr. Adolfo Santos, first assistant provost at the Texas A&M University Higher Eduction Center in McAllen. Santos is also a professor of political science at the Bush School at Texas A&M in College Station.
The “Demographic Cliff” is a termed coined by economist and Professor Nathan Grawe of Carleton College. Grace says it is a major headwind for higher education, as it is anticipated that the number of 18-22 year-olds will be significantly lower over the next two decades.
Asked by so many other universities and colleges want to lure away the Valley’s best and brightest, Santos said: “The demographic changes that are happening in our country are such that young people are disappearing in droves from higher education. This is particularly true in the Midwest. It's particularly true in the New England region. There are lots of parts of the United States where there just aren't enough young people to keep the university that exists going.”
Santos said that is not true in the Valley.
“We are graduating over 20,000 kids from high school (per year) in the four counties that make up the Rio Grande Valley. And they (universities and colleges from other parts of the country) are realizing, oh, this is where the young people aren't. Let's come and try and recruit them, to take them away to other places.”
Santos said Texas A&M is trying to meet the demand here.
“We know, from our own experience, that we can admit a lot of students to our university (in College Station) from the Rio Grande Valley but if they don't enroll it, if they don't start, because they don't want to go far from home, we’ve lost that opportunity. So, our leadership rightly said, well, let's build a campus where they are, and that's why we're here (in McAllen).”
Santos added: “The changes that we're seeing in higher education are referred to as the Demographic Cliff. A lot of universities are struggling in a very significant way to keep their heads above water because they don't have the revenue coming in from tuition and fees and that sort of thing that students would bring in. So, some of them are starting to realize, hey, why don't we go where the students are and they're coming to places like the Rio Grande Valley.”
Santos made his comments in an exclusive and in-depth audio interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service at an Open House A&M held recently at the McAllen campus. In the interview, Santos spoke about future plans for the McAllen center and gave his suggestions on how the Valley can stop the so-called Brain Drain.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - The director for undergraduate recruitment for the school of education and human development at Texas A&M University has spoken about his college’s efforts to train more teachers.
Paul Timoney was on hand to talk to students thinking of becoming a teacher at an Open House held at A&M’s Higher Education Center in McAllen.
“There's a critical need for teachers around the state of Texas and certainly here in the (Rio Grande) Valley. So having a teacher preparation program right here in the Valley is great for students that want to stay local, but also take advantage of Texas A&M,” Timoney told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
“We're a Tier One research university. The Wall Street Journal recently named us the top university in the state of Texas. And so those students get the benefit from all those resources and our first class faculty that we have down here.”
Timoney said there are a lot reasons for the shortage of teachers in Texas.
“One is clearly retirements post pandemic. The other thing is the state of Texas continues to grow. And that growth is all over the state. And so with all the growth comes building more schools. If you look at any community you'll see there are schools being built every day,” Timoney said.
“So, there is a teacher shortage and that's how we're trying to address it, by making sure that we can recruit and bring more students into our program so they can go out and be great teachers for the state of Texas.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez has committed an additional $60,000 in American Rescue Funds to help HOPE Family Health Clinic build a larger network of mental health professionals.
A press release from Cortez’s office says the health professionals will collaborate in, guide, and practice trauma therapy in order to “strengthen the skills of mental health professionals in Hidalgo County in order to address the trauma of the COVID-19 pandemic for individuals.”
Roxanne Ramirez, executive director of HOPE Family Health Center, hosted a press conference to announced the news. Judge Cortez was slated to attend but could not make it. Ramirez thanked Cortez and Hidalgo County for providing funding for the training.
The health professionals are learning a mental wellness technique known as EMDR therapy, Ramirez explained. The aim is to help non-profits better serve their clients in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“So far, 50 mental health specialists affiliated with area school districts have completed their EMDR therapy certification and are already serving students on local campuses,” the press release stated. “Another 50 mental health professionals affiliated with local non-profits are registered to take advantage of this additional opportunity.”
Ramirez said: “We received tremendous feedback from the first group of professionals who learned this technique and we are excited to offer this training to more mental health professionals."
The press release from Cortez’s office said Hispanics were particularly hard hit by the pandemic, accounting for nearly one in four of the initial job losses.
The press release said the latest training session represents a marriage of two Hidalgo County initiatives: the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force and the Hidalgo County Mental Health Coalition.
“Both groups seek to assist low income residents, which make up as much as 40 percent of the population. The idea is to provide additional mental health services to those identified as suffering from recent trauma associated with the pandemic,” the release said.
“We remain concerned about the mental wellness of all residents who lived through the trauma of the pandemic,” said Judge Cortez.
Here is an audio interview with Ramirez, conducted by KRGV-TV and the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas - Physicians can determine someone’s health more by their zip code than their genetic code.
That was one of the comments AltaCair co-founder and principal Edwin F. Estevez made in an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service at the Accelerator 2023 RGV Health Equity Conference.
The conference was co-hosted by Western Governors University and AltaCair and held at Mission Event Center.
“We can determine someone’s health more likely by their zip code than their genetic code and that’s troubling in a community like ours,” Estevez said.
Estevez was interviewed with three of the other organizers of the conference. The other three were Eric Weaver, executive director of the Institute for Advancing Health Value; Kimberly Kelly-Cortez, senior associate dean and director of programs at WGU’s Leavitt School of Health; and Keith Smith, senior vice president at WGU’s Leavitt School of Health.
In their program notes, WGU and AltaCair explained they co-hosted the recent Accelerator 2023 RGV Health Equity Conference.
“The research-backed program leverages the power of coopetition (collaboration with competitors, thought leadership, and action-oriented mindset to drive discussions around the socio-economic and environmental factors contributing to health disparities.
“The investment coaches health systems, community-based organizations, accountable care organizations, workforce entities, and education alliances into a policy and advocacy group.
“The vision is to think beyond geographical borders and develop a scalable model, with replicable results, to optimize the overall health equity structure of rural America.”
The key themes for discussion at Accelerator 2023, which was held at the Mission Event Center, were:
- Access to healthcare and value-based care
- Innovative, high-quality health and nurse education programs
- Nutrition security
- Prevention care
The program pointed to US Census Bureau statistics which show 9.8 percent of people under the age of 65 do not have health insurance nationwide. But, the percentages for the four poorest counties in the RGV are much higher:
- Hidalgo County: 33.1 percent
- Cameron County 29.9 percent
- Starr County 28.9 percent
- Willacy County 24.1 percent
In this, the second of a four-part audio series, the Guardian interviewed Weaver and Estevez:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas - In their program notes, Western Governors University and AltaCair explained they co-hosted the recent Accelerator 2023 RGV Health Equity Conference.
“The research-backed program leverages the power of coopetition (collaboration with competitors, thought leadership, and action-oriented mindset to drive discussions around the socio-economic and environmental factors contributing to health disparities.
“The investment coaches health systems, community-based organizations, accountable care organizations, workforce entities, and education alliances into a policy and advocacy group.
“The vision is to think beyond geographical borders and develop a scalable model, with replicable results, to optimize the overall health equity structure of rural America.”
The key themes for discussion at Accelerator 2023, which was held at the Mission Event Center, were:
- Access to healthcare and value-based care
- Innovative, high-quality health and nurse education programs
- Nutrition security
- Prevention care
The program pointed out that, according to the US Census Bureau, 9.8 percent of people under the age of 65 do not have health insurance nationwide, but the percentages for the four poorest counties in the RGV are much higher:
- Hidalgo County: 33.1 percent
- Cameron County 29.9 percent
- Starr County 28.9 percent
- Willacy County 24.1 percent
To learn more about the conference, Rio Grande Guardian International News Service reporters Steve Taylor and Patricia Martinez interviewed four of the key players at the conference:
- Eric Weaver, executive director of the Institute for Advancing Health Value
- Kimberly Kelly-Cortez, senior associate dean and director of programs at WGU’s Leavitt School of Health
- Keith Smith, senior vice president at WGU’s Leavitt School of Health
- Edwin F. Estevez, co-founder and principal at AltaCair and market president at Prominence Health
In this, the first of a four-part audio series, the Guardian interviewed Weaver, Smith, and Kelly-Cortez:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
McALLEN, Texas - Edelmiro F. Escamilla is program coordinator for the construction science degree on offer at Texas A&M’s Higher Education Center in McAllen (HECM).
In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Escamilla spoke about the construction academies Texas A&M holds during the summer.
“We go out to high schools, we work with Gear Up here in the (Rio Grande) Valley, to tell the students what we do in construction. Hopefully, then, they have a better idea of what (the) construction (industry) is,” Escamilla said.
Escamilla made his remarks at an Open House HECM held recently. High school students interested in learning more about the construction science degree were able to talk to Escamilla and lecturer Steven Delgado about the course.
A brochure produced for the Open House showed the majors on offer at HECM. For the construction science degree, it said:
“While many of our graduates follow a traditional path of advancement to the top of construction companies across the state, country and world, many others build on firm foundation of their degree to develop diverse careers. Specialized coursework in building systems, materials and methods of construction, scheduling, cost estimating, structures, construction management, law and business/labor relations allows our graduates to enter the construction industry with the ability to lead, problem solved and use innovative applications on their projects.”
A flyer produced by the A&M’s department of construction science showed that the average starting salary for those that get the degree is $71,500. The flyer also said that 90 percent of graduates get a job offer.
HECM is part of the flagship Texas A&M at College Station. Combining College Station and McAllen, there are 1,300 students currently taking the construction science degree. The course produces 370 graduates per year. And, $490,000 has been awarded in scholarships to 245 construction science students.
The flyer also stated that 46 percent of U.S. employers in the construction industry cannot find workers with the skills they need. And, 41 percent of the current construction workforce will retire by 2031.
“Any student that is graduating now will have a job,” Escamilla predicted. “Here in the Valley, SpawGlass, Texas Noble Builders, D. Wilson (Construction)… they are telling us, when we have students ready to go, we need them.”
Escamilla said his department is working hard to attract more female students.
“The national average of women in construction management (positions) is about 11 percent. Right now, we have about 35 to 37 percent women here (in our course). We target (them) through the construction academies. We look for them. We want them,” Escamilla said.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas - State leaders are fully aware of the importance of the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge, says state Sen. Juan Hinojosa.
By way of an example, Hinojosa cited the $20 million the Legislature gave the City of Pharr earlier this year to assist in the construction of a second span. This will double the capacity of the bridge.
“This bridge is a huge economic driver. The commerce with Mexico continues to grow and expand. In 2022, the amount of commerce that took place was $47 billion. And it continues to grow from three to percent a year,” Hinojosa said.
“So for us, we as a state have recognized the key role that the Pharr Bridge plays. But it's a partnership. We added an additional $20 million, this last session to build and construct a second span, just to increase capacity.”
Hinojosa made his comments in an interview with a reporter at the Pharr Bridge Board’s 2023 Start of the Produce Season celebrations. The event drew many VIPs, elected officials and community leaders, along with those that work in the import-export industry.
Another example Hinojosa cited was the $150 million the Legislature gave to TxDOT to help build the International Bridge Trade Corridor, which will take truck traffic away from neighborhoods in the Pharr, San Juan, Alamo, and Donna areas. The new road will connect the Pharr and Donna international bridges to I-2 and, eventually, take trucks north of Edinburg on the planned State Highway 68.
“We did that (fund the IBTC project) because we understand some of the challenges that are faced by our local communities who complained about some of the commercial trucks that go through neighborhoods,” Hinojosa said. “We have got to find a way to expedite the building and construction of the IBTC.”
Asked if his colleagues on the Senate floor understand the importance of the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge, Hinojosa said: "They look at the numbers. The Comptroller’s numbers show the economic growth and the contribution that the Rio Grande Valley and our international bridges are providing to support our economy in Texas. So, our bridges here in the Valley play a very key role, not only the Port of Brownsville but our land bridges. They recognize that.”
Hinojosa said the senators also recognize the importance of the bridge when they go to the grocery store. Pharr is the No. 1 bridge in the nation for fruit and vegetables. In fact, according to Pharr Bridge Director Luis Bazan, over 200,000 shipments of fresh produce cross the bridge every year.
“They (the senators) are surprised when they find out that over 60 percent of the fruits and vegetables that are coming to the United States come through the Pharr Bridge. They like avocados when they are watching football games. They also like the mangoes and watermelons and melons, so they are very grateful for that.”
Here is an audio recording of the interview with Hinojosa at the 2023 Start of the Produce Season event.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
AUSTIN, Texas - Raise Your Hand Texas is a non-partisan nonprofit organization supporting public policy solutions that invest in Texas’ 5.4 million public school students.
On its website the group says it envisions a world-class public school system that fuels a brighter public future for all Texans.
“Our statewide advocacy team works in communities throughout the state to raise the voices of parents, teachers, community leaders, business owners, and students who care about the future of public education,” the website states.
“Our advocacy work and your voices, alongside current research, inform the policy recommendations we make to Texas lawmakers.”
Michelle Smith, executive director of RYHT, wishes Gov. Greg Abbott would take on board some of the group’s policy recommendations. Specifically, adding public school finance to the call of the current special session.
Abbott has said he will not add public school finance to the call unless and until the Legislature has passed education savings accounts, which are otherwise known as vouchers. RYHT opposes vouchers.
In an audio interview, the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service asked Smith about her group’s wishes for the special session and to analyze the current situation at the state Capitol. The Senate has passed a school voucher bill. The House has not and wants school finance added to the call.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, TEXAS - The program notes for a recent healthcare conference in the Rio Grande Valley pointed out that the region’s “expensive and tough-to-access” healthcare system came under the microscope in 2009 thanks to a landmark article in The New Yorker by Dr. Atul Gawande.
The article, titled “The Cost Conundrum” became “mandatory reading during the debate surrounding President Obama’s Affordable Care Act in 2010,” the program stated.
Gawande’s article was referenced a number of times by the conference’s keynote speaker, Aneesh Chopra, president of Care Journey and former U.S. chief technology officer.
The conference was titled Accelerator 2023, RGV Health Equity. It was hosted jointly by Western Governors University and AltaCair. It was held at Mission Event Center.
In their program notes, WGU/AltaCair explained why they hosted the conference.
“The RGV region has 24.7 percent of familiars living below the poverty level, nearly triple the percentage for the United States, according to the RGV Health Connect Organization. The population struggle with diabetes, obesity, and cervical cancer among other health issues.
“The Rio Grande Regional Hospital states that an estimated 76,000 people in the region have diabetes. The COVID-19 pandemic further augmented the challenges of RGV with economic depressions and heightened inequities. The four RGV counties – Starr, Hidalgo, Willacy, and Cameron counties – are among the poorest counties in the nation and access to healthcare is unaffordable for many residents.”
According to the US Census Bureau, 9.8 percent of people under the age of 65 do not have health insurance nationwide. But, the percentages for the four counties in the Valley are much higher:
- Hidalgo County: 33.1 percent
- Cameron County: 29.9 percent
- Starr County: 28.9 percent
- Willacy County: 24.1 percent.
Here is an audio recording of everything Aneesh Chopra said at the Accelerator 2023, RGV Health Equity Conference.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
Because of agriculture, the Port of Brownsville and the maquiladora industry, logistics is an important part of the Rio Grande Valley economy.
Well, there is now a degree program on offer locally that helps students learn about global supply chains.
Robert D. Morrison, program manager and professor of the practice of Maritime Business Administration at Texas A&M University, spoke about the opportunities students now have.
He said the Maritime Business Administration degree on offer at Texas A&M in McAllen can lead to a high paying job.
“CNBC, which is a business news network, cites a study that this is one of the top careers with the fastest way to a six figure salary,” Morrison said. “So, it's a high demand area.”
And, Morrison said, the jobs are not out at sea.
Morrison gave the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service an exclusive interview during an Open House event at the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen on Saturday.
Community members, including high school students, had the opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art facility, network with faculty and staff, meet with admissions advisors from the Rio Grande Valley Prospective Student Center and learn more about the nine undergraduate degree programs offered at HCEM.
The nine programs are:
- Agricultural Economics
- Biomedical Sciences
- Construction Science
- Education: Certification in Middle Grades 4-8 Math/Science
- Human Resource Development
- Interdisciplinary Engineering
- Maritime Business Administration
- Multidisciplinary Engineering Technology
- Public Health
A flyer produced for the event said of the Maritime Business Administration degree:
“This program is brand new to our McAllen location and brings the specialized yet widely applicable degree to the Rio Grande Valley. Learn the ins and outs of maritime business administration from industry experts and longtime veterans. Whether a student is more interested in the running of ports, working in a shipping company, or getting into accounting or logistics, this degree is perfect for driven individuals that want to land a great job.”
Here is an audio version of the Rio Grande Guardian's interview with Morrison.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas - Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez says the Pharr International Bridge could be given over exclusively to commercial trucks in the coming years, with passenger vehicles having to use other ports of entry in the Rio Grande Valley.
Hernandez spoke to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service about the future of the Valley’s busiest bridge for trade during his city’s recent Start of the Produce Season festivities.
“We will do whatever the population requires. Demand is what drives this,” Hernandez said. “So, if there is absolutely a need for us to be fully commercial, then that's what we will do. If there's still a need to be hybrid for the benefit of all residents, then that’s what we'll do. It is evolving with time.”
Pharr Bridge Director Luis Bazan agreed. He told the Guardian: “These are conversations we've had in the last several years. These are conversations that have either been sparked by the federal government, by CBP, or even from us and having different conversations with different trade partners. You know, we've talked about extending hours of operation. There's a couple of businesses out there that in the past years have talked about going 24 hours. So, the mayor said it best, it's evolving.”
CBP stands for Customs and Border Protection.
Both Hernandez and Bazan spoke from the podium at the 2023-24 Start of the Produce Season celebrations. The event drew hundreds of people, including elected officials, economic development leaders and those that work in the fresh produce industry. As in other years, bags of fruit and vegetables were available for take away and local eateries had stands so those attending could taste food made from the produce that crosses the Pharr Bridge.
Here is an audio recording of Mayor Hernandez's speech at the 2023 Start of the Produce Season celebrations.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas – An in-depth discussion on healthcare in the Rio Grande Valley took place at a recent conference hosted jointly by Western Governors University and AltaCair.
The WGU/AltaCair event was titled “Accelerator 2023 RGV Health Equity Conference.” It was held at Mission Event Center.
In their program notes, WGU/AltaCair explained why they hosted the conference.
“The RGV region has 24.7 percent of familiars living below the poverty level, nearly triple the percentage for the United States, according to the RGV Health Connect Organization. The population struggle with diabetes, obesity, and cervical cancer among other health issues.
“The Rio Grande Regional Hospital states that an estimated 76,000 people in the region have diabetes. The COVID-19 pandemic further augmented the challenges of RGV with economic depressions and heightened inequities. The four RGV counties – Starr, Hidalgo, Willacy, and Cameron counties – are among the poorest counties in the nation and access to healthcare is unaffordable for many residents.”
One of the speakers at the conference was Sister Norma Pimentel, executive director of Catholic Charities RGV. Here is an audio recording of her remarks.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas - An in-depth discussion on healthcare in the Rio Grande Valley took place at a recent conference hosted by Western Governors University.
The WGU event was titled “Accelerator 2023, RGV Health Equity Conference.” It was held at Mission Event Center.
One of the speakers was state Sen. Juan Hinojosa of McAllen. Towards the end of his speech, Hinojosa spoke about rising healthcare costs caused by private equity firms.
Hinojosa was interviewed about this afterwards, Hinojosa said: “There is a big challenge we face nationwide. You have many private equity firms who have large investors whose only goal is profit. And they are looking at and continue to purchase certain sectors in the healthcare system where they control and monopolize the healthcare sector. And then, once they are in control, they increase prices to increase the profit.”
Hinojosa said private equity firms are increasing the prices on life-saving medication prescription drugs, making them unaffordable for the average family.
Asked if this was a recent trend, Hinojosa said: “It’s been there for a while but now it's more pronounced than before. As people are complaining about the high cost of healthcare… it has always been a concern, the high cost of healthcare, but now it seems that it's come to the forefront.”
Asked if this is something state government can remedy, Hinojosa said: “It's a very difficult issue to regulate, so to speak. The reason for that is that we have a capitalist system. What we can do set parameters. And that's an issue that is now being looked into. How to set some parameters so that our healthcare system is not 100% owned by private equity firms whose only goal is to make a profit.”
Here is an audio recording of Hinojosa’s speech from the stage. He is introduced by Edwin F. Estevez, co-founder and principal at AltaCair and market president at Prominence Health.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas - An in-depth discussion on healthcare in the Rio Grande Valley took place at a recent conference hosted by Western Governors University.
The WGU event was titled “Accelerator 2023, RGV Health Equity Conference.” It was held at Mission Event Center.
The title for one of the panel discussion was, “Translating the Data - Celebrating the Impact in the Valley.”
The four panelists were: Dr. Jose F. Peña- CEO of RGV ACO, Kaizen Clinical Partners ; Dr. Sheila Magoon, CEO of South Texas Physican Alliance and Buena Vida and Salud ACO ; Dr. Monzer Yazji, CEO of ASAS Health & South Texas Clinical Partners ACO; and Dr. Daniel Tamez, executive vice president of DHR Health System.
The moderator was Edwin F. Estevez, co-founder and principal at AltaCair and market president at Prominence Health.
Here is an audio recording of the panel discussion.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
WASHINGTON, DC - US Sen. Ted Cruz says the focus on Israel is no excuse for the State Department not making a decision to approve permits four new international bridges on the Texas-Mexico border.
Cruz, with bipartisan support from the South Texas congressional delegation, has been trying to speed up the process for approving the go-ahead on the bridges for the past two years. His efforts include letters to Secretary of State Blinken.
The new bridges would be in Brownsville, Eagle Pass, and two in Laredo. The one in Brownsville would be called the Flor de Mayo. It would be built at the intersection of Military Highway and FM 3248. It would be strictly for passenger vehicles and pedestrians.
Asked whether the State Department could use the situation in Israel as an excuse for a decision on the bridges, Cruz said:
“I don't think they could. Number one, the people in charge of these permits are not the people who are dealing with Israel and the war in Israel. That is a different part of the State Department and it literally takes one person making a 30 second decision two and a half years into this.
“They've had plenty of time to make the decision and they could make it on an elevator ride between the first and fifth floors.”
Here is the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service’s exclusive interview with Sen. Cruz:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas – A recent webinar hosted by Connect Humanity was titled, ““Digital Equity in South Texas: Paths Forward.”
The webinar was held to provide more information about Connect Humanity’s plans to build a $10 million fund to help finance the digitalization of small businesses in the Texas border region.
The webinar was moderated by Jordana Barton-Garcia, a senior fellow at Connect Humanity.
The webinar included entrepreneurs and local leaders that discussed the importance of investments in digital infrastructure, broadband affordability, and skills — and how this can act as a catalyst to help build the foundation for a vibrant South Texas economy.
Here is an audio recording of the closing remarks, with commentary from Barton-Garcia and Christopher Worman, co-founder and chief partnership and strategy office for Connect Humanity.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas – A recent webinar hosted by Connect Humanity was titled, ““Digital Equity in South Texas: Paths Forward.”
The webinar was held to provide more information about Connect Humanity’s plans to build a $10 million fund to help finance the digitalization of small businesses in the Texas border region.
The webinar was moderated by Jordana Barton-Garcia, a senior fellow at Connect Humanity.
The webinar included entrepreneurs and local leaders that discussed the importance of investments in digital infrastructure, broadband affordability, and skills — and how this can act as a catalyst to help build the foundation for a vibrant South Texas economy.
One of the speakers was consultant Gilberto Ocañas, of the Ocañas Group. Here is an audio recording of his remarks:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas – A recent webinar hosted by Connect Humanity was titled, ““Digital Equity in South Texas: Paths Forward.”
The webinar was held to provide more information about Connect Humanity’s plans to build a $10 million fund to help finance the digitalization of small businesses in the Texas border region.
The webinar was hosted by Jordana Barton-Garcia, a senior fellow at Connect Humanity.
The webinar included entrepreneurs and local leaders that discussed the importance of investments in digital infrastructure, broadband affordability, and skills — and how this can act as a catalyst to help build the foundation for a vibrant South Texas economy.
Barton-Garcia gave the opening remarks. Here they are:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas – A recent webinar hosted by Connect Humanity was titled, ““Digital Equity in South Texas: Paths Forward.”
The webinar was held to provide more information about Connect Humanity’s plans to build a $10 million fund to help finance the digitalization of small businesses in the Texas border region.
The webinar was hosted by Jordana Barton-Garcia, a senior fellow at Connect Humanity.
The webinar included entrepreneurs and local leaders that discussed the importance of investments in digital infrastructure, broadband affordability, and skills — and how this can act as a catalyst to help build the foundation for a vibrant South Texas economy.
One of the speakers was Daniel King, executive director of Region One Education Service Center. Here is an audio recording of his remarks:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Alberto Gomez Isassi, PhD, is CEO of the San Antonio-based Better Futures Institute.
Gomez recently spoke at a webinar hosted by Connect Humanity. The webinar was held to discuss the need for better broadband infrastructure in South Texas.
Here is an audio recording of Gomez's opening remarks.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, TEXAS – The RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted a “State of Congress” luncheon with senior US Senator John Cornyn at the Edinburg Conference At Renaissance on October 9.
The moderator was Julian Alvarez, senior vice president for business development at Lone Star National Bank.
Alvarez asked Senator Cornyn about the state of the economy. He responded by saying: “Texas remains the economic engine that really drives the rest of the country.”
Here is an audio recording of Cornyn’s comments on the state of the economy.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, TEXAS - The RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted a luncheon with senior US Senator John Cornyn at the Edinburg Conference At Renaissance on October 9.
The moderator was Julian Alvarez, senior vice president for business development at Lone Star National Bank.
Alvarez asked Senator Cornyn about the issue of legitimate trade and travel through the land ports of entry on the southwest border.
Here is an audio recording of Cornyn's response.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - A recent webinar hosted by Connect Humanity was titled, ““Digital Equity in South Texas: Paths Forward.”
The webinar was held to provide more information about Connect Humanity’s plans to build a $10 million fund to help finance the digitalization of small businesses in the Texas border region.
The webinar was hosted by Jordana Barton-Garcia, a senior fellow at Connect Humanity. The webinar included entrepreneurs and local leaders that discussed the importance of investments in digital infrastructure, broadband affordability, and skills — and how this can act as a catalyst to help build the foundation for a vibrant South Texas economy.
One of the speakers was Louis Escareño, of the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership. Here is an audio recording of his opening remarks.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - Thomas Ray Garcia, lead coordinator for the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force, has provided more information on the RGV Recompete Coalition.
The Coalition, consisting of the four counties of the RGV, along with various higher education institutions, has made an application to the US Department of Commerce to secure an $85 million grant under the Recompete Pilot Project.
According to the Department of Commerce, the Recompete Pilot Program will invest $200 million toward projects that spur economic activity in geographically diverse and persistently distressed communities across the country.
Specifically, the program targets areas where prime-age (25-54 years) employment significantly trails the national average. The program aims to close this gap through by utilizing EDA’s place-based approach and delivering large, highly flexible grants based on community-driven strategies to address unique workforce and economic development needs of individual communities or regions.”
“The idea is to get residents out of poverty through a systemic process of getting them educated, getting them trained, getting them counseled and mentored, and then getting them gainful employment,” Garcia said.
“That also means working at the back end and trying to systemically ensure that the jobs are there. So what we’ve tried to do at the Prosperity Task Force is both match job seekers to jobs, plus get new jobs here in Hidalgo County.”
Garcia added: “That's a big part of what this Recompete grant would help us do. We are still in the process of putting together the framework of doing the things that we set out to do in the Recompete grant, even in the case we don't get it. But, the Recompete grant would make reality a lot of what we're aiming to do by eradicating poverty in Hidalgo County, and by working collaboratively across all of our different sectors, and in this case, a regional effort. What helps Hidalgo County we hope will also help Starr County, Cameron County, Willacy County to make sure we're not competing, but we are indeed one region, one voice.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Janie Barrera is founding president and chief executive officer of LiftFund, formerly Accion Texas Inc. Created in 1994, LiftFund has grown to be one of the nation’s largest micro and small business lender.
The nonprofit agency provides small loans and management training to microenterprises of all kinds — from startups to long-established businesses — and operates in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
On Wednesday, Barrera participated in a webinar hosted by Connect Humanity. The title of the webinar was “Texas Border - Small Business Broadband Fund; Virtual Roundtable.”
The webinar was held to provide more information about Connect Humanity’s plans to build a $10 million fund to help finance the digitalization of small businesses in the Texas border region.
The webinar was hosted by Jordana Barton-Garcia, a senior fellow at Connect Humanity. The webinar included entrepreneurs and local leaders that discussed the importance of investments in digital infrastructure, broadband affordability, and skills — and how this can act as a catalyst to help build the foundation for a vibrant South Texas economy.
In her remarks, Barrera spoke about the challenges small businesses faced during the COVID pandemic. Small businesses that did not have a website were at a disadvantage, she explained.
“I’m glad to be part of this conversation. I encourage more investments and funds like this,” Barrera said.
She said there is accountability and evaluation in the project Connect Humanity is embarking on.
“It's not well, ‘I think we're going to do this.’ We know what the goal is. We're going to have a baseline. We move forward and (we will) be able to show, hopefully, dramatic findings in years two, three and four,” Barrera said.
“So, it's short term, I believe, because the urgency is here. If we don't do something right now, we are going to miss an opportunity. So thank you Jordana for bringing me into the conversation.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - The four counties of the Rio Grande Valley have come together to apply for what could be the biggest federal grant ever awarded to the region - $85 million.
Brief details of the $200 million Recompete Pilot Program were referenced by Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez during a press conference held by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance on Monday, Oct. 9.
And in a later interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Cortez said the Valley entities that have come together to apply for the Recompete grant are hoping to secure $85 million. He said the entity taking the lead on the grant application is UT-Rio Grande Valley and specifically its associate vice president for workforce and economic development, Ron Garza.
The Guardian learned about the Valley’s application for the Recompete grant after reporter had asked Cornyn if he could help Cortez with one of the top issues identified by the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force - improving public transportation in the Valley’s colonias. The task force is addressing the high level of poverty in the county.
Cornyn appeared to misunderstand the question and started to talk about immigration. The reporter pointed out that the question was not about immigration but rather infrastructure. So, Cornyn asked Cortez to answer it.
“The Senator has said the government cannot do everything and we have to look at ourselves to do things. One of the things we're going to do here in Hidalgo County, Cameron County, Willacy County and Starr County is invest in ourselves,” Cortez said.
Cortez said the Prosperity Task Force’s studies have shown that part of the problem in getting the people of Hidalgo County trained to have a good education is lack of transportation.
“We're not going to solve the problem here today,” Cortez said. “But, I can tell you that this Senator, right next to me here, is always willing to sit down with us and help us.
“He was he was approached earlier today about the Recompete grant that's coming up with the Department of Commerce. So please take a look at that and help us with that because we made an application for that grant. That would go a long way in helping us with the problem (public transportation in the Valley’s colonias) that you just mentioned.”
Cornyn responded: “We're happy to help, Judge.”
Editor's Note: Click here to read the full story in the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
Editor's Note: The audio recording below features Sen. Cornyn and Judge Cortez discussing the possibility of public transportation in Valley colonias; an interview with Cortez about the Recomplete Pilot Program; and an interview with Cortez at an affordable housing project groundbreaking ceremony with Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham where he confirms that public transportation in colonias is a top priority for the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - According to U.S. Sen John Cornyn, tens of hundreds of border crossers fly into Mexicali Airport in Baja California and then take an Uber to the nearest Border Patrol station to claim asylum.
Cornyn said he learned about this from visiting with the Border Patrol chief in Yuma, Arizona. Cornyn spoke about border security at a luncheon hosted by the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The event was held at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance.
“Recently, I went to the Yuma Border Patrol sector, which is in a sleepy little Ag community in southwest Arizona with some of my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans. The acting Border Patrol chief said to us, ‘Welcome to the Yuma sector. We encountered people from 147 different countries, speaking more than 200 languages last year.’
“And we thought, how in the world could that possibly be true? So Mark Kelly, one of the senators from Arizona, pointed out that Mexicali is a city in northern Mexico with an airport and that literally people are flying in there. And then Uber-ing over to the Border Patrol and turning themselves in and claiming asylum.”
Cornyn participated in a Q&A during the luncheon, with questions posed by Julian Alvarez, senior vice president of business development for Lone Star National Bank. One of Alvarez’s five questions was about border security.
“Let me say very clearly, legal immigration, has been a blessing to our country. It has been a blessing, an unequivocal blessing. It has helped us allow the best and brightest, the hardest working people in the world to come to our country and seek a better life,” Cornyn said.
However, undocumented immigration is out of control, Cornyn opined.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
At a luncheon hosted by the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño was fulsome in his praise of the guest speaker, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn.
“I want to thank you for your professionalism, your bipartisanship and your leadership over some very trying times,” Treviño told Cornyn.
Later, however, the Treviño acknowledged there was daylight between where he and Cornyn stand when it comes to spending by the federal government.
In a Q&A with moderator Julian Alvarez, senior vice president of Lone Star National Bank, Cornyn said the federal government was spending two much money and criticized two pieces of legislation supported by the Biden Administration that the Rio Grande Valley has benefited from.
Asked about Cornyn’s comments later, Treviño said perhaps the government was spending too much money overall but it was not spending enough in the Valley.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham visited south McAllen this week to participate in a groundbreaking ceremony for a new multifamily housing complex.
Buckingham said the General Land Office was awarding $5 million to build Jackson Road Apartments, a 36-unit affordable rental community. She said all 36 units are guaranteed for low- to moderate-income (LMI) residents.
The funding is coming from a federal government program to help with disaster recovery.
Among the dignitaries at the event were state Sen. Juan Hinojosa, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, Hidalgo County Commissioner Everardo Villarreal, McAllen City Commissioner Omar Quintanilla, and McAllen Chamber of Commerce Chairman and former McAllen Mayor Jim Darling.
“Anytime we can find affordable housing for our people, that's not only a good thing, that's a great thing,” said Judge Cortez.
“We are excited today to be here to break ground on this wonderful $5 million project that is going to help over 36 families, all low- to moderate-income, find a place to start and grow and gain that prosperity, judge,” Buckingham,” said.
Also present was Bill Fisher, representing the co-developers, Rise Residential and Sphinx Development.
Fisher said a one-bedroom apartment to rent in McAllen can cost at least $1,000 a month. He said the affordable housing available at Jackson Road Apartments will cost $300 a month.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
AUSTIN, Texas - Cameron County’s general aviation airport will benefit greatly from the construction of a second causeway to South Padre Island, according to Cameron County’s commissioner for Precinct Three.
David Garza spoke in support of additional funding for general aviation airports in the public comment portion of a recent Texas Transportation Commission meeting in Austin. One of the agenda items dealt with additional funds for aviation appropriated by the 88th Legislature.
Garza started his remarks by saying he has had many meetings and encounters with the TxDOT’s aviation division.
“We have been the recipients especially of the grant program over the course of years.”
Garza said that when he first became a county commissioner he “inherited an overgrown, pretty much abandoned airport.” He said that with with the help of the TxDOT’s aviation department, Cameron County has been able to clean up the Port Isabel-Cameron County Airport.
“We've been able to, at this point, clean it up to the point where it is immaculate,” Garza said. “We've done major capital projects that they (the aviation division) has been part of.”
Garza referenced state Sen. Robert Nichols, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Transportation. Nichols had earlier spoken about funding for general aviation airports at the TTC meeting.
“From our perspective, it's very evident that he and Chairman Canales were very receptive to hearing our needs and (the need to) increase the funding.”
State Rep. Terry Canales is chairman of the House Committee on Transportation.
“General aviation airports play a key economic role in our communities,” Garza said. “They are critical. They’re unheralded, pretty much, in the state of Texas. If you don't fly in or fly out or know about them… it’s not on your radar.”
Editor's Note: The attached podcast features remarks on general aviation airports by state Sen. Robert Nichols and Cameron County Commissioner David Garza at a recent Texas Transportation Commission meeting.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas and VelocityTX recently hosted the first event in their Community Health Innovation Seminar Series.
It was held at the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization in downtown Brownsville.
VelocityTX is a San Antonio-based bioscience innovation center. It is a subsidiary of the Texas Research and Technology Foundation. MHM is also based in San Antonio.
The inaugural seminar, Commercializing Innovation for Community Wellness: A Conversation About the Social Determinants of Health (SDH), explored the societal factors that impact community wellness with a focus on how innovation can advance health equity.
Guest lecturer Matt Duke, founder of South Texas Business Lawyers, spoke about the commercialization of SDH-focused technologies. He also explored healthcare access through the lens of key market strategy.
Other speakers included Randy Harig, CEO of Texas Research & Technology Foundation, and Jennifer Knoulton, vice president of regional operations for Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas.
Designed to advance awareness, research, and innovation related to the social determinants of health, Knoulton said the seminar would be the first in a series of events hosted in partnership with VelocityTX over the next three years.
Here are some of the audio highlights from the event in Brownsville.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
HARLINGEN, Texas - It is never too early to talk about the upcoming tax season. Joining me today is Rev Torres, a paralegal with the Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project.
Torres is going to tell us about some changes that are in store for the upcoming tax season.
Have you received payment via one of several cash payment apps?
Today we're going to talk about cash payment apps, and how they may play a role in the upcoming tax season if you receive money via one of these payment apps.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
AUSTIN, Texas - Port Mansfield and the Port of Brownsville are the beneficiaries of a decision by the state Legislature to provide more funding for Texas maritime ports.
At a recent Texas Transportation Commission meeting, Travis Milner, a section director for TxDOT, spoke about the maritime funding programs his division runs.
“Three funding mechanisms are available to Texas seaports that tie directly to the Texas Port Mission Plan. (There is) $40 million through the Seaport Connectivity Program, which was established in 2015. (There is) $200 million for the Maritime Infrastructure Program,” Milner said.
Milner also mentioned that $400 million will be available through the Ship Channel Improvement Revolving Fund.
“These last two, the Infrastructure and Ship Channel are new programs funded by the 88th Legislature,” Milner said.
He explained to TTC commissioners that funding through the Seaport Connectivity Program and Maritime Infrastructure Program are available for consideration. As for the Ship Channel Improvement Revolving Fund, Milner said TxDOT is Miller looking forward to receiving applications from Texas sea ports. He said he would come back to the TTC commissioners at a later date on the Ship Channel Improvement Revolving Fund.
“So in 2023, the 88th Legislature approved Rider 37 to TxDOT’S appropriation in the General Appropriations Act for the Seaport Connectivity Program, which was formerly known as the Port Access Improvement Program,” Milner said. “This Rider authorizes TxDOT to allocate $20 million in each fiscal year of the 24-25 biennium for projects to address port connectivity, safety and congestion needs.”
Milner said the Port Authority Advisory Committee has selected and recommended a final list of projects for TTC approval. He said these include eight projects totaling $20 million for fiscal year 2024 and 11 projects totaling $20 million for fiscal year 2025.
Eight of these projects will total $4.4 million and are on the state highway system, Milner said. He said these will be administered by TxDOT. Meanwhile, 11 of the projects totaling 35.6 million are “off system” and will be administered as grants to local governments.
“Recommendations include projects such as truck queuing improvements, roadway elimination and drainage improvements, and intersection improvements such as widening access ways,” Milner said. “Staff recommends approval.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - With a huge LNG project at the Port of Brownsville projected to create a massive increase in truck traffic, Cameron County RMA has started a master plan study of State Highway 48.
At the peak of its construction phase, NextDecade’s liquefied natural gas export terminal will see the hiring of 5,000 workers. Most of these may be transported into the port by bus. Cameron County and the City of Brownsville are looking into this.
But, then there are the trucks bringing in raw materials and taking out waste materials. Pete Sepulveda, executive director of Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority (CCRMA), says he would not be surprised to see 10,000, 15,000 or even 20,000 workers using SH 48 within a few years, particularly as it is also used by SpaceX.
“So what we're doing is we're working on a master plan for State Highway 48. Because you know that the 5,000 number that you mentioned, that's only one LNG. As you know, there's two LNG companies that are coming to the Port of Brownsville,” Sepulveda told the Rio Grande Guardian International News
Service.
“There are other industries that are coming to the board as well. SpaceX is already there. They already have 15,000 to 16,000 employees.”
Sepulveda said that working with Brownsville Navigation District, CCRMA is working on traffic projections.
“In the course of the next ten, 20, 30 years, as far as traffic is concerned, what is the traffic demand modeling we are going to need for Highway 48? And what is the ultimate configuration and industry coming into the Port of Brownsville? That is what we are going to study,” Sepulveda said.
“We're trying to determine what grade separations and what overpasses are needed. What additional infrastructure improvements are needed. What connecting roads are needed in that whole area to be able to provide ingress and egress to 10,000 employees that are going to be working out of that area or projected to be in the future.”
Sepulveda said once the master plan is complete it will be presented to the Texas Department of Transportation. After all, TxDOT maintains SH 48.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Representatives from NextDecade and its main contractor for the liquefied natural gas export terminal being built at the Port of Brownsville, Bechtel, gave the keynote presentations at a recent South Texas Manufacturers Association meeting.
However, the presentations were deemed private and not for publication. So, the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service sought the analysis of STMA President Mike Willis, who emceed the meeting. Guardian audio editor Mario Muñoz asked Willis what he knew of the LNG project.
Willis said: “Well, this is one of the largest projects in the country and certainly the largest in the state and certainly the largest in the Rio Grande Valley. It's been years in planning and conditions are right that finally NextDecade was able to secure all the customer funding they needed, the long term commitments and they made a final investment decision to move forward with this (LNG facility at the Port of Brownsville). So, years of planning, and now they have pulled the trigger on it. They have got paying customers contracts for 20 years or more.”
Willis said two other major projects related to the LNG facility would be going on at the same time.
“So, this project is going forward at the Port and it is going to involve several other major projects. The Brownsville Ship Channel is going to be dredged to 52 feet deep, all the way from the jetties to the Port to facilitate these large tankers coming in to pick up liquefied natural gas. There's a major pipeline that is going to be constructed by Enbridge Energy out of Canada that will connect to pipelines flowing from the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale to Nueces Main in Corpus. They will tie into those pipelines and pipe natural gas down to the Port of Brownsville and that natural gas coming into that pipeline will be the raw material, the input for these liquefaction trains that are going to be built. So, this is an eight year long project.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Members of the South Texas Manufacturers Association heard about new projects from various local economic development corporations at their most recent monthly meeting.
Julia Landrum, community development and marketing manager for San Benito EDC, gave brief details about a big manufacturing firm coming to her city. Steve Valdez, executive director of Weslaco EDC, spoke about his city’s new industrial park. And Rick Carrera, director for economic development for the Council for South Texas Economic Progress, said his group would be bringing site selectors to the region early next year.
McAllen Economic Development Corporation could not be present so STMA President Mike Willis gave an update on manufacturing activity in McAllen.
Around 80 people attended the meeting, which was held at Rancho Viejo Conference Center.
Here is an audio recording of their remarks.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Border communities often have the answer to border-specific issues, such as improving truck movements across land ports of entry, and the federal government should listen.
This is the view of Pete Sepulveda, executive director of Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority (CCRMA). Sepulveda gave the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service an exclusive interview following his appearance at the recent Better Border for a Better America Conference.
Sepulveda spoke at the conference, which was held September 20-21, in El Paso, Texas.
“My message (at the conference) was, we are local bridge owners and we have solutions that we feel should be implemented by the federal agencies at our international business, so that we can enhance the mobility of trade and traffic moving through international bridges,” Sepulveda told the Guardian.
“I’m not sure if it'll go anywhere, but I think it was a perfect setting for me to put that out there.”
Sepulveda said it was good timing for him to deliver his message, because some international bridges along the US-Mexico were temporarily closed last week due to immigration issues.
Sepulveda pointed out that a joint working committee has been set up by US and Mexico.
“Going before that committee and presenting our potential solutions and ideas, suggestions on how we can enhance the mobility of of traffic, whether it be commercial vehicles or passenger vehicles; I think we've got tools in our toolbox that should be utilized by federal state agencies, so that we can improve the flow of traffic,” Sepulveda said.
“I'm not in any way, form or fashion saying that we should not adhere to any federal or state requirements. I'm just saying, hey, we've got a better way of doing things. At least, at a very minimum, listen to us.”
By way of example, Sepulveda referenced the FUEGO tag, CCRMA Fuego Tag.
Here is the interview with Sepulveda:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - South Texas College is operating in a new era of transformation, its president has said.
Ricardo Solis spoke in depth about the future of the college at the unveiling of STC’s new logo. The logo is based on the college’s mascot, the jaguar.
The event was held at the McAllen Convention Center.
“Today, STC is in a new era of transformation, change predicated by the post-COVID era, the changing demands of industry and an economy impacted by talent shortages, remote work and inflation,” Solis said.
“But change and challenge bring opportunities such as artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, technology, and electric vehicles. And of course, the expansion of our stellar STC health specialization programs.”
Solis added: “Moreover, due to our strategic global locations, STC will capitalize on near-shoring opportunities. I've been here two years and in that time, we have made great strides and highly publicized advances for the college, all with the full support of the STC board of trustees.”
Here are President Solis’ remarks in full at the event:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Lynda Lopez, executive director of public relations and marketing at South Texas College, had a speaking role at the unveiling of STC’s new logo.
The logo is based on the college’s mascot, the jaguar.
“Even today, in parts of Mexico, the jaguar is still revered. You see, to the Aztecs, the Jaguar was a symbol of magic, power and authority. And for STC, I would argue, a symbol of pride,” Lopez said.
Here are her remarks in full at the event, which was held at the McAllen Convention Center.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - RGV Metropolitan Planning Organization Executive Director Andrew Canon has announced his departure from the group.
Canon has held this position, plus that of one of its predecessors. Hidalgo County MPO, for almost 20 years.
In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Canon said he had been mulling the decision for many months. He said he came to the decision partly because of family considerations.
Canon’s last day at the MPO will be towards the end of October.
According to an RGVMPO press release, Canon played “a pivotal role in the transformation of the Rio Grande Valley, overseeing significant milestones in the region's transportation infrastructure.” Notably, the press release said, his “astute leadership” helped when RGVMPO was formed through the merger of the Brownsville MPO, the Harlingen-San Benito MPO, and the Hidalgo County MPO.
By merging the three legacy MPOs, the Valley MPO became the 5th largest MPO by population in the state of Texas.
“Mr. Canon's stewardship also played a significant role in effectively overseeing multiple phases of key projects, including but not limited to the I-2/I-69 Interchange, the 365 Tollway, the International Bridge Trade Corridor, the Veterans International Bridge Expansion, State Highway 550 – Future I-169, South Parallel Corridor, and State Highway 68,” the press release said. “His keen oversight and strategic direction further enhanced the transportation landscape within the Rio Grande Valley.”
The press release concluded with this commentary: “The Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization is enthusiastic about the prospects of Mr. Canon's future endeavors as he continues to serve the state of Texas. His wealth of experience and visionary leadership will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the ongoing development and enhancement of transportation infrastructure in the state.”
About Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization:
The RGVMPO is the conduit for state and federal transportation dollars in the Valley. It also embarks on strategic planning and coordination of transportation initiatives in the region, encompassing Cameron, Hidalgo, and Starr counties. With a commitment to fostering sustainable and efficient transportation solutions, RGVMPO plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the region's infrastructure and connectivity.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - The STC Foundation has raised almost $1 million and its inaugural gala is still one week away.
Dr. Rodney H. Rodriguez, vice president of institutional advancement and economic development for South Texas College, gave the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service an update on the gala, which takes place at the Mission Event Center on Oct. 5, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
“We have reengaged the STC Foundation and we have recruited new board members for this inaugural gala that we're going to have on October 5. I'm very happy to report that we have raised almost a million dollars for this event, which will go to support our students in different areas, academic certifications, micro credential certificates,” Rodriguez said.
“It’s just been a great response from the community and we're very, very happy about that.”
Asked why there is so much support for STC in the community, Rodriguez said: “The main reason is because they know our demographic, they know the students we serve and sometimes, you know, life happens for our students and we would be able to utilize these resources that we raise that are unrestricted to be able to help when life happens, be it the light bill or like the car didn't turn on; I can’t go to class. Whatever it may be, right.”
Rodriguez added: “So, the gala is October 5th at the Mission Event Center from 6:00 to 9:00 (p.m.) and we hope you can be there. We're sold out but we can put more tables there if we get some more donors, so, definitely, we’re looking forward to it.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - A UT-Rio Grande Valley engineering student has explained what it is like to be tutored by Dr. Karen Lozano, professor of mechanical engineering and the Julia Beecherl Endowed Professor at UTRGV.
Alexa Villarreal is one of 18 students that will be in the inaugural class for the university’s new Doctor of Philosophy degree program in Materials Science and Engineering.
Asked about studying with Dr. Lozano, Villarreal said: “Oh my god, it's amazing. And, honestly, it's kind of an engineer's dream come true. I mean, she's an inventor of one of the latest technologies in nanotechnology, and just to be able to learn from her and learn from the whole staff, it's incredible, honestly. It’s an honor.”
Lozano is a member of both the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Inventors.
Asked if Lozano is an inspiration to her, Villarreal said: “She really is. And we're actually from the same hometown in Mexico, which is Monterrey, Mexico. So, you can only understand how much of an inspiration she can be.”
Villarreal gave her comments to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service at an Inaugural Ph.D. Launch Celebration hosted by UTRGV’s College of Engineering & Computer Science. During the program, Villarreal was given a shoutout from the stage for always coming up with “crazy ideas.” Asked by the Guardian if she would continue with them, Villarreal said: “Oh, most definitely. You know, my ideas are just starting so the world can definitely be prepared for them.”
The new Doctor of Philosophy degree program in Materials Science and Engineering is the ninth doctoral program to be approved for the university since its inception in 2015, and the seventh to be implemented in the past two years. It is the first Ph.D. program secured by CECS.
Another student participating in the the new UTRGV doctoral program in engineering is Allan Cedillo. The Guardian asked Cedillo what he thought of comments made at the CECS event that university system leaders in Austin used to think South Texas could not produce engineers.
“Oh man, there’s a lot more potential that our students have. We went from a teaching site to research and development and having a center for research and development here in nanotechnology, that's just a big eye opener because that just speaks so much about the community here in South Texas. We’re ambitious, we want to grow educationally. It speaks wonders of who we are as a Latina community here in the Valley.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Mike Willis, executive director of the South Texas Manufacturers Association, says about a third of the manufacturing jobs in the Rio Grande Valley are located within the triangle of north Brownsville, Boca Chica, and the Port of Brownsville.
Around 5,000 of the Valley’s 15,000 manufacturing jobs are located there.
Speaking at the September meeting of STMA, Willis said this part of Cameron County is starting to fulfill the potential he always knew it possessed. “It’s a huge economic development generator,” Willis said.
Willis said he is now more optimistic than ever about the Valley’s manufacturing base.
Here is Willis’ jobs report from the STMA meeting.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
WESLACO, Texas - Weslaco Economic Development Corporation has made its first foray into Mexico and it plans to make more.
Steve Valdez, the group’s president, and Michelle V. Garcia, who manages digital communications, represented the EDC on a trade mission to Monterrey.
In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Valdez said the trip was very successful. In the interview, he also talked about land availability for development in Weslaco.
Here is the interview.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas - Teclo Garcia, the CEO of Mission Economic Development Corporation, has explained his group’s plans to market Anzalduas International Bridge within Mexico.
Mission is going to focus on cities further south than Monterrey, such as San Luis Potosí, Querétaro and Aguascalientes.
The reason for this, Garcia said, is because Laredo and Monterrey are so closely aligned.
At a commercialization and investment tour hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, Garcia said he and some of his team recently participated in a trade mission to San Luis Potosí.
“We chose San Luis because of the relationship that Laredo already has established with Monterey. I've met with Governor Garcia at least three times. I know his his right hand guy for national trade and his team and they're not unfriendly. I'm just saying that's just what they're doing; they’re using Laredo. So let's try to find something else,” Garcia said.
“San Luis is a little bit further south. But they know that Laredo is packed and they don't have any more space. They (Laredo) want to build another bridge, actually two more bridges, one on the south side, one on the north side. But that's going to take a decade to get done.
“So what does San Luis and Querétaro and Aguascalientes and all those other cities supposed to do in the meantime? We can provide an alternative for them.”
Garcia pointed out that Anzalduas International Bridge will be able to take fully loaded trucks north and south bound in the not too distant future.
“We're very focused on this as an effort going forward,” Garcia said, referring to the promotion of the bridge, which Mission co-owns with the cities of McAllen and Hidalgo. “This is something that the (Mission EDC) board (of directors) has directed us to do and it's exactly what we want to do.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC) is working on a new message to promote the City in Mexico.
This was confirmed by Bret Gardella, the new executive director and CEO of GBIC.
Asked how he intends to market Brownsville in Mexico, Gardella said:
“Well, interestingly enough, since our budget was just approved by the board and by the city commission, part of that is to create a message.”
Gardella explained: “It’s a two fold process. One, we have to start by creating a message. We don't have one right now. So we need to create a message of who we are and what we're going to do. Then, the secondary process is obviously how do we disseminate that message?”
Gardella said it is more than just advertising.
“It is getting in front of our industry partners and our peers, which we have met with. There's a very, very good gentleman over in Matamoros who is doing basically the same thing that we are. We've had great conversations with him where I've said we are not in competition with you. We are in cahoots with you.”
Gardella explained what he has told his counterpart in Matamoros.
“Whatever we can do to help you helps us because we know whatever we bring to Matamoros is going to benefit us. Conversely, he's very well aware that whatever is going to onshore into our area is going to benefit him.”
Gardella elaborated on this point.
“So, when we think about how we're going to work with our friends across the border, it's going to be collaboratively. Anything that is attractive to there or here benefits our entire region. They have manufacturing over there that needs some suppliers that we probably have an opportunity to attract here versus over there. If we can do that great. That benefits them. That benefits us.”
Gardella added: “The collaboration is really where the message gets out. But I'll go back to the beginning. We have to create the message first. But, thankfully, the personal relationships that we have, will mean more than having to create a message and disseminate it first.”
Ron Whitlock Reports interviewed Gardella to learn more about his background and also his plans for GBIC. He predicted Brownsville would lead the way in job creation in the Rio Grande Valley.
“We will be known as the No. 1 job creator in the Valley. No disrespect to our community partners around here. They do very well. But, as we move forward, we have all the advantages, plus. Some that they don’t.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
HARLINGEN, TEXAS - Orlando Campos, the new CEO of Harlingen Economic Development Corporation, says he has been very encouraged by everything he has seen in the city.
“Everything that I've seen has been very, very positive. The community is moving in the right direction. There are a number of great projects in the pipeline that I think will benefit the community,” Campos said, in an exclusive interview with Ron Whitlock Reports.
“I think that the city leaders, not only our board, but also local elected officials are all working cooperatively to ensure the successful growth of the community and that we move in the right direction as it relates to economic development.”
Asked how the first month or so has gone, Campos said:
“So the first month has primarily been focused on looking at the community from all over the place, learning a little bit more from key stakeholders and basically listening to individuals to learn more about what their vision is of economic development. So that in the near future we develop a strategic plan and we can begin executing on that plan.”
Asked what the strengths of the Harlingen economy are, Campos said:
“I think that Harlingen is very fortunate to be in a great location right in the middle of the Rio Grande Valley. You have two very strong economic powerhouses, one to the west and one to the south of us. And I think that any company that's looking at taking advantage of the tremendous growth throughout the entire Rio Grande Valley region would benefit by setting up here within the community itself.
Asked what the weaknesses of the Harlingen economy are, Campos said:
“In terms of weaknesses, it's probably something that a lot of older communities face, not just Harlingen, but all over the state and even all over the country. Obviously, you have aging infrastructure, you have structures, or areas of the community that might have a higher and better land use. So we need to focus on continually reinventing ourselves to ensure that we remain economically competitive in the entire region.”
Asked for his short-, mid-, and long-term goals for Harlingen EDC, Campos said:
“I think short term one we've got to wrap up our strategic economic plan that will set the roadmap for us moving forward in the next few years. But for now, we've got to reconnect with our key stakeholders and ensure that there is true collaboration happening amongst all of us. Because, obviously, all of us have our own unique strengths and by bringing all these strengths together, it will definitely benefit the community.”
Campos continued: “Also, I've got a lot of contacts throughout the region. So it's a matter of reconnecting and determining how we can leverage their support for our our own efforts.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story, including Campos' comments on the Free Trade International Bridge at Los Indios, go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
HARLINGEN, Texas - Laura Haley, president of Cameron County Drainage District No. 6, is urging Texans to vote “yes” on a constitutional amendment in November.
“If your readers don’t know about SB 28 and Proposition 6, they to know about it. It is going to be on the November ballot. If voters approve this, this board will have a billion dollars to handle infrastructure and water projects,” Haley said.
Haley made her comments in an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service during a Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) hearing at Harlingen City Hall recently.
The board that will receive the $1 billion, should voters approve Proposition 6, is TWDB.
Haley, an attorney from Santa Rosa, spoke at the hearing. She later told the Guardian that CCDD6 is the newest drainage district in Cameron County.
“We're not even two years old yet. We're a little over a year and a half old. We were on the ballot in November of 2021. And then the voters passed by remarkable numbers - 84 percent - the creation of our district. Then, after we were created, they voted for a tax of 16 cents. And since then, we've been cranking and building infrastructure.”
CCDD 6 covers the far western edge of Cameron County, including Santa Rosa, La Feria and part of Primera.
The general manager of Cameron County Drainage District No. 5 also spoke to the Guardian at the TWDB hearing. Rolando Vela said TWDB is going to study the drainage needs of the Harlingen area.
“I think this is amazing, to have this board here,” Vela said. “We actually took them on a tour. We showed them the drainage system, the challenges we have. We have an artificial drainage system and they get it. I think the study that they're going to be working on, that was part of House Bill 4742… they’re going to start working on it to come up with some solutions to help address some of the problems we have.”
HB 4742 was one of state Rep. Janie Lopez’s top priorities during the 88th legislative session.
Here is a podcast featuring some of the highlights from the TWDB hearing.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - Edinburg is one of 160-plus cities in Texas that have been certified as a Film Friendly community by the Texas Film Commission.
Each year, the City of Edinburg hosts the South Texas International Film Festival. The ninth such festival has just ended and to find out how it went Ron Whitlock Reports sought out Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza on its last night.
In the audio interview, Garcia said STIFF was very important to Edinburg.
“Number one, it brings people to our city but number two, it promotes the film industry. We have a lot of talent down here,” Garza said.
By way of example, Garza citied actor and producer Valente Rodriguez, who hails from the Edcouch-Elsa area. Garza said when Rodriguez started out there nothing like STIFF to help him break into the film industry.
“You almost needed to leave and go to Hollywood. You don't need to do that. You can come here. There's a lot of actors that are here, filmmakers, producers. We're screening independent films. We have a competition for young people that want to do short films. And we're having them screen and we're giving them some awards, tonight. So it's important. It helps bring people to our city and it helps promote the film industry.”
Garza added: “It is still tough, but one thing that I've learned in hearing a lot of the actors talk about their background, is that, at the end of the day, it takes hard work, a lot of commitment, a lot of dedication. It is not, come to this film festival here in Edinburg and you can become an actor. There's a lot involved. This (festival) helps people get exposed to things. You’re able to talk to people that are in the industry, and you can learn a lot from them.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - On Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC) hosted their second annual Rally in the Valley Conference.
The networking event, held at the Brownsville Events Center, connected high school students from Brownsville ISD with prominent industry partners offering student internship opportunities.
The Texas Workforce Commission participated, including Aaron Demerson, the commissioner representing employers on the TWC board.
Brownsville Mayor and GBIC Chairman of the Board John Cowen, Jr., said the dynamic networking event aimed to connect local high school students with prominent industry partners offering student internship opportunities. He said students attending will gain invaluable insights into potential career paths, engage with industry experts, and could even secure an internship with one of Brownsville’s leading employers.
“With the annual Rally in the Valley 2.0, GBIC emphasizes the importance of interactions between local students and industry leaders,” Cowen said. “Such engagements not only enlighten students about internship opportunities, but they also help them recognize and articulate their professional interests.”
Bret Gardella, CEO and executive director of GBIC, was just as enthusiastic about the event.
“This event, encapsulates our commitment to fostering the future of Brownsville,” said Bret Gardella, CEO and Executive Director of the GBIC. “We recognize the unmatched potential of Brownsville students. These young individuals are not just the future of our community, but also the key drivers of innovation and growth for the entire region.”
One of the panelists was Emily Galvan, a senior at Porter Early College High School who is taking dual enrollment courses at Texas Southmost College. In her junior year, Galvan was given the opportunity to attend a paid internship at Tipton Ford Motors via Workforce Solutions for ten weeks. During her internship she was offered a position at Diesel Technology as a helper in the service department.
Galvan recommended other students to take an internship.
The panel discussion was titled: Bridging the Workforce Gap Between Industry and Education.
Here is an audio recording of everything Galvan said during the panel discussion. GBIC’s Gardella was the panel moderator.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - On Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC) hosted their second annual Rally in the Valley Conference.
The networking event, held at the Brownsville Events Center, connected high school students from Brownsville ISD with prominent industry partners offering student internship opportunities.
The Texas Workforce Commission participated, including Aaron Demerson, the commissioner representing employers on the TWC board.
Brownsville Mayor and GBIC Chairman of the Board John Cowen, Jr., said the dynamic networking event aimed to connect local high school students with prominent industry partners offering student internship opportunities. He said students attending will gain invaluable insights into potential career paths, engage with industry experts, and could even secure an internship with one of Brownsville’s leading employers.
“With the annual Rally in the Valley 2.0, GBIC emphasizes the importance of interactions between local students and industry leaders,” Cowen said. “Such engagements not only enlighten students about internship opportunities, but they also help them recognize and articulate their professional interests.”
Bret Gardella, CEO and executive director of GBIC, was just as enthusiastic about the event.
“This event, encapsulates our commitment to fostering the future of Brownsville,” said Bret Gardella, CEO and Executive Director of the GBIC. “We recognize the unmatched potential of Brownsville students. These young individuals are not just the future of our community, but also the key drivers of innovation and growth for the entire region.”
One of the panelists was Griselda Muñoz, senior HR manager at Creative Liquid Coatings. In her remarks, Muñoz told the students just how important internships can be.
“As you stand on the threshold of the professional world, remember that internships and the early stages of your career are much like the foundation of a building. They might not always be visible, but they provide essential support upon which your entire career was done.”
The panel discussion was titled: Bridging the Workforce Gap Between Industry and Education.
Here is an audio recording of everything Muñoz said during the panel discussion. GBIC’s Gardella was the panel moderator.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - On Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC) hosted their second annual Rally in the Valley Conference.
The networking event, held at the Brownsville Events Center, connected high school students from Brownsville ISD with prominent industry partners offering student internship opportunities.
The Texas Workforce Commission participated, including Aaron Demerson, the commissioner representing employers on the TWC board.
Brownsville Mayor and GBIC Chairman of the Board John Cowen, Jr., said the dynamic networking event aimed to connect local high school students with prominent industry partners offering student internship opportunities. He said students attending will gain invaluable insights into potential career paths, engage with industry experts, and could even secure an internship with one of Brownsville’s leading employers.
“With the annual Rally in the Valley 2.0, GBIC emphasizes the importance of interactions between local students and industry leaders,” Cowen said. “Such engagements not only enlighten students about internship opportunities, but they also help them recognize and articulate their professional interests.”
Bret Gardella, CEO and executive director of GBIC, was just as enthusiastic about the event.
“This event, encapsulates our commitment to fostering the future of Brownsville,” said Bret Gardella, CEO and Executive Director of the GBIC. “We recognize the unmatched potential of Brownsville students. These young individuals are not just the future of our community, but also the key drivers of innovation and growth for the entire region.”
One of the panelists was Mark Hodgson, regional general manager for SA Recycling. His company operates out of the Port of Brownsville, recycling old ships.
When the students in the room were asked if they knew that the Port of Brownsville was the recycling capital of the United States for the disposal of ships, only a few hands went up. This startled Hodgson.
“So, a challenge has been brought to me by sitting on the panel today. We have to do better as an industry in our community of creating awareness to the workforce of the future. The fact that we had seven hands raised that knew that we were the recycling capital of the United States for the ship disposal program was eye opening to me,” Hodgson said.
“And I think not only in that aspect, but all the different trades within our operation and the operations in the port in this region, I think we need to do a lot better job as industry highlighting the opportunities, the high paying jobs, the education that we have here, in order to bolster our workforce of the future, to keep our workforce here and let them know and understand that there are great job opportunities with job growth opportunities within it.”
The panel discussion was titled: Bridging the Workforce Gap Between Industry and Education.
Here is an audio recording of everything Hodgson said during the panel discussion. GBIC’s Gardella was the panel moderator.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
ALTON, Texas - Nuestra Clinica Del Valle (NCDV) has held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new health clinic the nonprofit is opening in Alton.
The facility is being built on E. Dukakis Avenue, close to SH 107. The nonprofit will lease the facility from the City of Alton. Its current clinic in the city will then close.
In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Nuestra’s CEO, Lucy Torres said the new clinic will be slightly bigger than the current one in Alton.
“It’s going to be about 1,000 square foot more than what we have currently. But, the good thing about this expansion is that it's going to be more conducive for providing medical services and should increase and help us be more efficient and effective,” Torres said.
Torres said all the current services NCDV provides will be maintained in the new facility.
“We will continue to offer the comprehensive services that we have at the moment, which include behavioral medical, support services, nutrition, just all the gamut of services.”
Torres predicted the new facility will attract one more full-time healthcare provider. Currently, she said, NCDV has about 12 staff in Alton.
Torres said NCDV provides quality healthcare services to residents in Hidalgo and Starr Counties. It has 11 locations, including two schools based clinics to treat and care for children.
"NCDV offers comprehensive medical services that include family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, laboratory, radiology, nutrition, behavioral health and dental,” Torres said.
Asked why Alton is important to NCDV, Torres said: “We've been in Alton since 2002. We were one of the first safety net providers in this area. And the need has grown. This is a rural community that didn't have access to medical services. It has always been on our radar.”
Torres added: “We're looking forward to our new clinic. I think the staff are excited and I think the community is excited. I think the partnership that we have formed with the community is very ideal. I think we send the message to the Feds and to the State Legislature that the community values our services and that they have bought into the program. I think that matters.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - Pat Hobbs, executive director of Workforce Solutions Cameron, gave the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service an exclusive interview about the current labor market when he appeared at Rally in the Valley 2.0.
Hobbs said the labor market is tight right now, which is why the conference, hosted by the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, was so important.
The networking event connected high school students from Brownsville ISD with prominent industry partners offering student internship opportunities. It was held at the Brownsville Events Center.
“Well, it's promoting internships,” Hobbs said, in answer to a question about why GBIC was hosting the conference. “You know, in such a tight job market, employers are realizing that they have to become involved in the building of their workforce or there may be out of business.”
Hobbs said school districts alone cannot produce the workers industry needs with the skill sets needed.
“So, we're promoting internships and apprenticeships and mentorships. Anything that gets the kids involved in exposure to a work ethic. A job that they may like, they may not, but they need to experience something in the world of work, and then they can start selecting and choosing what it is they want to do for life, and then go after the education or training that's required for that job. And then they can end up in the workforce,” Hobbs told the Guardian.
“But, there are so many employers that need so many different jobs now. They may not need a bunch of them, but they need two or three specialists and it's just smart on the part of the employers to select a smart intern and train them the way they need them to be trained. And then when they get out of high school, you hire them and build on that and send them to school, send them to training or whatever.”
Hobbs added: “You've kind of got control of of your future workforce that way. Instead of just hoping that someday somebody will show up at your front door that knows what they're doing. Not not likely to happen.”
As an example of the tight labor market, Hobbs cited SpaceX.
SpaceX may be hiring but they're hiring orbital tube welders. Well, we don't have orbital tube welders right now. We're training them at (Texas) Southmost (College) right now but those are the kinds of things that didn't exist in the past. You could walk up to an employer and the job skills that they needed 20 years ago were easy to fulfill. Today, you better have technical skills, you better have good soft skills. You better have some training under your belt above high school level or you're not going to get a job.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service to read the full story.
Editor's Note: The attached audio features the Guardian's interview with Pat Hobbs, along with his remarks from the stage at Rally in the Valley.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - David Keane, senior vice president for policy and corporate affairs for NextDecade, spoke to students about careers in the energy industry at Rally in the Valley 2.0.
The networking event, hosted by the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation and held at the Brownsville Events Center, connected high school students from Brownsville ISD with prominent industry partners offering student internship opportunities.
NextDecade owns Rio Grande LNG, which is building a liquefied natural gas export terminal at the Port of Brownsville.
“This $18.4 billion project is the largest greenfield - and when I say Greenfield there's never been an industrial facility on this particular site - energy project financing in US history, highlighting the significant role that liquefied natural gas will play in the global energy transition now and for many years to come,” Keane said.
“At full capacity, Rio Grande LNG will produce 27 million tons of liquefied natural gas annually, which is enough natural gas to heat 34 million homes a year.”
“But what exactly is LNG?” Keane asked. “It is, essentially, cooled methane or natural gas, which is the same form of heat that you currently have if you have it in your house. Once liquefied, it is stored in specially designed tanks and transported on special ships to customers around the world.”
Keane then discussed another of NextDecade’s subsidiaries.
Next Carbon Solutions aims to address carbon change concerns by capturing and sequestering carbon dioxide during the liquefaction process. CCS or carbon capture and sequestration is a revolutionary technology that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Keane said.
“Rio Grande LNG, with the implementation of CCS, aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by more than 90%. And we actually think we can get to about 95%. Through our proprietary CCS process we have obtained nine patents and are also in discussions with global companies to offer our CCS services globally.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Bret Gardella, the new executive director and CEO of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, was fulsome in his praise of his colleague, Karla De La Riva, for organizing the 2023 Rally in the Valley Conference.
The networking event, held at the Brownsville Events Center, connected high school students from Brownsville ISD with prominent industry partners offering student internship opportunities. The Texas Workforce Commission participated, including Aaron Emerson, the commissioner representing employers on the TWC board.
“I’m really grateful for Karla, who has put this together and I'm going to ask you all to not just give her a round of applause but I want to see a standing ovation for Karla De La Riva for putting this together for you guys,” Gardella told the packed ballroom. The students obliged. They stood up and gave De La Riva an ovation.
Gardella continued: “I'm going be very sincere when I tell you, when you think about workforce development you're going to think about Karla De La Riva as you move forward. Not just here in Brownsville but in the state of Texas. She is an amazing woman.”
Aiming his remarks at the students, Gardella said: “If you're thinking about a career, and if you need a mentor, you call our office you ask for her. And she will take the time to have that conversation with you and do everything she can to help you. And what she can't help you with, she will engage you with one of our local employers who can.”
Gardella added: “So that is a pledge for me to you, and I hope you take advantage of it.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - On Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC) hosted their second annual Rally in the Valley Conference.
The networking event, held at the Brownsville Events Center, connected high school students from Brownsville ISD with prominent industry partners offering student internship opportunities.
The Texas Workforce Commission participated, including Aaron Emerson, the commissioner representing employers on the TWC board.
Brownsville Mayor and GBIC Chairman of the Board John Cowen, Jr., said the dynamic networking event aimed to connect local high school students with prominent industry partners offering student internship opportunities. He said students attending will gain invaluable insights into potential career paths, engage with industry experts, and could even secure an internship with one of Brownsville’s leading employers.
“With the annual Rally in the Valley 2.0, GBIC emphasizes the importance of interactions between local students and industry leaders,” Cowen said. “Such engagements not only enlighten students about internship opportunities, but they also help them recognize and articulate their professional interests.”
Bret Gardella, CEO and executive director of GBIC, was just as enthusiastic about the event.
“This event, encapsulates our commitment to fostering the future of Brownsville,” said Bret Gardella, CEO and Executive Director of the GBIC. “We recognize the unmatched potential of Brownsville students. These young individuals are not just the future of our community, but also the key drivers of innovation and growth for the entire region.”
One of the panelists was Ron Garza, associate vice president for workforce and economic development at UT-Rio Grande Valley.
Here is an audio recording of everything Garza said during the panel discussion. GBIC’s Gardella was the panel moderator.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - On Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation hosted their 2nd Annual Rally in the Valley.
The networking event connected high school students from Brownsville ISD with prominent industry partners offering student internship opportunities. The Texas Workforce Commission participated.
Rally in the Valley was held at the Brownsville Events Center.
One of the panelists was Stella Garcia, vice president of institutional advancement and chief of staff at Texas Southmost College.
Here is an audio recording of everything Garcia said during the panel discussion.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Francisco J. Peña-Valdés is an attorney with Cacheaux Cavazos & Newton, a company that has, for over 25 years, provided integrated legal services to international businesses.
In an in-depth audio and video interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Peña-Valdés discussed the work of Cacheaux Cavazos & Newton, the other international trader associations he is involved in, the history of near-shoring, and his projections for the Rio Grande Valley.
On the subject of near-shoring, Peña-Valdés said that, for him, near-shoring started when Trump administration started hitting China with higher tariffs and taxes. He said a client from California would call him and say, “oh, we're going to expand our facility. But instead of sending it to China, we're going to open a plant over there in Monterey or Reynosa or Matamoros, or another city in Mexico. So, I think Trump began the cascade and everything after that began moving very, very fast.”
Another reason for the surge in near-shoring, Peña-Valdés explained, was USMCA and a provision in the treaty that required a higher percentage of the parts used to assemble an automobile be sourced from North America.
“We were sourcing a lot of products from China, aluminum, steel, electronics and whatnot,” Peña-Valdés. “And then the CHIPS Act came in and said, based on national security, chips must be manufactured in the U.S.”
Asked if the Rio Grande Valley might benefit from this legislation by landing a chip manufacturing plant, Peña-Valdés responded that Indian software developer Zoho is already here.
“It’s a good thing that Zoho is coming this way. Not only because they are going to provide good employment. It is going to provide a different vibe for the area,” Peña-Valdés said.
“By bringing these type of companies (to the Valley), they are going to set a precedent. Other companies, smaller companies, are going to look at us here in the RGV and say, I'm not even going to do due diligence. Because Zoho, a very important company, is setting up here, they are going to say, they already did their due diligence, so let's go. We are going to start landing companies here. We're going to start seeing more and more in that area. That's my take on that.”
A trend that is already happening, Peña-Valdés said, is the arrival of even more Chinese manufacturing firms in the Monterrey area.
“They already have one specific industrial park just for Chinese companies outside Monterrey, going, like, north west of Monterey. Big Chinese companies are settling in Monterey. So other Chinese companies, of smaller capacity, they're not even doing their due diligence. They are just going in there because this bigger company is already doing it.”
Here is an audio recording of the interview the Guardian conducted with Peña-Valdés. It is the first in a three-part series.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - The always newsworthy entrepreneur Joaquin Spamer says he is heading to China to look for more customers.
Spamer is president and founder of McAllen-based CIL Group, which, among things, exports U.S. cotton around the world. He departs for China on a business trip on Sept. 17.
Founded in 1991, CIL offers integrated logistic services along the Mexico-US border, including the import, export, handling, warehousing, distribution and transportation of industrial commercial and perishable products.
Spamer is also president of the Border Trade Alliance Mexico. He is also the American Chamber of Commerce’s representative in the Rio Grande Valley. And he is a member of COSTEP, the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force, and Index Nuevo León.
“We are very much engaged. I’m actually traveling to China to meet with a lot of different potential customers,” Spamer told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service. “That is what I do. It is not what the realtors are doing.”
Spamer made the news recently when he launched a blistering attack on industrial realtors in the Rio Grande Valley. He said many of them do not earn their five percent commission. He said they should only be getting one and half to two percent commission, which is why he pays for warehouse space in places like Dallas, New York and Los Angeles. Spamer said he has received good feedback since he first made his controversial comments at IWS2, hosted by the Pharr Bridge Board.
Click here to watch a video of Spamer criticizing RGV industrial realtors and here to read a more detailed story on the issue.
Recently, Spamer was a panelist at the 2023 NADBank Summit. There he spoke about doing business in the Valley.
Asked what were the key points he wanted to get across to those attending the NADBank Summit, Spamer said: “That we have great, great opportunity in South Texas. That we are the best place in the nation. We are blessed. In my opinion, we have a higher opportunity for progress in South Texas than on the Mexican side and the rest of Texas. If you're looking for labor, for water, for good prices, for a good labor force, the perfect combination is South Texas. And that's why we are investing heavily in industrial developments.”
Here is an audio recording of the comments made by Spamer (all in Spanish) at the NADBank Summit.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - Region One Education Service Center’s director for partnerships and career pathways says the group is working on a plan to develop stronger links between education and industry.
Dr. Eliza Alvarado said to make this happen the group has set up the Tri-Agency Regional Convener.
In an in-depth audio interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Alvarado said the Tri-Agency Regional Convener is a collaborative initiative designed to create seamless systems that will prepare students for advancement and success in various careers.
She said the group will work to identify needs and create industry-aligned pathways for the region and its communities.
“As a board, we will work to fill gaps around the region and analyze our assets to maximize student and industry prosperity,” Alvarado said. “We are really excited to get the work started and, ultimately, create a strategic plan that we can implement.”
The Tri-Agency Regional Convener was set up at the Region One ESC Conference Center on Sept. 8 with the help of education and workforce leaders.
In her interview with the Guardian, Alvarado said the Tri-Agency, comprising THECB, TWC, and TEA, was established by Governor Greg Abbott to support economic growth across the state.
She pointed out that in April 2023, Region One was designated the Tri-Agency Regional Convener to serve Lower Rio Workforce Development Area 23. This includes Starr, Hidalgo and Willacy counties.
As the Regional Convener, Alvarado said, Region One ESC will oversee the development, implementation and monitoring of the regional strategy for high quality career and education pathways into targeted industries across the entire workforce development areas.
Here is an audio recording of the Guardian’s interview with Eliza Alvarado.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Jon Barela, CEO of the Borderplex Alliance, says anti-Mexico rhetoric could hurt international trade between the U.S. and its southern neighbor.
The Borderplex Alliance handles economic development for El Paso, Las Cruces and Ciudad Juarez.
Barela was a panelist at the recent 2023 NADBank Summit, sharing the stage with Rio Grande Valley entrepreneur Joaquin Spamer. The panel was titled: Manufacturing and Green Industrial Parks.
Barela said his the Borderplex region has been doing well with near-shoring. However, he said he did not have one big concern.
“If there's a cloud on the horizon that really, really concerns me - and this is, I think, a significant point for all of us - is that we are coming up to a presidential election year. I'm extremely concerned about the national rhetoric on the US side of the border and and how it will impact us. Comments like invading Mexico to stop the drug cartels; blockading Mexican ports to stop the fentanyl trade from China; using deadly force to stop suspected drug smugglers coming across the border. These comments a few years ago were considered crazy talk. Today, it's getting normalized in the presidential discourse.”
Barela then considered how ugly political rhetoric can impact trade.
“How does that affect us on trade? We will be doing the six-year review of the USMCA in two short years. And this anti-Mexico rhetoric is potentially poisonous. We all have to be on guard for this. It doesn't take a political scientist to figure that if this type of hateful rhetoric continues, it will probably sponsor nationalistic thought in Mexico in their presidential election. And then the spiral downward continues.”
Barela said he is not predicting this will happen.
“But these types of things are a threat. It could stop the investments in NADBank, especially if things start becoming very nativist in the United States. Clearly, it will have an impact potentially in the Mexican presidential election, this type of talk. And it's something we all need to be very cognizant of, very aware of, and push back as much as we possibly can.”
Barela added: “If we are not careful this could spin very much out of control. And it has me greatly concerned and it's something that certainly I’m trying to work on and very, very concerned about.”
Here is an audio recording of everything Barela said at the NADBank Summit.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - When South Texas College’s dean of math and science, Dr. Ali Esmaeili, taught at Roma High School many years ago he was saddened by the lack of ambition of his students.
When he asked them what they wanted to do, they would say, “graduate from high school and then help my parents in the field.”
Determined to change the life trajectory of his students and their families, Esmaeili started giving his charges titles. It was Doctora Maria and Ingeniero Jesus. He wanted them to believe they could go to college and pursue a professional career. Today, high school principals come up to Esmaeili and thank him for helping them achieve their career goals.
“I always tell our faculty if you think your students will become a doctor, they will become a doctor. It is up to us as a teacher; that we believe that student can achieve that,” Esmaeili said.
“You have heard the phrase, you are what you eat. With me it is, they will become what they think they can become.”
Esmaeili added: “You have to start telling them you have the potential to become that. But, you have to really love what you do in order for a student to believe you. When I tell a student, I want you to be whatever you want to be, but I want to tell you, I will be next to you to achieve that. And they believe me because they know I mean business.”
In the audio interview below Dr. Esmaeili looks back at his days as a teacher at Roma High School.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - When South Texas College’s dean of math and science, Dr. Ali Esmaeili, taught at Roma High School many years ago he was saddened by the lack of ambition of his students.
When he asked them what they wanted to do, they would say, “graduate from high school and then help my parents in the field.”
Determined to change the life trajectory of his students and their families, Esmaeili started giving his charges titles. It was Doctora Maria and Ingeniero Jesus. He wanted them to believe they could go to college and pursue a professional career. Today, high school principals come up to Esmaeili and thank him for helping them achieve their career goals.
“I always tell our faculty if you think your students will become a doctor, they will become a doctor. It is up to us as a teacher; that we believe that student can achieve that,” Esmaeili said.
“You have heard the phrase, you are what you eat. With me it is, they will become what they think they can become.”
Esmaeili added: “You have to start telling them you have the potential to become that. But, you have to really love what you do in order for a student to believe you. When I tell a student, I want you to be whatever you want to be, but I want to tell you, I will be next to you to achieve that. And they believe me because they know I mean business.”
In the audio interview below Dr. Esmaeili looks back at his days as a teacher at Roma High School.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - State Sen. Morgan LaMantia believes homeowners and businesses based along the Texas Gulf Coast are having to pay too much for property insurance.
Because of the threat of hurricanes and severe storms, regular insurance premiums are very high. So, the Sate of Texas provided an alternative way to have property along the coast insured.
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) is the insurer of last resort, offering windstorm and hail insurance to home and commercial property owners who cannot get this coverage in the regular market due to the risk of catastrophic hurricanes.
LaMantia, D-South Padre Island, spoke about TWIA at a 88th Legislature Update Luncheon hosted recently by Brownsville Chamber of Commerce. She admitted that efforts to put more money into TWIA - so that property insurance rates along the coast could drop - had failed during the recent legislative session.
LaMantia said: “We also worked on the cost of living. TWIA is a huge issue for our areas on the coast. And it's another cost that the rest of the state doesn't have. And we're trying to bring those costs down and, no, we weren't as successful as we wanted to be in really reestablishing how TWIA is funded.”
LaMantia said the Legislature will revisit the issue next session.
“And so it is something we will continue to work on next session. Because when your wind insurance costs are higher than your property taxes… it is a huge burden not just for our families and homeowners, but for local businesses and for other businesses that can't come into our community as well.”
LaMantia said the State of Texas should do more to help homeowners and businesses based on the coast.
“With so much tourism going on in our coastal communities, that benefits the rest of the state. We need the rest of the state's help funding TWIA and bringing those costs down for us as well,” she said.
Here is an audio recording of everything Sen. LaMantia said at the Brownsville Chamber event.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - State Rep. Erin Gamez said the regular session of the 88th Legislature was “incredible.”
The Brownsville Democrat said she and her staff “did a lot of amazing things.”
In remarks at Brownsville Chamber of Commerce’s 88th Legislative Update Luncheon, Gamez highlighted her work to help Brownsville keep more of its hotel occupancy taxes for the purpose of redevelopment of its downtown.
“This session was incredible. I still can't believe that it is my second real session, but we did a lot of amazing things,” Gamez said.
“I want to take a minute to talk in particular about how excited we are for the renovations that are going on in downtown Brownsville. In particular, one bill that I'm extremely excited about that I could not have done without Senator (Morgan) LaMantia and without the support of my colleagues is our Qualified Hotel Projects Zone that we've worked on.”
Gamez said many Brownsville and Cameron County leaders came to the state Capitol to support this legislation. At the Brownsville Chamber event she gave a shoutout to Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, Brownsville City Manager Helen Ramirez, and Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr.
“Thank you to everyone that came up and advocated for this legislation. Brownsville is now going to be on the map with the rest of the big cities we see in Texas. Like, if anyone's gone to Houston and stayed at a hotel near Minute Maid Park or near NRG. If you take out your bill and you look at it you'll see that you're in some sort of investment zone.”
With the new legislation championed by Gamez and LaMantia, Brownsville will have the same opportunity to recoup hotel occupancy tax just like Houston.
“So now, in downtown Brownsville, we will have our first Tax Incremental Reinvestment Zone downtown that is estimated to generate and keep in Brownsville an estimated $80 million for the development of downtown Brownsville, as opposed to it being sent back to the state,” Gamez said.
“I can assure you in the next decade the city of Brownsville will have the tools to change the face of Brownsville unlike anything we've ever seen before, and it's going to happen in our lifetime.”
Here is an audio recording of Rep. Gamez’s remarks at the Brownsville Chamber event.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - State Rep. Janie Lopez says that when appearing at legislative wrap-up events, there is a good reason she does not talk as much as her colleagues in the Rio Grande Valley Legislative delegation.
Appearing at the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce’s 88th Legislative Update Luncheon, Lopez apologized for having to read her speech.
“I’m the non-attorney here. They can talk forever, right? I'm a mental health professional. I listen. Very different. So I thank you for your time and this opportunity to speak with you. I thank you for letting me serve you in Austin,” Lopez said, in her closing remarks.
Lopez, R-San Benito, appeared on stage with state Sen. Morgan LaMantia, D-South Padre Island, state Rep. Oscar Longoria, D-La Joya, and state Rep. Erin Gamez, D-Brownsville. All three of Lopez’s colleagues are attorneys.
In her speech, Lopez spoke about the importance of bipartisanship in Austin and some of the programs that will be helped thanks to the newly-passed $144.13 billion state budget. She also spoke about property tax relief.
“My all time favorite (piece of legislation) is dedicating $18 billion to much needed property tax relief for all property owners,” Lopez said. “I want to give a special thanks to Speaker Phelan for including me as a member of the Property Tax Select Committee, as well as Governor Abbott for hearing about the homestead exemption needs that we have down here in South Texas.”
Lopez continued: “The burden property tax is a pressing issue that resonates with many Texans. As citizens we face the unsettling possibility of being taxed out of our homes, while potential homebuyers are challenged by soaring property taxes. So to address these concerns, we passed Senate Bill 2 and HJR 2 which represents the most extensive property tax reduction initiative in Texas history. This remarkable legislation brings a staggering $18 billion in relief while complementing the state budget.”
Here is an audio recording of Rep. Lopez’s remarks at the Brownsville Chamber event.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - Former McAllen Mayor Jim Darling says placing razor wire and buoys on the Rio Grande gives Mexico a good excuse not to repay its water debt to the United States.
Darling is recognized as an expert on water issues and is a member of Region M Water Planning Group, a state appointed board. He is concerned about the long-term viability of the Rio Grande Valley’s growth trajectory should the region not come up with a plan to access more water.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has had razor wire and buoys placed in the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass to deter migrants from crossing the river. The U.S. Justice Department argued in federal court that Abbott did not have the authority to do this and a federal judge ordered the barriers be removed from the river. Abbott took the case to an appeals court and won. The case may end up going to the US Supreme Court.
In an in-depth interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Darling responded to a question about a recent news story which quoted a U.S. State Department official as saying in federal court that Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision to place buoys and razor wire in the middle of the Rio Grande could be used as an excuse by Mexico not to pay its water debt to the U.S.
“It doesn’t help, does it?” Darling responded. “It certainly doesn't help what we are trying to do. It gives them (Mexico) another excuse not to release (the water). You know, they (the buoys) float across into Mexico and the governor did get them moved back but they're going to float back into Mexico again. It’s the river and you are messing with the river. W’ve got aquatic weed flowing down and had all kinds of different things. You don't want to mess with that river.”
Later in the interview, Darling returned to the issue of Abbott placing buoys and razor wire in the Rio Grande. Darling said he had met recently with U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz and told her it is not as easy as telling Mexico to release the water.
“It is more complicated than it appears at first glance. Just saying, hey, Mexico turn over the water. You made a good point. If the publicity is bad in Mexico, and this guy (Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador) is a politician and he wants to release water from Mexico to the United States, he’s not going to do it (because of public opinion). The guy in Texas wouldn't do that. You’re giving them all the grief… a good relationship with Mexico is important at the state level, just as much as the federal level.”
According to a 1944 international water treaty, Mexico has to deliver an average of 350,000 acre feet of water per year to the U.S. over a five year cycle. “They haven't given anything in this cycle,” Darling said.
In his interview with the Guardian, Darling also spoke about water availability for the fast-growing Valley in the long term. The Guardian sought the interview because water was not covered as an issue in the recent economic summit hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership.
Here is an audio recording of the interview with Mayor Darling.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Ramiro A. Cavazos, who hails from the Rio Grande Valley and is president and CEO of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber or Commerce, was one of the keynote speakers at the 2023 NADBank Summit.
His presentation was titled, Near-shoring and the Impact for Hispanic Business in the Border States. The event was held at The Westin Riverwalk in San Antonio.
During his remarks, Cavazos rattled off a number of statistics to reflect the growing importance of Latinos to the U.S. economy.
“I work for the US Hispanic Chamber. We represent 300 Latino chambers. Five million Latino owned businesses. The fifth largest economy in the world. It is $3 trillion. And that is the 63.5 million Latinos that live in this country. Between 2010 and 2021 the Texas population grew 18 percent. This year we became majority Latino, 40.1 percent. But, during that same time, the population grew 18 percent. The Texas economy grew 39 percent. One half of all the jobs in the US in the last 20 years have been created here in Texas,” Cavazos said.
Editor’s Note: Here is an audio recording of Ramiro A. Cavazos’ remarks. He is introduced by Jesse Hereford, head of strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement for NADBank.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas - Jose Peña is IT director for the City of Pharr. He recently gave a presentation at IWS2.
IWS is a series of industrial warehouse summits hosted recently by the Pharr Bridge Board and held at the Pharr Development and Research Center. The “2” signifies that this was the second in the series.
Peña’s presentation focused on TeamPharr.net, the City of Pharr’s city-wide, blazing fast internet service.
Peña’s said this service is Pharr’s solution to closing the digital divide. “City of Pharr will now be offering blazing fast fiber internet and the next generation of WiFi technology that better connects all of the devices in your home or business. Expertly installed by a certified technician and includes our CommandIQ/TeamPharr.net App with enhanced parental controls and network security. Fast, reliable and bundled to give you more for less money,” Peña told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
In his remarks from the podium, Peña said: “So, we're building a fiber network throughout the entire city, hitting every property. Our first goal was to get to every home, but… we've got that process up and running, we actually will hit 2,000 subscribers this week. Now our focus is starting to shift to hitting commercial and enterprise customers.”
The businessmen in the audience appeared to be impressed with the speeds Peña was quoting.
“Our network goes up to 100 gigs. So… we can work with anybody to deliver the package they require for their enterprise connectivity needs.”
Peña said the City of Pharr is totally transparent about the pricing and speeds available. “We are transparent. We can't hide what we offer to one customer over another customer. So, we're very transparent, which is obviously not the case for the private sector.”
With the business customer in mind, Peña added: “If you want ten-gig of internet to your facility, we can give you that today. If you require 25-gig because of your higher level computing requirements, we can work with you on that. If you require 25- or 40-gig (we can do it)… our pricing will be transparent.”
Editor’s Note: Here is an audio recording of Jose Peña’s remarks at IWS2. He is introduced by moderator Jorge Torres of InterLink Trade Services.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - FIRST in Texas, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring K- 12 students in the STEM fields, has teamed up with MathWorks to help FIRST students develop advanced computing skills.
MathWorks is an American privately held corporation that specializes in mathematical computing software. Its major products include MATLAB and Simulink, which support data analysis and simulation.
FIRST in Texas is a statewide nonprofit that teaches robotics. It has a strong presence in the Rio Grande Valley.
“This is hot off the press,” said Jason Arms, executive director of FIRST in Texas. “I am proud to announce FIRST in Texas now has a partnership with an amazing organization called MathWorks. MathWorks are the creators of something called MATLAB, a machine learning and algorithm platform. And that is AI learning. And it's really robust. It's used in a lot of industry. And it's even included in smart cars.”
Arms continued: “We're really excited about the MATLAB component. And, exclusively for us here in Texas, our agreement with them is… it will give our robotics teams access to six of their engineers and those six engineers will be holding office hours for any of our teams across this great state to access those brilliant engineers to talk to them about coding, AI, machine learning and how to really advance some of that advanced coding and programming skills using their FIRTS robotics platform.”
Arms believes the collaboration will help the FIRST students create better robotics teams and develop the more advanced skills needed to go into the high tech industry.
Editor’s Note: Here is an audio interview with Jason Arms about the FIRST In Texas-MathWorks collaboration.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas - Steve Valdez executive director of Weslaco Economic Development Corporation, says plans are being developed to bury a canal so that the runway of Mid-Valley Airport can be extended by 1,000 feet.
According to Weslaco Mid-Valley Airport website, the airport currently has a 6,000 x 80 foot lighted runway.
Valdez announced the plans when he spoke at IWS2, the industrial warehouse summit hosted by Pharr Bridge Board and held at Pharr Development and Research Center.
The theme for the summit was, “Building a Competitive Border Region for Near-Shoring and Industrial Growth.”
Valdez said: “We have a what we believe is the fourth largest airport (in the Rio Grande Valley), behind Harlingen, McAllen and Brownsville. Recently we were awarded with a $5.7 million grant for additional hangars. We just finished about six hangars and so we seem to be growing in terms of the airport.”
Valdez then pointed to a slide in a powerpoint presentation.
“If you can see it… at the very top of the airport there's a canal and the City is looking at ways to cross that canal. Bury the canal process so that you can extend another 1,000 feet for our airport runway.”
Leaders from across Hidalgo County recently attended a press conference to hear the announcement of the $5.7 million grant. Valdez said that the press conference.
“During the announcement of the $5.7 million we went to the Payne Auto Group hangar, a 10,000 square foot hangar that sits about six airplanes, a beautiful location,” Valdez said at IWS2.
“If you get a chance to stop by there at some point, it is a really nice expansion to our airport. On site (customs) inspections, as you can see. Within one hour, if you call ahead of time, you could have Customs Border Protection be there as well for your inspections.”
The grant for the new hangars came from state and federal resources. State lawmakers appropriated $5 million with Hidalgo County adding $750,000 from its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas - Steve Valdez executive director of Weslaco Economic Development Corporation, says plans are being developed to bury a canal so that the runway of Mid-Valley Airport can be extended by 1,000 feet.
According to Weslaco Mid-Valley Airport website, the airport currently has a 6,000 x 80 foot lighted runway.
Valdez announced the plans when he spoke at IWS2, the industrial warehouse summit hosted by Pharr Bridge Board and held at Pharr Development and Research Center.
The theme for the summit was, “Building a Competitive Border Region for Near-Shoring and Industrial Growth.”
Valdez said: “We have a what we believe is the fourth largest airport (in the Rio Grande Valley), behind Harlingen, McAllen and Brownsville. Recently we were awarded with a $5.7 million grant for additional hangars. We just finished about six hangars and so we seem to be growing in terms of the airport.”
Valdez then pointed to a slide in a powerpoint presentation.
“If you can see it… at the very top of the airport there's a canal and the City is looking at ways to cross that canal. Bury the canal process so that you can extend another 1,000 feet for our airport runway.”
Leaders from across Hidalgo County recently attended a press conference to hear the announcement of the $5.7 million grant. Valdez said that the press conference.
“During the announcement of the $5.7 million we went to the Payne Auto Group hangar, a 10,000 square foot hangar that sits about six airplanes, a beautiful location,” Valdez said at IWS2.
“If you get a chance to stop by there at some point, it is a really nice expansion to our airport. On site (customs) inspections, as you can see. Within one hour, if you call ahead of time, you could have Customs Border Protection be there as well for your inspections.”
The grant for the new hangars came from state and federal resources. State lawmakers appropriated $5 million with Hidalgo County adding $750,000 from its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas - Arturo Gomez, deputy port director of operations for Brownsville Navigation District, has given more details about a new 118-acre shovel-ready business park being built at the Port of Brownsville.
In a speech at IWS2, Gomez said the new industrial project will leverage the Port’s logistical advantages to support manufacturing companies and industry clusters with a base of operations that combines access to efficient multimodal transportation and robust storage capabilities.
Gomez said the new business park will be a critical component in the Port’s mission to attract new industries and businesses to the area, thus creating jobs, and driving economic growth.
IWS2 stands for 2nd Industrial Warehouse Summit. The summit was hosted recently by Pharr Bridge Board and held at Pharr Development and Research Center.
The theme for the summit was, “Building a Competitive Border Region for Near-Shoring and Industrial Growth.”
IWS2 stands for 2nd Industrial Warehouse Summit. Hosted by Pharr Bridge Board. Held recently at Pharr Development and Research Center.
Gomez also spoke about plans to deepen the Port of Brownsville's ship channel and a liquefied natural gas export terminal to be built at the Port by NextDecade.
Here is an audio recording of Gomez’s speech at IWS2.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas - Arturo Gomez, deputy port director of operations for Brownsville Navigation District, has given more details about a new 118-acre shovel-ready business park being built at the Port of Brownsville.
In a speech at IWS2, Gomez said the new industrial project will leverage the Port’s logistical advantages to support manufacturing companies and industry clusters with a base of operations that combines access to efficient multimodal transportation and robust storage capabilities.
Gomez said the new business park will be a critical component in the Port’s mission to attract new industries and businesses to the area, thus creating jobs, and driving economic growth.
IWS2 stands for 2nd Industrial Warehouse Summit. The summit was hosted recently by Pharr Bridge Board and held at Pharr Development and Research Center.
The theme for the summit was, “Building a Competitive Border Region for Near-Shoring and Industrial Growth.”
IWS2 stands for 2nd Industrial Warehouse Summit. Hosted by Pharr Bridge Board. Held recently at Pharr Development and Research Center.
Gomez also spoke about plans to deepen the Port of Brownsville's ship channel and a liquefied natural gas export terminal to be built at the Port by NextDecade.
Here is an audio recording of Gomez’s speech at IWS2.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas - Pharr Bridge Director Luis Bazan spoke about plans for a second span for the bridge when he gave remarks at IWS2.
IWS2 was an industrial warehouse summit hosted recently by the Pharr Bridge Board and held at Pharr Development and Research Center. The theme for the summit was, “Building a Competitive Border Region for Near-Shoring and Industrial Growth.”
Here are his remarks.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas - Pharr Economic Development Corporation leaders have given a presentation on the land the EDC has for industrial development.
President Victor Perez and Property and Business Manager Janie Cavazos spoke at IWS2, the industrial warehouse summit recently hosted by Pharr Bridge Board and held at Pharr Development and Research Center. The theme for the summit was, “Building a Competitive Border Region for Near-Shoring and Industrial Growth.”
Perez kicked off the presentation before showing a video of the attractions Pharr has to offer. This was followed by a more in-depth look by Cavozos at the industrial development currently underway in south Pharr. Cavazos said plans to build a second span at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge was spurring a lot of the growth.
Cavazos’ remarks were similar to those she made at an “investment and commercialization” tour hosted the day before by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership.
Here is an audio recording of the remarks Perez and Cavazos made at IWS2.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas - Pharr Bridge Director Luis Bazan gave a presentation about new bridge activity at IWS2.
IWS2 was the 2nd Industrial Warehouse Summit held August 24 at the Pharr Development and Research Center.
The theme for the summit was, “Building a Competitive Border Region for Near-Shoring and Industrial Growth.”
Here is an audio recording of his remarks.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas - Jorge Torres, president and founder of Interlink Trade Services, kicked off IWS2 with a discussion about near-shoring.
IWS2 was the second in a series of productions by the Pharr Bridge Board that focus on the lack of industrial warehouse space in the upper Rio Grande Valley.
The event drew land developers, realtors, economic development leaders, and those in the import-export business.
“So near-shoring means relocating supply chains to diminish the risk from disruptions that are currently impacting the world. Near-shoring makes sense as the pandemic highlighted the weakness of the interconnection and dependence on a fully globalized supply chain,” Torres said
“Regionalization is the answer, as we've seen, and we're seeing the positive impact of that in the North American region. While many (manufacturing) companies are taking steps to relocate their assembly production facilities, there are also resources or parts and components within the supply chain. Some suppliers are going even further and relocating their operations to be closer to their customers.”
Torres referenced Tesla in his presentation.
“Tesla is opening an operation in Santa Catarina, Monterrey, Mexico. One of the reasons why they decided to open a facility there is because of the accessibility to raw materials. It's much better (for accessing raw materials) than other parts of the world. So that's a key element.”
Torres also spoke about the current trend of Chinese companies moving to Mexico.
“We hear a lot about China. The Chinese are coming. Yes, that's true. Chinese manufacturers are increasingly setting their sights on Mexico for bringing production closer to the American market. This reflects the higher cost of Chinese exports under US tariffs and disruptions to the global supply chain,” Torres said.
Rather than looking for suppliers in other parts of Asia, Torres said, Chinese firms are looking at Mexico.
“Mexico is becoming the new alternative because it offers proximity to the US, lower labor costs and access to preferential treatment under the USMCA, or the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement,” Torres said.
“So yes, we're sort of seeing this. A lot of companies that were making products in China are shipping production to North America including Mexico to take advantage of USMCA in mitigating tariffs.”
Torres cited a report from a consultancy firm that showed “strong evidence that American manufacturers are looking to relocate closer to home.”
“A lot of manufacturers or companies that were making products in Asia, in Vietnam and Cambodia, those countries… because of the supply chain disruptions and the increased cost of transportation, they are deciding to either ship those operations to North America, or (with) any new products or new production, (they are) setting it up in North America.”
Here is an audio recording of Torres’ remarks at IWS2. It includes an introduction to the summit by Luis Bazan, director of the Pharr International Bridge.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, TEXAS - Dennis A. McKenzie, deputy executive director, cargo and conveyance security for US Custom and Border Protection, was the keynote speaker at the recent Pharr Bridge Board Industrial Warehouse Summit 2.
The title of the event was IWS2. The subheading: “Building a Competitive Border Region for Near-Shoring and Industrial Growth.” It took place at the Pharr Development & Research Center in W. Dicker Road in south Pharr.
On his visit to the Rio Grande Valley, McKenzie saw a number of ports of entry. He praised the Pharr Bridge Board and the local stakeholders the board works with.
“I want to compliment you guys because I go everywhere in the country. I have done cargo since 1989. Northern border, southern border, seaports, airports, rail crossings. You are the only ones coming together as a community to get the work done,” McKenzie said.
“I saw multiple cities here, I saw state (officials). I’ve seen your senator’s staffers here. I saw this in Laredo, which impressed me. Then I went to El Paso and I saw it once again. Now I come to the RGV and I see it once again. Public-private partnerships coming together to get budgets like this done.”
McKenzie said he could not believe the federal government has not moved quicker on the donations acceptance programs the Pharr Bridge Board has embarked on. The Donations Acceptance Program is a mechanism that allows local communities to work with the federal government to get key infrastructure projects done. Pharr is still working on DAP 15 and DAP 16. The numbers refer to the year the application for the partnership was made. So, Pharr is still working on projects at their international bridge that were registered with the General Services Administration in 2015 and 2016.
Here is an audio recording of McKenzie’s 40-plus minute speech at IWS2.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority has a lot of consequential highway projects going on.
That is the only conclusion one can draw based on a power point presentation its executive director, Pete Sepulveda, made at a recent meeting of TxDOT’s Border Trade Advisory Committee.
The group met at the McAllen Convention Center.
"We have developed about a $1.3 billion system plan that we've been working on the last couple of years,” Sepulveda said.
Editor's Note: Click here to read the full story in the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - The City of McAllen’s superintendent of bridges says Customs and Border Protection is set to use state-of-the-art inspection equipment at Anzalduas International Bridge.
The equipment will be in use when Anzalduas starts crossing fully-loaded trucks carrying dry goods north- and south-bound, said Juan Olaguibel. This should be happening by next summer, the superintendent said.
“We’re hoping that this bridge will be the fastest, most efficient bridge on the border, throughout the United States,” Olaguibel said.
Olaguibel made his comments at a recent TxDOT Border Trade Advisory Committee meeting held at McAllen Convention Center.
Olaguibel noted that two of the largest industrial parks in Reynosa are just a stone’s throw from Anzalduas International Bridge. He said these two parks house more than 200 manufacturing companies, many of them Fortune 500 companies.
Olaguibel predicted the bridge will be popular because it will offer a faster route for truckers headed to Monterrey from the Rio Grande Valley. He noted that Nuevo León is leading the way in near-shoring, so this also should be a boost for Anzalduas.
Here is an audio recording of Olaguibel’s remarks to the Border Trade Advisory Committee.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas - Pharr Economic Development Corporation is not just getting more and more calls for warehouse space. The EDC is being asked for bigger and bigger warehouses.
The EDC’s property and business manager, Janie Cavazos, acknowledged as much in a recent presentation to real estate developers, brokers and bankers.
“After hearing of what's happening with this area and all the near-shoring that is going on, we’re seeing a lot of activity happening, Cavazos said.
“So, when you look at what type of projects we're currently working on and the dynamics in terms of the size of buildings that are being requested, they're no longer your 50,000 or 80,000 square feet warehouses. We're looking at 100,000, 150,000, up to a million square feet. And this would be for one tenant. We're seeing a lot of that.”
Cavazos made her presentation at the latest monthly investment and commercialization tour hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership. The presentation took place at the Tierra Del Sol Golf Club. It was followed by a bus tour of Pharr’s industrial parks near the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge.
In her video presentation, Cavazos spoke about the new warehouses being constructed by companies like Capote, Dekal, Majestic, Zuko, Aztec Realty, MAS Logistics, and CIL Logistics.
Cavazos encouraged those listening to her presentation to go upstairs and see a 3-D model of a new industrial park being planned by Zuko. It will cater exclusively for the fresh produce industry.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Brownsville Navigation District’s port director, Eduardo ‘Eddie’ Campirano recently spoke at a meeting of TxDOT’s Border Trade Advisory Committee.
In his presentation, Campirano spoke about a project underway to deepen the Port of Brownsville’s ship channel, plus plans to build an industrial park and construct a liquefied natural gas export terminal.
"Maritime transportation is critical to cross-border trade. It is the piece of transportation nobody thinks about," Campirano said. "There is no better example of that than the Port of Brownsville. Ninety percent of our business at the port is focused on trade with Mexico. Eighty-five percent of our rail cargo moves south into Mexico. So, it is integral to what we do."
The BTAC meeting was held at the McAllen Convention Center.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Pharr Bridge Director Luis Bazan recently spoke at a meeting of TxDOT’s Border Trade Advisory Committee.
In his presentation, Bazan listed some of the improvements happening at the bridge, including construction of a second span. With four more lanes, the new span will effectively double the capacity of the bridge. Bazan said Mexico is already building its half of the second span.
After his presentation, Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson asked Bazan to reiterate how much fresh produce the Pharr bridge crosses. The answer: Sixty-five percent of the imported fresh fruit and vegetables consumed in Texas. “That is absolutely phenomenal,” said Nelson, who chaired the BTAC meeting.
Bazan said the new produce season will kickoff in October. He said Pharr Bridge Board is slated to host an Avocado Festival the same month.
The BTAC meeting was held at the McAllen Convention Center.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - The chairman of the Texas House Transportation Committee said he wanted to lay down some facts when he spoke before TxDOT’s Border Trade Advisory Committee.
State Rep. Terry Canales of Edinburg spoke about some of his achievements in the area of transportation during the most recent legislative session. He then gave a big picture view of the importance of the advisory committee.
“I want to give you a bit of perspective. The United States is the greatest superpower the world has ever seen. That’s a fact. Mexico is now our largest trading partner, as reported by all news outlets. That's a fact. That means this committee and the work that this committee does, probably makes this the most powerful Trade Advisory Committee on the face of the planet. That's a fact,” Canales said.
“So moving forward, what do we do?” Canales asked. How do we fund the Border Master Plan?”
Canales answered his own question. He said funding the Border Master Plan is should be the work of the advisory committee.
"So I leave you with that. You are the most powerful Trade Advisory Committee on the face of the planet. And the work and movement that you do here will forge and form the future of not only Texas, not only the Rio Grande Valley, but the entire United States.
"And so figuring out how we fund the projects that are in the Border Master Plan; I would challenge this committee to say we're going to find that funding one way or another. Through moving TxDOT funds, or however you do it. And build out the Border Master Plan over the next 25 years. It is possible. It's a challenge you should accept. It is incumbent upon us.”
Secretary of State Jane Nelson chaired the meeting, which was held at the McAllen Convention Center. Nelson said Canales’ remarks were “inspiring.”
Meade’s analysis
Alejandro ‘Alex’ Meade, the new Texas Transportation Commission member, also spoke at the Border Trade Advisory Committee meeting.
Meade said he agreed with Canales. “This could not be a more powerful committee,” Meade said. “The State of Texas is the fastest growing state in the nation. We have the eighth largest economy in the world. And the only way we can do that is by having a strong border. Investing in the border is investing in Texas. And so we have to remind ourselves and remind our partners that we have to continue investing in the border.”
Meade pointed out that trade with Mexico, in just the Valley and Laredo regions, is worth $1 billion a day.
“Nothing happens in Texas without the border. Nothing happens in this country without the border.”
Here is an audio recording of the entire remarks Canales and Meade made at the Border Trade Advisory Committee meeting.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
HARLINGEN, Texas - Veteran broadcaster Ron Whitlock, of Ron Whitlock Reports, recently met up with Dr. Jose Manuel De La Rosa, MD, a member of the U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission.
The meeting took place at the Texas Medical Association’s 2023 Border Health Conference, which was held at the Harlingen Convention Center.
Whitlock was intrigued to know more about the U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission, an entity that does not get a lot of media attention.
De La Rosa, who is based in El Paso, said the Border Health Commission does important work. Asked to give an example, De La Rosa said:
“We talk about the Healthy Border 2030 initiative. It is a process. It takes literally years to get those recommendations (into statute). But those recommendations are established in a format and then the bureaucracy goes to work. When there's an opportunity for funding and they look at equal funding for the border for different areas.
“But, where do you begin to allocate funds and why? Oh yeah, somebody somewhere (the U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission) has an official recommendation here to spend more money on, say, dust cessation, or diabetes, and it trickles through the system.
“Mexico is the same way. When you have these bodies of people making recommendations officially through a national and international treaty, it is the law and if nothing else, the bureaucrats in Washington and in Mexico City, understand bureaucracy and move it forward.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - Gov. Greg Abbott was the keynote speaker at the Rio Grande Valley Partnership’s recent 2023 RGV Economic Summit.
The event took place at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, with hundreds of community, business, and political leaders in attendance.
Abbott was applauded throughout his 25-minute speech.
He started his speech by thanking state Sen. Juan Hinojosa. The McAllen Democrat had introduced Abbott. Abbott said that as a delegation, the Rio Grande Valley’s state lawmakers are “a force to be reckoned with.”
Abbott also pointed out that he has visited the Rio Grande Valley more than any other Texas governor.
“There is a very powerful, compelling reason why this happened. And that's because the RGV is perhaps the fastest growing region of all regions across the state of Texas. You truly are the epicenter of the booming Texas economy. The Texas of tomorrow is going to be built here in the Rio Grande Valley,” Abbott said, to warm applause.
Abbott said that while the motto of the summit was “One Region, One Voice,” the event could be summed up in one word: unity. “When you all come together as one unit, you are extraordinarily more powerful and more effective than you are working individually,” he said.
Abbott said he agreed with a previous speaker, Adriana Cruz. The executive director of Texas Economic Development & Tourism said, “a win for one, is a win for all.”
By way of an example, Abbott pointed to how the Dallas region works as a unit. He said the numerous municipalities around the perimeter of Dallas all work together with the big city. He said the City of Irving often lands the big deals but every municipality wins in the region wins.
“So my point is, when you all work together as a unit you want to be a magnet for economic opportunity and jobs that will be repeating itself over and over and over again. Your primary goal by working together is to be that collective messenger to the entire globe, that one of the prime real estate locations in the world to do business is the Rio Grande Valley of the great State of Texas.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas – Luis Bazan, director of the Pharr International Bridge, has announced details of Pharr Bridge Board’s 2nd Industrial Warehouse Summit.
The summit takes place Thursday, Aug. 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will take place at the Pharr Development & Research Center in W. Dicker Road in south Pharr.
The title of the event is IWS2. The subheading is: Building a Competitive Border Region for Near-Shoring and Industrial Growth.
In his monthly report to the Pharr Bridge Board, Bazan said the summit is being jointly hosted by the Bridge Board and Pharr Economic Development Corporation. The emcee, he said, will be Jorge Torres, president and founder of Interlink Trade Services.
Explaining the need for the summit, Bazan said: “One of the issues that has come to light here in the last a year or so is that regardless of trade, regardless of the ships and trade, there is still not enough dry warehouse space for industrial capacity to fulfill the needs of trade. So it is it is up to us to bring this to the region, invite our regional partners to ensure that we’re fulfilling that gap.”
Bazan acknowledged that meeting the demand for more warehouse space in the Rio Grande Valley is not going to happen overnight.
“But this is part of our educational process to bring everybody to the table, from bankers to investors to industrial warehouse developers. And in this case for this next one coming next week on August 24.”
A new feature for IWS2 will be the participation of economic development corporations from other cities.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - The vice president for strategy and new initiatives at the Wilson Center says border communities need to be better organized in order to have more of a say in Washington, DC.
Duncan Wood, who also serves as a senior advisor to the Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute, spoke recently at an event hosted by the CEO Club and held at the McAllen Country Club.
After his speech Wood took questions from the audience. One came from Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez. He asked Wood what, from an economic development standpoint, is the Rio Grande Valley not doing that it could be. Wood responded that the companies he talks to often say they have a problem recruiting talent.
Wood said the companies tell him: “We have a problem in recruiting the right skill-set. We don't necessarily want the finished product because we can train workers ourselves. We can work with local communities, but we need to have a engineering-literate or business-literate or more energy-literate workforce that we can work with, that we can educate. And then we need to have partner institutions locally, with whom we have always been willing to invest in.”
Wood said more studies are needed on what skill-sets are lacking in the Valley. South Texas College President Ricardo Solis was in the audience. He told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service later that STC was carrying out all the recommendations Wood was making.
“I believe it's so important that we begin to actually do proper surveys of what the needs are in local communities, so that we know where the shortages are,” Wood said.
“Because, right now, I think there's a lot of speculation that goes on. But we need to talk to businesses on this side of the border, talk to businesses on the other side. Because, as we all know, they go hand-in-hand. You can't really do one without the other.
“So let's actually take the time and invest the resources to actually understand what the needs are in a forward-looking strategic manner. That's where I think we can actually make real progress, if we actually have the data on what skills are needed.”
Wood then turned to an issue he said he faces often in Washington. He said too many people in Congress see the border as a problem and not an opportunity. “We need to change the mindset on that,” he said.
“You know, I always find myself in this weird situation in Washington as an Englishman from Kent, who lived in Mexico and Canada, talking about the US-Mexico border and being the one in the room when, there's maybe a representative from Michigan who says that the border is a disaster. And then I say, have you gone down and seen what the opportunities are?”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Mexico expert Duncan Wood says the state he is paying most attention to in Mexico these days is Nuevo León.
Wood is vice president for strategy and new initiatives at the Wilson Center in Washington, D.C., and senior advisor to the Mexico Institute, which is housed within the Wilson Center.
Wood spoke at three events in the Rio Grande Valley recently. At each one he praised the leadership of Nuevo León governor, Samuel Alejandro García Sepúlveda.
Wood handed out a slideshow print-out at a breakfast event hosted by the CEO Club at the McAllen Country Club. It showed that Nuevo León is currently capturing 72.2 percent of Mexico’s near-shoring. The data was sourced from GBM and CRB.
Here are Wood’s remarks about Nuevo León and its “Tesla moment.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
LAREDO, Texas - As well as expanding the number of lanes at the Laredo–Colombia Solidarity International Bridge in anticipation of Tesla, a cross-border rail line should be added, says U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar.
The Laredo congressman was interviewed about the Colombia port of entry at a recent transportation event in his hometown.
Interest in developing the bridge has heightened due to a request from Elon Musk that a dedicated lane be added for Tesla, which is building an EV manufacturing plant in Monterrey.
Here is the interview.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Entrepreneurs in Brownsville no longer have to worry about access to capital being a barrier.
That is according to the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC), which runs the StartUp Texas Accelerator and Seed Fund.
This program has been investing in Brownsville community small businesses since 2020.
This is how the most recent program worked. Local entrepreneurs in the food and service-related industries joined the StartUp Texas Quality of Life cohort in May. The participants completed a ten-week rigorous accelerator program overseen by UT-Rio Grande Valley Entrepreneurship & Commercialization Center. At the end of the course they showcased their business during a Demo Day event, with the chance to win up to $40,000 to assist in scaling their venture.
Last week’s Demo Day was held, for the first time, at the eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization. It drew a big crowd.
How did it go? Brilliantly, according to Cori Peña, president and CEO of BCIC. She posted this review on Facebook:
“Thanks, y’all, for supporting startups on the border, by the sea, and beyond!
“First and foremost, a massive shout-out to everyone who honored us with their presence at the StartUp Texas Quality of Life Ventures 2023 Demo Day. The energy in a full house is unbeatable, and the entrepreneurs on stage felt the buzz of your excitement and support!
“Our hearts are full of gratitude, and it wouldn’t have been such a fantastic night without our incredible sponsors, Ruby Red Hospitality and The Mitte Foundation.
“Big applause for our winners: TXQ RUBS - $40,000 in seed funding. F10 Casting - $20,000 in seed funding. La Pale Frozen Fruit Bar - $10,000 in seed funding.
“You've proven that hard work, passion, and innovation are the foundations for success."
Here is an audio recording from the recent Demo Day. It features, in order of appearance, Brownsville entrepreneur Steve Perez, BCIC board member Traci Wickett, BCIC’s Peña, BCIC director of business development Nathan Burkhart, BCIC director of marketing and communications Nelson I. Amaro, and UTRGV’s director of entrepreneurship, innovation and commercialization, Linda Ufland Romo.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - In three recent speeches in the Rio Grande Valley, the vice president for strategy and new initiatives at the Wilson Center talked about a potential game changer for Mexico that would also positively impact the Port of Brownsville.
Duncan Wood is also a senior advisor to the Mexico Institute. On July 27, he spoke at a luncheon held at Texas Southmost College that was hosted by the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation. On July 28, he spoke at a breakfast held at the McAllen Country Club that was hosted by the CEO Club. And, later that same day, Wood gave the keynote address at the MXLAN Festival’s International Economic Summit.
In each of the speeches Wood referenced the Transoceanic road and rail corridor Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador is building in southern Mexico. He said the project has the full support of the private sector.
“Before I move on, a quick word about the Port of Brownsville and the LNG (liquefied natural gas) project. It made me think. I always think of Texas ports as being headed for Europe. That is what they are, traditionally. Now they can get to Asia but to get to Asia they have to go down through the Panama Canal,” Wood said, at the GBIC event.
“One of the few major policy initiatives from the Mexican government of Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador with which I agree, is actually the Transoceanic Corridor, in the narrowest part of Mexico, the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. For many years, in fact going back to the times of Porfirio Díaz, it has been speculated that (you could) either dig a canal or your could make a rail or road link. The government now is finally doing that.”
Wood continued: “And the fascinating thing about this is that, yes, you could take goods from South Texas by boat down to Coatzacoalcos, take them across the rail link onto ships at Salina Cruz and get them to Asia in a relatively short time, quicker than going through the Panama Canal which, by the way, is experiencing all kinds of problems anyway, because of low water levels at this point in time.”
But that is not the only benefit, Wood said.
“Imagine now if you built a pipeline across there as well. So perhaps you could bring down LNG, you could re-gasify it on one side, pump it through the pipeline, re-liquefy it at Salina Cruz and take it to Asia. Take advantage of much higher gas prices in Asia.
“And then you think about what the government is actually thinking about doing down there, which is building out manufacturing capacity on either side of that rail and road link of Isthmus of Tehuantepec. All of a sudden you have a new border with the United States, which is right there in southern Mexico.”
Wood said this project fulfils a top priority of the López Obrador administration - improving the economy of southern Mexico.
“But it also creates new possibilities for Texas companies to work with Mexican companies down there to be part of that integrated manufacturing platform for export to Asia. That's a very, very, juicy prospect. There's a lot of work to do. But the idea is fundamentally sound.”
Here is an audio recording of everything Wood said about the Transoceanic Corridor at his one speech in Brownsville and two speeches in McAllen.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MERCEDES, Texas - The Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) is garnering a lot of attention these days.
Just a week or two back the nonprofit was named one of only 25 organizations nationwide and the only one from Texas to be awarded a $3 Million Nursing Expansion Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to develop professional pathways to nursing.
But, it has not always been in the limelight. For many years it struggled to secure funding from municipalities in the Rio Grande Valley.
Some may not know that VIDA was started almost 28 years ago by Valley Interfaith. In this “Historical Sidebar,” Rio Grande Guardian International News Service audio editor Mario Muñoz interviews two Valley Interfaith leaders, Eddie Anaya and Joe Hinojosa, about the early days of VIDA.
They say it was all about jobs.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
HARLINGEN, Texas - Valley International Airport has become the first airport in the Rio Grande Valley to offer covered parking for short stay vehicles.
Nicolás J. Mirman, director of business development at VIA, said up to 300 cars can now be protected from the sun.
“We just opened our covered parking areas, with more than 300 space of covered parking. It is the only covered parking in an airport in the RGV. We just opened it two weeks ago and it's already almost full as you can see. We're very excited about that. We know that the people in the RGV are also very excited, excited,” Mirman said.
“Step by step and with our own resources, and that is important, without any tax money from anybody in the RGV, we are making all these investments and these improvements in the airport and they are proving to be very successful.”
Mirman made his comments in an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service. He said Valley International is the largest airport in South Texas, with early 900,000 passengers and visitors walking through our terminal annually.
To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
REYNOSA, Tamaulipas - Of the 32 states in Mexico, Tamaulipas is the fourth most “peaceful,” according to a report published by Vision of Humanity.
“Yucatán was once again the most peaceful state in Mexico, followed by Tlaxcala, Chiapas, Tamaulipas and Nayarit,” the report states.
“Reflecting the great divergence in violence levels across the country, the average homicide rate in the most peaceful states was 9.2 deaths per 100,000 people, compared to an average rate of 74.6 in the least peaceful states.”
Details of the report were first publicized in the Rio Grande Valley by Duncan Wood, vice president for strategy and new initiatives at the Wilson Center and senior advisor to the Mexico Institute, on his recent visit to the region. Neither the Wilson Center of the Mexico Institute played any part in producing the report.
At a breakfast event hosted by the CEO Club at the McAllen Country Club, Wood said Tamaulipas was reportedly the fourth most peaceful state in Mexico. Some members of in the audience chuckled when he said it. Wood acknowledged the findings of the report seem hard to believe.
Wood brought up the report in a Q&A after his speech. Paul R. Rodriguez, CEO of Valley Land Title Co., asked the question. “What about the elephant in the room has to be security. Where do you think Mexico stands there?” Rodriguez asked.
Wood gave a detailed response about national security in Mexico in general. He then addressed Tamaulipas specifically.
“I was looking at the data on security header of this trip. I wanted to look at how Tamaulipas is doing. And weirdly enough, there's a Peacefulness Index. It’s a Global Index, but then the index on Mexico was recently released. And Tamaulipas was classified as the fourth most peaceful state in Mexico,” Wood said.
After murmurs from the CEO Club members, Wood responded:
“Yeah, yeah, exactly. It doesn't make sense, right? So I asked some of my colleagues, how do you explain this? And one of them took the time to write to the folks who authored the report.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
WESLACO, TEXAS - Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement is one of 25 organizations nationwide and the only one in Texas to be awarded a U.S. Department of Labor’s $3 Million Nursing Expansion Grant.
The grant will be used to develop professional pathways to nursing.
On July 27, a check presentation ceremony was held by VIDA at the Knapp Medical Conference Center in Weslaco. In addition to VIDA leaders the event was attended by stakeholders and partners involved in the initiative.
“This event served as a platform to highlight the positive impact we have collectively made in our community through our collaboration and shared vision of providing our Rio Grande Valley with a highly skilled and highly educated workforce,” VIDA President and CEO Felida Villarreal told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
The audio story below features the analysis and observations of Villarreal, Ana Garcia, the South Texas district director for U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, state Sens. Juan Hinojosa and Morgan LaMantia, Julian Alvarez, a senior vice president for Lone Star National Bank, and Edward Serna, executive director of the Texas Workforce Commission.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
WESLACO, Texas - Maria-Elena Giner, head of the U.S. section of the International Boundary & Water Commission, recently visited the Rio Grande Valley for a federal-state stakeholders meeting.
Held at Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center Auditorium in Weslaco, the meeting was attended by farmers, ranchers, irrigators and rural community leaders.
Giner spoke for about 16 minutes. Most of her speech focused on Mexico’s water debt to the United States under a 1944 international treaty.
Under the treaty, Mexico is obliged to send 1.75 million acre feet of water to the U.S. in a five year cycle. So, it should be averaging 350,000 acre feet per year. Giner said this is not currently happening.
“When I was here last year, it was really scary. There was only about 45 days of water left for some communities. We were down here and our reservoirs were reaching their lowest point. We were lucky in August. It rained and we got a bump up in our delivery. But, we’re still way below some of the driest years we've had,” Giner said.
“It puts a lot of pressure on this region and we realize that.”
Here are Giner’s remarks in full from the Weslaco meeting.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - The availability of water for Rio Grande Valley residents and farmers has always been a top issue for Jim Darling.
The former mayor of McAllen is president of the Rio Grande Regional Water Authority. He always gives updates on the water levels at Falcon and Amistad dams when he gives reports to McAllen Economic Development Corporation.
So, when famed Mexico expert Duncan Wood spoke to the CEO Club at a breakfast event the McAllen Country Club recently, Darling used the Q&A portion of the event to return to one of his favorite subjects.
“Mexico has not met its treaty obligations in the delivery of water for almost seven years. They did so last time by giving us all the water in Falcon. We are now almost three years behind again. We are approaching almost 25 percent (capacity) in the reservoirs. At 20 percent, agriculture doesn’t get any allocations. We were at 21 percent about two years ago. I understand Monterrey has even a worse problem than we do. What can be done?” Darling asked Wood, who serves as vice president for strategy and new initiatives at the Wilson Center.
Here, in audio format, is Darling’s question and Wood’s response.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
WESLACO, Texas - The healthcare and social assistance industry in the Rio Grande Valley is going to grow by between 23 and 28 percent in the next seven years, according to Workforce Solutions.
The accommodation and food industry is going to grow 43 percent over the same period, while the administrative, support and waste management sectors combined will grow by 43 percent.
The professional, scientific and technical service sectors will grow by 48 percent between now and 2030. And educational services will grow by 53 percent.
These were the projections given by Kim Moore, project training specialist at South Texas College, in a presentation made at a summer retreated hosted by RGV Focus at the Knapp Conference Center in Weslaco recently.
Moore made the presentation on behalf of Workforce Solutions. After his presentation the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service sought to interview Moore about the numbers. However, an RGV Focus representative suggested talking to a Workforce Solutions staff member instead. Daniel Uribe, business relations and information manager for Workforce Solutions was also at the retreat.
In his interview, Uribe said healthcare and social assistance was “by far the largest industry in the Valley. He said there was a “huge need” for more professional, scientific and technical workers. Likewise, teachers and educational staff.
Here is the interview.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
SAN BENITO, Texas - The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service recently secured an exclusive interview with Rafael Tapia, the new grant manager for the Council for South Texas Economic Progress, otherwise known as COSTEP.
For many years Tapia was executive director of Alamo Economic Development Corporation.
In his new role Tapia is responsible for overseeing grants and managing the grant programs for the Rio-South Texas Education & Community Development Foundation (RSTEF), a nonprofit private foundation focused on postsecondary and workforce development educational programs in Rio South Texas.
In his interview with the Guardian, Tapia explained that RSTEF is part of COSTEP.
“COSTEP actually is a has two different organizations. Obviously, there is COSTEP itself, which is trying to do the economic development. But, they also manage a foundation, which has been around about the same amount of time and just started to provide post-secondary education and workforce development grants to institutions of higher education, as well as organizations that are 501c3 and promote our focus, which, again, is certificates, GED and certification, anything that has to do with apprenticeships, internships, post-secondary degrees. That's more where my work is.”
Here is the interview.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Although community group Futuro RGV did not take an official position on whether to the City of McAllen should rezone Green Jay Park, some of its leaders did offer public testimony.
Although Futuro President Nedra Kinerk could not be present when the issue was debated at city hall, she sent a representative to speak for her. Kinerk said she was for moving the park from “agricultural/open space” to “light industrial.”
Futuro Treasurer, Laurel McLeaish, spoke against the move.
Both Kinerk and McLeaish spoke in their personal capacities. Both are McAllen residents.
McAllen City Commission voted unanimously in favor of making Green Jay Park, a property of the city, “light industrial.” This paves the way for tech giants Zoho Corporation to purchase the land and build a 90-acre campus.
Here is the testimony provided by Kinerk and McLeaish.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - As evidenced at last week’s unveiling of a federally-approved Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program, South Texas College has become a leader in apprenticeship programs.
To learn more about STC’s approach to apprenticeships the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service interviewed Kim Moore, project training specialist at STC, and Leo Garcia, director of the institute for advanced manufacturing at STC.
Here are the interviews.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Attending MXLAN’s International Economic Summit at the McAllen Convention Center, Index Reynosa’s Enrique Castro looked around the ballroom and expressed pleasure at what he saw.
“Forty years ago you would not have seen this. It is full of Mexicanos. Back then there were not that many. McAllen was divided by the railroad tracks,” Castro said.
The maquiladora industry leader said the culture and demographics of the McAllen metro area today can help land huge investment from Mexico.
“It's a very Hispanic-friendly city,” Castro said of McAllen.
“I think there are a lot of investors from Mexico that are willing to put their money at the border. Not go north. Not go south. But stay here where they can have this (Mexican friendly) environment. We were talking a few minutes ago with some of the people and gosh there are a lot of Latinos here now. New kids, even those that are returning back. They left the Valley because their were no opportunities. Now they're coming back with experience. I think it's going to be very exciting.”
Castro gave an exclusive interview to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service immediately following the keynote speech at the International Economic Summit. It was given by Duncan Wood of the Wilson Center.
“I think what makes an area interesting is their own people, not just the money. If you don't have people that you can trust, that you can talk to…,” Castro told the Guardian. “Look at Monterrey. Monterrey is the new Shanghai of Mexico. Why is the border not like Monterrey?”
Castro said he remembers the vision Richard Cortez had when he was mayor of McAllen.
“I remember his plan on making McAllen like a small San Antonio. Remember all that? That's a really good opportunity. And they have already the projects and the money. I think it will come out very soon, something like that.”
Castro is a Mexican national who has lived and worked on both sides of the border for many years. His business interests now are mostly in Queretaro, Reynosa, and McAllen. He has been president of Index, the maquiladora trade association, at both the national and local level.
During an earlier panel discussion at the International Economic Summit, involving four local bankers, Castro asked a question during the Q&A. He pointed out that Tamaulipas was not getting much of the near-shoring that is happening now. He said security and infrastructure issues must be resolved.
However, in his interview with the Guardian, Castro said the Rio Grande Valley and northern Tamaulipas can land some big manufacturing projects. At present, the big winner in the near-shoring race is Nuevo León, a state where Elon Musk is building a new Tesla plant.
“I think there are other companies, big companies, large companies that are willing to come this way. I mean, Tesla is, right now, the new kid on the block. But, gosh, I know several companies that are coming this way that are even bigger and stronger, especially in the high tech (world), in electronics and all that,” Castro said.
Castro said he was not just talking about microchip manufacturing.
“There is a lot of high tech, which I think Texas should take advantage of. Yesterday we were talking about that at the MEDC. There are a lot of schools here. The medical school. There are a lot of things. I'm really excited that we can grow. But, you know, it's all about trust.”
MEDC stands for McAllen Economic Development Corporation.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas - Mission community leader Ester Salinas has announced that final settlement in the long-running lawsuit filed by families impacted by the highly toxic Hayes Sammons agricultural pesticides mixing and receiving plant against numerous chemical companies has been reached.
“We won. After 25 years, we’re finally getting the final settlement letters from the Hayes Sammons contamination lawsuit. You know we started this case in 1998 and filed our lawsuit in 1999. We've been fighting this for 25 years,” Salinas said.
Salinas said 1,300 letters have been sent out as part of the final settlement. She said people have been asked to read the letters and notify the special master in the case - Gil Perales - if their addresses or phone numbers have changed.
“I can report there were 1,905 original plaintiffs. Ninety of these were dismissed. An additional 450 are deceased. But, there is still a lot of confusion among the plaintiffs. Many have a lot of questions. The letter says do not make contact with the attorneys.”
Salinas said the first settlement, which came through around 18 years ago, resulted in payments to residents totaling between $4 million and $6 million. She said the second settlement was worth between $5 million and $8 million.
Salinas is regarded as the Erin Brockovich of the Mission Superfund story, one of the darkest stains in the city’s rich history. She first learned that chemicals from the Hayes Sammons site could have seeped into the water system on the south side of the city when she saw men in white Hazmat suits conducting surveys at the mixing and receiving plants.
Determining that there was a cancer cluster around the Hayes Sammons plant, Salinas led a team of church goers and community activists in signing up 3,500 residents who either worked at or lived closely to the agricultural pesticides plant, which was situated on the Mexican side of the railroad tacks. The residents signed affidavits that they had family members who had either died of cancer, had brain tumors or miscarriages.
In the course of her investigation, Salinas learned the Hayes Sammons plant was listed as a Superfund site at both the national and state level. “In other words it was highly toxic,” Salinas said.
Salinas took her evidence first to Mission attorney Mauro Reyna and later Edinburg attorney Ramon Garcia.
“Mr. Garcia gave me 30 minutes to pitch my case. After 30 minutes he told me stop. He got three other attorneys and a clerk to come in and start taking notes. The meeting went on for about three hours. He said, I can't believe what you're telling me. I said, I can't believe what I'm witnessing, what I'm learning now.”
Garcia filed the lawsuit, which was known as Alicia Acevedo, et al vs. Union Pacific Railroad Company, et al. It was filed in the 332nd Judicial District Court of Hidalgo County in 1999. It was settled out of court a few years later.
“I cannot understand why it has taken so long to get the final payments out to the long suffering families of Mission. I think we all need, and deserve, an explanation, either from the judge, the special master or the attorneys, ” Salinas said.
Editor's Note: To read the rest of the story go to The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Renowned Mexico expert Duncan Wood spoke about near-shoring and re-shoring in a speech held at Texas Southmost College on Thursday, July 27.
The event was hosted by the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation and drew an audience of business leaders, diplomats and elected officials from Brownsville and Matamoros.
Wood is senior advisor to the Mexico Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington, DC. Before Wood spoke, Brownsville City Commissioner Roy De los Santos was asked to say a few words. After De Los Santos, Brownsville City Manager Helen Ramirez spoke. She introduced keynote speaker Wood.
Here are the remarks of De Los Santos and Ramirez.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - When renowned Mexico expert Duncan Wood last came to the Rio Grande Valley to speak about that country’s economy and its governance he was not optimistic.
It was in January, 2020, and President Andrés Manuel López Obrador had just started his second year in office. Wood spoke at the McAllen Performing Arts Center at an event hosted by IBC Bank and the Rio Grande Valley Partnership. He said he was concerned about AMLO reneging on much-heralded energy reforms that were facilitating large foreign investments into Mexico.
Fast forward three and a half years and Wood, senior advisor to the Mexico Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington, DC., is now much more bullish.
“If we can get the federal government in Mexico to work not just with the U.S. government, but with Mexican northern states to make sure that they have not just the energy they need, the infrastructure they need, the human capital they need, and if we can have that conversation in a cross-border way, the future is extremely bright,” Wood said.
“Not just for Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, but, in fact, for Texas, for Brownsville, for McAllen. All the way along the border we will see opportunities exploding. So for the first time in, I would say, more than five years. I am extraordinarily optimistic.
“I’m optimistic about Mexico. I'm optimistic about the United States. I'm optimistic about Texas. I'm actually optimistic about geopolitics, even though it is a highly complicated time. How far we've come in just a couple of years blows my mind on a daily basis.”
Wood made those remarks during a speech about near-shoring and re-shoring that was hosted by the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation and held at Texas Southmost College.
Here are his remarks in full.
For the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Environmentalist Geoffrey Alger would have liked to have had as big an opportunity to discuss the rezoning of Green Jay Park with McAllen city commissioners as Zoho Corporation did
“I wish I could take you guys out to dinner like you went out with Zoho,” Alger said, during a debate at McAllen City Hall. Following more than two hours of debate McAllen city commissioners voted to rezone Green Jay Park, moving it from “agricultural-open space” to “light industrial.” The reclassification is likely to allow tech giants Zoho to build a 90-acre campus on the park.
Alger lives close to Green Jay Park and knows it well. He says his research shows it goes back millennia.
“The connection to McAllen itself goes back to early 20th Century when McAllen was first founded. Our founders were going out to Lake Concepcion for religious gatherings, for social gatherings, for picnics, for swimming, for all kinds of things. And that continued on through the mid-20th Century, until it went into private hands,” Alger said.
“In 1968, the City of McAllen bought 238 acres for the Palm View Golf Course, for public purposes. That existed until 1995 when Ware Road cut through and went to Military Highway.”
Alger said Green Jay Park “went into limbo” until 2015.
“For ten years, I personally was working, pushing to make that property into a park because I was so familiar with that property. I knew it had a lake on it. I know it has rolling hills. I know it has lots of trees. And it's a completely unique piece of property in the city of McAllen. There's nothing else like it. That's why Zoho wants it. You want to turn a public accessible park that has a tradition of public service for recreation and you want to give it to a company, a private company that's going to turn it into a private park for their private consumption. And that's ridiculous.”
Here are Alger’s remarks in full, along with those of two others opposed to Green Jay Park being rezoned.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos points out that if Zoho Corporation were to build its 90-acre campus in north of the city, it could benefit Edinburg CISD.
Many environmentalists said the campus should not be built on Green Jay Park in south McAllen because of its unique habitat.
But if it were put in north McAllen instead, Mayor Villalobos warned, millions of dollars of property taxes would go to Edinburg’s school district, not McAllen’s.
“Well, if so goes to the north, guess what district is gonna get a benefit? North of Freddy Gonzales is not McAllen ISD. Your kids, your educators will not receive the benefit of millions and millions of tax dollars. If it goes north of Freddie Gonzalez, Edinburg Independent School District receives the benefit of what Zoho is trying to do here,” Villalobos said.
Villalobos made his comments in wrap-up remarks at the end of a vote by McAllen city commissioners to rezone Green Jay Park. They voted to turn the park from agricultural-open space to light industrial. This paves the way for Zoho to move onto the property.
Many voices were heard at the city commission meeting. Here are is the commentary of three of the supporters of rezoning, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, former McAllen Mayor Jim Darling, and South Texas College board trustee Dalinda Gonzalez-Alcantar.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service recently interviewed McAllen resident and nature lover Raquel Oliva about Green Jay Park.
Oliva lives next to the park. She said it is beautiful and unique in McAllen.
She does not want it destroyed, which she fears will happen now McAllen city commissioners have voted to change the status of the park from “agricultural/open space” to “light industrial.” The interview was taken before the city commission voted.
Here is the interview.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - A McAllen resident and nature lover says Green Jay Park is far better for birders than Quinta Maztalan, a property the City of McAllen has invested in heavily to attract eco-tourists.
Lois Kim lives next to Green Jay Park. She says when she moved there it was liked “winning the lotto.”
“The birders use an app called eBird. When you go on the app and then you click explore, it shows all the birding hotspots. So south of the freeway, there are three hotspots. One is Quinta Mazatlan. One is this park (Green Jay) and the third one is my Airbnb. So it (Green Jay Park) isalready a hotspot that nobody knows about at the city hall, but all the birders know,” Kim said.
“And considering that it's not being promoted, like Quinta Mazatlan, it's got an incredible species list going on. If more people visited (Green Jay Park), they'd be spotting more birds and it would outpace Quinta Mazatlan like this,” Kim said, gesturing a wide gulf through out-stretched arms.
Asked if Green Jay Park has greater potential for attracting eco-tourists than Quinta Mazatlan, Kim said:
“Of course. Quinta Mazatlan has water feature, but it's not natural, it's manmade and they're trying to get it going. This one already has the lake that you just have to fill. So then the birds will naturally come here. It’s surrounded by more wild space so more birds will come here. Every day I'm observing the weather, the sun pattern and the bird pattern. So I can confidently say once you fill that (Lake Concepcion) you will you will get the pelicans, you will get more herons, you will get everything.”
Here is an audio interview with Kim, taken before McAllen city commissioners voted to change the status of Green Jay Park from “agricultural/open space” to “light industrial.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service recently interviewed McAllen resident and nature lover Vicky Guerra about Green Jay Park.
Guerra lives close to the park. She said it is beautiful and unique in McAllen.
She does not want it destroyed, which she fears will happen now McAllen city commissioners have voted to change the status of the park from “agricultural/open space” to “light industrial.” The interview was taken before the city commission voted.
Here is the interview.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - South Texas College President Ricardo Solis says a top award won by a South Texas architectural firm is well deserved.
Able City, based in San Antonio but with offices in Laredo, El Paso, and now McAllen, has won a 2023 Studio Award from the Texas Society of Architects.
The award for the Binational River Conservation Project in Laredo and Nuevo Laredo, was won in conjunction with Overland Partners, OLIN Studios, and ARUP.
“This recognition keeps bringing to light the fact that people want this project to come to life and that its unique vision is worth fighting for,” Solis told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service. “Congratulations to the whole binational team on this great effort.”
According to its website, Able City is a “majority-bilingual family of architects, designers, planners, economic developers, writers, and community engagement specialists, committed to connecting people with the kinds of places and policies designed to bring everyone in.”
The Guardian secured an exclusive interview with Mario Peña, an architect and co-founding partner at Able City. The interview took place at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the company’s new McAllen office, which is based within the Chase Bank building in south McAllen.
Editor's Note: Click here to read the full story in The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - On Friday, July 21, U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez joined Hidalgo County Precinct 4 Commissioner, Ellie Torres in Edinburg to celebrate a groundbreaking for the North Main Drain project.
Congressman Gonzalez secured funding for the project in the Fiscal Year 2022 Government Spending Bill.
Torres said the project will expand the North Main Drain to enhance the drainage capacity of a significant portion of both unincorporated and urbanized areas in Hidalgo County, protecting homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
“This project is going to make a major improvement in our drainage system that is pretty much outdated and a little too small for the size of our county,” Torres said.
Gonzalez said he secured $3.7 million for the project through an earmark.
Here are audio highlights from the news conference Gonzalez and Torres hosted.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
WESLACO, Texas - Cynthia A. Gutierrez, president of Pharr-San Juan-Alamo, says students are leaving nearing school districts to join PSJA because of blazing fast internet speeds.
PSJA has 5G thanks to an agreement with the City of Pharr. It is currently being offered for free to Pharr students. Before long, Gutierrez hopes, the service will be available to students from San Juan and Alamo also.
“We're using it as a recruiting tool because a lot of people are calling and leaving other districts, neighboring districts, the independent ones that I will not name,” Gutierrez said.
“They're coming to our district and signing up. So at the end of May, we had 1,500 students sign up to either come back or leave other districts for our district.”
Gutierrez gave the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service an exclusive interview at a recent Texas Broadband Development Office/Connect Texas stakeholders meeting. The meeting was held at the offices of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council in Weslaco.
Asked what the parents of Pharr students think about the new blazing fast broadband service, Gutierrez said:
“The parents were very excited because, one, PJSA is an underserved, economically disadvantaged. They're excited because they're not having to pay for it. Second, they're excited that the district is taking the initiative to provide it. I think at the end of the day it is one of the best selling points for this, that our school district cares for our students enough to do the research and to start this partnership and work with the City of Pharr.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - The Democratic congressional delegation hosted a webinar on Tuesday to denounce Gov. Greg Abbott’s floating barriers on the Rio Grande.
U.S. Rep. Al Green of Houston said Abbott should be impeached. U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia of Houston, a native of South Texas, said the United Nations should investigate.
Two members of Congress from the Texas-Mexico border were on the webinar - U.S. Reps. Henry Cuellar of Laredo and Veronica Escobar of El Paso. Here is what they had to say on the webinar.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
WESLACO, Texas - On the eve of a visit to the Rio Grande Valley by the leadership of the U.S. side of the International Boundary and Water Commission, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar has announced increased funding for the agency.
The U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) is a federal government agency and the U.S. component of the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), which applies the boundary and water treaties of the United States and Mexico and settles differences that may arise in their application.
The USIBWC is headed by Commissioner Maria-Elena Giner. Giner is slated to visit the Valley on Wednesday July 19.
“One of the things that I did even as our Republican colleagues we're cutting everywhere - I think they're going to cut about $131 billion - I was able to get an increase of over $36 million to the International Boundary and Water Commission. That’s almost a 25 percent increase,” Cuellar said, in a webinar with news reporters.
“The reason this is important is… the International Boundary and Water Commission will be able to - and I put some language (in the appropriations bill) specifically (for this) - there'll be able to improve the predictability and reliability of water delivery fees for the border.”
Giner is slated to give the opening remarks at what is being dubbed a “Federal-State Stakeholder Meeting.” It takes place at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center’s main building auditorium in Weslaco on July 19. The meeting is scheduled to start at 2:00 p.m. and finish at 5:00 p.m.
Other agencies to be featured at the stakeholder meeting are the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and the Texas Water Development Board.
The address of the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center is 2415 E. Highway 83, Weslaco, TX 78596.
For more information about the stakeholder meeting call Esther Cortez, public affairs assistant for USIBWC at 915-317-5915. Or, email her at: esther.cortez@ibwc.gov.
Here are Rep. Cuellar’s remarks about the IBWC during the webinar.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Cameron County Commissioners Court has launched a “County-Wide Broadband Expansion Project.”
The Court wants to work with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to draw down millions of dollars from the state and/or federal government in order so that the entire county has access to high-speed internet.
“Our goal is to make the service available to all the people of Cameron County,” said Cameron County Commissioner David Garza.
“We want all of the kids to be able to access it and be able to do distance learning. We want to make sure that folks that need telemedicine can get counseled and taken care of at home if they need to be. It's a critical piece of a utility now. It is not a luxury. As the judge said, its a necessity.”
County commissioners issued a Request For Proposals under the “County-Wide Broadband Expansion Project.” It is RFP No. 230102. Four ISPs were asked to make their pitch to be the County’s partner.
One of the four is Charter Communications, otherwise known as Spectrum. Here is an audio recording of the presentation Charter Communications made to county commissioners. Their representative was Thomas Aguillon.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The executive director of Workforce Solutions Cameron says he is working to get far more construction workers from the Rio Grande Valley hired for the big LNG project at the Port of Brownsville.
In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Pat Hobbs acknowledged that the minimum local talent Bechtel must hire for the building phase of NextDecade’s $18.4 billion liquefied natural gas export terminal is a minimum 35 percent.
“Maybe we can hit 50 percent, 80 percent,” Hobbs said.
More than 5,000 workers are expected to be needed for the construction phase of the project. Construction could take five or six years.
Hobbs predicted frenetic activity as Bechtel, the company NextDecade has hired to build Rio Grande LNG, gets moving on the project.
“It’s gonna be a fury between now and the time they actually start. Now that they have that final investment decision things are gonna start popping. They’ll start having job fairs and we'll help them with those, just to see what we can pull out of the woodwork.”
Hobbs said he hopes to persuade Bechtel to post all the job openings on the WSC website.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Cameron County Commissioners Court has launched a “County-Wide Broadband Expansion Project.”
The Court wants to work with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to draw down millions of dollars from the state and/or federal government in order so that the entire county has access to high-speed internet.
“Our goal is to make the service available to all the people of Cameron County,” said Cameron County Commissioner David Garza.
“We want all of the kids to be able to access it and be able to do distance learning. We want to make sure that folks that need telemedicine can get counseled and taken care of at home if they need to be. It's a critical piece of a utility now. It is not a luxury. As the judge said, its a necessity.”
County commissioners issued a Request For Proposals under the “County-Wide Broadband Expansion Project.” It is RFP No. 230102. Four ISPs were asked to make their pitch to be the County’s partner.
One of the four is AT&T. Here is an audio recording of the presentation AT&T made to county commissioners. Their representative was Mario Barragan.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Cameron County Commissioners Court has launched a “County-Wide Broadband Expansion Project.”
The Court wants to work with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to draw down millions of dollars from the state and/or federal government in order so that the entire county has access to high-speed internet.
“Our goal is to make the service available to all the people of Cameron County,” said Cameron County Commissioner David Garza.
“We want all of the kids to be able to access it and be able to do distance learning. We want to make sure that folks that need telemedicine can get counseled and taken care of at home if they need to be. It's a critical piece of a utility now. It is not a luxury. As the judge said, its a necessity.”
County commissioners issued a Request For Proposals under the “County-Wide Broadband Expansion Project.” It is RFP No. 230102. Four ISPs were asked to make their pitch to be the County’s partner.
One of the four is VTX1. Here is an audio recording of the presentation SmartCom made to county commissioners. Their representative was Jeffrey Patterson.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas - Anyone attending the much-lauded “Leagues Of Our Own” exhibit that has just opened at the Mission Historical Museum Annex will no longer find any memorabilia on Mission baseball legend Bernardo Peña prior to 1940.
That is because the owner of the collection, Bernardo Peña’s daughter Ester Salinas, has asked the City of Mission to remove the items.
“I was not asked to be part of this exhibit and I did not give permission for anything in the private collection to be used,” Salinas said. “I consider it theft.”
The “Leagues Of Our Own” baseball exhibition opened last Friday and runs until September.
Salinas said she was notified by a friend that her father was being featured in the exhibit. She said she immediately contacted Mission’s assistant city manager, David Flores, and got one historic item removed. She said she then sent a text to Mission Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza to ask that three other items be removed.
“My father played an important role in the development of baseball in the Rio Grande Valley. I can assure you that all the photos and artifacts about his playing, coaching and promoting before 1940 belong to our private collection,” Salinas said.
“It is very sad that the Museum committee chose to exhibit items from the private collection without contacting me.”
Born in Rio Grande City in 1901, Peña often played at nearby Fort Ringgold. It was there that he learned English and how to play baseball from the stationed soldiers. By the age of six, Peña became the water and batboy for their games, and his enthusiasm for the sport only grew. In 1921, he traveled to San Antonio to try out for their teams and impressed recruiters with his pitching skills and his proficiency in English. Though he was able to play on some semi-pro teams, he faced much discrimination, his daughter said.
Peña eventually decided to form a team in Laredo with Black and Latino players he met and befriended. They traveled to Mexico and played against their teams, sparking the interest of Mexican President Alvaro Obregon, who tasked Peña with recruiting more players. Peña scouted players from Cuba, Puerto Rico and other Latin countries as well as those in the Negro Leagues. He gained fame as he continued to promote, recruit and play for teams in Mexico and South Texas. For his contributions to baseball, Peña was posthumously inducted into the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame in 1991.
Asked how the Mission Historical Museum committee might have gotten hold of items from the private collection, Salinas said she once allowed a small portion of the collection to be shown at an event at UT-Pan American over 15 years ago.
“I agreed to allow some of the collection to be shown there provided no one took photos. Obviously, someone did,” Salinas said.
Here is an audio interview with Salinas.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
Former state Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., and Brownsville Navigation District Commissioner John Wood have paid tribute to Mario A. Martinez, the longtime lobbyist for the City of Brownsville and the Port of Brownsville.
Martinez, of Rockport, Texas, died unexpectedly on June 28, 2023, at the age of 69.
Martinez’s life will be celebrated with a service at Riverbend Church in Austin on Thursday, June 13. A reception will follow. Lucio says he intends to be at the service. Wood says Eduardo Campirano, port director of Brownsville Navigation District, also hopes to attend.
Here is the tribute paid by Wood and Lucio.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Cameron County Commissioners Court has launched a “County-Wide Broadband Expansion Project.”
The Court wants to work with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to draw down millions of dollars from the state and/or federal government in order that the entire county has access to high-speed internet.
“Our goal is to make the service available to all the people of Cameron County,” said Cameron County Commissioner David Garza.
“We want all of the kids to be able to access it and be able to do distance learning. We want to make sure that folks that need telemedicine can get counseled and taken care of at home if they need to be. It's a critical piece of a utility now. It is not a luxury. As the judge said, it's a necessity.”
County commissioners issued a Request For Proposals under the “County-Wide Broadband Expansion Project.” It is RFP No. 230102. Four ISPs were asked to make their pitch to be the County’s partner.
One of the four is SmartCom. Here is an audio recording of the presentation SmartCom made to county commissioners. Their representative was Daniel Saenz.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - McAllen Economic Development Corporation President Keith Patridge let rip during a recent webinar.
He said the the Rio Grande Valley’s international bridges are not in competition with each other. “We are not competing. We have got to get over that,” he said.
Patridge also said a lack of regional cooperation has hampered economic development opportunities.
“One of the big things that has held back the Valley, in my opinion, is the Friday Night Football mentality.”
The webinar was hosted by Greater McAllen Area Chapter of the Asociación de Empresarios Mexicanos. It focused on the impact of near-shoring and whether the Upper Valley could benefit from it.
Francisco J. Peña-Valdés, president of AEM’s McAllen chapter, moderated the discussion. The other guest speakers were Raudel Garza, executive director of Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, and Teclo Garcia, CEO of Mission Economic Development Corporation.
Here are a couple of excerpts from Patridge’s remarks.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - Diego Reyna, assistant principal of operations at IDEA Toros, has given his explanation for why the Rio Grande Valley is nationally recognized as a hotbed for soccer.
“This (region) has been known as a hotbed for soccer since the 90s. It is something that national writers have written about. They've said this is a hotbed for talent. And one of the reasons is, it's a playground sport here,” Reyna said.
“When you think of why the United States has the best basketball players, it’s because it's a playground sport. Kids are playing and they're becoming creative by playing without coaches, without playing on the outdoor fields.”
Reyna said the Valley is different to other parts of the country in that respect. “In other parts of the country it’s more structured, they (the young players) are playing in clubs, they're going to a practice, they're being taught a certain way.”
Reyna continued: “But here in the Valley, we have kids playing in parks, we have kids playing in their backyard, we have kids playing with their uncles and their dads. And so there's a different type of player that comes out of the Valley. They are a creative type of player that you can't teach.”
Reyna likened the Valley’s environment to that of Rosario, Argentina, where arguably the world’s greatest soccer player, Lionel Messi, grew up.
“You know, they say Messi was Messi when he was ten, right? Well, it wasn't coaches who helped him become Messi. It was playing in the streets, playing with all the kids and learning. We have an environment similar to that here, and it's a playground sport here.
“You can find a kid at 17 years old (here) who's just a total gem. That doesn't happen in other cities because the way to keep moving up in soccer (in other regions) is through programs, through clubs and there you are taught. It is a different kind of player.”
Asked to reiterate that soccer coaches across the nation know this, Reyna said: “One hundred percent. They know there's a hotbed for talent here and they know there's a different type of player here.”
Reyna gave an in-depth interview to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service at a recent news conference. It was held to announce that IDEA Toros Fútbol would be part of MLS Next, a feeder league for Major League Soccer.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas - Mission Historical Museum is currently displaying a Baseball exhibit that will run until September.
The exhibit is called “Leagues Of Our Own.”
It runs Friday, July 7, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Museum annex, which is located at 200 E. Tom Landry Avenue in Mission.
“Baseball made its way to the Lower Rio Grande Valley in the 1800s when soldiers stationed at forts Brown and Ringgold introduced the sport,” a flyer for the exhibit states.
“Public games between local teams became a popular form of entertainment and helped unite the community in the absence of radio and televisions. As the population of the Valley grew in the 1910s and 1920s, baseball’s popularity increased.
“With minimal equipment required, impromptu games among friends could be played in any open space. From the 1920s to the 1950s, baseball was at its peak in the Valley, with local teams represented in multiple professional minor leagues and various youth leagues also gaining popularity.
“However, the advent of television in the 1950s and 1960s led to a shift in entertainment preferences, moving spectator sport to indoor settings. Despite this, baseball and softball remain popular in South Texas, with the early to mid-1900s considered the glory days of baseball.”
Geoffrey Alger is exhibits coordinator for Mission Historical Museum. Here he previews the Leagues Of Our Own exhibit.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar hosted a webinar with reporters on June 6.
Cuellar calls the webinar series, “Conversations with Cuellar.”
Topics discussed included recent appropriations wins, including language to expedite expansion of the World Trade Bridge in Laredo.
He said he was also successful with these initiatives:
- securing $32 million to support additional training between the U.S. and Mexican militaries
- adding language to the appropriations bill to establish a new program to assist Mexico in combating drug cartels
- adding language to the appropriations bill to strengthen migrant video monitoring requirements
- Adding language to the appropriations bill to consolidate migrant medical care.
During the webinar, Cuellar said he had recently visited the White House to discuss U.S. policy in Mexico and Central America.
Asked about this visit, Cuellar said he urged more U.S. investment in Central America. He said he also promoted his idea of improving security in the interior of Mexico, not just at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Here is his response to a question about his visit to the White House.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - Raudel Garza, executive director of Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, recently participated in a webinar on near-shoring.
The webinar was hosted by the Greater McAllen Area Chapter of the Asociación de Empresarios Mexicanos. Francisco J. Peña-Valdés, president of AEM’s McAllen chapter, moderated the discussion.
The other economic development specialists on the webinar were Keith Patridge, president of McAllen EDC, and Teclo Garcia, CEO of Mission EDC.
Garza and his colleagues spoke about the projected impact of near-shoring on the Upper Valley, the availability of industrial space for manufacturing and logistics, and the need for the Valley to have a trained workforce.
Here is an audio recording everything Garza said on the webinar.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The most Friday With The City breakfast event, hosted by the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, featured the new mayor of Brownsville, John Cowen, Jr.
Cowen spoke about a range of topics from the podium. He was then interviewed by Brownsville Chamber President Esmy Villarreal. After this, Cowen took questions from the audience. The near sell-out event took place at the Brownsville Events Center.
One of the big topics Cowen addressed was BTX Fiber, the city's eagerly-anticipated fiber-to-the-home service. He gave an update during his remarks from the podium and in a Q&A with Villarreal.
Cowen said that when a resident gets connected with BTX Fiber, he or she gets the fastest internet in the area. He or she also gets friendly customer service from a local team who live, work, and serve in Brownsville.
Here is an audio recording of everything Mayor Cowen said about broadband at the Brownsville Chamber-sponsored event.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
WESLACO, Texas - The Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco has won a prestigious 2023 Workforce Excellence Award.
The award comes from the Texas Economic Development Council. It was presented to Weslaco leaders during TEDC’s 2023 Mid-Year Conference in Allen, Texas.
Weslaco won in the population category ranging from 40,001 to 100,000.
Carlton Schwab, president and CEO of TEDC said his group created the Workforce Excellence Award to recognize the “exceptional contributions” of Texas communities that have implemented “successful workforce initiatives."
Schwab said: “Our TEDC’s Workforce Excellence Award is one of the ways in which our organization honors the outstanding work done by our communities and regions, their leaders, and their economic development professionals in the area of workforce development.”
Steven M. Valdez, executive director of EDCW, said the award recognizes the EDCW for developing a strong partnership and collaboration with South Texas College, along with the successful implementation of its Job Training Program.
Valdez said the program offers a variety of skill development training for currently employed workers within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City of Weslaco.
“This award is a validation for the work that is being done in our local community through the intergovernmental relationship between the EDCW, the City of Weslaco, and South Texas College,” Valdez said.
The Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco recently hosted a reception to tell the community about the TEDC award. At the reception, April Castañeda, director of business development for EDCW, gave an exclusive interview to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service. The Guardian sought this interview because Valdez had praised Castañeda for coming up with the idea of applying for the award. He said there was a lot of paperwork to submit to TEDC.
Here is an audio interview with Castañeda.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - New buildings for manufacturing and logistics are in short supply in the upper Rio Grande Valley, local economic development corporation leaders agree.
Keith Patridge, president of McAllen EDC, Raudel Garza, executive director of Edinburg EDC, and Teclo Garcia, CEO of Mission EDC discussed the lack of industrial space in their cities during a recent webinar.
The webinar was hosted by the Greater McAllen Area Chapter of the Asociación de Empresarios Mexicanos. Francisco J. Peña-Valdés, president of AEM’s McAllen chapter, moderated the discussion.
Here is an audio recording of the part of the webinar that focused on industrial space.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
SAN JUAN, Texas - The Rio Grande Valley Partnership’s latest Investment & Commercialization Tour took in the City of San Juan.
There, land developers and realtors learned of the commercial, retail, and residential opportunities available in the fast-growing city.
San Juan City Manager Ben Arjona said: “In the last five years our ad valorem property went from $1 billion to $1.3 billion. So we had an increase of $329 million in ad valorem in the last five years. Also, on sales taxes, we had an increase of about $2.6 million in the last five years. That speaks very highly of San Juan. San Juan is growing, it is going in the right direction.”
Lauren R. Ramirez is a realtor for Emerald Realty Group, which is powered by Fox Real Estate Pros. She also acts as in-house agent for the City of San Juan. At the RGVP event, the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service was able to secure an exclusive audio interview with Ramirez. Here it is.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
WESLACO, Texas - State Rep. Terry Canales recently brought good news to the Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization.
At an RGVMPO board meeting, the chairman of the House Committee on Transportation spoke about a large infusion of funds for the eagerly-awaited International Bridge Trade Corridor (IBTC), a project that will ensure a safer route for trucks going to and from the Pharr International Bridge and the Donna International Bridge.
“It was at the forefront of my legislative agenda to secure that funding, especially with a budget surplus of over $30 billion,” Canales said, in an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
Canales said he fought to secure $200 million for the IBTC project. He ended up with $150 million, for which the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority is grateful. He said he won support in the legislature by stressing that developing the IBTC was good for border security.
“Earlier this week we got the news that the Governor was making an announcement that they were going to pull $150 million out of the discretionary funding, which would bring us this go round in the UTP (Unified Transportation Plan) to almost $3.6 billion. When you look at that in the grand scheme of things, the Valley in its entirety used to get about $600 million. We are over 500 percent from $600 million to 3.6 billion. It's an incredible leap in funding.”
Canales said one of the reasons the Valley is now getting more transportation dollars was the creation of a unified MPO. Previously there were three, Hidalgo County, Brownsville, and Harlingen-San Benito.
“We are now the fifth largest MPO. We are fifth in line for funding. It creates a funding stream like we've never seen.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Telecommunications giant Spectrum recently awarded a Digital Education Grant worth $10,000 to Leap for STEM. They also donated 30 new laptops.
Leap for STEM is a small nonprofit based in south McAllen that teaches digital literacy.
Among those to attend a news conference to announce the grant were Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, City of McAllen Assistant City Manager Michelle Rivera, and Tania Ortega, senior manager of regional communications for Spectrum in Texas.
Here are their views on the work of Leap for STEM, the Spectrum investment, and the importance of tackling the digital divide in the Rio Grande Valley.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - The director of Leap for STEM, a small nonprofit that helps with digital literacy, says her group stands ready to the help the City of McAllen address the digital divide on the south side of the city.
Milly Hernandez gave an interview to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service at a news conference that held to announce a $10,000 Digital Education Grant from Spectrum to help build a computer lab for Leap for STEM. The nonprofit also received 30 new laptops from the telecommunications giant.
Leap for STEM is based inside the Elks Lodge facility on Jordan Road on the south side of McAllen.
“We're moving forward and we're making strides to remedy this digital divide, but it's still there,” Hernandez said. “There's still a huge need in our area.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas - It was Tesla Time Saturday at the Center for Education and Economic Development in Mission, Texas.
Eighteen Tesla cars were on show at a tech expo hosted by Mission Economic Development Corporation. Some of the owners of the Tesla vehicles took some of the car show attendees out for a spin.
Teclo Garcia, CEO of Mission EDC explained: “We decided a few months ago that we wanted to put on something in the summer, an event that was kind of new to the market and something that no one had done before. There are plenty of car shows out there but we decided to do a Tesla-focused show. And one of the primary reasons we did it is, we want to be associated with that brand.”
Garcia said having Tesla at the CEED building was good fit. He said that ever since the facility was launched by Alex Meade and Daniel Silva it has been technology-based.
“We've had a lot of CompTIA and IT classes here. We've done all kinds of technology programs. And so as we got back, after COVID, and now we've got our (EDC) team in place, we wanted to start that back up. And so it was a natural for us to reach out to Tesla and say, hey, you haven't done a car show in South Texas that we know of. Would you be interested in they were absolutely interested.”
Garcia pointed out that Tesla does not consider themselves an auto manufacturer but rather a technology company. He said the three Rio Grande Valley zip codes with the most Tesla owners are 78504 in north McAllen, 78539, in south Edinburg, and 78572 in Mission.
“And so we thought, well, we’ve got plenty of (Tesla) owners, let's try to get something together. So it's our first try at it and we're very happy. We're also made it sort of a Tesla slash Tech Expo. We've got STC (South Texas College) here and other other tech programs. We’ve got some folks doing VR (virtual reality) as well and we've got the Trek Bicycle store here in Mission that has all their e-bike models.”
Garcia added: “This is just kind of a fun thing to do.”
In the attached audio interview, Garcia discusses the Tesla event, the presence of UT-Rio Grande Valley at the CEED building, and building broadband in Mission.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas - Unlike Nuevo León, Coahuila and Jalisco, the state of Tamaulipas has seen no benefit from the wave of large manufacturing corporations returning to North America from the Far East.
That’s according to a report from Index Nacional, the maquiladora trade association.
The Index report has caught the attention of economic development leaders in the Rio Grande Valley, who know their region would benefit if Tamaulipas could pull in more mega manufacturing projects.
The failure of Tamaulipas to attract corporations that want to come back from the Far East was discussed at two recent Valley events.
The first was a Pharr Bridge Board meeting. Both Pharr Bridge Director Luis Bazan and the president of the Greater McAllen Area Chapter of the Asociación de Empresarios Mexicanos (AEM), Francisco J. Peña-Valdés, brought up the subject in reports to the bridge board members.
Later the same day, Peña-Valdés discussed it at a webinar AEM hosted that was focused on near-shoring. During the webinar, Peña-Valdés asked with McAllen Economic Development Corporation President Keith Patridge for his analysis.
This podcast focuses on Tamaulipas’ failure thus far to benefit from near-shoring, with commentary from Bazan, Peña-Valdés, and Patridge.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - Following hot on the heels of the announcement that Avelo Airlines is going to fly nonstop from Brownsville to Las Vegas, the Rio Grande Valley’s largest city has received more good transportation news.
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has awarded Brownsville a $4.7 million grant for the replacement of six diesel buses with battery-powered electric buses.
Brownsville City Manager Helen Ramirez said the grant will facilitate the procurement of six battery-powered electric buses. These more advanced buses will provide a quieter, smoother ride and experience for residents, she explained.
“This grant represents a significant step towards the City's commitment to reduce its carbon footprint and provide cleaner, more efficient public transportation,” said Brownsville City Manager Helen Ramirez.
“BMetro is the largest transit provider in the RGV serving over one million riders annually including high school, UTRGV and TSC students.”
In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Ramirez also spoke about a decision by Brownsville City Commission to approve a $31 Million Certificate of Obligation Issuance.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service to read the full story.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
WESLACO, Texas - If people thought state Rep. Terry Canales was only going to delivering good news at yesterdays RGV Metropolitan Planning Organization monthly meeting, they were wrong.
Yes, the chairman of the House Committee on Transportation had positive information to share. He said he had helped pass legislation designating Pharr as a metro district. This, he said, will mean more resources and staff for TxDOT’s Pharr District.
Canales also spoke about the $150 million that is going towards the building of the International Bridge Trade Corridor (IBTC). This new funding was announced by Gov. Greg Abbott earlier this week.
And, Canales said he had helped secure an additional $20 million for the Pharr International Bridge expansion project. The Edinburg Democrat predicted the the bridge’s second span would be constructed fast.
But, Canales said he also had to deliver some hard truths that many in the room would not like. In fact, he acknowledged his remarks “may not be politically prudent or popular.” He proceeded to tear into Hidalgo County commissioners, saying they needed to be stripped of some of their powers.
“The reality is Brownsville and Cameron County are moving at light speed compared to Hidalgo County and that's because we have a divided system in Hidalgo County,” Canales said.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Brad Grantz, Republican Staff Director, Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, Office of Senator Ted Cruz, spoke recently at a conference at the Wilson Center.
The one-day event was titled “Building a Competitive U.S.-Mexico Border Conference.” It was co-sponsored by the Mexico Institute and the Border Trade Alliance.
The focus of Grantz’s remarks was speeding up the process for building or expanding new international bridges on the Texas-Mexico border.
Here are his remarks.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
LAREDO, Texas - In this story about growth, growth and more growth, Gene Lindgren, president and CEO of Laredo Economic Development Corporation, rattles off the numbers.
In an exclusive interview, Lindgren talks about increased trade, the impact of near-shoring, workforce development, and the need for another international bridge.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Hector J. Cerna, president of IBC Bank-Eagle Pass, says he could not understand why the federal government closed Del Rio International Bridge to deal with a surge of migrants crossing the Rio Grande.
In September, 2021, federal officials closed the Del Rio bridge so they could process thousands of mostly Haitian migrants at the port of entry.
But, Cerna pointed out, the migrants had crossed the Rio Grande between the ports, not at the port.
“There was 15,000 Haitian migrants that were that were trying to cross between the ports, not on the ports, and there was a decision to close that port,” Cerna said. “Ill advised. Horrible. Any business person would have not not done that.”
Cerna made his comments during a panel discussion at a conference hosted by the Wilson Center. The one-day event was titled “Building a Competitive U.S.-Mexico Border Conference.” It was co-sponsored by the Mexico Institute and the Border Trade Alliance. The panel Cerna was on was discussing “Cross-Border Commerce Before and After Covid-19.”
Speaking of the decision to close Del Rio International Bridge, Cerna said:
“We need better collaboration with our with the federal government… (so that) it doesn't happen again.”
Cerna said about 500 trucks per day cross the Del Rio bridge. While the bridge was closed, truck drivers had to drive 65 miles south to cross at Eagle Pass instead.
“It was not well thought out. It (Del Rio International Bridge) was closed for seven days. It just did not make any sense, whatsoever. The port wasn’t blocked. Those folks were crossing between the ports not at the port.”
Here is an audio recording of Cerna’s remarks. The recording also features, briefly, the analysis of Kenia Zamarripa, executive director of international business affairs for the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
LAREDO, Texas - The 30th Pathways for Trade Symposium takes place at Laredo Country Club on Sept. 20-21.
Hosted by Laredo Economic Development Corporation, the symposium’s theme for 2023 is: “Cold Chain: Supply Innovations and Trends.”
The symposium will focus on top issues facing 3PLs and cold storage warehousing, including power consumption, labor and productivity, long-term contracts, industry consolidation, cold storage layout, freezer-grade solutions, multiple cold temperature zones, and multiple regulations and requirements.
At this year’s symposium, Laredo EDC will honor two trade ambassadors: Lic. Eduardo A. Garza Robles, of the Uni-Trade Group , and Lic. A.A. Mario Palos Garza of Group Palos Garza, Inc.
The full lineup of speakers has yet to be revealed. However, three of the keynote speakers include: Ken Roberts, president of WorldCity, Inc., Dante L. Galeazzi, president and CEO of Texas International Produce Association, and Frank Briseño, senior director of operations for Mission Produce, Inc. Roberts will speak at an evening reception on Sept. 20.
To preview the symposium, the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service interviewed Gene Lindgren, president and CEO of Laredo EDC. The interview is attached.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas - Julie Saenz has been a member of Mission Historical Preservation Commission for many years.
She said her group was never consulted by Mission City Council over a decision to cut the city’s Historical District in half.
In 2015 the Historical District was shrunk to make it easier for the City to grant planning permission to build. But a consequence of this action was the elimination of all the historic buildings south of the railroad tracks from protection by the City.
As a result, the city’s preservation ordinance did not apply to the nationally listed Roosevelt Auditorium. So, when Mission CISD sought a permit from the City of Mission to demolish the building there was no ordinance in place to prevent the school district doing so.
Now, Mission City Council is revamping its preservation ordinance so that other nationally listed buildings south of the railroad tracks do not get demolished. It particularly wants to save the Rio Theater, La Lomita Mission, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, and the Mission Pump House.
Roosevelt Auditorium was built in 1929 as part of Roosevelt Elementary School on the “Mexican” side of Mission. It was placed on the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
Saenz was saddened to see Roosevelt Auditorium demolished.
Here is an interview with Saenz.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Brownsville Mayor John Cowen says Avelo Airlines could make his city its base of operations in Texas.
“Hopefully, one day, Brownsville will be a base for them,” Cowen told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
Asked what he meant by “base,” Cowen said: “Having their crew operate out of here. Instead of the other cities that we fly to.”
Avelo Airlines is headquartered in Houston but Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport is the only city it flies out of in the Lone Star State.
The huge success of its first routes out of Brownsville, non-stop to Burbank, California, and Orlando, Florida, helped persuaded Avelo to add Las Vegas as another destination. Starting Sept. 8, 2023, Avelo will fly non-stop, twice weekly, from Brownsville to the entertainment capital of the world. The introductory price, one-way, will be $69.
In this podcast, the Guardian interviews Mayor Cowen, Brownsville assistant city manager and aviation administrator Bryant Walker and Avelo’s general counsel, Daniel Camejo.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Texas AFT hosted its 31st biennial convention at the Embassy Suites in McAllen on June 24-25.
AFT stands for the American Federation of Teachers.
The host committee comprised McAllen AFT, Edinburg AFT, La Joya AFT, and PSJA AFT.
The convention kicked off with a panel discussion on the history of Texas AFT. The moderator of the panel discussion was Zeph Capo, president of Texas AFT. The three panelists were John Cole, past president of Texas AFT, Becky Moeller, past president of Texas AFL-CIO, and Dwight Harris, past president of Victoria AFT.
Here is an audio recording of the discussion.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas Recognizing that the city of Mission is in Hidalgo County not Bell County, Mission city leaders say they are going to amend their Historical Preservation Ordinance.
Quite how Bell County snuck into the ordinance is not clear. But, when the document was approved by Mission City Council on June 14, 2021, the wrong county was listed.
It stated: “Upon designation of a historic landmark or historic district by the City Council, the designation shall be recorded by legal description on the City’s official zoning maps, in the records of real property of Bell County, and with the tax appraisal office.”
The Bell County reference is not the only error in the Historical Preservation Ordinance. At a Mission Historical Preservation Commission meeting on June 19, Mission City Attorney Victor Flores said a portion of the ordinance came from the City of Plano’s historical preservation ordinance.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Dalilah Garcia, president of FemCity Brownsville, was recently awarded the Athena Leadership Award from Athena International.
According to Athena International, the Athena Leadership Award “celebrates exemplary leadership.” The group says it is also reflective of a quote from Plato: "What is honored in a country will be cultivated there."
The award was presented to Garcia at a luncheon hosted by Brownsville Chamber of Commerce and held at the Brownsville Events Center.
After the event, Garcia gave an exclusive interview to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service. She explained what FemCity is all about and how the Brownsville chapter embraces women from all walks of life. She said the chapter has 17 millionaires, along with women that did not even have a home when they joined.
“I was raised to serve and lead,” Garcia said. “My other last name is Guerrero, which means warrior. So I was born a warrior, and I'm an advocate of South Texas. This has actually been on my resume for a long time. And, because I was born to lead and serve… as the oldest of eight siblings, this has been something that is just innate for me. However, until 2017 (when I started FemCity Brownsville), I didn't believe enough in myself, to know that this was something that can be done in our community.”
Here is the interview with Garcia.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
HARLINGEN, Texas - During her first State of the City Address, Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda struck an optimistic note and revealed some never before released information about new businesses coming to town.
In her address, Sepulveda stressed a distinct theme: a community-centered City.
“Today I stand before you with an optimistic vision for the future of our great city. It is my distinct honor to share with you not only how we are working diligently to transform our city, but also how each and every one of you play a critical and significant role in this endeavor to transform Harlingen into a community-centered city,” Sepulveda said.
“In recent years, Harlingen may have seen its share of challenges and moments of stagnation. However, we have turned the page and we are on the cusp of an exciting and promising new chapter. One in which our city is emerging as a shining example of a community-centered city… we unite as one Harlingen for all.”
This is the first year the City of Harlingen has organized its own State of the City address, held in the evening at the Harlingen Convention Center, using no taxpayer funds while soliciting private support. Individual tickets were available for 25 dollars each. About 800 persons were in the audience.
Here are some audio highlights from Sepulveda’s speech.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Gloria Chavez, chief of the U.S. Border Patrol’s Rio Grande Valley sector, was keynote speaker at a recent Women in Leadership Luncheon.
The event was hosted jointly by the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce and Athena International, and held at the Brownsville Events Center.
Brownsville Chamber CEO Esmy Villarreal said the luncheon was held to “celebrate exemplary leadership and honor those who develop, empower and encourage the inclusion of women.”
After the event, Chavez gave an interview to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service. So did Villarreal. The interviews are attached.
Biography
Chief Chavez, a 27-year veteran of the U.S. Border Patrol and the highest-ranking female agent in the agency, officially took over as the chief of the RIO GRANDE Valley Sector on October 9, 2022.
The Brownsville-area native has held multiple executive leadership positions. Most recently, she served as the Chief Patrol Agent of the El Paso Sector, She has held key leadership roles on both the Southwest and Northern borders, including Chief Patrol Agent of the El Central and Spokane Sectors, as well as multiple assignments at U.S. Border Patrol Headquarters.
At the Rio Grande Valley Sector, she has direct oversight of the strategy and tactical operations of nine stations responsible for securing 277 river miles and 316 coastal miles in an area of responsibility spanning 34 counties.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas - Mission community and preservation activists Ester Salinas and Irma Flores Lopez utilized the public comment period of this week’s Mission City Council meeting to once again criticize Mission CISD for demolishing a nationally-listed building.
Built in 1929, Roosevelt auditorium was placed on the Department of Interior’s National Register of Historic Places in 2002. That did not stop Mission school board leaders from tearing it down. They said the building had fallen into disrepair and would cost too much to fix.
But, Salinas and Flores Lopez argue that if Mission CISD had provided minimum maintenance over the years the roof would not have fallen in.
The community activists are also upset with Mission City Council for not having strong enough preservation ordinances in place to stop the demolition. Salinas and Flores Lopez say the school district could have secured grants to pay for the repairs.
Here is an audio recording of the remarks Salinas and Flores Lope gave at the Mission City Council meeting of June 12, 2023.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
WESLACO, TEXAS - Broadband was a top issue at a recent meeting of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council.
Manuel ‘Manny’ Cruz, executive director of the LRGVDC, announced the formation of a South Texas working group set up by the Texas Broadband Development Office. Cruz said TBDO is looking for more people from the Valley to be part of the group.
The Texas Broadband Development Office is administered by the Texas Comptroller's Office.
UT-Rio Grande Valley Vice President Veronica Gonzales also spoke about broadband at the LRGVDC meeting. Gonzales said the TBDO has launched a survey to find out how good or bad broadband service is across the state. Gonzales encouraged LRGVDC members to spread the word about the survey.
Here is an audio recording of everything Cruz and Gonzales said at the LRGVDC meeting.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - The law firm of Atlas, Hall & Rodriguez in McAllen, which celebrates its 70th Anniversary later this year, recently hosted a luncheon with two guest speakers.
Salvador Contreras discussed the local banking industry. Contreras is a professor and associate dean for graduate and professional programs UT-Rio Grande Valley’s Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship.
Carlos Telles, a first vice president broker in CBRE’s McAllen office, discussed the availability of industrial warehouse space in the upper Rio Grande Valley.
After the luncheon, the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service interviewed Telles, along with customs broker Jorge A. Torres and realtor Adrian Arriaga. The subject was the need for more industrial warehouse space in the upper Valley.
Here is the podcast.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Social media has facilitated the spread of misinformation, eroding trust in democratic institutions and making it difficult for citizens to make informed decisions.
This is the view of William Steele, CEO of Represent, a new civic media platform that has just launched in Brownsville. He believes his company can counter the misinformation by connecting citizens more effectively to those who represent them in elected office.
Steele said he and the two cofounders of Represent have designed a social media platform to “effectively connect citizens with political candidates and elected officials - at every scale of government.”
Along with Steele, the other co-founders of Represent are Jorge Valenzuela, the CTO, and and Jack Sawyer, the COO.
“Represent is a civic media platform that empowers citizens to unite their voices to ensure their collective needs are understood and addressed by their representatives with accountability in our democracy,” Steele told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
Represent was incubated within the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization in Brownsville. The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation recently hosted a launch party there for the startup.
“Represent is a revolutionary social media platform committed to enhancing democracy by enabling more interactive, responsive, and transparent political engagement. This unique platform builds a bridge between citizens, political candidates, and officials at every level of government,” said Nathan Burkhart, director of business development at BCIC.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service's website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas - It was Mission activist Irma Flores Lopez who first noticed a demolition crew preparing to tear down the historic Roosevelt Auditorium, a building placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
She called friends and then the media and the protests began. Flores Lopez and others are hoping Mission CISD's board of trustees will reverse course and understand that preserving part of Mission's education history is worth more than building a parking lot.
Flores Lopez provided the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service both with historic images of the auditorium and an audio interview. Here is the interview.
Editor's Note: To read a series of stories about those protesting the demolition of Roosevelt Auditorium go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas - U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar has provided the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service more information on his Land Port of Entry (LPOE) Modernization Trust Fund Act.
The bipartisan legislation has secured the support of the Border Trade Alliance and the Texas Trucking Association.
U.S. Representatives Vicente Gonzalez of McAllen, Tony Gonzales of San Antonio, Veronica Escobar of El Paso and Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico are co-authoring the bill., although the original idea for the trust fund came from Cuellar.
The legislation would establish a trust fund that would be used to (1) construct new ports of entry, (2) expand and improve existing ports of entry, (3) procure technology for inspecting and processing traffic passing through ports of entry, and (4) hire U.S. Customs and Border Protection staff.
The Department of Homeland Security would also establish the Land Port of Entry Modernization Oversight Board to advise DHS on how to use the trust fund and to review the trust fund's expenditures.
“While waterway-based ports of entry have long had the benefit of a consistent source of federal resources via the authorization of a similar trust fund, our overburdened land-based ports of entry have struggled. The LPOE Modernization Trust Fund Act is needed to properly redistribute much needed resources to LPOE facilities and to ensure the United States’ long-term economic prosperity through international trade,” Cuellar said.
“The LPOE Trust Fund will expand, improve, and construct new U.S. ports of entry and support infrastructure to accommodate high volumes of commercial, vehicle, and pedestrian traffic. It will also help critical transit and trade facilities more efficiently complete the inspection and processing of commercial, vehicle, and pedestrian traffic. I applaud my fellow border colleagues for working together in a bipartisan manner to support crucial investments in our land port infrastructure.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding agreement with Index Matamoros.
Index is the trade association for the maquiladora industry in Mexico. The MOU was signed by GBIC Chairman John Cowen and Index Matamoros Chairman Rolando González Barrón.
According to Cowen, the MOU with Index Matamoros memorializes a collaborative relationship between GBIC and Index that strengthens the bond between the organizations and develops a mutually cooperative process that identifies and provides competitive strategies that foster economic development in the region.
Here is a podcast featuring that MOU.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
HARLINGEN, Texas - Of the 5,000 workers needed to construct a liquefied natural gas export terminal at the Port of Brownsville, 1,750 will be local hires.
That is the pledge from NextDecade, the company building Rio Grande LNG.
“We are anticipating that during peak construction, we're going to have up to 5,000 people working on the project. And we're really aiming to have at least 35% of those people be from the (Rio Grande) Valley,” said Susan Richardson, senior director of communications at NextDecade and Rio Grande LNG.
Richardson gave her comments in an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service during a company open house event at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen.
Richardson said NextDecade has “actually made a commitment to the community that we would have 35 percent (of workers) if not more from the Valley.”
Richardson predicted: “In the longer term, after the project is completed, we’ll have 350 to 400 full time long-term employees.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
WESLACO, Texas - Steven M. Valdez, executive director of the Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco, says he and his team are not just trying to pull in new businesses along I-2, or Expressway 83 as it is more popularly known.
Speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony for Dutch Bros Coffee, he said it is important that he and his team focus also on areas north and south of the expressway.
The Dutch Bros project is a case in point. It is being built at 326 N. Westgate Drive, just north of Business 83.
“What I find amazing about your choice to choose Weslaco is where you chose in Weslaco,” Valdez told representatives of Dutch Bros., speaking from the podium.
“A lot of times when we try to recruit companies to our community, the first thing they want is visibility. They want high traffic. They want other anchor stores, and we have that here. But, most times they want that on the expressway. They want that frontage so it isn’t just the community of Weslaco that is supporting that one company, but also others that are driving past that would stop and see.”
Valdez added: “They (Dutch Bros.) chose just for us, just for who we are. And that impresses me the most and that excites me the most because because they're coming here. So, Dutch Bros., thank you so much for choosing us at the heart of the base of who we are in our community. So thank you guys.”
The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service secured an audio interview with Valdez, a few days after the Dutch Bros groundbreaking ceremony. The purpose was to re-emphasize the point that Weslaco EDC also wants development north and south of the expressway.
Editor's Note: This podcast features that interview. To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - Hiring 5,000 construction workers to build a liquefied natural gas export terminal at the Port of Brownsville will lead to increased wage rates across the lower Rio Grande Valley.
That is the view of Pat Hobbs, executive director of Workforce Solutions Cameron.
In a wide-ranging interview that also included news of big developments at SpaceX, Hobbs said he expects a decision from NextDecade on their Rio Grande LNG terminal to “pop” any day now.
“We're expecting the LNG to pop any day… for NextDecade to make their final investment decision. And when they do I think that's going to be the start of a large scale change in the wage rates for the Valley region, which is long overdue.”
So, wage rates are going to go up, Hobbs was asked.
“Rates are gonna go up, I predict. I won't believe it until I see it but all the signs say that the skilled workforce in the Brownsville, Harlingen, (lower) Valley area is going to increase. The value of their services is going to increase on par with the rest of the state. So, our workers our skilled workers won't have to leave the Valley in order to make a decent living.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - The Rio Grande Valley added 2,000 new manufacturing jobs over the last five years, according to data collated by the South Texas Manufacturers Association.
Mike Willis, executive director of STMA, said most of the growth is in Cameron County. He puts much of it down to the shipbuilding Keppel AmFELS is doing at the Port of Brownsville, and SpaceX.
Willis has worked for Workforce Solutions in the past and has also managed a maquiladora plant in Reynosa. He shared the latest manufacturing employment data at a recent STMA monthly meeting.
“When I was looking at the manufacturing employment data I was actually a little bit surprised,” Willis admitted.
Looking at the national and statewide picture, Willis said the U.S. in general and Texas in particular “has recuperated all jobs that were lost in the pandemic and we're back to where we were in 2019 at our peak and even higher.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - Francisco Guajardo, CEO of the Museum of South Texas History, says there is plenty of data to show that working families do not have enough exposure to museums.
“Not only our museum, but with museums across the board, families, especially working families, you know, working-class families, just do not have enough exposure to the museum,” Guajardo told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.“I don't think it's an issue of access because the museum is very accessible. But it's more an issue of awareness, of awareness of what that place is, an awareness of how that plays can enhance your life.”
The Guardian interviewed Guajardo at an open day at the museum, held by Vanguard Academy for the families of its students. In the interview, he said both Vanguard and Edinburg CISD are utilizing the museum's assets in an excellent way.
And, he said, his museum can comfortably ramp up capacity to partner with any and all other school districts in the region.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
AUSTIN, Texas - Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar says his office can help cities in the Rio Grande Valley access funding for broadband infrastructure.
Or, more specifically, the Texas Broadband Development Office can. The Comptroller’s office oversees the TBDO.
On Tuesday of this week I was able to secure an exclusive interview with the Comptroller about broadband. In the interview, Hegar confirmed that the digital divide is more prevalent in the RGV. But, he said, help is at hand.
Hegar also spoke about broadband legislation currently moving through the Texas House and Senate. He said this legislation will help provide more funding for the TBDO.
The TBDO was established by House Bill 5 during the 87th Legislative Session. Two Rio Grande Valley leaders are on the committee. Alonzo Cantu was appointed by Speaker of the House Dade Phelan and Sergio Contreras was appointed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
Here is my exclusive interview:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas – The CEO of Mission Economic Development Corporation has taken to LinkedInto sound the alarm bell about a lack of available industrial warehouse space in the Rio Grande Valley.
“We need more industrial and logistics warehousing in Hidalgo County but it’s not getting built,” said Teclo Garcia.
In an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Garcia said he was prompted to speak out after reading a CBRE report that said the vacancy rate for industrial warehouses in the upper Valley is only 1.3 percent.
Garcia said that is “unbelievably low.”
Soon after posting his message, Garcia said he received an inquiry from a developer who wanted to know if he had 500,000 to 700,000 square feet of warehousing available. He said he had to, unfortunately, say, “no.”
Here is what Garcia (pictured above) posted on LinkedIn:
“We need more industrial and logistics warehousing in Hidalgo County but it’s not getting built.
“The McAllen Industrial Market (McAllen, Pharr, Mission, Edinburg), in 2023 Q1 posted the lowest industrial vacancy rates in at least a dozen years and new record high price per square foot, according to real estate giant CBRE.
Editor's Note: Click here to read the full story in the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
LA JOYA, Texas - State Rep. Oscar Longoria has responded to criticism from a local teachers group about his votes this legislative session.
The La Joya chapter of the American Federation of Teachers went public with their disappointment in the hopes that the lawmaker would not support a school vouchers bill. The bill could be heard on the House floor as early as today.
Longoria, D-La Joya, gave his response in an audio interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International New Service from the state Capitol.
“I represent a diverse district, all the way from Sullivan City to Brownsville. So I try to take my votes based on what makes the most sense for the district and what is sound policy,” Longoria said.
Brenda Salinas, president La Joya AFT, explained why her group is upset with Longoria.
"Earlier this year, La Joya ISD nearly closed two elementary schools. The reasoning: Our district has lost an estimated $79,880,680 to the expansion of for-profit charter schools in our area in just the past few years,” Salinas said.
“We saved those school employee jobs because the community spoke out. Where was Rep. Longoria, who represents those employees and their families? He was in Austin, voting against this community again and again.”
Salinas said Longoria voted for a bill that would “make it easier for charter schools to move into our community and defund our neighborhood public schools.”
This audio comprises Rep. Longoria's response.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
ALAMO, Texas - While listening to an incredible story from North Alamo Water Supply Corporation board member Anna Flores, Rio Grande Guardian reporter Steve Taylor stopped his interviewee to ask if she had heard of the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force.
Flores said, “no.” Taylor responded, “I think this group will want to hear from you.”
The Prosperity Task Force, set up by Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, is trying to address Hidalgo County’s high rate of poverty. As part of her work in the healthcare arena, Flores visits colonias.
In her interview, Flores said more and more colonias are popping up in the rural parts of Hidalgo County. She said many of the houses, if they can be called that, lack electricity, potable water or sewer system.
“We run into it all the time, guys, people who don't have light, don't have water, people who have homes that are literally made out of plywood," Flores said. "It's incredible how it's still happening."
Taylor put it to Flores that surely that was an issue that got addressed 20 to 30 years ago. “No,” Flores responded, “it is still happening. I can take you there.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - On Wednesday, April 19, Mayor Trey Mendez hosted his final State of the City Address.
In his fourth State of the City Address, Mendez shared an update on the accomplishments of the City of Brownsville, including the practical strategies taken towards new innovation and growth for the future of the City.
The event, held at the Brownsville Events Center, was hosted by the City of Brownsville and the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce.
The attached podcast features highlights from Mendez's State of the City Address. The podcast includes reaction to the State of the City from Brownsville City Manager Helen Ramirez, Port of Brownsville Director Eduardo Campirano, Brownsville Chamber of Commerce CEO Esmy Villarreal, and Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation's Nathan Burkhart.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
HARLINGEN, Texas - Dr. Jesús Roberto Rodríguez, president of Texas Southmost College, recently spoke at a Greater Chamber of Harlingen ‘Business Over Breakfast’ event.
Rodríguez made headlines when he announced talks were underway to bring TSC to Harlingen, with courses and programs potentially being offered in either the classrooms of Harlingen CISD campuses or at the mall.
But, Rodríguez discussed a whole lot more. In a power point presentation he showed how TSC was out performing the statewide average for community colleges in many categories. He also talked about being appointed to a statewide committee that is looking at future funding options for community colleges.
This podcast has highlights from the speech.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp and Texas A&M University President M. Katherine Banks visited the Rio Grande Valley on Monday, April 10, to announce updates for the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen.
The top update announced was the appointment of Manny Vela as COO of Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen. He will start his new post in mid-May. Vela is currently CEO of Valley Baptist Health System.
Elected officials, community leaders, faculty and staff were in attendance for the news conference, which was held at the center.
The address of the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen is 6200 Tres Lagos Blvd., McAllen.
Here is an audio highlights package from the news conference. It features Banks, Sharp, Vela, Texas A&M University System Regent Mike Hernandez, and state Sen. Juan Hinojosa of McAllen.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Retired former U.S. Rep. Rubén Hinojosa had a front row seat in the audience for the announcement that Manny Vela will be the new chief operating officer of Texas A&M Higher Education Center at McAllen.
This was fitting as Hinojosa played a key role in the discussions that led to the establishment of the center in 2018. Along with his wife Marty, an A&M alum, Hinojosa donated $275,000 to start the center’s first endowment.
Hinojosa was given a shoutout more than once from the stage. So, the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service thought it fitting to interview the former congressman after Vela’s appointment was announced.
In the interview, Hinojosa gave a shoutout to former McAllen Mayor Jim Darling.
Here is the interview.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
SAN BENITO, Texas - The Rio Grande Valley Partnership hosted its most recent “Commercialization and Investment” tour in San Benito.
There, land developers and real estate agents learned about new projects coming to the city, as well as which parcels of land are available for purchase.
The event was held at the offices of San Benito Economic Development Corporation.
Here is a podcast from the event.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, TEXAS - DHR Health and Texas A&M University Health Science Center (Texas A&M Health) have announced an expansion of their lcollaboration in clinical research and graduate medical education.
Under the new agreement, the Texas A&M School of Medicine will become the academic affiliate for the DHR Health Graduate Medical Education residency and fellowship programs.
Leaders at DHR Health say the affiliation complements the clinical training that has been occurring at the institution for the last eight years with the academic resources of Texas A&M.
“As the largest site for graduate medical education in the Rio Grande Valley, DHR Health offers ACGME-accredited programs in diagnostic radiology and surgical critical care, which will now be supplemented by new residency opportunities in primary care and rural medicine,” DHR states.
Here is a podcast from the signing ceremony.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
LAREDO, Texas - U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar has shed more light on the recent meeting 12 members of Congress had with Mexico President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and his entire Cabinet.
The visit to Mexico City took place last weekend. It included members of the House and Senate, Republicans and Democrats alike.
From the Senate there was John Cornyn of Texas, Jerry Moran of Kansas, Mike Lee of Utah, Shelley Capito of West Virginia, Chris Coons of Delaware, Chris Murphy of Connecticut, Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, and Peter Welch of Vermont.
From the House there was Cuellar of Laredo, Texas, Tony Gonzales of San San Antonio, Texas, Veronica Escobar, of El Paso, Texas, and Maria Salazar of Miami, Florida.
Cuellar reviewed the meeting in an audio interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
“Overall, I thought it was a very good meeting that we had with the Mexican President and his Cabinet and I think this should help us move forward in many ways,” Cuellar said.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Futuro RGV President Nedra Kinerk is urging Rio Grande Valley residents to get behind a Texas House resolution that favors geothermal energy production.
House Concurrent Resolution 30 was filed by state Rep. R.D. ‘Bobby’ Guerra of McAllen.
“Supporting geothermal energy production in Texas is one of my top priorities this session. It’s time to think outside the box and that’s why I filed HCR 30,” Guerra said, in a news release.
“Geothermal energy creates diversity in our energy production portfolio; it will maintain and create new jobs in the energy production sector; and once tapped, this source of energy is truly reliable and uninterruptible. It is carbon-free, renewable, and sustainable.”
Kinerk expressed her support for HCR 30 after watching a forum Futuro RGV held. McAllen Public Utility Board members Charles Amos and Ric Godinez were asked about the opportunities to create geothermal energy in South Texas. Rio Grande Guardian International News Service editor Steve Taylor of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service was the moderator.
“After listening to you, I am wondering if we don’t need to encourage all of our listeners out there to contact Bobby Guerra and support the geothermal bill that he has presented to the legislature,” Kinerk told Amos and Godinez. “It seems like a win-win situation and certainly for McAllen.”
The attached audio story features the Futuro discussion about geothermal energy production.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
AUSTIN, Texas - Valley Interfaith and other groups that make up the Industrial Areas Foundation in Texas are strongly opposed to tax giveaways to large corporations.
In Austin, IAF is mobilizing opposition to House Bill 5, which supporters argue will boost economic development.
In the attached audio interview, Rosalie Tristan and Joe Hinojosa, both organizers with Valley Interfaith, Joe Higgs from IAF, and Bob Fleming, an organizer with the Metropolitan Organization of Houston, say tax breaks for large corporations should not be paid for with monies that would otherwise go to public education.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service obtained a number of interviews at the grand opening of the eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization in downtown Brownsville.
More than 400 people from across South Texas were in attendance to tour what is being dubbed the largest startup incubator and entrepreneurial resource center in the Rio Grande Valley. Conceived by the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation and UT-Rio Grande Valley, the center is dedicated to advancing an open and inclusive ecosystem of entrepreneurship.
In her interview with the Guardian, Brownsville City Commissioner Nurith Galonsky spoke about how the opening of the center brought things “full circle.” She pointed out that her parents, Guillermina and Abraham Galonsky, first met at the old La Casa de Nylon factory, which the eBridge Center used to be. The family would later own the building.
“I’m glad that it's here in downtown, close to the university, so that it's convenient for students, for entrepreneurs, who are just getting their their business started. And it's great use of this building. So I'm just glad that it's in the heart of downtown,” Galonsky said.
Fredrick ‘Rick’ Jenet, founder of Expanding Frontiers, spoke about his efforts to help budding entrepreneurs that want to start a tech company.
Constanza Miner, interim executive director and CEO of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, spoke about expanding an existing industrial park in Brownsville and developing a new one.
Charles Woodin, CEO of Geekdom, and Phillip Hernandez, the group’s COO, spoke about their aim to help 500 startup companies develop in San Antonio over the next ten years.
And Nathan Burkhart, director of marketing and small business development at Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation, spoke about the eBridge Center hosting a boot camp with Geekdom.
Here are the interviews.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
RANCHO VIEJO, TEXAS - Tony Bennett, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers, recently spoke at a monthly meeting of the South Texas Manufacturers Association.
The meeting was held at Rancho Viejo Conference Center.
Bennett spoke about some of the key bills manufacturers are supporting this legislative session. The main topic discussed was Texas House Bill 5, otherwise known as The Texas Jobs and Security Act. It is authored by state Rep. Todd Hunter of Corpus Christi. A co-author is state Rep. Oscar Longoria of La Joya.
Supporters of HB 5 say the legislation creates a new, modernized economic development program to ensure Texas continues to beat out its competitors and win jobs for Texas communities.
“The supply chain wants to move back to the No. 1 economy in the world and that’s still the USA,” Bennett said. “We have got to have a tool to help them get here because every community, every nation has a similar incentive program. An introductory offer, if you will to get these advanced manufacturing companies to locate in their community.”
The attached audio includes an interview with Bennett at the STMA event.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The official Grand Opening of the eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization is scheduled for Thursday, March 9 beginning at 3:00 PM, sponsored by PNC Bank.
The Center is the culmination of over three years of design and construction efforts in partnership between the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC), the City of Brownsville, the Lower Rio Grande Valley Economic Development Council, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center (UTRGV ECC).
“The best way to stimulate job growth and create new opportunities in industries is to find the people who are already doing amazing things in our community and support them,” says Cori Peña, President and CEO of BCIC. “We are committed to strengthening our entrepreneurial ecosystem by supporting local talent our community already has, and helping them grow through meaningful collaboration.”
Peña said the 36,000 square foot facility aspires to be the “entrepreneurial bridge” for startups and legacy businesses to grow and commercialize their service or product on a larger scale.
She said the center consolidates all the foundational resources necessary for entrepreneurs to start their ventures, obtain capital, scale their businesses, and reach new markets.
The eBridge Center will be having an open house for the community, potential members and collaborators to tour the space as well as register for membership for the UTRGV ECC Incubator on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 7th & 8th from 10 AM to 4:00 PM.
On Monday, Brownsville Mayor Trey Mendez got a sneak preview of the center. In the attached audio interview, The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service asked Mendez what he thought of the facility. Also interviewed is the director of business development for BCIC, Nathan Burkhart.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas - Mission city leaders are expecting great things from NewQuest Properties’ development of the old Kmart building on the northeast corner of I-2 and Bryan Road.
The Houston-based company is bringing in Montana-based Murdoch's Ranch & Home as the main anchor. It’s the fourth store of its kind in Texas. There will also be a Burlington store. And negotiations are underway for a national restaurant chain to be located in the strip mall. The development is to be called Mission Gateway.
At a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony for the development, Teclo Garcia, CEO of Mission Economic Development Corporation, stressed the importance of Anzalduas International Bridge, which is a straight shot south on Bryan Road.
“There's an old adage of business that everyone knows. It is location, location, location. This is a great location. Randy talked about it being close to the bridge. Well, the first four months of fiscal year 2022-2023, October, November, December, and January, we had a total about 450,000 cars go southbound from here. You can say pretty much for the most part, there was probably about 450,000 cars coming northbound at that same time, with two or three people in each car. Now we've got over a million people that are crossing and coming through here and going right by this development,” Garcia said.
The “Randy” Garcia spoke about was Randy Perez, Mission’s city manager.
Jay Sears, managing partner of NewQuest, also spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“You know, it is a great piece of real estate obviously. It is location, location, location. But it isn't just the real estate that makes real estate work. It is the community that is behind it, that supports it, that really makes a project. We come into a community and we try to build what will match the needs and aspirations of that community. That is our hope here,” Sears said.
The attached podcast contains the analysis of Jay Sears, managing partner of NewQuest, and Teclo Garcia, CEO of Mission Economic Development Corporation.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas - In addition to looking for more retail and restaurant businesses to bring to the I-2 corridor in Mission, the city’s economic development team is also working to land industrial projects near Anzalduas International Bridge.
In an exclusive audio interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Teclo Garcia said he would be heading a trade mission to Mexico later this year.
Garcia is CEO of Mission Economic Development Corporation.
“There are Mexican investors that are looking for properties because they want to be near a bridge. Anytime you say (international) bridge, Steve, you know this, people flock to it,” Garcia said.
“So, yes, there is a lot of excitement. We are planning a trade mission later this year to central Mexico to play up the business park and and the bridge and to try to just raise our profile in certain industrial areas in Mexico.”
Developing Anzalduas International Bridge
Anzalduas International Bridge, in south Mission, is owned and operated by the City of McAllen in partnership with the cities of Mission and Hidalgo. It was opened in 2009 but cannot, as yet, carry fully loaded trucks both ways. With expansion at the bridge now underway, cargo should be moving north and south within the next two years.
“Our partners in Pharr, our friends in Pharr, they do a great job in bringing over produce and electronics. But, honestly, there is plenty of business for everybody here. And for us to give business an alternate route to cross into the U.S., also will spur development on this side,” Garcia said.
“We are super happy we can do that with McAllen and get that going. I would be remiss not to mention our friends at Killam (Development). The are developing large tracts of land around Anzalduas and they are very important to this particular project.”
Retail projects
On the retail side, Garcia believes the Mission Gateway project being developed by NewQuest Properties, will be the “lynchpin” for more growth.
“We have two hotels coming in, by the Event Center, which we can't reveal the names of them yet but we will soon. And then we've got some other restaurants that we're also talking to. They’re very close (to making a decision). And, we’re dealing with about another half dozen companies that want to be located along the expressway here, and the business park.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MERCEDES, Texas - The leadership of South Texas ISD cannot understand why the school district is coming in for criticism this year.
The complaints have centered on the funding STISD receives, with some of the smaller public schools in the Rio Grande Valley leading the way. But, officials with the magnet school district point out that their funding has been the same for years.
At a news conference, STISD Superintendent Marco Antonio Lara was asked why the criticism has flared up over the past year. He said he did not know.
“That's another great question and I wish I could answer that. But I don't know why. Even the legislators we have met with, we ask why, why now? I really don't know,” Lara told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
“If it's about equity, that's not the way to go about it because now you are harming 4,300 students and 680 employees - by taking away our taxing ability. That's not equity. And if you do, what do you gain from it? That money doesn't go anywhere. The school districts don’t get that money.”
Lara asked where STISD’s 4,300 students would go if his district was disbanded.
“Do they go back to their home schools? I don’t know. That's a great question and I wish, maybe, you could find somebody who could answer that,” Lara said.
“This came up all of a sudden, again with a lot of misinformation, misconceptions about how we are funded and why we are funded. And I would really like to know. This is just something that's beyond us.”
The news conference was held just before a school board meeting. The meeting drew a large crowd of parents and staff, all supportive of the school district.
In his answer to the Guardian’s question, Lara mentioned state legislators because it has been assumed that critics of STISD would try to get the 88th Legislature to change the school district’s funding model.
Attached is an audio recording of Superintendent Lara’s comments at the news conference.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Asked how big a deal it is that Avelo Airlines chose Brownsville for its first flights in Texas, Brownsville City Manager Helen Ramirez said: “It’s huge.”
From May, the Houston-based low-cost carrier will be offering $69 for a one-way ticket from Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport to Orlando, Florida, and $89 for a one-way ticket from Brownsville to Burbank, California.
“First and foremost, our community will have a low-cast carrier. How many families have lost that opportunity because of the cost of the flight? Many, many, many,” Ramirez said.
“Giving options, and giving choice to a Brownsville community with disparate socio-economic levels, it is hugely important. It is an important goal for the City of Brownsville and for our airport.”
Ramirez added: “It’s just a great moment in our history. Here you have the first airline recruited after the construction of our new 91,000 square-foot airport.”
In the attached podcast, Ramirez is joined by Bryant Walker, assistant city manager and aviation administrator for the City of Brownsville, and Travis Crist, head of marketing for Avelo.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas - When, last fall, DHR Health announced it was ending its affiliation agreement with UT-Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, there was concern in Starr County.
That is because county leaders were eagerly anticipating a residency program DHR had promised. A medical residency is the period of training a doctor undertakes after completing studies at a medical school.
If UTRGV SOM was not going to be the medical school DHR worked with, who was?
A physician affiliated with DHR may have given the people of Starr County a clue. In a video interview that aired during the Rio Grande City Mayor Joel Villarreal’s 2023 State of the City Address, Dr. Gauri G. Kanhere spoke about the DHR residency program.
Asked which medical school the DHR residency program will be affiliated with, Kanhere said: “So there are conversations going on with Baylor University as well as with Texas A&M, and there's definitely going to be some kind of in affiliation with a university program.”
Dr. Kanhere, is an internist with her own practice in Rio Grande City. She also works at Starr County Memorial Hospital. Kanhere received her medical degree from B.J. Medical College at the University of Pune in India. She has been in practice for more than 20 years.
Kanhere was interviewed by Becky Rubio, a hospitality professional for Rio Grande City CISD.
Kanhere said told Rubio that a DHR residency program would be an exciting proposition for Starr County. She said there would be three new doctors coming to the county each year for a three-year residency.
“It's a three-year program in family medicine and internal medicine, which will translate into 24 doctors every three years,” Kanhere said. “At any given time, there's going to be physicians that are going to be in the clinics, physicians that are going to be in the hospital. So it is definitely going to help boost health care.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - State Rep. Erin Elizabeth Gámez of Brownsville has filed legislation to set up a state recognized and supported county mental health task force.
House Bill 1904 would set up a pilot program in Cameron County to prove its success. If it successful it could be replicated across the state.
“Our county has recently been making strides in increasing access to mental health services for our community members. Today we took another step in the right direction in filing legislation which will create a state recognized and supported county mental health task force,” Gámez said.
In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Gámez said the task force would focus on all aspects of mental and behavioral health.
She said these would include “identifying and removing barriers to mental health access, identifying best practices in law enforcement response to individuals suffering a mental health crisis, and connecting and building upon existing resources to fill in gaps and maximize the use of our public money.”
Additionally, Gámez said, the task force would coordinate and take input from existing efforts at the local, state, and national level to address the mental health needs of the community.
“The task force will be composed of community members who are already on the front lines and meeting individuals where they are. Passing this legislation will help continue our county's efforts to meet the mental health needs of our community,” Gámez added.
The attached audio file features an interview with Rep. Gámez about House Bill 1904.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Things are full steam ahead at the Port of Brownsville today and there a lot more things to come for the entire Rio Grande Valley.
A huge multibillion project is in the works and it will take the region another dimension once completed.
Yes, it’s billions with a B and there are quite a few of them.
“This is an $11.4 billion investment,” Ed Campirano, the port’s director, said recently at a meeting of the South Texas Manufacturers Association. “How often the Valley has even been in a discussion of this nature. Never?”
He said the project is expected to create and sustain more than 6,000 construction local jobs over a period.
Keeping such development is going to be something hard to be kept under wraps, he continued.
“This is going to hit us all,” Campirano said. “We can’t wait for this and I am sure a lot of people in this room can’t wait either.”
The port director was referring to liquefied natural gas export terminal that NextDecade is developing on a 984-acre site at the port and which will produce 27 million metric tons of low carbon intensive LNG.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
HARLINGEN, Texas - We’re approaching a new tax season. Some taxpayers have not received their refund and have also learned that their tax returns are being audited.
In a podcast, Rev Torres, a paralegal with the Texas RioGrande Legal Aid’s Taxpayer Assistance Project, explains how the Internal Revenue Service selects which tax returns to audit.
The podcast with Torres is a regular feature in the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
If you have a question about tax-related topics or want to find out if you qualify for free legal help, call the Taxpayer Assistance Project at (956) 393-6213.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Helen Ramirez, the new city manager for Brownsville, says there are now 60-plus companies based at Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport.
"I always talk about the Brownsville Airport as an economic driver, as a regional driver, but it's a regional driver not only because it provides a service, which is air service, but also because it has everyone from Fisher Dynamics to SpaceX, to other smaller tenants, logistical companies, hangars. So it has a whole mix of different types of companies," Ramirez said.
Ramirez gave the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service an exclusive interview following a recent event hosted by Brownsville Chamber of Commerce at the Brownsville Events Center.
She said the City of Brownsville has just finished a feasibility study for a micro grid at the airport. "So actually having a sustainable energy source there is also important because it's very advanced in its technology."
And, as reported previously, Brownsville is also aiming to secure spaceport designation for its airport.
"That (spaceport designation) is something that we really need in the nation and the state of Texas. So we're really excited about our airport and actually growing a lot of the companies that are there."
Asked if there is room for any more tenants at the airport, Ramirez said: "Absolutely. We're actually looking at our next spec building for industrial development. And you know, we do have a large acreage, from eight acres to two acres to 30 acres of land within the airport protection zone and outside. So, it's really exciting to see that people, depending on the company, can locate within or outside the airport property lines.”
In the interview, Ramirez also spoke about development of a new industrial park, workforce training, the importance of Texas Southmost College, and eliminating the digital divide.
Here is the interview.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
HARLINGEN, Texas - Dr. Javier La Fontaine is the inaugural dean of the UT-Rio Grande Valley School of Pediatric Medicine. He was appointed to the post on July 1, 2022.
La Fontaine was interviewed by the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service just before the start of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership’s 2023 Valley Legislative Tour. During the tour, La Fontaine spoke on a healthcare panel held at Harlingen Collegiate High School.
“This is an exciting time for the Rio Grande Valley, the state of Texas and the nation as we begin the journey to prepare the next generation of podiatric medicine leaders,” La Fontaine said.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
RAYMONDVILLE, Texas - Ron Mills, Willacy County Navigation District’s port director, won a round of applause when he said Port Mansfield is about to bring 500 to 700 high-paying jobs to the county.
The reason the jobs are coming, Mills said, is because Port Mansfield has signed contracts with 11 companies that want to develop the port. He said Port Mansfield is being transformed from a sleepy fishing village to a commercial maritime hub for vessels coming from Mexico.
The reason for the transformation? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently dredged the port’s ship channel so it can now take ocean-going vessels. The Texas Department of Transportation is also making a significant investment, Mills said, to ensure that heavy trucks are kept outside of the residential areas.
Mills spoke about the transformation of Port Mansfield during the Rio Grande Valley Partnership’s 2023 Valley Legislative Tour. In his speech, Mills pointed out that Gov. Greg Abbott has made investment at sea ports a priority for the 88th Legislature.
Here is an audio recording of Mills’ remarks to the visiting state legislators and policymakers.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas - Dale Murden, president of Texas Citrus Mutual, has given veteran broadcaster Ron Whitlock an update on the state of the citrus industry in South Texas.
In a podcast for Ron Whitlock Reports and the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Murden discusses the history of the group, the impact of the recent freeze in the Rio Grande Valley, the value of the citrus industry to the Texas economy, and what he hopes state lawmakers will learn when they interact with growers and shippers.
The interview can be heard in the attached audio.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - State Rep. Terry Canales, the chairman of the House Committee on Transportation, let rip when he spoke at the most recent Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization policy board meeting.
The Edinburg Democrat blasted the group, accusing them of passing up the opportunity to move on shovel-ready transportation projects in favor of projects that are going to take years to complete. He said the situation is particularly bad in Hidalgo County. As a result, he said, hundreds of millions of dollars are sitting in the bank not being used.
“When they don't move, we don't get extra funding,” Canales said.
The RGVMPO is the conduit for all the federal and state transportation dollars that flow to the Rio Grande Valley.
There were no reporters present at the MPO meeting, which took place Dec. 14, 2022. However, a partial recording of Canales’ remarks is available on the group’s Facebook page.
The attached audio file is a recording of Chairman Canales' remarks at the MPO meeting.
Canales’ remarks were resurrected by RGVMPO Executive Director Andrew Canon at last week’s McAllen Economic Development Corporation board meeting. In his monthly report to the directors of MEDC, Canon said the RGVMPO had received $400 million in Category Seven funding.
Canon said: “Things are looking up. We are receiving more funds to the Valley since we did the merger. It’s not as much as some would like but it is more than we have gotten previously. The task that we have now… last month we had Chairman Canales come and speak at the policy board. It is (all about) letting projects, getting projects out the door. We have lots of projects that are sitting on the shelves and lots of projects that need right of way acquisition, a lot of projects that need utility adjustments and so forth and so on. The task that we have at hand is we've asked for more but we have to start spending the day lights out of it. It is a little hard to go up to our state representatives and senators and say ‘woe is me, I need more money,’ when we’ve got a lot of money in the bank that we haven't spent. So, we're shifting gears and starting to focus on that more, to start trying to get more projects out the door for our partners and with TxDOT. So, hopefully we'll see an increase on the number of projects letting over the next year or so.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MEXICO CITY - Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) and the Olof Palme Center co-hosted a webinar to discuss the recent 10th North American Leaders Summit.
The academics discussing the summit were: Tony Payan, the Françoise and Edward Djerejian Fellow for Mexico Studies and director of the Center for the United States and Mexico at Rice University, Kim Nossal, professor emeritus in the Department of Political Studies and the Centre for International and Defence Policy at Queen's University in Ontario, and Silvia Núñez, director of the Center for North American Research at UNAM in Mexico City.
Commentary was provided by María Cristina Rosas, professor and researcher at the Faculty of Political and Social Sciences at UNAM in Mexico City. Steve Taylor, editor and publisher of The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, was the moderator.
Here is an audio recording of the discussion.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - The FIRST Robotics Competition season kicked off recently in the Rio Grande Valley at the McAllen Elks Lodge.
The theme this year is “Charged Up” and focuses on the energy sector.
The robots the students build are about 130 pounds and can stand up to six feet tall. The students are usually from grades nine through 12.
“We've got about 16 teams here in the Rio Grande Valley from Laredo all the way to Brownsville and we're really excited about that,” said Jason Arms, executive director of FIRST in Texas.
Here is a podcast with Jason Arms about the competition and the role FIRST plays in developing students for the STEM fields.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
HARLINGEN, Texas - Building developers, engineers and surveyors say they like what is happening in Harlingen these days.
The City of Harlingen, led by Mayor Norma Sepulveda, has streamlined procedures so that is easier to build in the city, representatives of the building community say.
Before Mayor Sepulveda took office, they say, there was too much bureaucracy and “red tape”.
The changes in procedure came about following a meeting Mayor Sepulveda called with the building community soon after taking office. Consultant Rolando Vela helped put the meeting on.
In this podcast, builder Rene Mares gives his view.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
HARLINGEN, Texas - Building developers, engineers and surveyors say they like what is happening in Harlingen these days.
The City of Harlingen, led by Mayor Norma Sepulveda, has streamlined procedures so that is easier to build in the city, representatives of the building community say.
Before Mayor Sepulveda took office, they say, there was too much bureaucracy and “red tape”.
The changes in procedure came about following a meeting Mayor Sepulveda called with the building community soon after taking office. Consultant Rolando Vela helped put the meeting on.
In this podcast, engineer Alan Moore, general manager of Cameron County Drainage District No. 5, gives his view.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
HARLINGEN, Texas - Building developers, engineers and surveyors say they like what is happening in Harlingen these days.
The City of Harlingen, led by Mayor Norma Sepulveda, has streamlined procedures so that is easier to build in the city, representatives of the building community say.
Before Mayor Sepulveda took office, they say, there was too much bureaucracy and “red tape”.
The changes in procedure came about following a meeting Mayor Sepulveda called with the building community soon after taking office. Consultant Rolando Vela helped put the meeting on.
In this podcast, civil engineer David Flinn gives his view.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
HARLINGEN, Texas - The Rio Grande Valley can attract thousands more Winter Texans from the Upper Midwest thanks to the daily flights Delta Air Lines is putting on from Minneapolis to Harlingen.
This is the view of Nicolás J. Mirman, director of air service and business development at Valley International Airport.
“Via Minneapolis, Delta has connections to more than 35 Upper Midwest and Canadian destinations. It will be the first time in a long time that places like North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, even Toronto in Canada have such easy access to our beach at South Padre Island.”
Delta will be utilizing an a320 Airbus that carries about 165 passengers to fly from Minneapolis to Valley International Airport seven days a week from mid-February to the end of May. This presents a great opportunity to attract more tourists from the Upper Midwest, Mirman said.
But, there is a challenge for the Valley, the commercial aviation expert said. Sun Country also flies from Minneapolis to Harlingen. Mirman said the Valley cannot afford to have Delta cannibalize Sun Country’s passengers.
“The challenge for the Rio Grande Valley is to absorb such an expansion of capacity. We will have twice as many seats as we had last year from the Upper Midwest. So the challenge is to make sure that Sun Country can fill up their planes to Minneapolis and Minnesota and then for us to take full advantage of what Delta brings to the table,” Mirman said.
American Airlines also flies to the Upper Midwest out of Harlingen, Mirman said, with one flight a week to and from Chicago. American also has a lot of Upper Midwest connecting cities to Chicago, he pointed out.
“At the end of the day, for our region, the Minneapolis market is already mature, Sun Country and even Delta had flown here for 30 years. The challenge or the opportunity truly is to expand on those connecting markets in the Dakotas, in Montana, in Illinois, in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Nebraska,” Mirman said.
“If we can start doing that this year, if we can keep both carriers (Delta and Sun Country) and even American flying in here for years to come, then it is going to have an enormous effect in the local economy.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas – The Rio Grande City Economic Development Corporation and Rio Grande Valley Partnership recently co-hosted the Rio Grande City EDC Commercial & Investment Tour at UTRGV Starr Campus.
Rose Benavidez, president of Starr County Industrial Foundation, gave updates on the projects her group is currently involved in. These include building an industrial park near the Starr-Camargo International Bridge that will feature cold storage facilities.
“This is the first of its kind and even before the walls are up, there's already a need to double its size,” Benavidez said.
Benavidez pointed out a couple of unique features about the Starr-Camargo bridge.
“I know many of our sister cities in the Rio Grande Valley have ports of entry, but not many of them have the ability to do unified cargo inspection or to be able to handle double axles,” Benavidez said. “(At Starr-Camargo) you don't have to have your product inspected in Mexico and then inspected in the U.S. These joint inspections happen on the US side. Once the products are inspected, (the trucks) are free to go.”
Benavidez also spoke about the importance of the energy sector in Starr County.
“I do want to share a little bit about the energy sector because it has been an important component in us growing our complete tax base, not only our sales tax, but just our general ad valorem tax base, which we rely heavily on,” Benavidez said. “And so in the last five years $3 billion - and that's billion with a ‘b’ - of investment has come into this community in solar and wind projects with another 1.5 billion still pending. That doesn't take away from the fact that this community continues to be a beacon for our oil and gas industries because that is historically what this county was and will continue to be known for.”
Benavidez said that in the last year and a half, about $80 to $90 million of commercial development has occurred in Starr County. She also spoke about a big increase in the county’s tax base. “’We’ve spent the last week actually looking at this and trying to check every day to make sure it wasn't an error but from 2020 to 2021, Starr County saw a 22.5% increase in sales tax from year to year. And that is also a 47% increase from 2012.”
After the presentation, guests were invited to take a tour of the city on the Bessie III Trolley and see first-hand the activity in Rio Grande City.
The Rio Grande Valley Partnership Commercial & Investment Tours are held monthly throughout the Valley and are open to real estate agents, land developers, and investors to learn about the retail and industrial opportunities of the host city.
Editor’s Note: Here is an audio recording of Benavidez’s presentation at the UTRGV Starr Campus:
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas - The Rio Grande City Economic Development Corporation and Rio Grande Valley Partnership recently co-hosted the Rio Grande City EDC Commercial & Investment Tour at UTRGV Starr Campus.
Dalinda Guillen, executive director of the Rio Grande City EDC gave updates on her city’s anticipated upcoming projects. These include a public fire safety building and emergency shelter, upgrades to the newly acquired Fort Ringgold Park, and private sector projects such as the Rio Grande City CISD Performing Arts Center, and DHR Medical Plaza in the works across from Starr County Memorial Hospital.
After the presentation, guests were invited to take a tour of the city on the Bessie III Trolley and see first-hand the activity in Rio Grande City.
The Rio Grande Valley Partnership Commercial & Investment Tours are held monthly throughout the Valley and are open to real estate agents, land developers, and investors to learn about the retail and industrial opportunities of the host city.
Here is an audio recording of Guillen’s presentation at the UTRGV Starr Campus.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - The Index Reynosa Foundation presented checks to various charities at an event at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in McAllen this week.
The money, totaling over $100,000, was raised at a charity golf tournament the group held at Tierra Del Sol Golf Club in Pharr in the fall.
The groups the foundation helped were Miradas de Esperanza, Children’s Haven International, Rio Bravo Ministries, Food Bank Reynosa, Teleton, and the foundation itself. The foundation gives some money to itself so that if there is an emergency during the year, such a big flood, the foundation can purchase supplies for community affected.
“We had a great year. We ran two golf tournaments this year, one in the summer, one in the fall. Today, we're here to donate the distribution from the fall event. It's going to be just over six figures, about $100,000, that we are going to be giving back to the community,” said Mike Myers, a director with the Index Reynosa Foundation.
Myers said he was pleased the checks were being distributed right before Christmas.
The Index Reynosa Foundation is an offshoot of Index Reynosa, a trade association for the maquiladora industry.
Myers pointed out that this was the first year the foundation held two golf tournaments. The first, held in the summer in Reynosa, raised around $60,000. By having two events the foundation brought in a record amount of money for the local charities.
“God keeps blessing us. This (the $100,00) is the highest amount we've ever been able to donate. And, remember, we had another event earlier this year. I mean, we just blew it out of the sky.”
Myers said organizing two golf tournaments is a lot of hard work. But, when the foundation sees the results, and is able to make a good donation to a worthy cause, it makes all that hard work worthwhile.
“We have a bunch of people, great vendors and sponsors that made it all possible, all the golfers who donated, all the companies that are associated with us gave us money.”
The attached audio features an interview with Myers.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - Research shows that when a community has policies and investments to help those in poverty, it not only helps those in need, but it also helps government and ultimately the taxpayer.
So said Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez at a recent Prosperity Task Force meeting, held at Hidalgo County Commissioners Court. Cortez set up the task force to tackle his county’s high rate of poverty.
“According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics… our poverty rate is 29 percent. We think they're wrong. We think that amount is really too low,” Cortez told members of the the task force, in his opening remarks.
Cortez proceeded to give evidence that suggests the bureau’s numbers are low.
“We rely on evidence not subjective belief to tell us that we're more likely right than wrong. What is that evidence? Thirty three percent of our people are receiving public assistance. Forty six percent of the people that are working in Hidalgo County are earning low wages, below poverty. Only 32 percent of the people that live in Hidalgo County have access to health insurance,” Cortez said.
Cortez continued to rattle off the statistics.
“Another alarming statistic is that according to reports by Co-Step, 8.89 percent of boys and girls between the ages of 16 and 19 are classified as disconnected. Meaning that they're neither working or going to school. So what is the next natural progression of that group of people? They're going to have babies, okay. So, the cycle of poverty continues.”
Cortez said 37 percent of children in Hidalgo County are food insecure. “That number was 2020. In 2018, it was 27 percent. It is pretty alarming when you go from 27 to 37 in two years.”
Cortez said if one speaks with school superintendents they will tell you that 75 to 80 percent of school children qualify for free meals or reduced meals. “So that is also an indication that that 29 percent is really, possibly, too low.”
Cortez painted a grim picture: “So many of our people are unable to afford really basic necessities, which results in homelessness, hunger, they have health issues, and sometimes unfortunately, even revert to crime.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
HARLINGEN, Texas - When Rio Grande Guardian heath reporter Julia Rodriguez interviewed Rita Goodarzi, director of Valley Baptist-Harlingen’s 38-bed New born Intensive Care Unit, she said she knows people her age that were born in the NICU.
Goodarzi said she can top that. She proceeded to tell an amazing story.
“Twenty years ago, we delivered a set of twins, preemie twins that were in here. They were 24-week twins. Last year, I got an application for a nurse. So I interviewed her and she did fine. I was going to hire her and then some of the nurses started talking and they said, you know who that is right? I said no. Twenty years ago, she was a baby, a 24-weeker in here. And they were twins, her and her brother were 24-week twins. Her brother is now an engineer and she is a nurse in the NICU.”
Goodarzi added: “She came to work for us after she'd been our baby. So we still call her baby.”
Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen is a Level III NICU. It has been caring for region’s tiniest and most vulnerable patients for many years.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, to be certified as a Level III NBICU by the state, a facility must provide care for mothers and comprehensive care of their infants of all gestational ages with mild to critical illnesses or requiring sustained life support in addition to providing consultation to a wide array of pediatric sub specialists and pediatric surgical specialists.
Goodarzi has been serving patients throughout the Valley since the early 1980s. She said her unit plays a vital role for the Harlingen community and its outlying areas.
Editor's Note: To read the full story, go to RioGrandeGuardian.com.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - The new CEO of McAllen Chamber of Commerce has given his vision for the group.
Josh Mejia was appointed president and CEO of the chamber in the summer. He recently gave a presentation to the McAllen Citizens League.
“In the year 2021 when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak, there was a massive shift of mentality that took place in the country that steered away the attention from Wall Street to Main Street, and that's still going on. And that's something that we should all be extremely passionate about,” Mejia said.
One of the new initiatives, Mejia said, is supplementing the City of McAllen’s economic development efforts.
“We're focusing on supplementing the city of McAllen’s economic development efforts… by providing entrepreneurship, commercialization and innovation programming to be able to help these businesses not only start, which is the surface-scratching that we have been doing for several years, but to take a much deeper dive and be able to scale up to any level they wish to desire.”
By that, Mejia said, he is talking about helping Mom and Pop shops become a brick and mortar. He said the chamber should be able to help such businesses if they want to mass produce.
“(We want to) be able to engage them with traditional and non-traditional financing resources. The sky should be the limit here in the city of McAllen. We have all of these elements and resources that a lot of folks sometimes go to other parts of the country to seek,” Mejia said.
“We have it here. It's just a matter of consolidating them. That's a low-hanging fruit. And as a chamber, if we truly have the heartbeat on the pulse of the business community, then this should be a very easy win that should excite everybody moving forward.”
Editor’s Note: The attached podcast features Mejia’s presentation to the McAllen Citizens League.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - There are positive growth trends at McAllen International Airport, according to City of McAllen Aviation Director Elizabeth Suarez.
“We continue to report positive growth trends for this year. Our first slide shows a three percent overall growth from last year. The more important news is load factors are up approximately six percent. This is despite market seats being down slightly about four percent,” Suarez said, in her monthly power point presentation to the McAllen Economic Development Corporation’s board of directors.
“The next slide shows month to month activity. We continue to outperform 2019, which is a good baseline for us, again, reminding everybody that that yellow line, 2021, is an outlier right after pandemic travel had really ramped up.”
Suarez said McAllen International Airport is outperforming last year by about three percent.
Editor's Note: For the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - The chief construction engineer for the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority has welcomed McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos’ efforts to pull in more federal dollars for the Hidalgo County Loop.
Ramon Navarro spoke about the various segments of the project at a recent McAllen Economic Development Corporation board meeting.
“First of all, we'd like to thank Mayor Villalobos for advocating for the project,” Navarro said. “As you know we're in charge of… we've been tasked with the Hidalgo County Loop.”
Navarro continued: “The loop projects consists of approximately $1.7 billion worth of roadwork and infrastructure. We're willing to receive any grants or federal money that can help accelerate this project. We will work hand in hand with him (Mayor Villalobos) to move forward on that construction.”
As first revealed in the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Villalobos is in discussions with his counterparts in Pharr, Edinburg, and Mission to secure more federal dollars for the county loop project.
Editor's Note: Click here to read the full story in the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EL PASO, Texas - The new chairman of the Texas Border Coalition has explained his immediate goal for the organization.
El Paso County Commissioner David Stout said the goal is to secure passage of immigration and border management legislation in the lame duck session of Congress. Stout said the legislative measures TBC wants Congress to pass are contained in a new white paper just published by the group.
Stout said the recommendations are limited to legislation that has more than a 50 percent chance of being enacted this year. That means no immediate push for comprehensive immigration reform, even the the group supports it.
The recommendations include passing the Dream Act, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, and the Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act; legislation to recapture thousands of unissued Green Cards and allow them to be reallocated for current use; and funding the Emergency Food and Shelter program operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to assure that local governments and non-governmental organizations can carry on programs to address the needs of migrants entering the U.S.
As for border management proposals, TBC urges Congress to pass the Bipartisan Border Solutions Act and the Securing America’s Ports of Entry Act.
Stout was appointed chair of TBC at the group’s annual meeting in San Antonio earlier this month. This was also the meeting where the white paper was unveiled. Stout gave an exclusive interview to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service soon after becoming chair of TBC.
This podcast contains the interview.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
AUSTIN, Texas - Border community activists testified against Operation Lone Star at a hearing of the Senate Committee on Border Security at the state capitol in Austin.
Operation Lone Star is Gov. Greg Abbott’s $4 billion border enforcement initiative that targets undocumented migrants for arrest, jail, and deportation. It has been in the national news because Abbott ordered state laws enforcement agencies to bus some of the undocumented immigrants they capture to other states in the nation.
OLS has also come under scrutiny for the money it has burned through. Some estimates say the initiative is costing $2.5 million per week, with funding being moved to the operation from other state agencies. Legislators such as state Sen. Juan Hinojosa of McAllen have questioned its sustainability.
Among the border and immigrant rights groups to testify at the Senate Committee on Border Security hearing were La Unión Del Pueblo Entero, the Border Network for Human Rights, and Reform Immigration for Texas Alliance. They argue Operation Lone Star is unconstitutional because border security is a responsibility of the federal government. They say the operation has been designed to criminalize and rapidly deport migrants, many of whom are seeking safety in the U.S.
In their testimony, the border community activists said OLS promotes racial profiling, fuels the mass incarceration of people of color, and encourages white supremacy rhetoric. They argue the money given to OLS would be better spent on street lights, healthcare, and workforce training.
The border advocates called on members of the committee to visit the border and see how colonia residents live in fear. They also want to be invited to speak at future border security and immigration hearings as a recognized panel, just like ranchers and farmers were at a hearing in Eagle Pass. Instead, the advocates had to sign up to testify in the public comment period and were limited to three minutes of oral testimony.
Here is some of their testimony.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
AUSTIN, Texas - Border community activists testified against Operation Lone Star at a hearing of the Senate Committee on Border Security at the state capitol in Austin.
Operation Lone Star is Gov. Greg Abbott’s $4 billion border enforcement initiative that targets undocumented migrants for arrest, jail, and deportation. It has been in the national news because Abbott ordered state laws enforcement agencies to bus the undocumented immigrants they capture to other states in the nation.
OLS has also come under scrutiny for the money it has burned through. Some estimates say the initiative is costing $2.5 million per week, with funding being moved to the operation from other state agencies. Legislators such as state Sen. Juan Hinojosa of McAllen have questioned its sustainability.
Among the border and immigrant rights groups to testify at the Senate Committee on Border Security hearing were La Unión Del Pueblo Entero, the Border Network for Human Rights, and Reform Immigration for Texas Alliance. They argue Operation Lone Star is unconstitutional because border security is a responsibility of the federal government. They say the operation has been designed to criminalize and rapidly deport migrants, many of whom are seeking safety in the U.S.
In their testimony, the border community activists said OLS promotes racial profiling, fuels the mass incarceration of people of color, and encourages white supremacy rhetoric. They argue the money given to OLS would be better spent on street lights, healthcare, and workforce training.
The border advocates called on members of the committee to visit the border and see how Colonia residents live in fear. They also want to be invited to speak at future hearings as a recognized panel, just like ranchers and farmers were at a hearing in Eagle Pass. Instead, the advocates had to sign up to testify in the public comment period and were limited to three minutes of oral testimony.
Here is some of their testimony.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MISSION, Texas - The City of Mission, Texas Citrus Fiesta and Go Mission Fund hosted their 2nd Annual Mission Veterans Parade on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022.
The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service interviewed Lisa Rivera, executive director of Texas Citrus Fiesta about the parade.
"The highlight was all the veterans that participated. It was an honor to have them be part of it," Rivera said. "We had veterans that were 100 years old who served in World War II. We had a another veteran from World War II who is 96 years old. It was an honor to have them be part of the parade."
In the evening Go Mission Fund hosted a drone display in honor of veterans.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
HARLINGEN, Texas - State Rep. Oscar Longoria of La Joya discussed the upcoming legislative session in a recent speech at the Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce.
He talked about the likely amount of money that will be available for appropriations, as well as education and healthcare policy. He also took questions from the audience.
Here are his remarks, including the Q&A.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Luis Bazán, director of the Pharr International Bridge, says there are 400 companies moving from China to Mexico in order to be closer to the North American market.
Bazán said he learned this fact while on a trade visit to Mexico. He said the job of he and his team now is to visit those companies and make sure they move their product across the Pharr International Bridge.
Bazán was a guest speaker at South Texas College’s 3rd Annual Binational Educational Symposium. The symposium was held over two days and streamed to various colleges in Mexico.
The second morning of the event was held in-person at STC's McAllen campus. Co-sponsoring the symposium were La Universidad Autonoma de Tamaulipas and INDEX Reynosa, the maquiladora trade association.
Much of Bazán’s presentation was aimed at the students in the audience and those listening online. He told them about the many facets of international trade and how they could forge great careers in that industry.
The attached audio file focuses on Bazán’s remarks about the growth of the Pharr International Bridge, the plans of Pharr leaders to build a second span at the bridge, and what he learned in Mexico about firms in China that are moving to Mexico.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Judy Quisenberry is executive director of Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation.
She recently spoke at the 26th Annual TATOA Conference and Awards Ceremony. TATOA stands for the Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors. The conference was held at the McAllen Convention Center.
The panel Quisenberry spoke on was titled Broadband Funding Alternatives under Philanthropy and the Community Reinvestment Act.
In her remarks, Quisenberry spoke of the help Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation is providing to eliminate the digital divide in the Rio Grande Valley.
Here are remarks on the panel.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
ELSA, Texas - Michael Pacheco, an associate with Coldwell Banker Commercial-RGV, is predicting a "wave of development" in Elsa, Texas.
Pacheco spoke at a "Commercialization and Investment Tour" event co-hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership and Elsa Economic Development Corporation.
"There are more eyes on the city of Elsa than there ever have been," Pacheco said. By way of example he said he has four different developers, from the For Worth and Houston areas, interested in purchasing a 1.3 acres pad site near the new Sonic Drive-In.
Pacheco said he also has five pad sites for development along Edinburg Avenue. He expects these pads to be turned into office space.
The attached podcast has Pacheco's remarks at the RGVP event.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
Daniel Rivera, the executive director of Elsa Economic Development Corporation, has given an overview of commercial opportunities in his city.
Rivera spoke at the latest "Commercialization & Investment Tour" hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership. He said he was working to get a healthcare system to open a hospital in the city. Her also spoke about the city's Pacific Trails project.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - The Texas Department of Transportation recently unveiled signs for I-169, the spur linking the Port of Brownsville to I-69 East.
Local elected officials and community leaders were present, along with members of the Alliance for I-69 Texas.
The event had been delayed for two years due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service conducted audio interviews with Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr., and Cameron County Commissioner David Garza. Garza is a longtime member of the Alliance for I-69 Texas. Also interviewed was John Wood, a commissioner with the Port of Brownsville.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Bernie Sanders, the U.S. Senator for Vermont, was in the Rio Grande Valley this past weekend to support Michelle Vallejo, the Democratic candidate for Texas Congressional District 15.
Sanders participated in a rally at the Cine El Rey in McAllen, and then went block-walking with Vallejo.
In his speech at the rally, Sanders discussed the following topics: healthcare in America, education policy, climate change, sustaining a democracy, wealth inequality, inflation, and federal spending.
Here is the audio from the speech.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Bernie Sanders, the U.S. Senator for Vermont, was in the Rio Grande Valley this past weekend to support Michelle Vallejo, the Democratic candidate for Texas Congressional District 15.
Sanders participated in a rally at the Cine El Rey in McAllen, and then went block-walking with Vallejo.
In his speech at the rally, Sanders discussed the following topics: healthcare in America, education policy, climate change, sustaining a democracy, wealth inequality, inflation, and federal spending.
Here is the audio from the speech.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas - Every time Congressman Henry Cuellar visits Rio Grande City he is struck by the growth that is occurring.
“You can see the momentum. I mean, look at the stores that we have now, look at the coffee shops, look at the restaurants, the national restaurants we have over here,” Cuellar said, in an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
In fact, said Cuellar, there is growth happening in Starr County as a whole. He referenced the widening of Expressway 83 from Starr County to Zapata County, noting there are now two lanes in each direction. He said it will eventually be called Highway 2.
The interview took place while Cuellar was in Rio Grande City to announce a $10.3 million grant to improve water infrastructure in Starr County colonias.
The Guardian also interviewed Starr County Judge Eloy Vera. Vera said Cuellar has helped his county tremendously.
“He (Cuellar) has brought in millions and millions of dollars into our county for different things. For water, transportation, childcare for our universities and colleges. I mean it just a an array of things that he has helped Starr County with. And we're extremely thankful for him. And I think that's one of the reasons that Starr County has been able to prosper as much as it has these past few years.”
Asked about the growth of Rio Grande City, Vera said: “All you have to do is drive around, you know, the shopping center on the east side of Rio Grande. I mean, we have a lot of establishments that weren’t here a couple of years ago.”Vera said one of the biggest accomplishments for Starr County will be the building of a medical facility that will go up next to the county hospital.
“It's going to have specialty clinics, it's going to have you know a lot of different services, medical services,” Vera said.
“But to me probably the most important and for our community is that we're going to have residency for doctors. What we're hoping is that some of the doctors that will do their residency here will stay here in Starr County because we are terribly underserved medically. Things are looking really bright for Starr County.”
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas - The start of the fresh produce season was celebrated at the Pharr International Bridge recently with an event titled “A Taste of Trade.”
The event was hosted by the Pharr Bridge Board.
One of the speakers at the event was Pharr International Bridge Director Luis Bazan.
During the festivities the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service conducted an interview with Bazan, along with some of the growers and shippers that use the bridge to import fresh produce from Mexico.
Here is the podcast.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas - Alejandro ‘Alex’ Meade is senior vice president of economic development and public finance at Texas Regional Bank.
Meade gave the keynote speech at the annual retreat of RGV Focus. It was held at the Pharr Development and Research Center.
RGV Focus is a collective impact initiative created in collaboration with Educate Texas and Communities Foundation of Texas. Founded in 2012, its mission is to transform college readiness, access and success in the four counties of the Rio Grande Valley.
Here is Meade’s presentation.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
WESLACO, Texas - Adriana Cruz, executive director of economic development and tourism in the Office of the Texas Governor, gave the keynote presentation at a recent RGV LEAD conference.
LEAD stands for Linking Economic and Academic Development. The group held its State of Education & Industry in the Rio Grande Valley conference at the Knapp Medical Conference Center in Weslaco.
In her remarks, Cruz said the purpose of the Economic Development and Tourism Office is to enhance economic opportunity for all Texans by coordinating the state's economic development efforts.
“While we're recognized for big announcements like Tesla and Samsung and Texas Instruments, we do much more. We promote Texas around the country and around the world as the premier destination for businesses and for tourists,” Cruz said.
Cruz outlined the numerous programs her office facilitates to bring new jobs and capital investment to Texas.
This podcast includes Cruz’s entire speech.
MCALLEN, Texas - Rio Grande Valley students that sign up for VIDA’s programs secure employment opportunities with an average starting salary of more than $48,000 upon graduation.
This information was unveiled by Felida Villarreal, executive director of VIDA, at a recent gala held by the group. Villarreal spoke about the accomplishments of VIDA at the Double Tree Inn & Suites in McAllen.
“I’m very proud to say that this year VIDA has served 534 students Valleywide with an average persistence rate of 94 percent,” said Villarreal, in her remarks from the podium.
“In this same year, we have helped our students achieve over 170 credentials combined and secured employment opportunities with an average starting salary of over $48,755 upon graduation.”
Villarreal continued: "Eighty one percent of our students this year identified as first generation college student in their families, which further illustrates the importance of our case management model and student support services to give our students the opportunity to not only enroll but successfully complete training career programs.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story, go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
PHARR, Texas - The Rio Grande Valley has done exceptionally well in moving from the top to the bottom in the statewide averages for K-12 education. However, there is still a long way to go.
This is the view of Dr. Daniel P. King, executive director of Region One Education Service Center.
King gave the opening remarks at a recent RGV Focus retreat. It was held at the Pharr Development and Research Center.
King pointed out that metropolitan areas bigger than the Valley, such as Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, have much more corporate wealth and some of that wealth bolsters the revenues of school districts in those cities. Valley schools do not have access to that support yet still outperform those in the big cities.
The attached recording features Dr. King's opening remarks at the RGV Focus event.
MCALLEN, Texas - The civilian labor force in the Rio Grande Valley is not growing as fast as that of Texas as a whole or, indeed, the United States, as a whole.
This information was reported by Mike Willis, executive director of the South Texas Manufacturers Association.
At a recent STMA monthly meeting, held at the Double Tree Inn & Suites in McAllen, Willis said he had been looking through the labor reports of Workforce Solutions. He said he had compared this August to last August.
“So, the size of the workforce in the United States and Texas increased by about two percent in the last 12 months: 2.3% in Texas, 2% in the USA,” Willis reported.
“In Hidalgo County, the size of the civilian labor force in the last year only increased 0.6%. A little over half a percent in the last year. Cameron County only increased point three, three tenths of one percent.”
Willis said this is not an anomaly.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
South Texas College recently held its Fall 2022 Professional & Organizational Development Day at the McAllen Convention Center.
The event was attended by hundreds of STC faculty, staff and workers.
The attached podcasts includes some of the remarks made at the event by Ricardo Solis, president of STC, and Julian Alvarez, labor representative on the Texas Workforce Commission.
MCALLEN, Texas - Valley International Airport’s decision to offer more routes for leisure passengers has helped the airport gain a greater market share.
That is the view of Elizabeth Suarez, director of McAllen International Airport.
Giving her monthly report to the McAllen Economic Development Corporation’s board of directors, Suarez said the Harlingen-based VIA is, year-to-date, now neck and neck with McAllen for passenger volume.
“Harlingen has done a great job at linking up market share. It is attributed to a lot of different factors. About two years ago they came in with a very aggressive plan to recruit new air services, primarily leisure services. We saw new routes to Monterrey, to Las Vegas,” Suarez said.
Indeed, in April of this year, VIA outperformed McAllen, Suarez explained.
Overall market year to date, McAllen captures 45 percent of the market share, with Harlingen at 43 percent and Brownsville at 12 percent,” Suarez said.
Editor's Note: To read the full story, along with details of McAllen International Airport becoming the official South Texas Airport of the Dallas Cowboys, go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
MCALLEN, Texas - The Texas Workforce Commission is holding its first ever conference south of San Antonio.
The two-day 6th Annual Apprenticeship Texas Conference wraps up Sept. 23 at the McAllen Convention Center. For the last five years the conference has been held at the River Walk in San Antonio.
In an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, TWC Commissioner Julian Alvarez says he and his board are delighted to have chosen to hold the event in the Valley. He said the turnout on day one has been huge, along with the enthusiasm of the participants.
Alvarez said the discussions at the conference will be taken back to Washington, D.C. A Department of Labor representative attended the event, Alvarez pointed out.
“This is a huge deal. You can see people are hungry for information,” Alvarez said.
Alvarez is a national Apprenticeship Ambassador. The Apprenticeship Ambassador Initiative, run by the U.S. Department of Labor,seeks to create a national network of employers, labor organizations, industry associations, program sponsors, educators, workforce intermediaries, minority serving organizations, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders to serve as champions for expanding and diversifying Registered Apprenticeship.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The Texas House Committee on Transportation recently held a field hearing in Brownsville.
Held at the UT-Rio Grande Valley campus in Brownsville, the hearing was hosted by UTRGV and the City of Brownsville.
After the hearing, the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service interviewed three leaders in the region.
Brownsville’s interim city manager, Helen Ramirez, spoke about her city’s first mobility transportation plan, which will include Space.
State Rep. Terry Canales of Edinburg, who chairs the House panel, spoke about the funding challenges faced by the Texas Department of Transportation.
And Eduardo Campirano, port director for the Port of Brownsville, spoke about the movement of cargo starting at the dock, not at the gates of the port.
Here are the interviews.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The Texas House Committee on Transportation recently held a field hearing in Brownsville.
Held at the UT-Rio Grande Valley campus in Brownsville, the hearing was hosted by UTRGV and the City of Brownsville.
After the hearing, the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service interviewed three leaders in the region.
Brownsville’s interim city manager, Helen Ramirez, spoke about her city’s first mobility transportation plan, which will include Space.
State Rep. Terry Canales of Edinburg, who chairs the House panel, spoke about the funding challenges faced by the Texas Department of Transportation.
And Eduardo Campirano, port director for the Port of Brownsville, spoke about the movement of cargo starting at the dock, not at the gates of the port.
Here are the interviews.
MCALLEN, Texas - Jay Kleberg, the Democratic Party’s nominee for Texas Land Commissioner, was in the Rio Grande Valley recently to meet with reporters.
In the attached audio file, Kleberg talks about his South Texas roots, what the Land Commission does, and why he is the best candidate to run the commission.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The founder and CEO of the Space Channel has explained how his company’s partnership with Texas Southmost College came about.
Chad Mallam said he would like to see a “huge media center” develop at TSC.
Under the partnership, TSC students will learn how to write, shoot, edit and design graphics for the Space Channel.
Though the company started in Los Angeles, the Space Channel’s global news headquarters is in Brownsville, Texas. Mallam said he chose Brownsville because it is the apex of the Space industry.
The attached podcast features commentary from Dr. Jesús Roberto Rodríguez, the president of TSC, Adela G. Garza, the chair of TSC’s board of trustees, and Mallam.
EDINBURG, Texas - Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez has set up a “prosperity task force” to fight poverty in the county.
Cortez told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service that the task force is needed because of his county’s demographics.
“As you know, we have a disproportionate percentage of people in poverty in Hidalgo County when you compare it to the percentage of the United States as a whole or the percentage of Texas as a whole,” Cortez said.
“So, I created a task force for dealing with the complex issue of poverty. We call it the prosperity task force (and its jobs is) to look into the complex issues of poverty And that's coming along very well. We're meeting and coming up with a strategic plan.”
Cortez said poverty would be a top issue for his administration when he was first elected county judge. Many projects had to be put on hold, however, because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I want to make sure that our people are well served,” Cortez said in his interview. He said the new task force has three specific goals.
“One is how do we best serve the people that need the most help here in Hidalgo County? How can how can we best serve them? We want to provide financial literacy programs for them. We want to provide healthy diet programs. We suffer from obesity and diabetes. We think that informing them and educating them on better diets is going to help us in the long term,” Cortez said.
“Then, we want to create human capital. We want to be able to afford and offer vocational training or higher education for those people that want to pursue those things. We want to we want to create an easier vehicle for them to do that and remove the obstacles that's keeping them from trying to gain that human capital.”
The third goal is to engage with local businesses and target businesses that could move to the county, in order to provide more jobs.
“The third aspect and this is where the Alex Meades, the CoSteps, the Valley Partnerships, and the other EDCs of the area…. the third aspect is how do we expand the capacity of our employers today to employ more? So, in other words, if you are here already, how do we increase your capacity? And two, if you are not here, who do we want, where are you and how do we go get you to come down here? So that as we train people they will have a job to go to once they're trained.”
An audio recording of the interview is attached.
PALMVIEW, Texas - Palmview City Manager Michael Leo has told the story of his city’s explosive growth.
The city tripled in size over a ten year period, from just over 5,000 in 2010 to 15,800 in 2020.
Leo told the story during a recent Rio Grande Valley Partnership commercialization and investment tour.
“Our mayor constantly says, we are a small city with a big heart. And that's a great thing because it is very true. But what I keep telling him is, we're not that small city anymore. Ten years ago our population was 5,000-plus and we had 2.2 square miles to cover. Through natural growth, explosive growth and through aggressive annexation, before they changed the laws on us, we got so much bigger,” Leo said.
The reference to changing the laws on us refers to the Legislature making it harder for cities to annex land.
Leo continued: “Fast forward to 2020. Actually, take that back even to 2018. The Census estimates were still showing us at 9,300. We said, wait a minute. We are way more than that.”
Having a depressed population figure can hurt a community when it comes to federal funding, Leo explained.
“With the CARES Act, during COVID, we got our share funds and they said we are giving you enough for 5,300 people. We said, wait a minute, we have way more (residents) than that.”
Leo told those distributing the funds to look at Palmview’s voter rolls.
“We have 7,500 voters. How can we have 5,000 people but 7,500 voters? I know this is the Wild, Wild West but come on.”
The potential investors and the realtors in the audience laughed at that line.
“We have like 4,300 households and you’re saying we only have 5,000 plus people? That's an average of 1.3 per household. That's a single mom and a third of a child. Come on. We live with our in-laws, our grandparents, with five or six cars parked outside. So we knew it was off,” Leo said.
Leo said praise needs to go to Palmview city staff for the work they did in pushing residents to complete their census forms.
“Credit to our team for working the census during a challenging time, during COVID times. You know, people were very hesitant, obviously, to open their doors the time. And I don't blame them,” Leo said.
“But our numbers came in 15,800. We feel it's closer to 20,000, but nonetheless 15,800 compared to 5,000, that's triple the size and population. We tripled the size of the population. And, in essence, we tripled the size of our geographic size. We used to have to cover 2.2 square miles. Now we cover seven square miles.”
Leo also spoke about the explosive population growth in an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service at the conclusion of the commercialization and investment tour. He also spoke about retail development in his city. The attached podcast features the interview.
HARLINGEN, Texas - Acclaimed cellist Chris Votek has just released a self-composed recording, Memories of a Shadow.
The recording is a three-movement string quintet that blends raga melody with early European polyphony. It is available on MicroFest Records.
I recently recorded an interview with Chris, noting that he performs both western classical music and Indian classical music. He said the way music is taught is different around the world.
“Some music is taught through reading music off the page, like Western music, particularly in school. You go to learn music and band, you're going to get a piece of sheet music put in front of you, and you're gonna have to learn how to learn how to read that and play it. But music all over the world is not taught like that. For the most part, music is taught through an oral tradition of imitating,” Votek told me.
Votek's fluency in musical languages from North Indian classical, Arabic, electronica, jazz, ambient, Western classical to pop, makes him highly sought after as a performer, composer, arranger, recording artist, producer, and sound engineer.
On Memories of a Shadow, Votek is joined by members of the Grammy®-nominated new music collective Wild Up including violinists Andrew Tholl and Adrianne Pope, violist Ben Bartelt and cellist Derek Stein.
I hope you enjoy the interview.
HARLINGEN, Texas - As a regular feature in the Rio Grande Guardian, podcast editor Mario Muñoz talks to Rev Torres of the Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project.
The TTAP is part of the nonprofit community group Texas RioGrande Legal Aid.
In this podcast, Torres explains what taxpayers should do if they receive a CP 75 notice from the IRS, rather than a tax refund.
“Like many taxpayers, you filed your income tax return this year expecting to receive a refund. But, instead of the expected refund, you received a letter from the IRS called a CP 75 notice. This is unexpected and can be confusing. The Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project wants you to know what you should do if you receive a CP 75 Notice from the IRS,” Torres said.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Paragon VTOL Aerospace, a lead innovator in vertical take-off and landing technology (VTOL), has been training Brownsville ISD students this summer on drone technology.
The tie-up came about thanks to a grant from the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation.
Because the summer course was so successful, Paragon and BISD are going to expand the program into a year long course.mThis would be unique, says the founder of Paragon, Dwight Smith.
In this podcast, Juan Chavez, who runs BISD’s career and technical education department, talks about how excited the students are to fly drones.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Paragon VTOL Aerospace, a lead innovator in vertical take-off and landing technology (VTOL), has been training Brownsville ISD students this summer on drone technology.
The tie-up came about thanks to a grant from the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation.
Because the summer course was so successful, Paragon and BISD are going to expand the program into a year long course.mThis would be unique, says the founder of Paragon, Dwight Smith.
In the accompanying podcast, Smith explains why Paragon and Brownsville ISD are working together, what the future holds for the VTOL industry, and why Paragon chose to locate in Brownsville.
EDINBURG, Texas - South Texas Health System Edinburg has officially opened the first two floors of its brand new $100-plus million patient tower.
The hospital’s expansion project is now home to an expanded ER, upgraded Radiology Department and enhanced ICU.
Last Friday, August 5, STHS Edinburg held the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new patient tower.
In an interview, Lance Ames, CEO of STHS Edinburg, said the patient tower will house and additional 59 beds for adult patients with another 55 beds set aside for future needs.
Ames said the patient tower is part of South Texas Health System's mission to provide quality, compassionate care to the people of the Rio Grande Valley.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The City of Brownsville will celebrate a first this evening as an international soccer game is played at Brownsville Sports Park between two of the biggest clubs in the world.
The women’s team of Chivas de Guadalajara are champions of Mexico. They play Inter Milan of Italy in an exhibition game with the kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.socio.mx or in person at Brownsville Golf Center, Brownsville Visitor’s Center, or Brownsville Events Center.
The players of Inter Milan are doing their pre-season training in Brownsville and New York ahead of the new season. It is the first time their women’s team has visited the U.S. The game against Chivas is the only one on their schedule.
On Tuesday, Inter players coached young soccer players from Brownsville at the Brownsville Sports Park. A press conference was also held to promote the game.
The attached podcast features the analysis of Jorge Villalobos, the founder of Socio.MX.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The City of Brownsville will celebrate a first this evening as an international soccer game is played at Brownsville Sports Park between two of the biggest clubs in the world.
The women’s team of Chivas de Guadalajara are champions of Mexico. They play the women's team of Inter Milan of Italy in an exhibition game with the kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.socio.mx or in person at Brownsville Golf Center, Brownsville Visitor’s Center, or Brownsville Events Center.
The players of Inter Milan are doing their pre-season training in Brownsville and New York ahead of the new season. It is the first time their women’s team has visited the U.S. The game against Chivas is the only one on their schedule.
On Tuesday, Inter players coached young soccer players from Brownsville at the Brownsville Sports Park. A press conference was also held to promote the game.
The attached podcast features the analysis of Helen Ramirez, interim city manager of Brownsville.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - In an in-depth interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Helen Ramirez, Brownsville’s interim city manager, discusses a new international business park, broadband services, and foreign investment in her community.
WESLACO, Texas - It is no longer acceptable for students to have to sit outside a McDonald’s and link to the free WiFi in order to do their homework.
That is the view of Meagan Froh, outreach coordinator for the Texas Broadband Development Office.
More importantly, it is also the view of State Comptroller Glenn Hegar. Froh said Hegar cares “passionately” about Texans being able to access to broadband.
The Texas Broadband Development Office is administered by the Comptroller’s Office. On June 15 it issued the Texas Broadband Plan. The report said almost 2.8 million Texas households and seven million people lack broadband access.
Via Zoom, Froh recently spoke about the report and what funding is available to communities to address the Digital Divide during an economic resiliency workshop hosted by the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council.
“What exactly is broadband? It is high speed internet,” Froh said. She explained that the Federal Communication Commission defines broadband its download speeds of at least 25 megabits per second (or Mbps) and upload speeds of at least 3 Mbps.
However, Froh said, that definition was set in 2015. She said the FCC is about to radically change that definition.
“That is a very outdated definition. We are expecting them to update that very soon,” Froh.
Sure enough, soon after the webinar, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel proposed raising minimum broadband speeds in the United States to 100 Mbps for downloads and 20 Mbps for uploads.
“Any funding that is going to go out through the Broadband Development Office, those projects need to be future proofing our speed. We we are looking at targets of 100 over 20,” Froh said.
Froh said her office is looking to close the digital divide in Texas.
“We know that nearly eight million Texans in three million households do not have broadband. When I say that we need to look back at that definition. That means they do not even have 25 over 3 service,” Froh said.
“Think back to that old AOL tone, we are talking about internet that creeps, that they cannot click through pages. They could not be streaming a meeting like we are doing today. Netflix is certainly off the table. So, when you think about that, there are a lot of people that don’t even have the bare minimum broadband speed. And they are paying through the roof for not even broadband.”
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - On Tuesday, July 29, the Brownsville City Commission unanimously agreed to enter into a public-private partnership with Lit Communities for the design and construction of a citywide broadband fiber network.
But who are Lit Communities? The attached podcast sheds some light on the company as we interview the group’s CEO Brian Snider.
Snider was present at the recent Broadband Signing ceremony. Those signing the agreement included Snider, Brownsville Mayor Trey Mendez, and John Bruciak, the general manager of Brownsville Public Utilities Board.
The network Lit Communities will build includes a 93-mile middle mile backbone with design to last mile fiber. It will connect 32 anchor institutions including city facilities, Police, Fire, EMS, and public parks.
Through the agreement, Brownsville residents and business owners will have the infrastructure in place to provide a minimum broadband capacity of 100 megabits city-wide.
“Today was a historic day for the City of Brownsville and one that will have a multigenerational impact. We have effectively taken the first and most important step to eliminating the digital divide in Brownsville through an innovative public-private partnership with Lit Communities and our local stakeholders. Very soon, residents will have accessible and affordable broadband right here in Brownsville,” said Mayor Mendez.
Mendez said the city will be utilizing $19.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the approved middle mile fiber network, allowing for public-private partnerships to deploy last mile services.
Snider said Lit Communities will contribute an additional $70 million to execute the last mile infrastructure.
“It is such an exciting day to complete this partnership and make it official. The City of Brownsville has inspired us, and we continue to see the values and beliefs that we have as a company as well. Because of that, we were able to create a unique partnership that will set the example for future municipalities across the country. While it is an exciting day, the job still isn’t done, and we are now looking forward to getting engineering and construction started,” Snider said.
According to a news release from the City of Brownsville, the city was, in March, named the winner in International Data Corporation’s (IDC) Government Insights’ Fifth Annual Smart Cities North America Awards for Digital Equity and Accessibility for its comprehensive planning efforts to increase broadband accessibility and speed.
In December of 2020, Mayor Mendez was awarded the “Change Maker” award by New Century Cities for his work in addressing the digital divide in Brownsville.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - On Tuesday, July 29, the Brownsville City Commission unanimously agreed to enter into a public-private partnership with Lit Communities for the design and construction of a citywide broadband fiber network.
But who are Lit Communities? The attached podcast sheds some light on the company as we interview the group’s chief strategy officer, Rene Gonzalez.
Gonzalez was present at the recent Broadband Signing ceremony. Those signing the agreement included Lit Communities CEO Brian Snider, Brownsville Mayor Trey Mendez, and John Bruciak, the general manager of Brownsville Public Utilities Board.
The network Lit Communities will build includes a 93-mile middle mile backbone with design to last mile fiber. It will connect 32 anchor institutions including city facilities, Police, Fire, EMS, and public parks.
Through the agreement, Brownsville residents and business owners will have the infrastructure in place to provide a minimum broadband capacity of 100 megabits city-wide.
“Today was a historic day for the City of Brownsville and one that will have a multigenerational impact. We have effectively taken the first and most important step to eliminating the digital divide in Brownsville through an innovative public-private partnership with Lit Communities and our local stakeholders. Very soon, residents will have accessible and affordable broadband right here in Brownsville,” said Mayor Mendez.
Mendez said the city will be utilizing $19.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the approved middle mile fiber network, allowing for public-private partnerships to deploy last mile services.
Snider said Lit Communities will contribute an additional $70 million to execute the last mile infrastructure.
“It is such an exciting day to complete this partnership and make it official. The City of Brownsville has inspired us, and we continue to see the values and beliefs that we have as a company as well. Because of that, we were able to create a unique partnership that will set the example for future municipalities across the country. While it is an exciting day, the job still isn’t done, and we are now looking forward to getting engineering and construction started,” Snider said.
According to a news release from the City of Brownsville, the city was, in March, named the winner in International Data Corporation’s (IDC) Government Insights’ Fifth Annual Smart Cities North America Awards for Digital Equity and Accessibility for its comprehensive planning efforts to increase broadband accessibility and speed.
In December of 2020, Mayor Mendez was awarded the “Change Maker” award by New Century Cities for his work in addressing the digital divide in Brownsville.
EDINBURG, Texas - The AT&T Foundation is donating $25,000 to the Rio Grande Valley Partnership to help address the Valley’s digital divide.
At a news conference held at a UT-Rio Grande Valley facility in Edinburg, AT&T’s J.D. Salinas said his company was investing $2 billion across the country over the next three years to bridge the digital divide.
With the funding, RGV Partnership is to ask UTRGV to provide courses to help those with limited or no computer skills. UTRGV says it will provide instruction in four centers across the Valley, one in each of the region’s four counties.
“I am honored to announce today, that together with UTRGV and the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, and with the leadership of Senator Hinojosa (without him we would not be here today), AT&T is giving a $25,000 grant through the AT&T Foundation to the RGV Partnership to support South Texans impacted by the digital divide,” Salinas said.
“This grant is part of AT&T’s recent announcement (of a) nationwide commitment to bridge the digital divide and homework gap. AT&T is committing more than $2 billion over the next three years to bridge that digital divide through affordable broadband offers for both consumers and education institutions, as well as high quality educational resources, community investments through AT&T’s Connected Learning (program).”
Salinas is vice president of external and legislative affairs for AT&T.
Appearing with Salinas at the news conference were Sergio Contreras, representing the RGV Partnership, state Sen. Juan Hinojosa of McAllen, and three representatives from UTRGV - Veronica Gonzales, Ron Garza, and Linda Ufland Romo.
The attached podcast features remarks given at the news conference by AT&T’s Salinas, along with interviews with RGVP’s Contreras and UTRGV’s Ufland Romo.
WESLACO, Texas - At a recent meeting of the RGV Metropolitan Planning Organization, TxDOT’s engineer for the Pharr district, Pete Alvarez, expressed his concerns about priority projects for the MPO.
“We have projects that were identified back in 2000 that are still being worked on today that have not been delivered. So, people have asked, how do we get more money from TxDOT. We’ve got to deliver these projects, folks. Enough,” Alvarez said.
Alvarez said the MPO and TxDOT have to be held accountable for the things each is responsible for.
“But if we are going to sit here as a policy board and make a determination, yeah, let’s identify this project and that project… and I am looking at a project that was started back in 2000 that hasn’t been delivered, is that really a priority project for this region?”
The attached podcast includes Alvarez’s remarks and an interview with Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza. His city does not have any projects on the MPO’s priority list.
PHARR, Texas - Commodities Integrated Logistics, otherwise known as CIL, recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for a huge state-of-the-art cold storage warehouse in south Pharr.
The facility will be known as Queenstown Park. It is being built on the corner of I-Road and Las Milpas Road in south Pharr. CIL currently has over 1.15 million square-feet of warehouse space. It is expanding its cold storage facility capacity by ten percent by adding another 150,600 square-feet of space at Queenstown Park. Of that, 135,600 square-feet will be used for cold storage and 15,000 square-feet for office space.
CIL is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month. It started out as Century Forwarding Agency with a small warehouse in the city of Hidalgo in 1992.
To mark the occasion, CIL held a convention July 19, at the McAllen Convention Center. CIL also held a banquet at the same venue and on the same evening. The group also had an evening mixer on Monday, July 18 at Club Nautique, next to the Rio Grande in Mission. And, Commodities Integrated Logistics is slated to hold a golf tournament at Champions Lakes in McAllen on July 20.
Among the speakers at the Queenstown Park groundbreaking ceremony were Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez and Pharr Economic Development Corporation executive director Victor Perez. But the lion’s share of the time at the podium was given over to the founder and president of CIL, Joaquin Spamer.
Spamer spoke entirely in Spanish.
Here are highlights from his remarks.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Two key players at Brownsville Navigation District are featured in this podcast about the history of ship channel improvement projects at the Port of Brownsville.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is about to start deepening the Brazos Island Harbor ship channel from 42 feet to 52 feet.
“I believe sincerely and in my heart that this will be the most significant of all the deepening projects,” said Eduardo Campirano, port director for Brownsville Navigation District. This has much more significance, especially for the future sustainability of the port. So, this is a big deal.”
Campirano was interviewed by Ron Whitlock of Ron Whitlock Reports.
Phase One of the current dredging project is being handled and financed by NextDecade. The company plans to build a liquefied natural gas export terminal at the port. Phase Two is being handled by the Corps of Engineers, with the federal government and the port financing the project.
“This is the first public-private partnership that the Corps has had for deepening the channel. They have had one other but it was not for deepening the channel so it is new to them,” said Brownsville Navigation District board member John Wood.
Wood (pictured below) was interviewed by Rio Grande Guardian editor Steve Taylor.
Editor's Note: The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service's website has a timeline of Port of Brownsville ship channel improvement projects dating back to 1933.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - SpaceX is becoming a good corporate citizen of the Rio Grande Valley.
That is the view of Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr.
By way of example, Treviño pointed to the help SpaceX provided when 3,000 endangered Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles were saved during the Big Freeze in February 2021. Another example, he said, was when the City of Los Indios lost power and SpaceX sent a generator.
“They are becoming, I think, a good member of the community. A lot of that stuff doesn’t get advertised or well-known because the focus, obviously, is on their business operations. But, I think they are committed to being a good corporate citizen,” Treviño said.
In response, Helen Ramirez, the City of Brownsville’s interim city manager and the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation’s executive director, pointed out that the Musk Foundation donated $20 million to Cameron County schools and $10 million to revitalization plans for downtown Brownsville.
Ramirez and Treviño spoke about SpaceX at a recent conference co-hosted by GBIC and SelectUSA. Their discussion took the form of a Q&A, with Ramirez pitching questions to Treviño.
One of the questions posed was: Why did SpaceX choose Brownsville? Another was: What impact has SpaceX had on the Cameron County economy?
Ramirez also asked Treviño about the environmental safeguards SpaceX has had to put in place at Boca Chica, and the role of the Spaceport Development Corporation.
The conference was titled: “The Future of Aerospace, Defense & Energy.” It was held at the Brownsville Events Center. Select USA is a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The City of Brownsville is spending $1 million to overhaul its permitting system, interim city manager Helen Ramirez has announced.
The reason for doing it, Ramirez said, is to make it easier for businesses to relocate to the city.
Ramirez announced the news during a recent conference titled: “The Future of Aerospace, Defense & Energy.” Held at the Brownsville Events Center, the conference was co-hosted by SelectUSA, a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation. Ramirez is executive director of GBIC.
SelectUSA is a program run by the U.S. Department of Commerce that seeks to attract foreign direct investment to the United States. Every June, SelectUSA hosts a major summit near Washington, D.C. In addition, it has regional spinoff events.
Brownsville was the only city in Texas to be selected for a spinoff event. GBIC had to select two industries to focus on and it chose aerospace and energy.
In a speech at the spinoff, Ramirez gave a shout out to J. Brant Arseneau, founding partner at 9Point8 Capital and a founder of Spaced Ventures. Both have a presence in Brownsville. She also praised Natalie Rens, founder of Astreia, a company that is building Habitat Zero, a community of 125 homes designed to support Brownsville’s growing aerospace hub.
Both Arseneau and Rens spoke at the spinoff event.
“The fact that they are locating here, they are growing here and believe what we are doing and then tell the world about us is very important because this is a great place to do business,” Ramirez said.
“It is an easy place to do business. We are not Austin. We do not want to be another city. We want to be us. We don’t want to be known for a permitting process that takes a year and a half to two years. We don’t and we won’t be that. That is why we redid our codes. The city is doing a new permitting system, spending a million dollars on just how do we streamline permits because we know it can be difficult.”
Ramirez added: “So, it is those types of things that the city is doing, that the county is doing to really accelerate the Space economy in our region.”
This podcast features Ramirez’s remarks at the aerospace conference.
WESLACO, Texas - Digital equity expert Jordana Barton has praised the cities of Brownsville and Pharr for their universal access broadband initiatives.
Barton was a consultant to both Pharr and Brownsville as the two cities developed their broadband projects. She first uncovered the Rio Grande Valley’s digital divide when authoring a book about the region’s colonias for the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
Barton, a principal at Barton-Garcia Advisors, recently spoke about expanding broadband opportunities in South Texas at a congressional hearing in Weslaco. After the hearing she spoke to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service about her work in the Valley.
Here is the interview.
McALLEN, Texas - Annette Franz, chair of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, recently gave an update on her group’s activities at a board meeting of the McAllen Economic Development Corporation.
One of the items she discussed in her report was the chamber’s new president and CEO, Josh Mejia. Franz said Mejia would be joining the chamber soon.
“We are looking forward to Mr. Mejia working in our community and to move our chamber forward. This is a new chapter for our chamber and we expect great things from our new leader,” Franz said.
Here is Franz’s report.
RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas - Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick visited Starr County on Thursday to speak at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new medical development center.
While in Rio Grande City, Patrick spoke with reporters about the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on the federal government’s Remain in Mexico policy.
Patrick was asked what advice he has for President Biden on immigration policy.
Here are his remarks.
HARLINGEN, Texas - Cameron County Drainage District No. 5 is not just focused on flood mitigation. It is also concerned about development.
This is the view of Rolando Vela, assistant general manager of CCDD5.
“Cities are so focused on bringing development. Truth be told, development does not occur unless you have drainage plans,” Vela said. “So, we see ourselves… not only are we mitigating, are we working our efforts, harnessing our efforts towards flood mitigation measures but also being a partner in the development community. I think that is very important.”
This podcast is the second in a three-part series on Cameron County Drainage District No. 5.
HARLINGEN, Texas - Cameron County Drainage District No. 5 has a service area of approximately 40 square miles within Cameron County.
The area includes portions of Harlingen, the Town of Combes, Palm Valley and Primera.
CCDD5 was established in 1993 as a direct result of the flooding caused by the torrential rainfall of Tropical Depression Two.
CCDD5 is responsible for construction, improvements, and maintenance of approximately 70 miles of open drains that transport or convey the storm runoff from floods or heavy rains to the arroyo.
It also contracts with the Harlingen Irrigation District No. 1 and with the La Feria Irrigation District #3 for the maintenance of its open drain system; for the excavation of detention ponds; and for the installation of check values on some of our open drains.
CCDD5 generates $2.8 million every year in ad valorem revenues that are used to support the operation and maintenance of the drainage district, to provide matching for grants it receives, and to pay for the Flooding Infrastructure Funds (FIF) loans it receives.
“The purpose of CCDD5, like all other drainage districts, is to mitigate flooding,” said CCDD5 General Manager Alan Moore. “Flood mitigation, includes but not limited, to reducing flood elevations; to reducing flood damages to residential and commercial properties; to reducing the extent and frequency of flooding; and, to lessening the severity of flooding. It does so by the regular maintenance of its open drains and detention ponds and by building, regrading and upgrading its open drains and detention ponds.”
In an effort to better educate the residents that live within the boundaries of CCDD5 on the work of the district, the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service conducted in-depth interviews with Moore and Rolando Vela, the group’s assistant general manager.
In this, the first of a three-part podcast series, we ask Moore about CCDD5’s flood mitigation work.
MCALLEN, Texas - U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez has responded to criticism that the Biden Administration has not had a strategic plan for Latin America.
The McAllen Democrat, who attended the recent Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, said the U.S. has neglected its neighbors to the south for a lot longer than the last two years.
“I don’t think the United States has paid enough attention to Latin America for the past 30 years, since the Cold War has ended,” Gonzalez said, in his review of the summit.
“One of the major conversations (at the summit) was, hey, we need to engage more because China and Russia are eating our lunch, especially China,” Gonzalez said.
“I think we need to show up; show up with resources and start building relationships the way we used to.”
According to a recent story in Politico, China’s bilateral trade with Latin America surpassed $400 billion in 2021, compared to $295 billion for the U.S. The newspaper said Beijing has also signed up 21 out of 24 Latin American and Caribbean countries for Belt and Road Initiative infrastructure investment projects. “BRI financing has contributed to the $150 billion that China has funneled to Latin American countries for construction of roads, ports and railways between 2005-2019,” the story stated.
Gonzalez responded: “Our absence (from Latin America) is really not good for our national security or our business relationships because we allow China to come in and take advantage. And they have done it very well. We need to up our game in Latin America.”
The Summit of the Americas 2022 ran from June 6 to June 10 and was held in Los Angeles, California. It was the ninth such summit and marked the first time the United States had hosted the event since the inaugural meeting in Miami in 1994.
Rep. Gonzalez is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security, Migration and International Economic Policy. In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Gonzalez said he was disappointed Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador did not attend the Summit of the Americas, though members of his government were there.
“It is really shameful when 38 percent of your country is overrun by cartels,” Gonzalez said. “Where they know for sure the insecurity of their country is going to come up in various conversations (at the summit).”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
HARLINGEN, Texas - With tax season over, many taxpayers will have filed their tax returns and received their refunds.
However, some taxpayers may not received their tax refund. There are several reasons why this could be the case.
Rev Torres, a paralegal with the Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project, wants taxpayers to know the reasons why they may not received their refund.
The Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project is a division of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid.
Readers and listeners that have questions about taxes can reach Torres via the web at TRLA.org or via telephone at 956-393-6213.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - In the light of the Uvalde school tragedy, Cameron County Commissioners Court has unanimously passed a resolution urging Gov. Greg Abbott to call an emergency special session to address gun violence.
The resolution, offered by Commissioner David Garza, was based on a letter penned by the Senate Democratic Caucus. The caucus includes the Rio Grande Valley’s three state senators, Eddie Lucio, Jr., Juan Hinojosa, and Judith Zaffirini, along with the senator who represents Uvalde, Rolando Gutierrez.
The letter includes the following recommendations on gun safety legislation:
- Raise the minimum age to purchase a firearm to 21;
- Require universal background checks for all firearm sales;
- Implement “red flag” laws to allow the temporary removal of firearms from those who are an imminent danger to themselves or others
- Require a “cooling off” period for the purchase of a firearm; and
- Regulate civilian ownership of high capacity magazines.
All four Cameron county commissioners spoke about the appropriate response to the Uvalde tragedy, as did Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr.
This podcast includes their remarks.
MCALLEN, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott believes Texas higher education institutions need to be much more focused on preparing their students for the work place.
Abbott said it is “inexcusable” that some students go to college for up to six or seven years and still do not find employment.
Abbott made clear his views about higher education at a business summit co-hosted by the Texas Association of Business and the Rio Grande Valley Partnership. The event was held at the McAllen Convention Center.
“We have a lot of people that have gone to college for one, two, three, four, five, six, seven years, whatever it is and they do not have a job. That is inexcusable. There needs to be a goal for education to provide. And that is a pathway to a job,” Abbott said.
“When you graduate from high school you need to be prepared to be working toward a job, whether it be going immediately to a job or going to an education institution that will prepare you for a job that is right for you. It doesn’t mean that everyone is going to be an engineer or a chemist, a scientist or a doctor or a lawyer or whatever. It could be that you are keenly interested in the arts. There are a lot of jobs in the arts.”
Abbott added: “It is inexcusable that we have, in the United States, so many people that are seeking to have their tuition cost eliminated because they went to school and they don’t have a job and they need the government to pay for their tuition costs. We need education to be focused on making sure people get a job.”
In his remarks, Abbott gave a shoutout to Texas State Technical College. All the money TSTC gets from the State of Texas is dependent on its students finding work.
The attached podcast features Gov. Abbott’s remarks on the purpose of higher eduction and an interview with Cledia R. Hernandez, a former provost of TSTC-Harlingen who now serves as TSTC System’s associate vice chancellor.
RANCHO VIEJO, Texas - Mike Willis, executive director of the South Texas Manufacturers Association, has given his view on how the Rio Grande Valley’s manufacturing sector coped with the coronavirus pandemic.
Willis said there were winners and losers and cited some examples. A big issue right now is overcoming supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic.
Willis provided his analysis at a recent monthly meeting of the STMA. The event was held at Rancho Viejo.
Here is an audio recording of Willis’s presentation.
RANCHO VIEJO, Texas - German Rico has spoken about the work Harlingen Economic Development Corporation is doing to attract new businesses to the Rio Grande Valley.
Rico is industrial development manager at Harlingen EDC. He gave a presentation on the work of his group at a recent monthly meeting of the South Texas Manufacturers Association. The event was held at Rancho Viejo.
Rico spoke about new warehousing coming to the Harlingen Industrial Park, how the Port of Harlingen was doing, and the popularity of Valley International Airport.
Here is an audio recording of Rico’s presentation.
RANCHO VIEJO, Texas - Ramiro Aleman has spoken about the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation’s efforts to attract new businesses to the Rio Grande Valley
Aleman is director of business recruitment, retention and expansion at GBIC. He gave a presentation on the work of his group at a recent monthly meeting of the South Texas Manufacturers Association. The event was held at Rancho Viejo.
Aleman spoke about development of the Brownsville I-169 North Corridor Industrial Park, the Air & Space Campus at Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport, GBIC’s partnership with the Matamoros Economic Development Committee (CODEM), bringing in training funds via the Texas Skills Development Fund, collaborating with SelectUSA, securing Texas Enterprise Zone designation for Keppel AmFELS and DHR Health, launching the 2022 BTX Grant Program, the expansion of SpaceX at Boca Chica, the Astreia sustainable living project, the arrival in Brownsville of the Paragon drone vertical takeoff and landing company, attracting space industry companies to his city, and MVP Plastics expanding in Brownsville to serve Mexican clients.
Here is an audio recording of Aleman’s presentation.
MCALLEN, Texas - NextDecade’s senior vice president for policy and corporate affairs has spoken about the potential of Liquefied Natural Gas export terminals at the Port of Brownsville.
David Keane gave an in-depth presentation about the latest developments in energy exports at a recent Texas Association of Business/Rio Grande Valley Partnership Business Summit held at the McAllen Convention Center.
Here is everything Keane said at the event.
MCALLEN, Texas - Kurt Knight-Turcan, Enbridge’s director for business development, has spoken about his company’s natural gas pipeline activities in South Texas.
Knight-Turcan gave an in-depth presentation at a recent Texas Association of Business/Rio Grande Valley Partnership Business Summit held at the McAllen Convention Center.
Here is everything Knight-Turcan said at the event.
MCALLEN, Texas - Eduardo “Eddie” Campirano, port director for Brownsville Navigation District, says he is “enthusiastically optimistic” about business activity at the Port of Brownsville, including construction of liquefied natural gas export terminals.
Campirano gave an in-depth presentation about the latest developments at his port at a recent Texas Association of Business/Rio Grande Valley Partnership Business Summit held at the McAllen Convention Center.
Here is everything Campirano said at the event.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - State Sen. Eddie Lucio of Brownsville says if he lived in Congressman Henry Cuellar’s district he would vote for him.
Lucio appeared on a Ron Whitlock Reports show on Monday to endorse his good friend from Laredo. The two were desk mates when they served together in the Texas House of Representatives in the late 1980s.
Cuellar also appeared on the show via Zoom. Another guest of veteran broadcaster Ron Whitlock’s was Tony Knopp, political science professor emeritus at UT-Rio Grande Valley.
Cuellar is up for election today in the Democratic Party runoff election for Congressional District 28. His opponent is Laredo attorney Jessica Cisneros. Whitlock said he had reached out to the Cisneros camp for a response to the Lucio endorsement of Cuellar.
Kicking off the show, Whitlock explained he has endorsed Cuellar in previous elections and was doing so again. He said Cuellar was largely responsible for bringing in $17 million to dredge the ship channel at Port Mansfield, which is in Lucio’s district but not Cuellar’s. Whitlock said that initial investment will likely generate $250 million in infrastructure projects because the port will now be able to handle barge traffic.
“Amazing” was the word Whitlock used to describe the fact that Cuellar secured the federal funding for Port Mansfield in just five weeks. Noting that Port Mansfield is located in the poorest county in Texas, Willacy, Whitlock said the investment would be “transformational.”
Editor's Note: The read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The executive director of Workforce Solutions Cameron says 70 percent of tomorrow’s jobs will not require a four-year degree.
Pat Hobbs spoke about the workforce needs of industry at a recent Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation conference held at the Brownsville Events Center. The event was titled Inquieta - Women Maximizing their Impact.
Hobbs said he could count on two hands the number of jobs that require four years of higher education.
This podcast features an interview Rio Grande Guardian International News Service editor Steve Taylor secured with Hobbs immediately after his presentation at the GBIC event.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Fifty seven thousand nurses are needed in Texas by 2032, says the Texas Workforce Commission’s Julian Alvarez.
The labor representative on TWC spoke about the shortage of nurses at a recent Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation conference held at the Brownsville Events Center. The event was titled Inquieta - Women Maximizing their Impact.
Alvarez said TWC is working with higher education institutions and the Texas Board of Nursing to address the shortage.
After the conference, Alvarez spoke with Rio Grande Guardian International News Service editor Steve Taylor about the shortage of nurses in Texas.
MERCEDES, Texas - Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Extension has launched its first government contracting academy in the Rio Grande Valley.
Titled the B.I.D. (Business in Development) Academy, the 7-week curriculum-based course teaches the skills necessary to compete and win state government contracts with a State of Texas HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) certification.
The program has been developed by the Community and Economic Development (CED) Unit of the Cooperative Extension Program at Prairie View A&M University. It is aimed at limited-resource communities.
In this podcast, Rio Grande Guardian International News Service editor Steve Taylor interviews CED Willacy County Agent Megan Rodriguez and CED Hidalgo County Agent Rina Castillo.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Helen Ramirez, executive director of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, has explained her strategy for overcoming any stigma associated with businesses relocating to the border region.
Ramirez mentioned that GBIC has to work hard to overcome negative perceptions fostered by the national media when she spoke at a recent conference.
The conference, titled Inquieta - Women Maximizing their Impact, was hosted by GBIC and held at the Brownsville Events Center.
Interviewed after the event, Ramirez spoke about the importance of the conference, a huge new industrial park GBIC wants to develop and overcoming negative perceptions.
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas - Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr., says a proposal from one of his predecessors to build an arena on South Padre Island is not viable.
Former Cameron County Judge Carlos Cascos has been vocal in his opposition to building an arena as part of the Madeira master planned project on the corner of I-69 East and State Highway 100. Instead, said Cascos, such an arena should be built on SPI.
Voters will decide on the Cameron County Arena project in the Saturday, May 7, elections.
In an interview with Ron Whitlock Reports, Treviño said Cascos’ idea has already been considered by Cameron County Commissioners Court and deemed not viable.
“Perhaps he (Cascos) has not been to the island any time in the recent past but now it is bumper to bumper in the evenings,” Treviño said. “One of the issues we want to address with the location is to avoid that delay in getting to and from a particular concert.”
Treviño said even if a second causeway was up and running there could still, potentially, be bumper to bumper traffic. He also noted that concert goers from Brownsville, Harlingen, and the upper Rio Grande Valley would have further to travel if an arena were built on SPI.
“We are trying to create it so that it is quicker to get to these events, not delay it and make it even longer,” Treviño said.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
MCALLEN, Texas - Vijay Sundaram, chief strategy officer of Zoho Corporation, has given the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service an exclusive interview about his company’s decision to set up an office in McAllen, Texas.
Zoho is a global software development and technology company based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Its U.S. headquarters was previously in California but is now in Austin, Texas. Its new office in the McAllen Foreign Trade Zone currently has 25 employees—with plans to the double headcount by next year.
In his interview, Sundaram spoke about the culture of Zoho and how it shuns the major metropolitan areas. He said the company is happy to set up operations in provincial areas and train the local workforce. He also spoke about how he and the Zoho leadership found something special in McAllen - a willingness of various stakeholders to work together in order to make the company welcome.
The interview took place on April 20 at the official announcement that Zoho was launching an office in McAllen.
“The idea was to find places where we can be rooted in the community. So… we didn’t even know McAllen, until not too long ago. And when we came in here and met people, saw the Valley, see the educational system, saw the willingness of the community to engage… in many ways… I have been in business for a number of years and an entrepreneur myself. But, 25 years ago, and that is what today’s session reminded me of, 25 years ago I was in the city of Singapore, trying to set up an office for my then company. And I was impressed with how different parts of the city came together. There were financiers, there was economic development, there was education, there was the political leadership, all coming together to welcome us. Twenty five years later I am seeing that here. I haven’t it since. So, I feel like the notion of a community putting all these elements together to promote it, it is unusual. It does not usually happen in America,” Sundaram said.
MISSION, Texas - Mission Mayor Armando O’Caña has addressed claims from one of his political opponents that good ethics have not been at the forefront during his first term in the city’s hot seat.
One of his political opponents has claimed O’Caña is the subject of an FBI investigation with regard to a contract the City of Mission entered into with Performance Services, Inc., to update the city’s water utility system. The vote to approve the $20 million project was taken in June 2020 O’Caña was one of the council members who voted “yes.” The vote was 3-2.
Asked how he responds to claims that he received a kickback for his vote, O’Caña said: “Obviously, when you get stoned like that, from the other side, a lot of people begin to doubt. But, I can tell you right away, those that have known me for many, many, years, know that I have a track record and my record has always been clean. And it continues to be clean.”
O’Caña continued: “I have not taken any bribes from anybody and I haven’t given any bribes to anybody. Basically, I do not know where they (my critics) are coming from, other than they are jealous of the progress we have been making for the last four years and the fact that Mission has begin to shine. It is a shame that the negativism begins to override the beautiful city of Mission, as far as that is concerned.”
O’Caña said he could throw dirt also but chooses not to.
“If you look at my side, how many negative ads have you seen? Do I have information about the negativism about my opponents? Oh, definitely. But am I going to share it with you, no. Why? Because we are very positive and we run very positive campaign.”
Asked if he can overcome being “stoned” by his critics, O’Caña said: “I know we are going to override it. First of all, I know we have God’s blessing. The fact that we have God’s blessing and God’s guidance on it, we are always having the shield of Christ with us. The devil can come any time he wants to but they are not going to be successful.”
In the podcast, Mayor O’Caña also spoke about the growth of Mission, both with retail and commercial development. In fact, it has become something of a catchphrase for O’Cana during the election campaign that, “Mission is booming.”
O’Caña pointed out that there was no development on the corner of Business 83 and Shary Road when he took over as mayor. Now, he says, an investor has come in and is constructing over 100 houses valued at $200,000 each. A Circle K is coming at this location, O’Caña said, along with more stores and offices.
One of the biggest private projects underway in Mission is the development of a large industrial park near Anzalduas International Bridge. This is being developed by Killam. O’Caña said he hopes to have a groundbreaking ceremony for this project soon.
Mission’s skyline is changing also, O’Caña pointed out. In a previous story, the Rio Grande Guardian speculated that Mission could have a skyscraper. Asked if that was over-hyping things, O’Caña said it actually helped his efforts to bring more tower blocks to the city. Because of the news article, he said, other developers have approached him and he now has four towers in the works.
O’Caña also gave an update on the Madero International Bridge, fixing Mission’s drainage problems, and beautifying his city’s downtown.
MISSION, Texas - If elected mayor of Mission, Norie Gonzalez Garza says she will work to get a higher education institution established in her city.
Mission has so far missed out in securing any campuses or clinics associated with UT-Rio Grande Valley or its School of Medicine. Perhaps that has something to do with the fact that the City of Mission decided not to help UTRGV financially when it was getting up and running. While other big cities in Hidalgo County, such as Edinburg, McAllen and Pharr contributed millions of dollars to UTRGV in its early days, Mission declined.
In a podcast with the Rio Grande Guardian, Gonzalez Garza said that if elected mayor on May 7, she would start discussions immediately with UTRGV and South Texas College to secure a higher education presence in her city.
Gonzalez Garza has served on Mission City Council as a council member for 15 years. She said she was now securing the top slot, mayor, in order to restore better ethical standards.
MISSION, Texas - Former Mission Mayor Norberto ‘Beto’ Salinas says he is running for the top job in his city again in order to right the wrongs of the current administration.
There is a hotly-contested four-way mayoral race currently under way in the Rio Grande Valley’s fourth largest city. Salinas is challenging Mayor Armando ‘Mando’ O’Caña, current City Commissioner Norie Gonzalez-Garza, and UT-Rio Grande Valley student Victor Anzalduas for the top slot.
Salinas, a land developer, served as mayor of Mission for 20 years, from 1998 to 2018. In 2018, he was narrowly defeated by O’Caña.
Salinas recently sat down for an in-depth interview with Rio Grande Guardian editor Steve Taylor to discuss his platform. In the interview, he pulled no punches.
“You can see the difference. From the 23rd safest city in Texas to the 78th now. So. what’s happening? There’s no leadership,” Salinas said.
“That is why I am running, because people have come to me. I have enough work as it is right now, with my business. But, I am willing to give it four more years, just one term, to straighten this whole thing out. And get somebody in the next election who is going to be knowledgeable about the city and is going to care about the city.”
RANCHO VIEJO, Texas - Texas-based economist M. Ray Perryman was the keynote speaker at Brownsville Navigation District's recent State of the Port Address.
Topics covered included supply chain issues, inflation, the economic impact of the war in Ukraine, and workforce development. The Rio Grande Guardian International News Servicehas two stories on Perryman's speech. After Perryman's speech, veteran Rio Grande Valley broadcaster Ron Whitlock interviewed the economist about energy policy in Texas. This podcast features Perryman's interview with Whitlock.
MCALLEN, Texas - The director of food and nutrition for South Texas Health System in McAllen has praised the work of Amigos Del Valle.
Patrick Woodin said the nonprofit serves about 5,000 people with its meals-on-wheels service at any one time in Hidalgo, Cameron and Starr counties. However, he feels sure the demand for nutritious meals is much greater than that.
“Amigos Del Valle is a great organization,” Woodin said. “It is an organization that provides meals on wheels. It is a federal program. So long as you are 60 years old they will take you three square meals a day, balanced meals that follow federal guidelines.”
Woodin praised ADV during an interview at a recent STHS symposium on diabetes. He was asked about the Rio Grande Valley’s so-called “food deserts,” areas in the region where people that do not have their own vehicle cannot access a grocery or supermarket because there is no public transportation.
Woodin said food deserts can be overcome through groups like ADV.
“If you do not have access to get the food, there is the ability of organizations to take the food to the individuals. So, take advantage of that program. I think they are only serving 5,000 meals locally. I am sure there is the potential to serve hundreds of thousands,” Woodin said.
According to its website, ADV has operated for 46 years and has assisted approximately 110,422 seniors through the provision of 15,758,697 meals, with 12,800,965 of the meals delivered to the homes of Valley seniors.
Woodin said communications problems are to blame for people not accessing groups like ADV.
“People do not realize. All you have to be is 60. Let’s say you are 60 and your spouse is 50, your spouse qualifies for that program through you. Not a lot of people know about it.”
In the attached podcast, Rio Grande Guardian International News Service editor Steve Taylor interviews Woodin and Lesley Garcia, registered dietitian for STHS-McAllen.
PHARR, Texas - Joined by trucking company owner and a cold storage facility owner, gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke held a news conference near the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge last week.
The news conference was held inside the Keystone Cold facility on South Keystone Drive in Pharr. Keystone Cold LLC is an independent third party logistics and cold storage warehousing operation serving both small and large importers of fresh fruits and vegetables from Mexico.
O’Rourke held the news conference to protest Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision to instruct Department of Public Safety troopers to inspect 100 percent of all commercial vehicles crossing into Texas from Mexico. The inspections caused international bridges to grind to a halt.
“This is the consequence of meeting the legitimate challenges that we have with the kind of political stunts that Greg Abbott is using right now,” O’Rourke said.
O’Rourke chose Pharr for his news conference because a huge percentage of fresh produce from Mexico crosses the city’s land port of entry.
According to the City of Pharr, the truck inspections policy caused average border wait times to increase to an average of ten to 12 hours. The average value of produce on each truck is $45,421. The total estimated trade value lost per day was $202 million. The total estimated trade value lost during the week the inspections were in force was $1 billion.
Here is the audio from O’Rourke’s news conference.
WESLACO, Texas - Texas Governor Greg Abbott and with Tamaulipas Governor Francisco Garcia Cabeza de Vaca met in Weslaco, Texas, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between their states.
The agreement aims to enhance border security measures in order to prevent undocumented immigration and drugs crossing from Tamaulipas to Texas and improve the flow of traffic across the bridges between Tamaulipas and Texas.
The agreement goes into effect immediately.
Under the agreement, Tamaulipas will increase inspections of northbound trucks. As a result, the Texas Department of Public Safety will no longer inspect all the trucks coming into Texas from Tamaulipas.
This podcast contains everything that was said at the meeting between Abbott and Garcia Cabeza de Vaca.
LAREDO, Texas - Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Nuevo León Governor Samuel Alejandro García Sepúlveda met at the Colombia Solidarity International Bridge to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between their states.
The agreement aims to enhance border security measures in order to prevent undocumented immigration and drugs crossing from Nuevo León into Texas and improve the flow of traffic across the Colombia Solidarity International Bridge, the one land port of entry that links Nuevo León and Texas.
The agreement goes into effect immediately.
Under the agreement, Nuevo León will increase inspections of trucks crossing into Texas. As a result, the Texas Department of Public Safety will no longer inspect all the trucks coming into Texas from Nuevo León.
This podcast contains everything that was said at the meeting between Abbott and García Sepúlveda.
AUSTIN, Texas - Texas Governor Greg Abbott and with Coahuila Governor Miguel Ángel Riquelme Solís met at the state Capitol in Austin to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between their states.
The agreement aims to enhance border security measures in order to prevent undocumented immigration and drugs from crossing Coahuila into Texas and improve the flow of traffic across the bridges between Coahuila and Texas.
The agreement goes into effect immediately.
Under the agreement, Coahuila will increase inspections of trucks crossing into Texas. As a result, the Texas Department of Public Safety will no longer inspect all the trucks coming into Texas from Coahuila.
Here is everything that was said at the meeting between Abbott and Riquelme Solís.
AUSTIN, Texas - Texas Governor Greg Abbott and with Chihuahua Governor María Eugenia Campos Galván met at the state Capitol in Austin to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between their states.
The agreement aims to enhance border security measures in order to prevent undocumented immigration and drugs crossing from Chihuahua into Texas and improve the flow of traffic across the bridges between Chihuahua and Texas.
The agreement goes into effect immediately.
Under the agreement, Chihuahua will increase inspections of trucks crossing into Texas. As a result, the Texas Department of Public Safety will no longer inspect all the trucks coming into Texas from Chihuahua.
Here is everything that was said at the meeting between Abbott and Campos Galván.
MCALLEN, Texas - South Texas College President Ricardo J. Solis says the traditional ways of learning in higher education are no longer relevant to the workplace.
At a ribbon-cutting ceremony held to celebrate a new industry-recognized customs specialist course, Solis said four-year degree programs are no longer the best way to meet the needs of industry. Rather, he said, the trade school approach and industry-recognized certificates are more becoming more important.
“As I mentioned earlier, higher education is evolving. I alluded to… it is broken. And we have to change it to more relevancy,” Solis said.
Solis said revamping the way higher education is provided was already underway before the coronavirus pandemic hit. Now, he said, the need to change is even more obvious.
“We definitely know that we have to get more precise in bringing opportunities to not only the high school students but even the present adults, your 30- to 50- to 60-year olds that need that change and need that connectivity to industry.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate a partnership between STC, the National Educational Institute at the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America and the Mid-Valley Customs Brokers Association. The partnership will see a new course being offered at STC’s technology campus in south McAllen - an industry-recognized course to train students for a career in customs brokerage.
Solis said he knows from personal experience that industry-recognized certificates are the way to go.
“Customs specialist? This definitely resonates to me. I remember back in 1985 when I wasted three years going to a top graduate school in California,” Solis said.
“When I finished and started working at the Port of Brownsville I realized how much I did not know.”
Solis said that once in the workforce he took a six-month course to learn more about the customs industry. He said he learned more about transportation, logistics, the identification of products, the way trade is conducted in different countries, and rules of origin by going on such a course.
“The traditional route is not the way to go. We have better, more relevant avenues and models,” he said.
MCALLEN, Texas - Customs broker Federico Zuniga recently spoke at a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by South Texas College.
Zuniga is director of the National Educational Institute at the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA).
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate a partnership between STC, NCBFAA and the Mid-Valley Customs Brokers Association. The partnership will see a new course being offered at STC’s technology campus in south McAllen - an industry-recognized course to train students for a career in the customs brokerage.
Zuniga pointed out that his grandfather and father were in the international trade industry. He said more customs brokers are needed to cope with the increase in international trade. And, he said, those entering the profession can make a good living.
“This area is primed for growth beyond our imagination,” Zuniga said.
EDINBURG, Texas - The CEO of the Museum of South Texas says cities that are more tolerant and have a good cultural arts scene tend to be more economically vibrant.
Francisco Guajardo spoke about the subject at a recent Edinburg2040 town hall meeting. The meeting was held at the Edinburg Boys & Girls Club.
Guajardo said Edinburg, with its university, museum, and school district, is different.
“If you look at the arts across South Texas, Edinburg has been a leader in the generation of the arts, in the generation of the creatives,” Guajardo said. “Creativity breeds tolerance, attracts people to the place. And other places don’t quite have that.”
Guajardo, a former professor at UT-Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, cited a well known book by Richard Florida, “The Rise of the Creative Class.” Citing the author, Guajardo said: “The most creative communities in this country are the communities that invest in the arts. And those communities tend to be the most tolerant communities. And it just so happens that those communities tend to be the most economically vibrant communities.”
Guajardo added: “So, squash creativity and you you squash economic development. You squash tolerance people won’t want to come here. This community is not that. This community invites difference. And that is a virtue, I think.”
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – In a Zoom interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Helen Ramirez has discussed a new project that will see 125 net zero carbon rental homes built in Brownsville.
Ramirez is deputy city manager for the City of Brownsville and executive director of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation.
The new project comes from Astreia, which describes itself as a vertically-integrated developer. The company says its mission is to build low-carbon footprint homes and sustainable communities.
Astreia recently announced plans to develop Habitat Zero, its first build-for-rent neighborhood, in Brownsville. It is said to be the first development of its kind, not just in Texas but the whole of the United States.
Habitat Zero will offer 125 homes complete with solar panels, Tesla Powerwall batteries and 30 EV chargers throughout the community.
“We are very excited about this project,” Ramirez said. “They found a beautiful property on a resaca and really a straight shoot to the airport and SpaceX. We are very excited about being the first city to approve such a project.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - In a Zoom interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Helen Ramirez has discussed Pineapple RE Holdings’ proposed five-story Hilton Garden Inn.
Ramirez is deputy city manager for the City of Brownsville and executive director of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation.
Last month, Brownsville City Commission approved a funding agreement for the Hilton project. The operator, Pineapple RE Holdings LP, plans to build a five-story Hilton Garden Inn in a high traffic and retail area on W. Morrison Road.
The prototype will be built on a five-acre site and will feature a minimum of 150 guest rooms. Some of the amenities will include a full-service restaurant and bar, minimum of 10,000 square foot conference and meeting space, swimming pool, health spa and fitness, a sundry shop and Wi-Fi in all guest rooms and hotel public spaces.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service to read the full story.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - In a Zoom interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Helen Ramirez has discussed the Madeira Texas Living master-planned community project.
Ramirez is deputy city manager for the City of Brownsville and executive director of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation.
The Madeira project encompasses 1,300 acres of land just east of I-69 East and just south of State Highway 100, just north of Brownsville. Working with Cameron County, Brownsville leaders have set up a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone to help finance the cost of the project.
There could be as many as 3,000 residential lots, six miles of commercial property on the frontage of I-69 East, as part of 290 acres of mixed use development. The project will see over 13 miles off hike and bike trails, community parks, pools, tennis courts, clubhouses for Madeira members, restaurants, retail shopping, and, if voters approve, an arena.
This podcast includes the segment of the Zoom interview that focuses on the Madeira Texas Living project.
To read the full story, go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
MCALLEN, Texas - According to surveys and medical records, one in ten people in the United States have diabetes, while one in every five people do not know they have the disease.
The numbers in the Rio Grande Valley are believed to be even higher.
This has prompted South Texas Health System to host a Diabetes Symposium at South Texas College in McAllen on Saturday, March 26, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event, titled Prevent, Treat, Beat Diabetes, takes place in the Student Union (Building U) on STC’s Pecan Campus.
STHS’s partners for the symposium are STC and Prominence Health Plan.
Tom Castañeda, system director of marketing and public relations for STHS, points out that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by making healthy lifestyle choices and managing the disease with help from one’s doctor.
“There is no denying that diabetes is a serious health issue in the Rio Grande Valley. Unfortunately, many people don’t even know they have the disease. While genetics may play a role for some, you can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by making healthy lifestyle choices and working closely with your doctor to manage the disease,” Castañeda told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
“Prominence Health Plan and South Texas Health System are committed to helping all members of the community prioritize their health. This first-of-its-kind conference, with dedicated tracks for seniors, adults & families, caregivers and children – all offering audience-appropriate education and resources – will arm the community with everything they need to prevent, treat and beat diabetes in their lives and those of their loved ones. Together we can curb the diabetes epidemic in the Valley!”
Castañeda said those attending the symposium can learn about ways to keep one’s health in check, including:
- Diabetes education seminars, led by local healthcare professionals
- Exercise and cooking demonstrations geared to specific groups - such as kids, adults, seniors, and caregivers.
- Health checks and screenings
- Information and resource connections at the expo.
To register for the symposium and to find a complete schedule of presentations and activities, go to www.STHSEducation.com.
For more information about the symposium contact Veronica Galligan at (956) 821-9569 or Veronica.Galliogan@uhsuinc.com.
The attached podcast features Tom Castañeda.
After a two year hiatus caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Day of the Tourist returned on Monday, March 21, at the Nuevo Progreso International Bridge.
The day-long celebrations are held by the cities of Nuevo Progreso and Rio Bravo, Mexico, to honor the Winter Texans that flock to the restaurants, bars, dentists, doctors, and street vendors located close to the Progreso-Nuevo Progreso International Bridge.
The mayors of Progreso and Nuevo Progreso meet symbolically in the middle of the bridge to celebrate friendship between the two communities.
This was the 46th year the celebrations have been held. The Day of the Tourist is held in March before Winter Texans return to their homes in the northern states.
This year’s Señor Turisto was Hidalgo County Commissioner David Fuentes.
“I think Tourism Day is a great expression of showing our gratitude to the Winter Texans who spend four to six months here every year,” Fuentes said.
“Unfortunately because of Covid, we have seen the effects economically over the last two years. We know how essential the Winter Texan visitors are to our economy on both sides of the border. Having an appreciation day like we did goes a long way into showing our gratitude for them coming down each year.”
The attractions in Nuevo Progreso is one of the reasons the Rio Grande Valley is a destination place for Winter Texans, Fuentes said.
“It provides a sense of entertainment and recreation, which, along with activities like golf, birding, and the beach, it is another activity that they can look forward to each day.”
Marga Lopez, bridge director for the Progreso International Bridge was named Señora Turista.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read the full story.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The City of Brownsville has been named a winner in IDC Government Insights’ fifth annual Smart Cities North America Awards.
Brownsville was recognized for their efforts on the Connect Brownsville project in Digital Equity and Accessibility.
The awards were designed to recognize the progress North American municipalities have made in executing Smart Cities projects, as well as providing a forum for sharing best practices to help accelerate Smart City development in the region.
Winners will be honored at Smart Cities Connect being held April 4-7, 2022, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio where Deputy City Manager, Helen Ramirez, will be participating on a panel on Urban Infrastructure and accepting the award on behalf of the city.
“It is an honor for the city to be named the winner in the category of Digital Equity and Accessibility. For the past couple of years, we have worked hard to bridge the digital divide in the City of Brownsville and address problems in the city via digital solutions. The hard work is starting to pay off and we have the attention of the rest of the County. I’m happy to be a part of it," said Mayor Trey Mendez on the award.
In the attached podcast, Ramirez discusses the Connect Brownsville project and the IDC Government Insights award.
MCALLEN, Texas - Pedro "Pete" Alvarez, the Pharr District engineer for TxDOT, recently gave a presentation on the projects his office is currently working on in the Rio Grande Valley.
The presentation was made at a State of Real Estate Forum that was hosted by Edwards Abstract & Title Co. and held at the McAllen Convention Center. The presentation lasted just under 20 minutes.
After the presentation, Alvarez took questions from the audience. The questions included topics such as I-69, a 2nd Causeway for South Padre Island, and toll roads.
Here is the Q&A.
MCALLEN, Texas - Pedro "Pete" Alvarez, the Pharr District engineer for TxDOT, recently gave a presentation on the projects his office is currently working on in the Rio Grande Valley.
The presentation was made at a State of Real Estate Forum that was hosted by Edwards Abstract & Title Co. and held at the McAllen Convention Center. The presentation lasted just under 20 minutes.
Alvarez reported that the entire portfolio of projects TxDOT has identified for the Valley would cost $10.5 billion. “We will get $2.2 billion over the next ten years. To get to $10.5 billion, that is 50 years worth of funding, folks. Simple math,” Alvarez said.
Here is everything Alvarez said in his presentation.
MCALLEN, Texas - Jorge Torres, president and co-founder of InterLink Trade Services, has produced another webinar on the USMCA trade agreement.
He does these twice a year in conjunction with McAllen Economic Development Corporation.
During his most recent webinar, Torres discussed supply chain disruptions in Southeast Asia. He said Mexico is benefiting because U.S. manufacturing companies and their supplies are relocating to the country in order to be closer to their North American customers.
Reynosa is among the beneficiaries, Torres reported.
This podcast focuses on Torres’s remarks about supply chain disruptions.
HARLINGEN, TEXAS - Valley Baptist Health System CEO Manny Vela said he was brought up with the mantra that one always gave credit where credit was due.
He said he wanted to give credit to the leadership of Cameron County during the COVID-19 pandemic because, led by County Judge Eddie Treviño, the county leadership had made an “incredible effort.”
Vela said the public-private partnership the county created in response to the pandemic was the best in Texas. He said that partnership has saved countless lives.
Vela asked the Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce if it would co-host a Leadership Appreciation event with Valley Baptist. He said the chamber jumped right on board. The result was a mixer held at the chamber on Monday, Feb. 28.
This podcast features the remarks of Manny Vela and Judge Treviño from the Leadership Appreciation event.
PHARR, Texas - Hidalgo County Commissioner Eduardo “Eddie” Cantu says one of his proudest achievements has been building an inclusive park for Precinct 2.
The park, which is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, is one of the largest of its kind in South Texas.
Cantu was recently invited by the Disability Advocates Coalition-RGV to speak at a Disability Issues Forum. “I am proud of the Inclusivity projects we have undertaken at Precinct 2, beginning with the first large Inclusive Park in all of South Texas, the Pct 2 Inclusive Park. I am committed to creating inclusive environments for both children and adults and I look forward to our next projects for the disability community.”
Cantu started working with a special needs advocacy group to build an inclusive park in Precinct 2 when a local city dropped the idea. He said building inclusive parks does not just help the disabled. He said it also helps “change the mindset of people.”
Asked if the park is one of his proudest achievements in public office, Cantu said: “Absolutely.”
Meanwhile, Cantu said, the hiring of a disabled worker, Jose, has brought a sense of community to the Precinct 2 workforce. “He has probably taught us more than we have taught him,” Cantu said.
The commissioner noted that the new hike and bike trail in Precinct 2 is also inclusive. “I see a lot of people with special needs out on the hike and bike trail,” he said proudly.
In the attached podcast, Commissioner Cantu speaks about the importance of building inclusive parks. He said he hopes all new parks will be built in this format in the future. And he speaks about a scholarship fund he has set up to help special needs students attending UT-Rio Grande Valley.
MCALLEN, Texas - Four state lawmakers from the Rio Grande Valley were asked what was the most important negative piece of legislation passed last session for the region.
Reps. Terry Canales of Edinburg, Sergio Muñoz of Mission, R.D. ‘Bobby’ Guerra of McAllen, and Oscar Longoria of La Joya were asked the question by moderator Jim Darling, the former mayor of McAllen, at a McAllen Chamber of Commerce event.
Held at the Radisson McAllen Airport Hotel, the event was titled “Legislative Update Luncheon." The master of ceremonies was Dr. Fred Farias, chairman of the McAllen Chamber’s government affairs council.
This podcast has the answers from the four Rio Grande Valley lawmakers.
MCALLEN, Texas - Four state lawmakers from the Rio Grande Valley were asked what is one specific area that needs to be addressed in the next legislative session.
Reps. Terry Canales of Edinburg, Sergio Muñoz of Mission, R.D. ‘Bobby’ Guerra of McAllen, and Oscar Longoria of La Joya were asked the question by moderator Jim Darling, the former mayor of McAllen, at a McAllen Chamber of Commerce event.
Held at the Radisson McAllen Airport Hotel, the event was titled “Legislative Update Luncheon." The master of ceremonies was Dr. Fred Farias, chairman of the McAllen Chamber’s government affairs council.
This podcast has the answers from the four Rio Grande Valley lawmakers.
MCALLEN, Texas - Four state lawmakers from the Rio Grande Valley were asked what was the most important positive piece of legislation passed last session for the region.
Reps. Terry Canales of Edinburg, Sergio Muñoz of Mission, R.D. ‘Bobby’ Guerra of McAllen, and Oscar Longoria of La Joya were asked the question by moderator Jim Darling, the former mayor of McAllen, at a McAllen Chamber of Commerce event.
Held at the Radisson McAllen Airport Hotel, the event was titled “Legislative Update Luncheon." The master of ceremonies was Dr. Fred Farias, chairman of the McAllen Chamber’s government affairs council.
This podcast has the answers from the four Rio Grande Valley lawmakers.
MCALLEN, Texas - Four state lawmakers from the Rio Grande Valley were asked what has changed the most in the Legislature over the past ten years.
Reps. Terry Canales of Edinburg, Sergio Muñoz of Mission, R.D. ‘Bobby’ Guerra of McAllen, and Oscar Longoria of La Joya were asked the question by moderator Jim Darling, the former mayor of McAllen, at a McAllen Chamber of Commerce event.
Held at the Radisson McAllen Airport Hotel, the event was titled “Legislative Update Luncheon." The master of ceremonies was Dr. Fred Farias, chairman of the McAllen Chamber’s government affairs council.
This podcast has the answers from the four Rio Grande Valley lawmakers.
HIDALGO, Texas - Hidalgo County Commissioner Eduardo 'Eddie' Cantu has spoken in depth about the Dicker Road expansion project in south Pharr and Hidalgo.
Cantu said the east-west corridor will spur economic development, in addition to providing an alternative route for trucks going to and from the Pharr International Bridge from the west McAllen and Mission area.
Here is a podcast on the topic.
EDINBURG, TEXAS - For the latest in our Meet the Candidate podcast series, Rio Grande Guardian editor Steve Taylor met up with John Villarreal Rigney.
Villarreal Rigney, a Democrat, is running for the open Texas Congressional District 15 seat. The seat is open because incumbent U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez has moved to a neighboring district.
In the podcast, Villarreal Rigney, an attorney and small businessman, listed some of his priorities. On education he said he would work to increase teacher pay and benefits and provide better resources for public education. On veterans’ issues, Villarreal Rigney said he would work to upgrade the GI Bill and the VA Home Loan program. On healthcare, he said he would fight to provide more affordable prescription drugs, provide accessible healthcare for special needs children, and expand benefits for disabled Americans.
On economic opportunity, Villarreal Rigney said he would strongly support small businesses and support a living wage in South Texas.
“The business community in the Valley is huge. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They need representation in Washington,” Villarreal Rigney said.
“Business leaders came up to me and said, John, you would be perfect for this.”
Villarreal Rigney pointed out he has been endorsed by others who were thinking of running for CD 15, such as Roberto Haddad, of DHR Health, and Hidalgo County’s Health Authority, Dr. Ivan Melendez, MD.
He added: “My top issues? Everything is going to be related to family. Border security, healthcare, education, it all relates back to our family. Protecting our law enforcement officers, our front line responders, all of that is part of my family agenda.”
MCALLEN, Texas - For the latest in our Meet the Candidate podcast series, Rio Grande Guardian editor Steve Taylor met up with Tania Ramirez.
A Democrat, Ramirez is running for Hidalgo County Judge. She currently sits on the McAllen City Commission.
In the podcast, Ramirez, an attorney, says Hidalgo County will "continue to fall behind" without new and bold leadership.
“We used to be the seventh most populous county in Texas, but now are the eighth because of a lack of outreaching during the census count, losing state and federal funds,” Ramirez said.
“We should not be afraid of innovation. During the census, I created the ‘Somos Humanos Todos Contamos’ Census Telethon, and worked with cities like Pharr, Mission, and our county commissioners.”
Ramirez points out this event was nationally recognized by MarketWatch and helped the City of McAllen to be recognized as the Texas City Council of the Year 2020 by the Texas City Managers Association.
“When elected, I promise to build a more innovative, transparent, and unified Hidalgo County. I will uplift the voice of The People, and make sure the county implements thoughtful and targeted policies with an eye to the future. Together, we can start the hard work of improving Hidalgo County’s tomorrow, today,” Ramirez said.
MCALLEN, Texas - For the latest in our Meet the Candidate podcast series, Rio Grande Guardian editor Steve Taylor met up with Hilda Garza DeShazo.
A Republican, Garza DeShazo is running for the District 2 slot on the Texas State Board of Education.
Garza DeShazo graduated from McAllen High School. She earned a bachelor's degree in English and speech and a master's degree in public school administration from the University of Texas-Pan American. Her career experience includes working as a teacher and a principal.
Garza DeShazo is a former member of the McAllen ISD school board of trustees. In 2016 she ran as the Republican candidate for Texas House District 41, which is centered in McAllen.
COMBES, Texas - A mixed use development spanning 26 acres adjacent to I-69 East will be unveiled within the next few weeks by the City of Combes, Hanna Development, and Silva Management Solutions, LLC.
The project, to be titled Crosswind Landing, will include a wellness center, 90 high-end apartments, a walking trail around a lake, two commercial retail centers, and, later, a hotel. The project is to be built on the southeast corner of I-69 E and Templeton Street, otherwise known as FM 107.
“This project, once it is done, is going to bring over $30 million to the City of Combes, in investment dollars,” said Mark Hanna, an investment specialist with Hanna Solutions.
Hanna said groundbreaking for the infrastructure investment should begin within the next 45 days. He thanked Combes Mayor Marco Sanchez, the Combes City Commission, and Combes Economic Development Corporation.
“Together we are going to put Combes on the map and it is going to be for the right reasons, great reasons,” Hanna added.
RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas - Rio Grande Guardian editor Steve Taylor recently met up with educator, organizer and activist Tannya Benavides from Laredo.
A leader in Laredo’s No Border Wall Coalition, Benavides is running in the Democratic Party primary for Congressional District 28. .
She is a graduate of Texas State University and Johns Hopkins University.
Taylor wanted to meet up with Benavides after she was denied the opportunity to explain her campaign at a planned candidate forum that was to be hosted by RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Taylor was due to moderate the forum, which was scheduled to be held at South Texas College’s Rio Grande City campus. Benavides confirmed her attendance at the forum but her opponents in the CD 28 primary, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar and Jessica Cisneros signaled they would not attend. Reluctantly, RGVHCC President Cynthia Sakulenzki had to cancel the forum because the group has a policy of not holding such forums when only one candidate is available. To compensate for the fact that no CD 28 candidate forum was to be held in the Rio Grande Valley this primary season, Taylor scheduled a Meet the Candidate podcast with Benavides.
Benavides said the goal of her campaign was to uplift all the voices in CD 28. She said that, if elected, she would represent all residents in the district. “For far too long, South Texans have been sidelined in the political process by representatives who do not understand the everyday experiences of working-class families or share their community’s interests,” Benavides said.
Benavides said her platform includes Medicare For All, advancing Green New Deal legislation, immigration reform, worker’s rights, investment in infrastructure, protections for seasonal migrant workers, educational justice, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ rights.
PHARR, Texas - A candidate for State Board of Education in south Texas says he will push for teacher pay raises if elected to office.
Victor Perez acknowledges that funding for pay raises does not ordinarily come from SBOE. Rather, local districts raise money through property taxes and the Legislature provides additional funds based upon student attendance.
However, the former school principal, teacher and coach says he will have influence in Austin that some of his election opponents lack.
“The State Board does have funding. It has an account to fund stipends or teacher pay raises. You work with TEA (Texas Education Agency) on things like this,” Perez said.
Perez is a Pharr native running as a Democrat for the open District 2 slot on the SBOE. The district is anchored in Hidalgo County.
Perez recently gave a podcast interview to the Rio Grande Guardian about his candidacy. He also agreed to a livestream with us.
“One thing I did not mention (in the livestream), is I have access to state representatives and senators, I have access to the Governor’s office. None of my opponents have that,” Perez said.
“Having direct access and direct phone numbers to these individuals… people need to understand how these things work. If I can push, and push, and push, whether it is TEA, or the local districts, I will.”
Perez touted the endorsements of state Sen. Eddie Lucio, state Sen. Juan Hinojosa, state Rep. Terry Canales, Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, and others.
MISSION, Texas - The Rio Grande Valley Partnership recently held and event titled “87th Legislative Session Wrap-Up - Impact to the Business Community.”
The event was held at the Mission Event Center and featured presentations from two Valley VIPs and two experts on legislative affairs from Austin.
The two Valley VIPs were state Rep. Terry Canales of Edinburg, and Veronica Gonzales, senior vice president for government and community relations at UT-Rio Grande Valley.
The two experts from Austin were Glenn Hamer, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Business, and Lee Parsley, general counsel for Texans for Lawsuit Reform.
Parsley has worked with TLR since 2002, and now serves as its general counsel. According to TLR, Parsley leads a team of attorneys who help identify and research solutions to the challenges facing Texas’ legal system.
“Lee’s background in civil and appellate law has given him firsthand experience in navigating Texas’ courts. His experience in the legislative process helps TLR engage with lawmakers and stakeholders to ensure Texas is passing principled laws for a fair and efficient legal system,” TLR states.
Here is a podcast featuring the remarks of Parsley at the RGVP event.
MISSION, Texas - The Rio Grande Valley Partnership recently held and event titled “87th Legislative Session Wrap-Up - Impact to the Business Community.”
The event was held at the Mission Event Center and featured presentations from two Valley VIPs and two experts on legislative affairs from Austin.
The two Valley VIPs were state Rep. Terry Canales of Edinburg, and Veronica Gonzales, senior vice president for government and community relations at UT-Rio Grande Valley.
The two experts from Austin were Glenn Hamer, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Business, and Lee Parsley, general counsel for Texans for Lawsuit Reform.
Hamer previously spent 14 years as CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry. According to this association, Hamer was a nationwide leader in the business community’s advocacy for the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, the successor agreement to NAFTA.
Hamer has also served as chief of staff to Arizona Congressman Matt Salmon, executive director of the Arizona Republican Party, legislative assistant to Sen. Jon Kyl, and executive director of the Solar Energy Industries Association. He is a Graduate of Cornell University and Arizona State University's College of Law.
“Mr. Hamer’s leadership on international issues makes him a sought-after participant in international trade missions,” the TAB states.
Here is a podcast featuring the remarks of Hamer at the RGVP event.
ALTON, Texas - Michelle Vallejo is a small business owner, community leader, and advocate for women's economic empowerment. She comes from a big family of farm workers, immigrants, and entrepreneurs.
Her parents, Maribel and Daniel, grew up in northern Mexico, from where they would eventually make their way to the Rio Grande Valley in search of their dreams to build a better life for themselves.
For almost 25 years, her family has managed Los Portales, which serves thousands of people weekly and helps dozens of working-class entrepreneurs start and run their businesses. At the Alton pulga, they like to say, “No somos pulgueros. Somos vecinos.” It is this proud sense of community and work ethic that Michelle carries in all of her work.
Running Pulga Los Portales and serving the larger community is what has profoundly defined their family values and work ethic to this day, Vallejo said, in this Meet the Candidate podcast.
Vallejo is running in the Democratic Party primary for the open Congressional District 15. The seat is open because incumbent U.S. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez has moved to another district.
MCALLEN, Texas - Colombian-born entrepreneur and industrial engineer Lina Garza has explained why she is running for Hidalgo County Republican Party chairwoman.
Garza, currently a precinct chair in north McAllen, says she wants to make the GOP more “visible, inclusive, and welcoming” in Hidalgo County. In an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian she said she recently met voters who did not know the Republican Party existed at the local level.
“They never knew we had a GOP here in the Valley. They are very curious how they become a Republican,” Garza said. “We need to spread the word, we are here. We are not only a Democratic area. The GOP has a presence here.”
In a flyer promoting her campaign, Garza lists five bullet points. They are:
- Ensure Hidalgo County GOP is welcoming and inclusive
- Identify and correct any unethical activities in the Party
- Stand with law enforcement
- Support federal action to Secure our Border
- Be a leader in educating our youth and future voters to end the one-party system that has controlled local politics for decades
In the flyer, Garza said: “As Chairwoman, I promise to work passionately to grow and strengthen our Republican Party here in Hidalgo County. Recent elections have shown that the one-party system, particularly at the local level, has hurt our community. Our elected officials at every level should create positive change to create a better community. I will work with local candidates to ensure they put our community first. I’d be honored to have your vote and support.
In her interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Garza said the GOP needs a new administration at the local level. “We need a responsible, active, visible, inclusive and welcoming Republican Party.”
She added: “I will always stand up for our Republican values, no matter how hard the fight.”
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Dr. Laura Cisneros, MD, is running for the open Congressional District 34 seat in the Democratic Party primary.
The seat is open because U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Brownsville, the incumbent, is retiring at the next election.
Dr. Cisneros, who has a medical practice in Brownsville, has chosen, “It’s Time for Change” as her campaign slogan.
Dr. Cisneros sat down with Steve Taylor, editor of the Rio Grande Guardian, to discuss her platform. Here is Part Two of the interview.
Nereida Lopez Singleterry, a candidate for Hidalgo County District Attorney, recently sat down for an interview with Steve Taylor, editor of the Rio Grande Guardian,to discuss why she is running.
This is the second of a two-part podcast series.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Brownsville attorney and Justice of the Peace Jonathan Gracia is running for the open Texas House District 38 seat.
The seat is open because state Rep. Eddie Lucio, III, has announced he is retiring.
Recently, Gracia sat down for an interview with Rio Grande Guardian editor Steve Taylor.
Here is the second in a two-part podcast series based on that interview.
MCALLEN, Texas - Jason Arms, executive director of FIRST in Texas, has announced a $50,000 donation from Panasonic Corporation for robotics programs in McAllen.
Arms told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service: “Panasonic’s manufacturing facility, here in McAllen, is offering a $50,000 grant in grant scholarships for McAllen ISD’s schools, to fund their robotics teams at all grade levels. We are really excited about the news and we are really appreciative of the impact the Panasonic Corporation grant will have in McAllen.”
Randy Ashley, president of FIRST RGV, was also interviewed for a podcast about FRIST RGV. “It is an excellent opportunity to utilize this money to deliver the STEM programs that FIRST RGV has,” Ashley said. “We often struggle to deliver our programs because of financial limitations. This is going to give us an opportunity to grow our program here in the Rio Grande Valley.”
STEM stands for Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics.
The FIRST in Texas Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that supports robotics teams and events across Texas with a focus on increasing accessibility for low-income and underrepresented students. According to the group, student participants are “significantly more likely to attend college, major in science or engineering, and be outstanding future employees and citizens.” The group’s website states that by investing in Texas students’ participation in FIRST, “we address the growing demands of the STEM workforce.”
The attached podcast also explains how FIRST RGV has overcome the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. And, also in the podcast, Arms teases that he will have some big announcements about FIRST coming soon.
MCALLEN, Texas - Democrat Thomas Garcia says he is the “choice for change” in the race to become the Texas State Board of Education member for District 2.
Voters will elect a new member for the District 2 slot because incumbent Ruben Cortez is running in another election in 2022.
In an in-depth interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Garcia points out he taught in schools throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. He also points out he founded a college access program at PSJA ISD at the age of 19. And he incorporated this program into a nonprofit organization servicing Rio Grande Valley schools.
He graduated from Princeton University as a first-generation college student.
Garcia provided four bullet points in his interview:
- He is FOR expanding mental health resources and reducing the workload on teachers and counselors.
- He is FOR expanding ethnic studies and dual language programs.
- He is FOR expanding digital literacy and computer science programs.
- He is FOR increased transparency and oversight of taxpayer funds in schools.
In his interview, Garcia said he hopes to get more young people involved in the political process.
“I am excited to meet a lot of young people. A lot of people want to get into the political process. For many years I have been working on college access, getting high school seniors into college. And for so long I have seen young people who want to do good in their community. They just don’t know how. They don’t have the platform. Throughout this campaign I hope I can give them that platform to get more civically engaged.”
Editor’s Note: The attached podcast is the first in a two-part series on SBOE District 2 candidate Thomas Garcia.
EDINBURG, Texas - Nereida Lopez-Singleterry says she is the most qualified and experienced candidate running for the open Hidalgo County District Attorney seat.
The seat is open because current DA, Ricardo Rodriguez, is retiring at the next election.
“I wasn't born into a life of wealth or privilege. From the age of five thru 16 I traveled with my family to Florida and North Carolina. Growing up I found many injustices. That is why I went to law school,” Lopez-Singleterry said.
“I started my own law practice. I served as a master court judge in Hidalgo County. Now I am running for District Attorney. My office will not be controlled by the establishment. Justice for all is not a guarantee. It is something we have to fight for every day.”
Lopez Singleterry sat down for an interview with Steve Taylor, editor of the Rio Grande Guardian to discuss her candidacy. This is the first of a two-part series.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Brownsville attorney and Justice of the Peace Jonathan Gracia is running for the open Texas House District 38 seat.
The seat is open because state Rep. Eddie Lucio, III, has announced he is retiring.
The seat was reconfigured by the Texas Legislature during the redistricting process and now is compacted into Brownsville.
“I was born, raised, and reside in Brownsville. My experience as a public servant over the last 20 years allows me to humbly ask for your vote,” Gracia said.
“My parents instilled upon me the value of hard work, perseverance, and family values. Those lessons led to my success as a husband, father, son, and business owner. My professional experience enabled me to work for government agencies at the city, county, and national level for our community.”
Gracia is proud of the work his office did during the coronavirus pandemic. Beginning in September 2020, Gracia and his team served over 3,000 meals in Brownsville.
“During the last two years we fought together against a pandemic that brought unprecedented changes,” he said. “I made sure to stand with you and your families when needed it most.”
Gracia also pointed out that as JP, he has donated over $80,000 of his salary to non-profit organizations, scholarships and to veterans in Brownsville.
“I humbly ask you to vote your conscience, and elect a public servant, not a politician for State Representative District 38 - Brownsville,” Gracia said.
In the attached podcast, Gracia explains his upbringing and why he is running for HD 38. It is the first of a two-part series on Gracia.
PHARR, Texas - When he was just 19 and studying at Princeton University, Thomas R. Garcia went back to his alma mater, PSJA ISD and told the then superintendent, Danny King, that he wanted to give back.
“I said, I want to give back to students now. I do not want to wait until I graduate from college,” Garcia remembers. “I knew what my friends were going through as high school seniors - the same mistakes and issues and systemic barriers I went through as a high school senior applying for college. Not knowing about resources. Even if you knew about them, you couldn’t access them because you did not know how to write a strong essay. Your teachers did not know how to help you.”
So, with King’s blessing and encouragement, Garcia started a near-peer mentorship program where he trained 19-23 year olds that had also gone to the best colleges to come back every summer and host summer institutes.
“We taught them how to write college essays, how to apply for financial aid, how to go to-and-thru college as a college student from PSJA. We were able to do things teachers and counselors simply didn’t have the capacity to do.”
This led to the formation of the College Scholarship Leadership Access Program (CSLAP). The 501(c)(3) nonprofit has expanded to serve many school districts across the Rio Grande Valley.
As nonprofit’s website notes: “CSLAP hosts college access events and provides personalized one-on-one sessions for high school students attending schools in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) in South Texas. CSLAP expands opportunities, enhances applications, and grants scholarships. In doing so, CSLAP aims to increase college enrollment rates and form a support system for students going to and through college.”
From 2013-2017, CSLAP hosted summer institutes for rising seniors at PSJA ISD. “We raised awareness about applying to college through workshops, provided mentorship through year-long communication, and provided transition support for graduating seniors. Our curriculum became PSJA's University Scholars Enrichment Course.”
Garcia explained: “In 2019, we became an incorporated nonprofit organization. We have continued our work by partnering with local school districts to teach college access lessons and with nonprofits to uplift our community outside the classroom.”
Garcia provided an example of CSLAP’s success. He brought all the chairs from the English departments at the various PSJA high schools together to discuss the importance of the college essay.
“The regular English courses for seniors, they were not assigning it. We were able to change that, systemically,” Garcia said. “So, when they went to the Go Center for their college applications, they had the essay ready. Before, they would go to the college center, they would do the application and they would say, ‘I do not have the essay, I will come back later.’ And they would never come back. So, that little fix, bringing the high schools together to make the systemic fix, made a huge difference in college enrollment rates and college application rates. That is just one small example of the work we have done because of the fact that we are able to go to all these different schools and bring them together.”
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Dr. Laura Cisneros, MD, is running for the open Congressional District 34 seat in the Democratic Party primary.
The seat is open because U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Brownsville, the incumbent, is retiring at the next election.
Cisneros, who has a medical practice in Brownsville, has chosen, “It’s Time for Change” as her campaign slogan.
She sat down with Steve Taylor, editor of the Rio Grande Guardian, to discuss her platform. Here is Part One of the interview.
HARLINGEN, Texas - A candidate for state Senate District 27 has told Rio Grande Valley healthcare professionals and executives where she stands on key issues in the race.
Attorney Morgan LaMantia spoke at a campaign fundraiser hosted by Dr. Victor Gonzalez, MD, the incoming president of the Hidalgo-Starr County Medical Society. The event attracted doctors, nurses and healthcare administrators from the across the Valley.
“I am running because it is time for the next generation of leadership to pick up the torch. I am running because there is so much to love about this community. But it has some challenges, like education, economic development, higher paying jobs and healthcare,” LaMantia said.
LaMantia paid tribute to the Valley’s healthcare industry.
“You know, we got hit with the pandemic just like everyone else but you saw how the healthcare community here pulled together and pooled all their resources to try to keep us all safe and healthy and get us better when we did get sick,” LaMantia said.
“And what we need to do is make sure they have the support and make sure everyone here gets the healthcare they need and that we fix those nursing shortages and staffing shortages that you all have.”
LaMantia said: “Just seeing what the community was able to do, the doctors and the nurses that are here. They pulled together to show how this community is. And with just little bit of support we have the highest potential.”
This is the first time LaMantia has sought elected office. She is running in the Democratic Party primary and has three opponents in the race. SD 27 is open because the longterm incumbent, state Sen. Eddie Luico, Jr., is retiring at the next election.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – State Rep. Alex Dominguez, D-Brownsville, is relinquishing his Texas House District 37 seat in order to run for Texas Senate District 27.
SD 27 is open because longtime state Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., is retiring at the next election.
In an in-depth interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Dominguez spoke about his legislative accomplishments thus far, his upbringing, and his time on Cameron County Commissioners Court. He also spoke about his platform for the current election campaign and what he is hearing from the voters.
This is Part Two of a two part series on Dominguez.
MCALLEN, Texas - The Hispanic Women's Network of Texas-RGV is hosting the latest in its Women in Politics series on Jan. 18.
The forum takes place at the Double Tree in McAllen, starting at 5 p.m, and features women candidates on the ballot in the March 2022 primaries. Board member Cynthia Sakulenzki will be the moderator.
The statewide HWNT was formed in 1986. The RGV chapter was revived in 2012.
Della Fay Perez Rodriguez, vice chair of development for HWNT-RGV, said the organization as a whole seeks to “advance the educational, cultural, social, legal and economic well-being of all women though a bigger, broader awareness of their role in society, business, and family.”
Perez Rodriguez said the Women in Politics series is one of the chapter’s signature events. It was started four years ago.
“We just saw that there was a lot more women coming out and running for office. Obviously, since we are a women’s organization, we want to promote women as much as possible. We wanted to have a forum strictly for women female candidates that would give them a platform to be able to voice who they are and what they are all about,” Perez Rodriguez told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
“We wanted to do it in a way that was nice and not something they see on the campaign trail everyday.”
Perez Rodriguez said women candidates from both sides of the political aisle have been invited.
“We want this forum to be a positive one for all of the 2022 female candidates and the intent of the forum is to allow all of the women to shine in the most positive light. We want the best for each woman that is on the stage at our event.”
For more information on HWNT-RGV’s Women in Politics event, call 956-524-2014.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - State Rep. Alex Dominguez, D-Brownsville, is relinquishing his Texas House District 37 seat in order to run for Texas Senate District 27.
SD 27 is open because longtime state Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., is retiring at the next election.
In an in-depth interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Dominguez spoke about his legislative accomplishments thus far, his upbringing, and his time on Cameron County Commissioners Court. He also spoke about his platform for the current election campaign and what he is hearing from the voters.
This is Part One of a two part series on Alex Dominguez.
SAN BENITO, Texas - At a recent holiday season open house, the Rio Grande Guardian interviewed San Benito Economic Development Corporation President Julian Rios.
“Our main focus is downtown but we are seeing San Benito is growing outside of the downtown area,” Rios said. “We are a small, family-oriented city but we are ready for that expansion into large, big box retail.”
Rios said he is hopeful that San Benito will benefit from SpaceX’s rocket launches at Boca Chica. He believes there is a lot of potential for more residential development spurred on by the growth of the space industry in the lower Rio Grande Valley. And, he said, retail development, invariably follows residential development. “We need to tap into SpaceX,” he said.
Asked about sprucing up his city’s downtown, Rios said the big challenge will be to create more parking spaces. “Some buildings need a lot of work. We have facade improvement grants.”
Rios said he is proud the EDC was able to provide extended rent subsidies to small businesses impacted by the pandemic.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
SAN BENITO, Texas - San Benito Economic Development Corporation is reflecting on a better than expected 2021.
The Rio Grande Guardian met up with some of the group’s leaders at an open house just before the holiday season began. They struck an optimistic note.
“This year (2021) has been a very good year,” said Rebeca Castillo, executive director of San Benito EDC. “In 2019 we did $5 million in economic activity. In 2020 it was $5.7 million. And this year, 2021, we are at $6.2 million.”
“We have had a lot of development. A lot of growth. Just in the downtown area we have added five additional businesses in the past two years. We are not where we want to be but we are making good strides in moving our community forward.”
Castillo noted that while the population of San Benito itself has remained steady at 25,000, there are 470,000 residents living within a 15 mile radius.
“Just this week I met with three prospects that want to come in and do housing developments,” Castillo said. The projects range from 55 units all the way up to 120 units. Some of the houses will be priced in the $100,000 to $120,000, with others in the $250,000 to $280,000. “They are looking at locations, Castillo said of the developers.
Editor's Note: To the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
PHARR, Texas - Hidalgo County District Attorney candidate Terry Palacios has spoken about the need to get more help to young drug addicts in the Rio Grande Valley.
Palacios gave an in-depth interview to the Rio Grande Guardian about the initiatives he wants to see introduced at the DA’s office. They include the creation of specialized units for major crimes and white collar crimes, and a public corruption unit.
“Meth is getting worse. We never used to hear of meth. Now we have it all over our streets. We have got to start working with these kids to get them actual rehab instead of just putting them in jail. We need to work with those kids,” Palacios said.Palacios said the drugs problem hits close to home for him because he has a son that had to stay in a rehab and detox center in Kerrville, Texas.
“What happens to the people that don’t have insurance and can’t send their kids? We need something in here, in our Valley, where we have the issue. Only the privileged are getting help,” Palacios said.
“We need something like this for our underprivileged kids. Something local, like a detox center, then after your detox center a sobriety house where you actually house them. Make them feel like they are worth something. Those are programs I want to target.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
EDINBURG, Texas - The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has announced a one-of-a-kind, merit-based scholarship program – the Luminary Scholarship – for undergraduate students.
The new scholarship program is made possible thanks to the historic $40 million gift to UTRGV this summer from philanthropists MacKenzie Scott and Dan Jewett which is meant to enhance the university’s mission of improving student success and expanding educational opportunities.
UTRGV President Guy Bailey said the highly competitive scholarship will allow UTRGV to retain and attract the best and brightest students in the Valley and beyond.
“We are so grateful to MacKenzie Scott and Dan Jewett for their landmark gift to UTRGV that helped us create this unique scholarship program,” Bailey said. “This scholarship will go a long way in helping many students, their families and the Rio Grande Valley community.”
The scholarship program will cover the following:
- Full tuition and fees for all four undergraduate years.
- University housing for the first two academic years of college.
- Full tuition and fees for up to four years for the professional or undergraduate program to which the student was provisionally admitted, including the UTRGV School of Medicine and the School of Podiatry.
In addition, the scholarship recipients, or Luminary Scholars, as they have been dubbed, will sign a pledge to work in the Valley for each year beyond their undergraduate education that is funded. That means a three-year graduate or professional program would require a three-year commitment to work in the Valley post-graduation.
The attached podcast features an interview about the Luminary Scholarship program with Dr. Guy Bailey and UT System Student Regent Thuy Dan “Mimi” Nguyen.
HARLINGEN, TEXAS - One of the top political events of the year in the Rio Grande Valley was the retirement announcement of state Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr.
The Brownsville Democrat began his public service in 1971, becoming Cameron County Treasurer and later Cameron County Commissioner. After having served two terms in the Texas House of Representatives, he was elected to the Texas Senate in 1991. He is third in seniority and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
On Nov. 4, at his Harlingen district office, Lucio announced he would be retiring at the end of his current term. Excluding a Q&A with reporters, this podcast contains all of the remarks he made at the event.
FLORESVILLE, Texas - State Rep. Ryan Guillen chose Floresville, Texas, birthplace of John Connally, to follow in the footsteps of the former Texas Governor and U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, and flip from being a Democrat to a Republican.
Since 2003, Guillen has served in the Texas House as a Democrat. But in November, 2021, he announced he would seek election for the same seat - House District 31 - as a Republican.
Connally served as U.S. Secretary of the Navy in President Kennedy’s administration and later successfully ran for Governor of Texas as a conservative Democrat. However, he served as U.S. Secretary of Treasury in President Nixon’s administration and sought the Republican nomination for president of the United States in 1980.
When Guillen, a native of Rio Grande City, announced his party switch he did not mention Connally. He said: “Growing up in South Texas, I grew up among Democrats. I ran for office as a Democrat, and just last year I won re-election as a Democrat, by a 17-point margin. While at the same time, President Trump won the district by 13 points. But friends, something is happening in South Texas and many of us are waking up to the fact that the value of those in Washington, D.C., are not our values, are not the values of most Texans, certainly not the values of South Texans.”
Guillen added: “The ideology of defunding the police, of destroying the oil and gas industry, and of the chaos at our border is disastrous for those of us who live here in South Texas. That is why after much thought, and much prayer with my family, today I am announcing that I will proudly be running as a Republican to represent House District 31. After years of voting to protect the Second Amendment, after years of voting to protect the unborn, and against tax increases and two secure the border I now look forward to not having to break with my party in order to do so.”
HARLINGEN, TEXAS - One of the top political events of the year in the Rio Grande Valley was the retirement announcement of state Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr.
The Brownsville Democrat began his public service in 1971, becoming Cameron County Treasurer and later Cameron County Commissioner. After having served two terms in the Texas House of Representatives, he was elected to the Texas Senate in 1991. He is third in seniority and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.
On Nov. 4, at his Harlingen district office, Lucio announced he would be retiring at the end of his current term. After his speech, Lucio took questions from reporters. This podcast contains that Q&A.
HARLINGEN, Texas - One of the top education events in the Rio Grande Valley occurred in November when UTRGV, the City of Harlingen and Harlingen CISD hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new UTRGV Harlingen Collegiate High School.
The new campus, covering 6.3 acres, houses 64,000 square feet of state-of-the-art classrooms and teaching labs.
UTRGV HCH offers bachelor’s degree programs that focus on academic core, engineering, computer science and education. Students can earn up to 60 hours of college credit by the time they graduate high school.
UTRGV President Guy Bailey said the new facility is a milestone for Valley students.
“This is a great facility for Harlingen and it’s great for the Rio Grande Valley,” Bailey said. “There is nothing like this in the state of Texas or UT System – not to this degree of collaboration.
“For all of you students, we are fully committed to your success. We want you to graduate and we want you to stay in the Valley. We couldn’t provide this kind of education without partners like HCISD and the leaders we have here,” he said.
The attached podcast includes an interview with Harlingen CISD Superintendent Dr. Alicia Noyola, along with other VIPs at the ribbon-cutting.
MCALLEN, Texas - One of the top education events of the year in the Rio Grande Valley occurred in October when South Texas College secured accreditation for its dual credit programs by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships.
STC is the first college in Texas to earn the prestigious award.
Dr. Rebecca De Leon, STC’s dean for dual credit programs and school district partnerships, said the accreditation proves STC is providing the highest level of instruction that can be offered for dual students.
The actual accreditation from NACEP came in May 2020 but the award could not be made due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Dr. De Leon pointed out that STC had to follow a rigorous two-year process of adhering to NACEP’s concurrent enrollment standards.
She said STC had to ensure that:
• College courses offered in the high school are of the same quality and rigor as the courses offered on-campus at the sponsoring college or university.
• Students enrolled in concurrent enrollment courses are held to the same standards of achievement as students in on-campus courses.
• Instructors teaching college courses through the concurrent enrollment program meet the academic requirements for faculty and instructors teaching in the sponsoring postsecondary institution and are trained in course delivery and provided ongoing discipline-specific professional development.
• Concurrent enrollment programs display greater accountability through program evaluation.
“That’s what this NACEP accreditation is. It’s a testament that South Texas College’s Dual Credit Programs is to the highest quality and the highest level that a college-level course should be held at a high school site,” De Leon said. “It’s a testament to our students, parents and community so they know that the courses their students are able to take at their high school sites through STC is an opportunity for these students to get ahead and start on the right path towards their college degree.”
Dr. De Leon pointed out that NACEP is the sole national accrediting body for concurrent enrollment partnerships.
MCALLEN, Texas - Land ports of entries were re-opened to so-called “non-essential” travel on Nov. 8. Since then, hotels in the McAllen area have been full, says Omar Guevara, who chairs McAllen’s hospitality task force.
Guevara, general manager of Radisson McAllen Airport Hotel, says the acid test will come in January and February. Then, he said, local hotels will see if the upward trend in occupancy rates continues.
HARLINGEN, Texas - Tax season is right around the corner.
Rev Torres, a paralegal with the Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project, gives this advice: “Taxpayers, get ready now. Organize your correct tax documents so that that your tax return can be accurately prepared.”
In the attached podcast, Torres tells taxpayers who are classified as employees which documents they should have when they are ready to file their tax return.
The Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project is a division of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid.
Readers and listeners that have tax questions can reach Torres via the web at TRLA.org or via telephone at 956-393-6213.
WESLACO, Texas - The latest sales tax revenue numbers show the Rio Grande Valley’s economy is roaring, says Matt Ruszczak.
Ruszczak is vice president of economic development for the Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP). Each month he analyzes the sales tax revenue numbers put out by the Texas Comptroller’s Office.
Discussing the November 2021 report, which looks at the numbers for September 2021, Ruszczak said: “The numbers are once again, very, very good. The story every month is good numbers and good news. This is definitely another good news month for us.”
In September 2021, sales tax revenues for Texas as a whole were up 19.51 percent, as compared to September 2020. The Valley as a whole was up 16.72 percent, when measured against September 2020. Of the 44 cities in the Valley, sales tax revenues were up in 41. Thirty-eight out of 44 were up over five percent, over the same period, and 17 of the 44 were up more than 20 percent.
The percentage increase for Hidalgo County was 18.94 percent. For Cameron County it was 13.29 percent.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service's website to read the full story.
WESLACO, Texas - New houses and apartments are popping up so fast in Weslaco that planners in other communities in the Rio Grande Valley are calling to ask what is happening, says the city’s planning director.
Rebekah de la Fuente, director of planning and zoning for the City of Weslaco, spoke about the “overwhelming” growth during a visit by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership.
The RGV Partnership hosts monthly bus tours of Valley cities, inviting realtors and investors to see what land is available for development. The most recent visit was to Weslaco.
“So, over the last year we developed about 1,100 acres (for residential development),” de la Fuente told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, at the end of the bus tour.
“Right now, (this year) we are up to 1,400 and that does not include the ones that came in this morning.”
Asked what came in, this morning, de la Fuente said: “I have two residential developments and then I have an apartment development, the one I was talking about (earlier) that was developed back in 1974. They are going to go ahead and tear that down and we are going to remodel (it) into brand new apartments. That is really great because it took two years to get it funded.”
Asked how many new residential units that equates to, de la Fuente said: “So, for residential, we did 1,171 new units, which are single family lots, which came out to about 500 acres. And then for apartments, right now our number of units is at that 964. That does not include the ones that came in this morning, which should add about another 132.”
De la Fuente has worked in the City of Weslaco’s planning department for the past 14 years. She said it has only been in the past two years that the growth in residential development has really taken off.
“I thinks something is really happening now because I have been getting calls from other cities asking what we are doing to get these developments in,” de la Fuente said.
“What we are seeing in residential I have not seen up until 2019. I thought during 2020, with Covid, that we would see a dramatic decrease. But we didn’t. We actually saw more and more and more houses coming in, so it is just overwhelming, the amount.”
Asked what she tells other cities, when they call to ask what is happening in Weslaco, de la Fuente said: “I like to tell them that I think Weslaco is just the center everything. We have a good community. We are the biggest little city. So we still have that wonderful small-town mentality where everybody kind of knows everybody and everybody is willing to work with everybody.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service's website.
WESLACO, Texas - Weslaco’s restaurants are being frequented much more often than might be expected.
In fact, pro rata, some national franchise eateries in the city are among the busiest in the whole United States.
One explanation could be that there are not enough restaurants in the city, forcing local residents to visit them over and over again. Another possibility is that Weslaco is pulling in a lot of customers from neighboring communities. A third reason? Maybe the people of Weslaco eat more.
These and other possibilities were discussed during a recent bus tour of Weslaco by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership. The Valley’s regional chamber of commerce organizes a trip to a different Valley city each month. Those attending the Commercial and Investment Tours include realtors, developers and economic development leaders.
Prior to the bus tour, the City of Weslaco and Weslaco Economic Development Corporation hosted panel discussions. The expert that discussed the local restaurant scene was Craig Garansuay, of the brokerage firm Corporate Asset Partners.
“Weslaco works because it is a real city,” Garansuay said. “There is a medical community, you have residential growth, you’ve got airports, education, high schools, college, trade.”
Garansuay said Weslaco has “all of the ingredients” needed to build a thriving community.
“Retail follows the rooftops, industrial brings the rooftops. And so you have got the culmination of all those ingredients coming together to create a hub for the Mid-Valley.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service's website.
PHARR, Texas - Every other city in the Rio Grande Valley can have high speed internet as fast as that of the City of Pharr. All they need is for their leaders to have the political will to make it happen.
This is the view of Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez. Speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony for the city’s new high-speed, new fiber optic internet project, Hernandez said the new service, with a speed of one gigabyte, will be ready citywide within the next 12 months.
“Every resident in the city of Pharr, every business, will have access to this. It is their choice. We do not impose it on anybody. It will be your choice. But, I can assure you that from a quality perspective, there will be nothing like it in the Rio Grande Valley or even, I challenge, the state,” Hernandez said, at the Pharr Development and Research Center.
“We will be the only city, 100 percent, that will have fiber optic cable for all its residents and all businesses, irrespective of income. We are going to make it happen for you.”
In his remarks, Hernandez said there is no reason the entire Rio Grande Valley cannot have high speed internet as fast as Pharr’s will be.
“It is our hope that, as we move forward and forge what we need to do, that the other cities would come along. We are more than happy to share data. We are more than happy to partner with the neighboring cities,” Hernandez said.
"This (digital) divide is really worse in the Rio Grande Valley. We (can) all come together and say, you know what, we are a region, let’s take care of our entire region once and for all and put everybody’s banners aside and let’s just do it and make sure everybody wins.”
Hernandez added: “I think we can do it, with the help of the county, legislators, and of course all the city commissions from all the different cities. We can do it. All we have to do is say yes, let’s get it done.”
Interviewed after the ceremony by the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Hernandez said Pharr City Commission is spending $40 million on the project. Asked if he really thought the whole Valley could be “wired” as well as Pharr will be, Hernandez said: “Of course it can.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
HARLINGEN, Texas - Any idea what the busiest domestic airline route is in North America?
LA to New York? No. That is the second busiest. Chicago to New York? No. San Francisco to Los Angeles? No. It is, in fact, Cancun to Mexico City. The third busiest is Mexico City to Monterrey.
The Rio Grande Guardian learned these facts when interviewing José Mulet, director of air service, business development, and public relations for Valley International Airport (VIA) in Harlingen.
Mulet appears to have an encyclopedic knowledge of airline routes and how popular they are. The busiest domestic airline route in the world, he said, is Jeju to Seoul. Another busy domestic route is Beijing to Shanghai. So are Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh, and Melbourne to Sydney.
Mulet said there are ten Airbus 380 flights a day between London Heathrow and, Dubai.
Rio Grande Valley residents may not be able to pick Mulet’s brain on airline routes for much longer, however. After 33 years in the aviation industry the airport executive is slated to retire at the end of February, 2022. Likely as not we will then find him on a cruise. There are many places he wants to visit. He plans to do a two-week cruise from Santiago to Buenos Aires and visit New Zealand to see the fjords.
A former high school teacher, Mulet started out in the airline industry in 1978 just as deregulation was getting underway. “Airlines could fly anywhere they wanted,” he recalled. “So, there was a boom in the airline industry.”
Editor's Note: For the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service is hosting "To Conquer, To Defend" because this year marks the 175th anniversary of a significant war in North American history.
“The U.S.-Mexico War of 1846-48 basically changed the destiny of both countries,” said Salomon Torres, director of event initiatives for the Rio Grande Guardian and co-founder of the conference.
“For the U.S. it gained the entire southwest as new territory, to finally solidify the geographical lines that the U.S. wanted for many decades. For Mexico it was tragic in that they lost one-third of their geography, including the northern Mexican provinces of Alta California (present-day California) and New Mexico, which itself later got partitioned into several U.S. states including Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and portions of Wyoming and Colorado.”
By the time the war started, the region Mexico called Tejas had been taken from the state of Coahuila-Tejas and turned into a fledging republic.
Torres said the disputed border region we now call the Rio Grande Valley played a key part in the U.S.-Mexico War.
“War began in May 1846 after a group of General Zachary Taylor’s troops were killed or taken prisoner by the Mexican cavalry at a site on Military Highway south of La Feria – about three miles from the house I grew up in,” Torres explained. “A cannon facing south on Military Highway now commemorates that incident.”
In the attached podcast I interview Torres about the conference.
The "To Conquer, To Defend" conference takes place Thursday, Dec. 9 at the Port Isabel Event & Cultural Center. The conference can be attended either in-person or virtually. To learn more about the conference and how to purchase tickets, click here.
PORT ISABEL, Texas - The Rio Grande Guardian’s upcoming one-day conference is titled “To Conquer. To Defend.”
The conference, which takes place Thursday, Dec. 9 in Port Isabel, Texas, commemorates the 175th Anniversary of the U.S.-Mexico War.
The conference can be attended either in-person or virtually. To learn more about the conference and how to purchase tickets, click here.
In this podcast, Salomon Torres, the Rio Grande Guardian's Director of Event Initiatives, discusses the conference with members of the North Harlingen Rotary Club.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Brownsville Mayor Trey Mendez says the State of Texas needs to make a stronger commitment to the Space race, 2.0.
If it does not it could get left behind by states like Florida, Colorado, and Alabama.
Mendez first made the call in an op-ed he jointly penned with Margaret Spellings, CEO and president of Texas 2036 and former Secretary of Education, retired Colonel Tim Kopra, vice president for robotics and space operations at MDA, and Maynard Holt, CEO of Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co.
The op-ed appeared in the Houston Chronicle and the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
Mendez followed this up with similar comments at a news conference held in Brownsville to announce the arrival of 9Point8 Capital, a group of companies that supports the space industry with end-to-end financial products.
“It is important to position ourselves as the leader and continue to be the leader. We do have 70 years of legacy when it comes to space travel. When you think about it, we have kind of been dormant, in a way, this whole entire time. And Florida is a huge competitor, they are known as the Space Coast, they have launch sites, they have all sorts of companies out there, they have capital,” Mendez said.
“Colorado is emerging with Space Force and other things. California has always been a player. Alabama is also a huge player now, as well.”
In order for Texas to remain competitive, Mendez said, it really needs to start looking at the assets it has in the space industry and what it has to offer to companies in order to get them to locate here.
“We have to look at various things. One of them is workforce. Thanks to the college and the university and our partners and our neighbors to the south, in Matamoros, we have an advantage when it comes to workforce,” Mendez, referring to Texas Southmost College, UT-Rio Grande Valley, and the skilled workers operating in the maquiladora industry.
“We are obviously well positioned globally for launches, which is huge. If you create that atmosphere, this business-friendly environment like we are doing, we are going to be able to attract that,” Mendez said.
“But that is not enough. You also need what I spoke to earlier, which is the main component here, finance and capital. That is why I think this is a such a huge endeavor. It is so big for us here in Brownsville but it also has ramifications across the state and our competition against other states.”
Asked by the Rio Grande Guardian to elaborate on the message contained in the op-ed, Mendez said: "We want our legislators and the rest of Texas to wake up. We have Texas swagger but we also have to remember that while we are the largest state in the continental U.S., we have competition and if we do not wake up and we don’t start allocating resources at the state level, we are going to lose out.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - NewSpace investor J. Brant Arseneau says there is no reason Brownsville, Texas, cannot become the Silicon Valley of the space industry.
“I would like to be the first finance person to be in Brownsville when this becomes the Silicon Valley of Space. We can say, hey, we went there, first,” Arseneau said.
Arseneau os founder of 9Point8 Capital, a group of companies that supports the space industry with end-to-end financial products. He spoke at a recent news conference held at the Brownsville Event Center. Other speakers included Brownsville Mayor Trey Mendez, and Helen Ramirez, assistant city manager of Brownsville and executive director of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation.
The news conference was called to announce 9Point8 Capital’s arrival in Brownsville.
Ramirez said Brownsville is often considered the third city for space after Cape Canaveral and Houston in the U.S. and is well on its way to becoming the Silicon Valley of Space because of its ties with SpaceX.
Their innovative agile approach to the space industry is considered more effective than what traditional space companies have seen in the past, Ramirez explained. Additionally, the city continues to attract space companies to the region, and with the addition of 9Point8, it adds local financial infrastructure to help these companies grow.
Arseneau said 9Point8 Capital’s vision is to support space companies from their earliest to latest stages, with private equity to public credit, for investment capital to working capital. He said that after nearly 25 years on Wall Street, he had decided to chase his lifelong dream of being a part of the growing commercialization of the space industry and a new founded movement called NewSpace.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - Beto O’Rourke says that if elected governor of Texas he will invest heavily in infrastructure for border communities.
In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service about economic development, O’Rourke pointed out that the ports of entry through which US-Mexico trade passes support more than 600,000 jobs across the state of Texas.
“Very often Governor Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Patrick, will talk about the border simply as a threat, a place where people are coming to get us from. They use words, as you have heard, like invasion. Governor Abbott encouraged us to defend ourselves and literally said, take matters into your own hands when it comes to immigrants at the border, which in part helped to inspire that shooter who came to El Paso two and a half years ago and killed 23 people,” O’Rourke said.
“The border is actually the greatest opportunity that Texas has ever known. The goods that we produce and manufacture in this state flows through these ports of entry to markets around the globe. And the things that we manufacture together with our partners in Mexico come back through these ports with a majority of the value added content produced here in the United States and in Texas and so there are hundreds of thousands of jobs that depend on our ability to facilitate the flow of trade in Laredo and Brownsville, McAllen, El Paso and other critical land ports.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
Editor's Note: In the attached podcast, Beto O’Rourke also speaks about SpaceX, meeting with Brownsville Mayor Trey Mendez, and the need to invest in broadband.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Nathan Burkhart, director of small business development at the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation, says exciting things are happening to his city’s downtown.
“Our big 2.0 grant just wrapped up its third round of funding. We have had about $18 million in private capital roll into downtown just from that grant. It was created with a generous donation from the Elon Musk Foundation,” Burkhart said.
“With that $2 million we have been able to attract, as I said, over $18 million into downtown. We are revitalizing a number of buildings along Washington Street and Elizabeth. We hope that this can be a catalyst for more improvement and growth going into downtown. I can assure you that in the next three years downtown Brownsville is going to look completely different.”
Burkhart made his comments in an exclusive podcast with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service. He said it is most fortunate the Elon Musk Foundation wanted to see the same things happening to downtown Brownsville as BCIC.
“Which is more density into downtown, our historic buildings refurbished,” Burkhart said. Asked why Musk wants to see this, Burkhart said SpaceX plans to bring in an additional 1,500 workers, to go with the 2,000 currently preparing for rocket launches at Boca Chica.
Burkhart said it is likely that most of the SpaceX workers will live in Brownsville.
“Millennials, Gen. Z, they want a walkable, livable downtown area. The cities they are coming from, they want the same facilities they have been used to, in Brownsville,” Burkhart explained.
“For their people to be happy they need the same quality of life aspects they have received in other cities, down here in Brownsville.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
PHARR, Texas - Colleagues like to brag on Pharr Bridge Director of Operations Fred Brouwen that he has been there from the beginning because he was operating the tolls when the first trucks crossed.
But, Pharr Bridge Board Chairman Edgar Delgadillo jokes that he can top that because he saw the bridge being built.
“I was there when my Dad was hauling dirt for the first part of the bridge. I remember sitting on top of the hill,” Delgadillo said, “I must have been 17, 18 years old. My Mom would make lunch for my Dad and the rest of the guys working for my Dad,” Delgadillo told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
“My Dad told us, ‘They said they’re building a bridge.’ We asked, ‘To where?’”
According to Delgadillo, all you could see was a hill and then the fields.
The Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge measures 3.2 miles in length, making it one of the longest bridges to connect two countries.
Now, decades after watching the first span being built, Delgadillo leads the Pharr Bridge Board as it works on construction of a second span.
“Twenty some years later, I’m here on the Board. I’m chairman, so it is a little personal. Life comes full circle sometimes,” Delgadillo said. “Just to see the new expansion coming up. We’ve worked hard for it.”
Luis Bazan, the Pharr Bridge Director, sat down for his monthly update on bridge matters with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service. This month’s discussion was longer than normal as Bazan gave plenty of insider information about the construction of a new span, construction of a spur connecting to the new customs facilities on the Reynosa side of the bridge, a possible change in the bridge’s hours of operation, approval of a bond issue for the DAP program, and plans to have an even bigger celebration of the Fresh Produce Season in 2022.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read the full story.
MCALLEN, Texas - The new chancellor of Western Governors University Texas has reaffirmed her institution’s “huge” commitment to South Texas.
Linda Battles, who was appointed a WGU regional vice president and chancellor of its Texas division in September, recently visited the Rio Grande Valley.
During the visit she met with administrators from South Texas College and the chairman of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), Fred Farias, a Rio Grande Valley native. Producing more nurses and nursing faculty was a big part of those conversations.
For an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Battles was joined by Ivette Morales, WGU Texas’ strategic partnership manager. Asked about about WGU’s commitment to South Texas, Battles said:
“It is huge because we have limited resources as a nonprofit institution. We place our individual team members in strategic locations where we want to make a difference in people’s lives.
“Because my predecessor, Chancellor Steve Johnson, did make it a priority, that is why Ivette was placed here. And we hired for an individual here in South Texas.”
Battles hails from another border community, El Paso, Texas. However, she knows South Texas well because she previously worked for the late state Rep. Irma Rangel of Kingsville. Rangel chaired the House Committee on Higher Education for many sessions and in the early 1990s helped secure $460 million for the South Texas Border Initiative, a body of legislation aimed at assisting nine higher education institutions along the Texas-Mexico border. Battles also worked for THECB for 19 years.
“My commitment continues to South Texas. I have a big place in my heart for South Texas given my past work experience, traveling through seven counties throughout South Texas in one of my former jobs,” Battles said.
“I want to make sure that we are expanding awareness of who we are and what we offer to the people of South Texas, to really realize our mission, which is to change lives for the better by providing pathways to opportunity. We are all so passionate about that.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian's website.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - There was excitement and relief among retail store and restaurant owners, chamber of commerce leaders and elected officials in South Texas on Monday as Mexican visa holders were finally allowed to revisit the region.
So-called “non-essential” travelers from Mexico had been unable to come into the United States since March 2020, a blockade installed in order to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
Now, though, the U.S. and Mexican federal governments believe it is safe for travelers to cross, provided they can show proof they have had a Covid-19 vaccine. The bridges were re-opened to such travelers on Nov. 8.
“Non-essential travelers are essential to our economy,” said Esmy Villarreal, president and CEO of the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce.
“At the border, we highly depend on our foreign travelers. They are our family. The make our business continue to grow. So we are excited about the re-opening of our port of entry. We have been waiting for 19 months.”
Villarreal said the number of cases of Covid-19 has been dropping in her city. However, she said the health authorities were right in remaining vigilant. She said the city of Brownsville is open for business.
“We have been open for business for the last 19 months. We are excited and we welcome all of our visitors with open arms. Our businesses depend on their investments. Of course, our hotels and our motels, everyone depends on our visitors. From a small business to a larger corporation. Most importantly, we are happy that our families are getting reunited. Because we are a community that is driven by our families.”
Editor's Note: The read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
HARLINGEN, Texas - After 50 years of public service, 35 of them the in Texas Legislature, state Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., has announced his retirement.
In the company of family, friends and dignitaries from his across his district and Austin, Sen. Lucio, D-Brownsville, broke the news at his Harlingen district office.
“Today I announced my retirement from the Texas Senate at the end of my current term,” Lucio said. “I am grateful for every person who has ever supported us, challenged us, and most importantly, fought alongside me for the benefit of Senate District 27. My office remains committed to continuing to serve our constituents over the next year.”
Lucio added: “Serving in the Texas Legislature has been the greatest honor of my life — thank you to my community for the opportunity.”
Lucio is currently the third longest serving lawmaker in the Texas Senate. In addition to serving for 18 legislative sessions in Austin, Lucio was also a Cameron County Treasurer and a Cameron County Commissioner. Before this he was a teacher in Brownsville.
State Rep. Eddie Lucio, III, the senator’s son, introduced Sen. Lucio at the news conference. Rep. Lucio recently announced he would not be running for re-election.
“Congratulations, Dad on 35 years of work in the Texas Legislature. I had a front row seat and watched you serve with great passion,” Rep. Lucio said. “All good things must come to an end. I am proud of you.”
Rep. Lucio said his father worked on issues that he was passionate about and which helped many people.
“I hope you find the same joy in retirement that you had while serving in office. It is an honor to be your son and it was a tremendous privilege to have been your colleague.”
There were dozens upon dozens of tributes to Sen. Lucio soon after the news broke.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website for the full story.
MCALLEN, Texas - U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez says it would be a mistake for Democrats to choose a candidate outside the mainstream to run in Congressional District 15, the seat he is about to depart.
The voters of CD 15, which is anchored in Hidalgo County, have elected Democrats to Congress for decades. However, following redistricting, the boundary lines of the district have been redrawn by Republicans to favor Republicans. A bunch of counties to the north of the Rio Grande Valley have been added to the district to make it more GOP-friendly. Indeed, if the 2020 presidential election had been held in the new-look district, Donald Trump would have won by 2.8 percent.
“A liberal, super progressive can win the March primary. But we lose in November, (because it is now a swing district),” Gonzalez, D-McAllen, told the Rio Grande Guardian. “If we choose the right candidate we can retain the district.”
Because it is now much harder for a Democrat to win in CD 15, Gonzalez has switched to neighboring Congressional 34, anchored in Cameron County.
LUPE Votes and We the Pueblo do not care what Gonzalez thinks. They are actively looking for a progressive candidate to run in CD 15.
“We want a person that really represents the people, the struggling people,” said Martha Sanchez, an activist for LUPE Votes.
Dani Marrero Hi, communications for LUPE Votes agrees.
“If you know someone in your life who is ready to fight for working class South Texans in Congress, we need you to nominate them,” Marrero Hi said. “The only requirement are for you to be ready to represent working class South Texans. You don’t need to be rich. You don’t need to be the top one percent of the Valley. You don’t need fancy degrees. All you need is las ganas to represent our people in Congress.”
The attached podcast features a recent news conference held by LUPE Votes and We the Pueblo in Archer Park, McAllen. Sanchez and Marrero Hi give their description on the sort of candidate the groups are looking for to run in CD 15, while another LUPE Votes member, Jacquline Arias, provides details on upcoming LUPE Votes events.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - John Sharp, chancellor for the Texas A&M University System, visited the Port of Brownsville recently to announce a new initiative to invigorate advanced manufacturing in the area.
The Texas A&M RGV Advanced Manufacturing/Training Innovation Now (TRAIN) program is designed to enhance the skills needed for workers wishing to find employment at the Port of Brownsville.
The Texas AM Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) and Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) are heading up the initiative. In two years, through TRAIN, the two groups will award 10,000 certificates through online and on-site classes, in both English and Spanish.
There will be no cost to participants, thanks to $10 million in funding secured by state Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., during the recent regular legislative session. If the program is a success, Texas A&M will try to secure more funding from the Legislature to make it sustainable.
“I am proud to be part of this innovative initiative that will provide robust training opportunities to the people of South Texas,” Sharp said. “With the new TRAIN initiative, the Texas A&M System continues its mission of education and service by partnering with our colleagues in the Rio Grande Valley to provide no-cost training to community members interested in being part of the rapidly expanding advanced manufacturing workforce.”
Sharp said special thanks must go to state Sen. Eddie Lucio and Texas A&M System Regent Mike Hernandez for helping make the initiative possible.
“TEES and TEEX are uniquely positioned to offer expertise in workforce training in the much sought-after area of manufacturing,” said Dr. John E. Hurtado, interim vice chancellor for engineering and interim agency director of TEES.
“By providing training to the people of the Rio Grande Valley – at no cost thanks to the Texas Legislature – we have the opportunity to help people improve not only their employment options but also their lives.”
Courses will soon be getting underway. Visit trainestufuturo.org to register for training and to learn more.
In addition to Sharp, Lucio, and Hernandez, the news conference also heard remarks from Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Sergio “Tito” Lopez, Texas Workforce Commissioner Julian Alvarez, state Reps. Eddie Lucio, III, and state Rep. Alex Dominguez.
In his remarks, Alvarez gave a shoutout to FIRST RGV for its programs that help students learn how to build rockets.
The emcee was Port Director Eduardo Campirano.
MCALLEN, Texas - The co-chair of the National Republican Committee, Thomas “Tommy” Hicks, Jr., says the Republican Party has to do a better job of engaging with minority populations across the United States.
Hicks was in McAllen recently to officially open a new RNC Hispanic Engagement Center. The center, on Nolana Avenue in McAllen, was packed with Republican Party members and supporters for the opening. Food and refreshments were provided.
“We want to share our values throughout this great nation. Today we are putting that commitment into action by opening our second community center in Texas, right here in McAllen,” Hicks said.
“We are investing the most resources in our history to reach out to the Hispanic community, the Black community, and the Asian-Pacific American community. And this is across the country. We know that we have to do a better job of getting to know the voters that traditionally have not voted Republican because we want all Americans in this conversation. And that is why we are here today.”
Hicks added: “With the help of those in this room we are going to make a real difference, not just in elections but in the lives of people that we seek to represent.”
Other speakers at the event included Robin Armstrong, national committeeman for Texas on the RNC, and Adrienne Peña-Garza, the Hidalgo County Republican Party.
Here is a podcast of the event.
HARLINGEN, Texas - The Rio Grande Valley is far short of the national average for neurologists and the UT-Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine wants to do something about it.
UTRGV SOM, along with its clinical arm, UT Health RGV, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday for its eagerly-awaited Institute of Neuroscience (ION). Medical students will be trained at the 30,000-square-foot facility in order to go into the specialist field of neuroscience.
Neurology is a branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the nervous system.
In an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Dr. Michael R. Dobbs explained just what a shortage of neurologists the Valley has.
“This building is going to be a wonderful place to train new neurologists to practice in the Rio Grande Valley area for their careers. Also, to get medical school students interested in going into neurology because we are really short of neurologists in the Valley,” Dobbs said.
“We have around 20 neurologists. Just to reach the national average ratio we need about 50 more.”
Dobbs is chair of the Department of Neurology and chief medical officer for UT Health Rio Grande Valley.
“Any department of neurology at any medical school across the state would be proud to have (what UTRGV SOM now has),” Dobbs said.
“This building has world-class research facilities. People will be able to participate in clinical trials to test leading edge therapies for neurological diseases. We will also be able to study diseases in the laboratory as well. It is an opportunity for the whole region to advance brain health.”
Dobbs added: “The technology at ION will allow physicians to provide leading-edge specialty services and procedures, including advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), high-resolution CT scanning, and positron emission tomography. Brain health just got a huge boost in our region, and we should celebrate that.”
The institute, which broke ground in 2019, is an all-encompassing research, education, clinical care and community partnership facility “with the goal of transforming brain health for the Rio Grande Valley community,” a UTRGV SOM news release stated. The news release said ION “will bring advanced care and training in specialized neurological medical treatments and research to the Valley.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story about the official opening of UTRGV SOM's Institute of Neuroscience go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Having visited the offices of the Port of Brownsville a few times over the years, I was always aware of a proud sense of Rio Grande Valley history when I looked at the photos and newspaper accounts displayed on the wall in the main office.
With our a doubt, the 85th Anniversary of the Port of Brownsville is a major news item in the Rio Grande Valley.
Referring to the Port of Brownsville, Port Director Eddie Campirano said: “We’re the only deep water port directly on the U.S.-Mexico border. And if you think about the region, where else can it be replicated?”
The Port of Brownsville is celebrating its 85th Anniversary with an Open Day for the general public on Saturday, Oct. 23.
Recently, during a Rio Grande Valley Partnership-sponsored tour of the Port of Brownsville, Port Director Campirano offered important details about activities at the Port of Brownsville. The attached podcast (thanks to Ron Whitlock of Ron Whitlock Reports) contains all the remarks Campirano made in a presentation to RGVP and its VIP guests.
The Port of Brownsville celebrates its 85th Anniversary with an Open Day for the general public on Saturday, Oct. 23. This 85th Anniversary Open Day includes boat and bus tours, live music, animal exhibits, a children’s play area, free food, refreshments and prices.
If you plan to take your family to Open Day, please remember, the port is a secured area. Adults must present a valid government ID card, such as a driver’s license. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. The Port of Brownsville’s Open Day festivities run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 23.
LAREDO, Texas - U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar is predicting a great Christmas for border communities now that land ports of entry are being re-opened to tens of thousands of Mexican visa holders.
Mexican nationals who do not work in so-called “essential” industries have been prevented from crossing via land ports into the United States since March 20 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Now, however, the international bridges between the U.S. and Mexico and the U.S. and Canada will be open to “non-essential” travelers from Nov. 8, provided they can prove they have been fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the World Health Organization. This decision was announced by U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas last week.
“Whether it is downtown Laredo or downtown in any part of the border, this basically means that they will get their shoppers back. Which means this will be a very good Christmas,” Cuellar said.
Cuellar, D-Laredo, made his remarks in a webinar he hosted immediately following DHS’s reopening the bridges announcement.
“First of all, I got a call from the White House last night. I got a call from the secretary of homeland security, Mayorkas, early this morning. I have a call with the acting commissioner, Troy Miller, about some of the details. But I can tell you the details are being worked out right now,” Cuellar said in his introduction to the webinar.
Troy Miller is the acting commissioner for Customs and Border Protection.
Cuellar said there are two aspects to the DHS decision or reopening the bridges. The first impacts so-called non-essential travelers from Mexico.
“If they have proof of the (Covid-19) vaccine they will be able to come into the United States. That means tourism, family members can see their family members or come shop. That will open up,” Cuellar said.
The second aspect of the new ruling kicks in in January, Cuellar said.
“Anybody coming in to the U.S., any foreigner, which means, of course, Canadians, but for us, Mexicans, essential and non-essential, will have to show proof of (Covid-19) vaccines,” Cuellar said.
Cuellar said the DHS decision is a huge boost for border communities.
“What does this mean for us? It means (good news) on two fronts, economics and family. Before the pandemic we were getting 18 million Mexicans that would come in and spend $19 billion.”
*Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
Editor's Note: The attached podcast includes comments made during the webinar by Congressman Henry Cuellar, Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz, Rio Grande City public relations specialist Angelina Villarreal, and Starr-Camargo International Bridge owner Sam Vale.*
EDINBURG, Texas - Dr. Narciso Garcia, superintendent at Vanguard Academy, is pleased with the progress his charter school system has made in preparing students for collage, career and the military.
Collage, career and military readiness (CCMR) is part of the accountability process expected of school systems under House Bill 3.
In a recent podcast with the Rio Grande Guardian, Dr. Garcia pointed out that just a few short years ago Vanguard lagged behind neighboring school districts in this regard. But now, based upon data from the Texas Education Agency, Vanguard is often outperforming other school districts.
“We wanted to make sure that our CCMR grew because it is part of our accountability to the state,” Garcia said. “We are very excited because CCMR has positively impacted a lot of families.”
The data shows, pro rata, that Vanguard is top of the list or near the top for the Texas Success Initiative, Advanced Placement, Dual Credit, Industry Based Certification and Associate Degrees.
“Making sure that our students are connected to college, to a career, to the military, are important. But most of all we want to them ready to succeed in life and succeed in helping the community,” Garcia said.
“Four years ago when I arrived here, in 2017, we had zero percent of students graduating with industry-based certifications,” Garcia said “Fast forward to four years later and we have 55 percent of our students graduating with CCMR certifications, either in level one or level two.”
Garcia pointed out that level two is more rigorous. “We have 11 percent of our students graduating with a level two certificate,” Garcia said proudly. “These certificates prepare students for the workforce.”
The attached podcast has the full interview with Dr. Garcia.
Editor's Note: To see a chart contrasting Vanguard Academy with other local school districts go to the story in the Rio Grande Guardian.
PHARR, Texas - The start of the fresh produce season 2021-22 was celebrated at the Pharr International Bridge on Oct. 7.
Produce growers, importers, distributors, and consumers from the United States and Mexico were in attendance for the annual event.
The Pharr International Bridge is No. 1 in the nation for moving fresh produce. It averages 200,000 fresh produce shipments per year. It is No. 1 in the nation for the importation of pineapples and avocados. It is No. 2 in the nation for the importation of berries. And it is No. 3 in the nation for the importation of tomatoes.
This information was provided by Ken Roberts of World City, a publication that tracks imports and exports U.S. Census data.
“The Pharr International Bridge continues to remain the #1 Produce gateway in the nation,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, ahead of the event. “Our bridge director, board, and staff continue to do an outstanding job working with all our partners to continue to expand growth and access through our bridge and we look forward to another record-setting season.”
At the event, Hernandez said the “unsung heroes” of the Pharr International Bridge were the consumers that use the port of entry.
Pharr International Bridge Director Luis Bazan pointed out that the U.S. has consistently remained Mexico's No. 1 trading partner for produce and goods. He said Pharr's ideal geographical location has resulted in not only a great partnership between the two countries, but also in the growth of their produce trading capacity.
“The Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge has evolved into the largest land port for fruits and vegetables in the nation,” Bazan told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service. “Currently, the Pharr International Bridge crosses more than 65 percent of all the fresh produce coming from Mexico through Texas land ports of entry.”
Ken Roberts and World City reported that the U.S. imported $355.10 million worth of lemons and other citrus produce through the bridge. The value of peppers, asparagus, and squash, etc., crossing into the U.S. via the bridge was $428.01.71 million. The value of tomatoes crossing into the U.S. via the bridge was $592.72 million. The value of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries crossing into the U.S. via the bridge was $954.71 million. And the value of avocados, dates, figs and pineapples crossing the same bridge was worth $1.43 billion.
The attached podcast features all the comments made from the podium by Mayor Hernandez and Bridge Director Bazan at the season kickoff event.
HARLINGEN, Texas - As a regular feature in the Rio Grande Guardian, audio editor Mario Muñoz talks to Rev Torres of the Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project.
The TTAP is part of the nonprofit community group Texas RioGrande Legal Aid.
In this podcast, Torres explains what the TTAP is all about. Among the questions he answers are: what is the mission of TTAP; how do you qualify for assistance from TTAP; and how do you contact the nonprofit to get answers to tax-related issues.
PHARR, Texas - The City of Pharr, the Texas Department of Transportation, and Dragados-Pulice Joint Venture (DPJV) held a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, to celebrate the ongoing construction of the I-2/I-69C Interchange Project in Pharr.
The $303 million dollar project, which has been years in the making, will be eight miles long, consist of new connectors to expand the interchange and its capacity (four lanes in each direction), and will provide for enhanced safety and traffic flow. The three-year project is slated to be completed in the Fall of 2023.
Notable guests and dignitaries included Texas Transportation Commission Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, Pharr Mayor and Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization Chairman Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., state Senator and Senate Transportation Committee Member Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, state Representative and Chairman of the House Transportation Committee Terry Canales, and state Representative Sergio Muñoz, Jr.
Here is a podcast featuring all the remarks made from the podium at the groundbreaking ceremony.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez has outlined a way in which the Rio Grande Valley can benefit from the bottleneck faced by dozens of containers ships waiting to unload their cargo at Long Beach, California.
Cortez has suggested the ships dock at Mexico’s west coast ports and transport shipments destined for the east coast of the United States via truck through the Valley.
Cortez explained his idea during a recent roundtable discussion hosted by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and the Rio Grande Valley Partnership and held at the Port of Brownsville.
“Right now I learn that one third of all the imports coming in from the west side, from Asia, are coming in through Los Angeles and the Long Beach corridor,” Cortez said.
“Today, if you read the news there are going to be 57 container ships out in the ocean that have been there for five days because they can’t come in - either because of lack of personnel or other problems that they have.”
Cortez said the Port of Brownsville cannot compete for container ships headed to California for the Far East. But, he said, the Valley can, via land crossings.
“We are not going to compete with those ports on the Pacific Ocean because we are on the wrong side. How can we do it? Well, we have a neighbor called Mexico that does have a Pacific side port. If we were able to work with them and be able to bring product from them to us, now we are in the middle of the United States. We can now distribute everything, I think more efficiently and effectively through our area. Especially when you know and these demographers are telling me, that the majority of the people are going to be east of the middle of the United States.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The Rio South Texas Economic Council is a nonprofit membership organization that brings together the economic development interests of the cities, counties, chambers and educational institutions, workforce boards, ports, businesses and other stakeholders working towards regionally prosperity.
Our mission is to successfully promote the economic expansion and diversification of communities in the Rio South Texas region by enhancing the knowledge of the area’s many assets among potential investors, fostering growth of the local economy and enhancing competitiveness to attract capital investment and jobs.
RSTEC aims to transform the economic reality of the region by facilitating the expansion of value-added industries to the attraction of foreign direct investments or FDI, with the goal of proving the region’s residents with economic opportunities. We hope to accomplish by serving as the tip of the spear for the region’s economic development marketing efforts, filling existing white space by developing relationships, value added industry thought leaders, decision influencers and decision-makers from global markets under-represented in the region.
RSTEC develops these relationships by engaging them in their organizations, conferences, trade shows, in other words on their home turf. RSTEC builds their understanding of the region through one-on-one conversations as well as by bringing them into the region for tours and site visits, where they in turn are connected with RSTEC council members.
Founded in 2008 and continuously evolving since, RSTEC activities have made significant strides since it adopted its current strategic direction in 2016 which is focused on developing a platform for the attraction of foreign direct investment, which has in itself evolved with each successful annual program of work. And RSTEC plans to build on it for the remainder of 2021.
Editor's Note: The above commentary was given by René Xavier González, executive director of the Rio South Texas Economic Council during a webinar that featured a virtual tour of the Rio Grande Valley's industrial parks. The attached podcast features the webinar. Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read the full story.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - U.S. Sen. John Cornyn held a news conference at the Port of Brownsville on Sept. 16, 2021. The attached podcast features the news conference.
The news conference, which is featured in the attached podcast, was dominated by discussion on Covid-19 vaccines and reopening the U.S.-Mexico land ports of entry to Mexican visa holders. Cornyn also spoke about a visit he made the same day to SpaceX's rocket launching site at Boca Chica.
The news conference was preceded by a roundtable discussion Cornyn co-hosted with the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, the Valley's regional chamber of commerce. Cornyn gave remarks at the event before hearing from Valley elected officials, education chiefs and business leaders.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read more stories about the Cornyn-RGVP roundtable discussion.
WESLACO, Texas - Nine new retail projects are coming to Weslaco, with six of them on the frontage of I-2/US 83.
Steve Valdez, executive director of the Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco, announced the projects in an exclusive Zoom/podcast with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
Valdez said the demand for more retail establishments in his city is great, with the number of visitors frequenting existing stores and restaurants greater than the average for the Rio Grand Valley as a whole.
“What I can talk about are developments and a certain amount of acreage that is going to be dedicated to retail. So, we have nine different properties in Weslaco that are being considered for commercial development to bring more retail to Weslaco,” Valdez said.
“Six of them are located along the expressway and three of them are either north or south of the expressway within a mile or two. And so, to be able to have nine projects, nine different companies, nine developers that are looking at Weslaco (is exciting).”
Valdez said the developers are calling the city’s permitting offices and doing their due diligence.
"Some of them have actually turned in master plans to the city engineering department and city planning for review. And then some of them are at that phase where they are having conversations with planning to understand what the codes might be with regards to them bringing in this type of development.”
Valdez was not in a position to say what new retail stores and restaurants will be coming in.
“Give me a year from now, Steve, and you will see at the very least those six locations along the expressway that have been sitting quietly for many years. One that I am allowed to talk about is right next to the (Valley Baptist) micro hospital and a smaller strip center there. Domain Development has purchased all of that land. I want to say there is probably about 12 to 15 acres within that space. And so he is in the process of recruiting companies.”
Valdez said he face of the expressway is going to continue to evolve as it has in Weslaco over the last 15 to 20, years.
“We are going to continue to see that. At some point we are going to be like some of the other cities: there’s no more land along the frontage and we are going to have to grow north, we are going to have to grow south,” Valdez said.
Valdez said praise should go to Maria Cisneros, who handles retail development for the economic development corporation.
He said that the EDC received good feedback at a recent trade show for retailers.
“What was exciting to us was the numbers they would give us back. They would tell us, your retail numbers in Weslaco are over the top,” Valdez said. “Ours are well above the average. Weslaco’s numbers are really, really impressive.”
In addition to commercial development, the Zoom/podcast also focused on a new industrial park for Weslaco, the importance of the Progreso International Bridge, the importance of Mid Valley Airport, higher education in the area, and Census 2020.
Editor’s Note: This is the first in a two-part Zoom/podcast series with Steve Valdez and the Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco. Part Two, focusing the Mid Valley International Industrial Park, will air in our next broadcast.
MCALLEN, Texas - A discussion took place at a recent McAllen Economic Development Corporation board meeting on whether McAllen International Airport could become a major hub or a mini hub for flights into Mexico.
McAllen EDC President Keith Patridge said an excellent partnership being developed between Aeromar and the City of McAllen could just catapult McAllen International Airport to mini-hub status.
Fabricio Cojuc, executive director for network strategy and alliances at Aeromar, was more bold. He said there is no reason the airport could not be a major hub. Before the discussion took place, Cojuc gave a powerpoint presentation about the growth of Aeromar and its plans for McAllen.
Aeromar currently flies directly from McAllen to Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara. Cojuc said he is currently looking at three more direct flight destinations in Mexico but did not name them.
“We really want to support Liz, and the City, and Aeromar,” said Patridge.
“What they are doing in Mexico is really going to be a strategic advantage for us because, in effect, what we are doing and forgive me, Fabricio, I kind of throw this out there: I think what we are basically doing is creating a mini-hub into Mexico.”
The “Liz” Patridge was referring to was Liz Suarez, aviation director for McAllen International Airport. In her report to the MEDC board, Suarez said passenger traffic is up 100 percent, year-to-date.
“That is good. We have load factors up about 17 percent and flights to market are up about 45 percent. We are currently capturing 49 percent of the RGV market share, as well,” Suarez said.
In his discussion about Aeromar, Patridge said the direct and one-stop network the airline is developing out of McAllen is great news for maquiladora companies and their suppliers in Reynosa and McAllen.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service's website.
HARLINGEN, Texas - As a regular feature in the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Podcast Editor Mario Munos talks to Rev Torres of the Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project about tax issues.
The Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project is hosted by Texas RioGrande Legal Aid.
What will you do if you expect to receive a tax refund from the Internal Revenue Service, but receive a letter instead? In this podcast, paralegal Rev Torres explains what you should do… and what you should not do when you receive a letter from the IRS.
HARLINGEN, Texas - A news conference was recently to discuss the ongoing hospital capacity overload and staffing shortage in Cameron County.
Other topics discussed included testing, vaccines, and the Regional Infusion Center.
Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell hosted the news conference.
Other speakers included Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr., Manny Vela, CEO of Valley Baptist Health System and Valley Baptist Medical Center, Matt Wolthoff, CEO of Harlingen Medical Center, Dr. Michael Mohun, City of Harlingen Health Authority, Rene Perez, RN, BSN, paramedic director of Patient Transport Services at South Texas Emergency Care Foundation, Inc., and Esmeralda Guajardo, Cameron County Health Administrator.
The news conference took place at Harlingen City Hall.
The attached podcast includes the remarks of all the speakers at the event.
MCALLEN, Texas - The new president of South Texas College says he will be unveiling some “great projects” in the near future, primarily in the automotive and transportation sectors.
Ricardo Solis spoke at a recent McAllen Economic Development Corporation board meeting. He said he is excited to be working with MEDC to improve workforce training. He said his big focus right now is developing higher education programs in the health and technology arenas.
“It is a pleasure to be here. I look forward to being part of these economic efforts for the McAllen region,” Solis said, pointing out that he has known MEDC President and CEO Keith Patridge for man years.
“Keith Patridge and I go way back. Practically, about 30 years when I was doing economic development back in the lower Valley. And then I transitioned into the private sector, and then went into higher education,” Solis said.
Solis previously served as president of Laredo Community College. While there, Solis and Patridge worked together to develop the North American Advanced Manufacturing Research & Education Initiative (NAAMREI), which covered the Rio Grande Valley and Laredo.
“We truly believe that higher education is the key for communities to thrive. It is a pleasure to be part of it. There is no other place that I would rather be than in this part of the Valley and especially working with the MEDC for our workforce efforts,” Solis told the MEDC board of directors.
Transforming education
Solis said a lot of changes are happening at South Texas College.
“At STC we are going to continue transforming education, primarily focusing on health and technology programs. We are very excited. We have some great projects we are going to be announcing very soon, primarily in the automotive and transportation areas,” Solis said.
“But also, at the same time, the health, we are going to expanding even more programs, and expanding the capacity because we know there is huge demand, especially for the nursing areas. So, very excited that we are going to be engaging in these areas.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story, go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
WESLACO, Texas - Dr. Michael B. Hocker, recently appointed dean of UTRGV School of Medicine, has given an overview of the college’s work to a local council of government.
Hocker spoke about securing full accreditation for UTRGV SOM within the next 12 to 18 months, bringing more health research funds to the region, and expanding the college’s community clinics.
“We are looking at expanding and growing our residency and fellowship training programs to bring more specialties to the Valley. We know that if we have students come here and our residents and fellows train here that they are likely to stay here,” Hocker told the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council’s board of directors.
“I think it is all important because we need those folks to look like our community and we are seeing that in our medical school class but also our residency and fellowship programs.
On the subject of bringing more medical research dollars to the Valley, Hocker noted the UTRGV SOM had recently been awarded two major federal grants to conduct cancer research.
One of these - worth $2.5 million - was from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute. The funding will go towards establishing an Integrated Cancer Research Core facility that will serve as a foundation for building the Rio Grande Valley’s growing cancer research network.
The core also will support the established South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research to address disproportionate, cancer-related health issues in the area.
It is the first time UTRGV SOM has received a CPRIT grant.
“I think this is monumental as this is the first time that that kind of research funding has come to The Rio Grande Valley and it is really going to help us improve both the identification and early detection and treatment of cancers in the Valley,” Hocker told the LRGVDC.
On the subject of community clinics,” Hocker said: “From a clinical care perspective, we continue to expand our programs and provide specialty level care for the citizens of the Rio Grande Valley. We will continue to expand on that.”
Hocker said the medical school continues to partner with local and regional hospitals. “We want to continue to foster those relationships as we continue to grow in all three of these missions.”
RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas - The esteem in which Dr. Antonio “Tony” Falcon, MD, is held in his native Starr County was on display at a recent VIP luncheon held at the Julabe Ballroom in Rio Grande City.
Community leaders came together to recognize the Dr. Falcon’s decades of service and to celebrate his recent appointment as a trustee of Baylor College of Medicine.
Among those to praise Dr. Falcon were Starr County Judge Eloy Vera and Starr County Industrial Foundation President Rose Benavidez. In an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Eduardo Olivarez, Hidalgo County Health & Human Services Chief Administrative Officer, also paid tribute.
The Baylor College of Medicine has a brief biography of Dr. Falcon.
“Dr. Antonio “Tony” Falcon is a family medicine specialist in Rio Grande City with more than 44 years of experience in healthcare. He attended Baylor University and then earned his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine before completing a family medicine residency in Waco. After completing his training, he returned to the Rio Grande Valley, where he grew up. Falcon is affiliated with Doctors Hospital Renaissance and Starr County Memorial Hospital. He was a presidential appointee to the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission, served on the Texas Health and Human Services Council and has mentored medical students through the Texas Statewide Family Medicine Preceptorship Program. Falcon was named the Family Physician of the Year by the Texas Academy of Family Physicians in 2015.”
Dr. Falcon said: “I would like to thank the Baylor College of Medicine Board of Trustees for giving me the opportunity to serve in this capacity. I look forward to participating in expanding Baylor’s vision of excellence in medical education and community service.”
The VIP luncheon also served as a celebration of Operation Lone Star, the full-scale emergency training exercise led by the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Texas State Guard.
OLS has taken place annually every summer for the past two decades in various cities along the South Texas border. Tens of thousands of free medical services are administered to thousands of underserved and uninsured individuals. Services include immunizations, blood pressure checks, diabetes screening, hearing and vision exams, medical evaluations, sports physicals, dental services, veteran services, mental health services, nutrition education, and smoking cessation.
Nina Perales, vice president of litigation for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, recently spoke about the implications of the 2020 Census on redistricting for South Texas and the border region.
Perales, who has litigated on behalf of Latino communities in two previous redistricting cycles, spoke at a board meeting of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council.
Perales said the loss of population in rural parts of Texas and the growth in its urban and suburban parts, as shown by Census 2020, was incredible.
Perales said: “We have a new and very different picture of Texas than we had before, even a decade before. The population changes are quite stunning, in fact. There is widespread and consistent loss of population in rural areas in Texas and at the same time really extraordinary population gain in Texas in large cities and suburbs. I have never seen a pattern like this and this is my third round of redistricting with MALDEF.”
Editor's Note: The attached podcast features Perales’ remarks at the LRGVDC meeting. To read the full story in the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, click here.
MCALLEN, Texas - The Republican National Committee is set to open an Hispanic Engagement Office in McAllen in the coming weeks, having just launched one in Laredo.
Macarena Martinez, the RNC’s Texas communications director, said the move shows how serious the Republican Party is about building support in Hispanic communities.
“This is the first time we will be opening up a Hispanic Engagement Office under the RNC in Texas history so we are very excited,” Martinez told the Rio Grande Guardian, in a podcast that was recorded before the Laredo office opened.
Martinez said Republicans need to take Hispanic voters in Texas seriously because their numbers are growing.
“We saw in the 2020 election, and in the recent Census data, Hispanics are growing at unprecedented rates here in Texas. We are seeing the Hispanic community grow throughout the state.”
Martinez said the new Hispanic Engagement Office in McAllen would provide information on the Republican Party’s agenda and on individual candidates once the primary season is over. She said the office will work closely with local county GOP parties. There will also be workshops on credit and home buying, community meetings, movie and game nights, and religious services at the office.
Martinez said the GOP can make inroads into heavily Hispanic communities such as Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley that have traditionally voted Democrat. She pointed to the increased share of the vote President Trump received in South Texas in the 2020 president election.
The 2020 election was noteworthy in the Valley for the huge convoys of cars and trucks belonging to Trump supporters decked out with Trump banners and USA flags. These noisy convoys became known as Trump Trains.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian's website.
EDINBURG, Texas - The chief medical officer for DHR Health says the efforts he and his colleagues are making to help patients recover from Covid-19 are not being helped by misinformation about the vaccine.
“It is important for people to get their information from good, newsworthy sources, not social media jokers. That is important,” Dr. Robert Martinez said, in an in-depth interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
“The misinformation is a travesty. We should be way more ahead as a region. I am a little disappointed.”
Martinez said studies have shown the Covid vaccine to be “way more effective” than vaccines for other ailments. He said he cannot understand why some residents in the Rio Grande Valley are resistant to taking it.
“It is incredible, people just have an urge to fight, or be ignorant. I do not know what it is. It is very aggravating. It is not about liberty and personal choice, it is about doing the right thing when you have the tools to do it,” Martinez said.
“Otherwise, when you get sick, don’t come to the hospital, don’t waste space for somebody who at least tried to do the right thing for the community. You can’t say that but I know that is what a lot of people are thinking.”
Asked how bad the misinformation on social media is about the Covid-19 vaccine, Martinez said: “It is pretty bad. I think to some extent they should be held accountable. They need to find information from credible sources and they need to learn to ask questions and educate themselves. There is a lot of personal responsibility with this disease. It is more important than ever, not to try to blame it on this person or that person. Or freedom issues. That is pretty weak. Everybody has a responsibility.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
MCALLEN, Texas - The commissioner for higher education in Texas has admitted that the challenge of getting Texans the skills they need for today’s jobs is keeping him up at night.
Harrison Keller spoke in depth about the impact the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent recession has had on higher education and workforce training at a breakfast gathering hosted recently by the McAllen Chamber of Commerce.
“Let me share some of what is keeping me up at night. How we move forward on this is going to depend on how we work our way through three key dilemmas. First, one of the most striking things to me about the recession we’ve experienced is how strong the correlation is between unemployment and educational attainment,” Keller said.
“So, right now, we can see that Texas workers that have bachelor’s degrees are not back to where they were pre-pandemic but they are actually really close. Folks who don’t have any kind of post-secondary education beyond high school have experienced a much deeper and a much more sustained recession.”
Keller said the data “looks even worse” when broken down by geography and demographics.
“So, in particular there is a strong correlation between lower educational attainment rates for our Hispanic populations, for our Hispanic communities, and for our black communities and high unemployment. Of course, the same communities have been hit especially hard by Covid-19. So, this recession is the most inequitable that we have seen since this data has been tracked.”
Keller then spoke about the second thing that keeps him up at night.
Editor's Note: To read the full story please go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
At two years of age, that’s not a typo - two years of age - self-taught composer and performer, RIOPY began to play his own music on a discarded piano.
In his new Warner Classics release “Bliss”, RIOPY has fused minimalism, pop, jazz, and cinematic idioms into a distinctive crossover piano style.
RIOPY studied at Oxford University and built a successful career both as a performer and as a composer for television and film. The evocative solo piano pieces of RIOPY provide the backdrop to popular movie and television trailers.
“Bliss” is a collection of 11 titles, each a jewel of pure emotion. RIOPY’s inspiration for this album has been guided by his will to pay tribute to the anonymous but true heroes of “normal life”. Although he has rejected tricks of over-produced music, preferring the sheer power and shine of an amazing Fazioli piano, he manages to create incredibly cinematic music, built chapter by chapter, character by character, growing into a piano tale - a piano tale that, for the listener, will become an unforgettable experience of Bliss.
On this podcast, listen to a conversation between Max Horowitz of Crossover Media and self-taught television and film composer RIOPY about the album release “Bliss”.
Crossover Media:
Website: www.crossovermedia.net/
Twitter: twitter.com/_CroosoverMedia
Facebook: www.facebook.com/crossovermedia
Instagram: www.instagram.com/crossovermedia/
MCALLEN, Texas - A “pop-up” British Consulate’s Office is going to be open for a couple of hours in McAllen on Tuesday, Aug. 24, and Brownsville on Wednesday, Aug. 25.
The events are part of the Great British Tour of Texas, organized by the British Consulate in Houston.
“We are going to park up the Jag and the trailer and put out a whole bunch of bunting, some flags, a cardboard cutout of Winston Churchill, a nodding Queen Elizabeth and a few other bits and pieces,” said Richard Hyde, the British Consulate General for Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Oklahoma.
“We are going to have some 6 O’clock Gin, which is a new British gin brand, some Pimm’s, shortbread. We want to come over and have a chat, talk to businesses. Local politicians and mayors are going to drop by. We are basically going to meet people and talk a little bit about the U.K., and learn a little bit about McAllen and Brownsville.”
Hyde and his team have also visited Midland, Odessa, El Paso, Las Cruces, Van Horn, Marfa, Terlingua, Langtry, and Laredo on the tour. Still be visited are Kingsville, Corpus Christi and Shiner.
But for Covid-19, the Great British Tour of Texas would have taken in a lot more of the state, including West Texas, North Texas and the Panhandle, Hyde explained. He said it had to be paired back and the decision was made to focus on the border region.
“The focus (of the tour) is exclusively on now the areas of the state, a) that are harder to reach but b) that are predominately or increasingly Hispanic and outlook,” Hyde said.
“If you look at the United States and look at where the growth is in the United States, it is in the Sun Belt, from the Gulf Coast all the way to Arizona, Phoenix and those kinds of places. It is no coincidence that within that Sun Belt the fastest growing population group are Hispanics.”
Hyde said the U.K. has to pay more attention to the growing Hispanic influence in the United States.
“If the U.K. wants to remain relevant to the next generation of Americans, we can’t simply trade on our past, we can’t trade on the fact that we fought wars together in the 20th Century, that we have a shared love of the same music, the TV and the Crown, and James Bond and Winston Churchill,” Hyde said.
“All those are great things to celebrate. But they are not relevant and don’t resonate with this growing Hispanic community who look south for their cultural context. They look south for their history. They don’t look east to the old European nations. So, if we are going to remain relevant in the United States, and are going to remain that partner of choice and have that special relationship, we have to get out there. We have to engage with people now.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
AUSTIN, Texas - UT-Rio Grande Valley students can get their tuition and fees paid for four years and two years of free housing - but they will have to agree to stay in the Valley for five years after graduating.
Details on the Pinnacle Scholarship program - designed to stop the Valley’s Brain Drain - were outlined by UTRGV President Guy Bailey during a virtual meeting of the UT System Board of Regents.
“If you are admitted to this Pinnacle Scholars Program and you meet all the benchmarks and you progress, you can graduate from medical school or the PA program, the nursing program, having never paid any tuition or fee,” Bailey told the UT System regents.
“You should be able to graduate debt free. Or with very minimal debt. That is our goal. We think we can get the best students in the Valley that way.”
Then came the kicker.
“Now, we are going to ask something from those students. We will ask students to sign an agreement that you will commit to live in the Rio Grande Valley, once you graduate. We have made an investment in you and we will ask you to make that same investment in the Rio Grande Valley. So, that is a key for us moving forward.”
Bailey said funding for the scholarship program will come for a $40 million gift from philanthropists Dan Jewett and MacKenzie Scott. “As all of you know we received a $40 million gift from Mackenzie Scott. What that is going to help us do is transform our undergraduate student body,” Bailey told the regents.
Thuy Dan “Mimi” Nguyen is the UT student on the UT System board of regents. She praised Bailey for the new plan.
“I think the Pinnacle Scholarship is a great idea. I know over at the law school we have something similar for public interest students. If they commit to working in the public interest for a certain period of time they receive a scholarship. I think this not only betters the community but traditionally helps those that are disadvantaged,” Nguyen said.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian's website.
WESLACO, Texas - With its one industrial park almost full, Weslaco Economic Development Corporation is developing another 15 acres of land for manufacturing, warehousing and distribution.
Around $9 million worth of Infrastructure improvements are being made on the land off of FM 1015 and Mile 9.
Steve Valdez, executive director of Weslaco EDC , recently gave an exclusive interview to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service about the new developments. He said Weslaco did not suffer as big a downturn in the economy due to the coronavirus pandemic and is now rebounding well.
“Our existing industrial park is full. We have small spaces here and there, but for larger manufacturing companies, warehousing, distribution centers and the like, we just don’t have any more space,” Valdez said.
Valdez said he and his predecessor, Marie McDermott, have been looking for the right piece of property to develop as an industrial park for the past four or five years.
“That right opportunity just showed up and presented itself - 150 acres right off of FM 1015 and Mile 9. So, we are only two miles off of the expressway. We are on a state highway so that highway is always going to be maintained by the state.”
Asked if he would have any trouble filling the new industrial park with manufacturing, warehousing and distribution companies, Valdez said: “It is one thing to be optimistic, it is another thing to have letters of intent in front of you saying, we are ready to break ground, how fast can you get it ready for us. That is just amazingly exciting for us.”
The new industrial park is only eight miles from Progreso International Bridge, with a direct connection along an overweight corridor, FM 1015. The bridge, which is privately owned, is currently being expanded also. This will help Weslaco, Valdez argued.
“By the end of this year they plan to open up four new lanes of commercial traffic at the bridge,” Valdez said. “We think Weslaco will benefit from this. Cold storage, warehousing, distribution centers. We are going to go after all them.”
Valdez said all the ingredients are present to help Weslaco become even more prosperous, including having South Texas College and UT-Rio Grande Valley in the city to train high-skilled workers.
“It is a blessing to have good leadership, it is a blessing to have good, smart residents in our community that want to continue growing. Our schools are amazing. We just have a nice formula of success that everyone partners in to make it what it is today.”
UT-Rio Grande Valley is to purchase 38 acres of land in McAllen in order to double the size of its medical school.
The land, part of the 495 Commerce Center development just south of Pecan Boulevard between Jackson and McColl, will be home to UTRGV’s planned McAllen Academic Medical Campus.
News of the purchase was announced by Dr. Parwinder Grewal, executive vice president of research, innovation and new program development at UTRGV, in his monthly report to the McAllen Economic Development Corporation.
Interviewed after the meeting, Grewal told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service: “Mainly I wanted to share that UTRGV plans to buy 38 acres of land to double the size of its medical school. That will be in the City of McAllen. That land will be on the south side of Pecan Boulevard, between Jackson and McColl. We will complete the acquisition of that land this year and thereafter we will basically start the building because the medical school needs space urgently.
Asked why expansion of the medical school is so important, Grewal said: “The medical school is expanding. We are adding more and more research programs so we absolutely need to expand our facilities for the School of Medicine. And, our Cancer Center, which is already based in McAllen, that has just received its first separate grant, which is from the Texas Cancer Institute. It is about $2.5 million.”
Editor's Note: Click here to read the full story in the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
EDINBURG, Texas - The chief medical officer for DHR Health says it is “very disheartening” to see a large number of people not take the Covid-19 vaccine.
Dr. Robert Martinez gave an in-depth interview on how his hospital is coping with the latest surge in Covid-related cases. He said DHR is not faced with the “wartime medicine” situation it saw in the summer of 2020. Nonetheless, things are still bad.
“We want to make sure, No. 1, that everybody knows what a big issue we are currently in and understand the full impact of what is going on in the Rio Grande Valley right now. We are starting to see a significant resurgence, unfortunately, of Covid-19 and in particular the delta variant among a few others. Particularly in people that didn’t take advantage of the vaccine that we know works so well,” Martinez said.
“Despite everybody’s efforts and our efforts in particular, and now a lot of people are administering the vaccine, and despite how good the vaccine is, people just for whatever reason refuse to take the vaccine. It is very disheartening to me, myself and my staff, no doubt.”
DHR Health is the largest state-approved hub for administering the Covid-19 vaccine south of San Antonio. It has so far administered 250,000 doses.
“We were begging for this vaccine months ago, a year ago. People would have done anything for it, I think, and they were doing anything for it, in fact. And now it is sitting around and going to waste. There has been a decent amount of spoilage, I understand, and that is very disheartening.”
Editor's Note: Here is Part One of a two-part series.
HARLINGEN, Texas - Michael Reeser says the next Tesla factory training center could be built in Harlingen.
The chancellor and CEO of Texas State Technical College spoke about the possibilities of the Rio Grande Valley being attractive to Tesla at a recent breakfast event held at TSTC in Harlingen.
“Tesla is growing like weed in Texas. They are selling more and more units all the time. And we are beginning to rival California and Florida in terms of Tesla automobiles,” Reeser explained.
“So, Tesla, about two years ago came to Texas and started looking around because they needed a higher ed partner to set up their factory training centers for their technicians. And what they needed was a host with a robust automotive offering who could see the longterm vision of electric vehicles in our industry.”
Reeser said that after interviewing countless colleges across the state, Tesla picked TSTC to be their education partner in the state of Texas.
“So, their very first factory training center was in Waco. They picked it because it is centrally located. The second one is in Houston. It is under construction right now and it will be finished in January,” Tesla said.
“And, I predict and we have talked to them about it, your next one needs to be in Harlingen, where we already have a robust automotive program. So, the point is, Tesla looked at everyone and they picked us up.”
The tie-up with Tesla is just one of the partnerships TSTC has developed. Reeser also mentioned the FAME program run by the National Association of Manufacturing and NIMS, otherwise known as the National Institute for Metalworking Skills. And he mentioned a productive tie-up with Texas A&M University.
Editor's Note: To read the full story, go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On August 10th and 11th the Border Trade Alliance sponsored a virtual two-day conference called Building a Competitive U.S.-Mexico Border, hosted by the Mexico Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington, D.C.
Each year the border conference brings together policymakers, business leaders, and local elected officials for a dialogue that focuses on improving border management to strengthen the competitiveness of both the United States and Mexico.
This year's event placed specific emphasis on trade, travel and health as guest speakers considered how the border region will recover from the myriad impacts of COVID-19.
The seventh annual-high level "Building a Competitive U.S.-Mexico Border" conference hosted by the Mexico Institute and the Border Trade Alliance featured panel discussions with U.S. and Mexican public and private sector officials bringing sought-after perspectives to two days of discussion on border management.
To watch a video of the two days of discussions, click here.
Attached is the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service’s audio podcast of the event.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar says he learns more about border policy from the Mexican government than he does the Biden Administration.
The Laredo Democrat’s criticism of the White House’s approach to border security and immigration was voiced in a keynote address he gave at the Mexico Institute’s 7th Annual Building a Competitive U.S.-Mexico Border Conference.
In a Q&A following his remarks, Andrew I. Rudman, director of the Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute, asked Cuellar what metrics the Biden Administration has put in place to reopen the U.S.-Mexico border to so-called “non-essential” travel.
Cuellar responded that he and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, added language to an appropriations bill last December that dealt with ways to reopen the border. However, he said the Biden Administration is not taking any notice.
“We exactly asked them, hey, tell us your metrics, be more transparent, tell us how you are going to open up the border. Right now we are working in a void. Nobody understands what they (the Biden Administration) are doing,” Cuellar said.
“They don’t listen to people at the border. I am not talking about myself. I am talking about the businessmen, the county judges, the sheriffs, the mayors, the folks and the businesses at the border. So, there is no… as you mentioned… the key is, there are no metrics.”
Cuellar said border communities would like to know when land ports of entries are going to reopen to Mexican visa holders. He pointed out that before the coronavirus pandemic, 18 million Mexicans crossed the border each year, spending $19 billion in the United States.
“We are just at a whim of the administration and I just wish the administration would understand this. And every time I have talked to the secretary I have told him. With all due respect they give me answers that do not really make sense,” Cuellar said.
*Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
Editor's Note: The attached podcast contains the raw audio from Congressman Cuellar's remarks at the Mexico Institute’s 7th Annual Building a Competitive U.S.-Mexico Border Conference.*
MISSION, Texas - A news conference was held Aug. 5, 2021, at Anzalduas Park in south Mission to announce a new temporary shelter for asylum seekers that have Covid-19.
The new shelter is in Anzalduas Park, next to the Rio Grande.
Among the speakers were Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, Bishop of Brownsville Daniel Flores, McAllen City Manager Roy Rodriguez, and Hidalgo County Precinct 3 Commissioner Everado Villarreal.
Here is the raw audio from the event. It includes a Q&A with reporters.
EDINBURG, Texas - On Aug. 7, 2021, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez held a news conference to give an update on the increased hospitalization rate for Covid-19 and the increase in asylum seekers that have the coronavirus.
Cortez said the increase in Covid cases in the community could not be attributed to asylum seekers. He said it was down to not enough people getting vaccinated.
Other speakers at the news conference included Hidalgo County's health and human services chief administrator Eduardo Olivarez and Hidalgo County health authority, Dr. Ivan Melendez.
The three speakers took questions for reporters. Here is the raw audio from the news conference.
EDINBURG, Texas - The four biggest cities in Hidalgo County have joined forces to tackle the No. 1 infrastructure problem in the Rio Grande Valley - flooding and building an adequate drainage system.
The mayors of the cities of McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, and Pharr held a news conference on Aug. 4 to announce the formation of the Hidalgo County Municipal Drainage Committee.
The committee wants to fast track the creation an effective and efficient countywide drainage system, a project hitherto under the auspices of Hidalgo County. The city managers of the big four cities were present for the news conference.
As host, Edinburg Mayor Richard Molina kicked off the news conference. He said credit must go to Mission Mayor Armando O’Caña for his vision on drainage issues and bringing the four big cities together.
Hidalgo County Commissioner Ellie Torres was at the news conference. Molina thanked her for her presence and joked that Hidalgo County has all the money necessary to fix the drainage problem.
Molina said the coronavirus pandemic has got Rio Grande Valley leaders working together like never before. “We got very close during the pandemic. This was something that unified the RGV. It was something that got us communicating a lot more,” he said.
In the past, Molina said, Valley mayors have sometimes failed to look at the big picture. “We get busy, always working with our blinders on, not looking at our neighbor,” he said. All that is changing with the formation of the new drainage committee, Molina said.
He pointed out the new committee will look at ways to improve drainage, storm water retention and mitigation, and reduce flooding between cities. He said the mayors of the big four cities will be reaching out to the leaders of the other 18 municipalities in Hidalgo County.
“Understand that the end goal for all of us is to have the surrounding cities… we want them to adopt similar standards and policies to allow more efficient methods of diverting water… so that we can consistently mitigate flooding for our residents in the region,” Molina said.
Editor's Note: To read the full story, including the remarks of the mayors of McAllen, Edinburg, and Pharr, go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
HARLINGEN, Texas - In his latest commentary about taxes, Rev Torres explains to listeners what to do if they receive an unexpected letter from the IRS.
“First of all, do not panic. You should read the letter carefully and see what it says,” Torres said.
An important point, he said, is to pay close attention to any deadlines provided in the IRS letter.
“If you miss the IRS deadline, stated on the letter, you may lose the right to contest any action.”
Torres is a paralegal with Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project. He provides a regular commentary for The Rio Grande Guardian.
The Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project is a division of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid. TRLA can provide free legal advice.
Torres can be reached via the web at TRLA.org or via telephone at 956-393-6213.
“We are here to help,” Torres said.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas held a news conference in Washington, D.C., on Friday, July 30, 2021.
The two had earlier held a conference call with community leaders from Congressman Cuellar’s district. The conference call focused on asylum-seeking migrants being released into border communities by the Department of Homeland Security.
During the news conference, Graham said he and Cuellar had sent a joint letter to President Biden urging former DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson be brought in to deal with the land border migration issue. Graham said he also wants Dr. Anthony Fauci to look at the border situation with regard to Covid-19.
Click here to read Graham’s remarks at the news conference.
Click here to read Cuellar’s remarks at the news conference.
The recent actions and statements of state and local leaders restricting the ability to assist and care for recently-arrived immigrant families fills me with great sadness.
In these difficult times, when so many are struggling, our work as a community must be one of treating all human life with compassion. It is more vital now than ever to follow the example of our savior Jesus Christ who noted: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me… I was sick and you looked after me…” (Mt 25:35).
Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley (CCRGV) with the support and partnership of our exceptional community in McAllen and the greater Rio Grande Valley, including the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), have worked tirelessly to provide humanitarian assistance to the many immigrant families who have been given permission to be in the United States.
The families we assist at the Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen, Texas, have been released from federal custody and arrive at our shelter through daily coordination with CBP, the city and local community volunteers and CCRGV staff.
Throughout the pandemic we have taken extra precautions so that our local community is safe. We, in collaboration with city and county officials, established COVID testing facility. Our effort has been to test every person released in the community. Thankfully we have seen a low percentage of immigrants testing COVID positive. Nevertheless, this is a concern for us, as staff, as community members and as people of faith concerned about the well-being of all human life.
Editor's Note: The above commentary forms the beginning of a guest column penned by Sister Norma Pimentel, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley. Click here to read the guest column in full.
MCALLEN, Texas - The director of McAllen Aviation Airport says her airport is “doing phenomenally well” following the downturn in flights caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Elizabeth Suarez gave her analysis to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service at a news conference held to announce a $5.4 million grant from the federal government. The money is being used to cover maintenance and operations costs.
“We are doing phenomenally well. We are very excited. In April we announced a new service to Monterrey and to Nashville. Right after April and May we announced a new service to Guadalajara, connecting to Vallarta and it is going very well,” Suarez said, when asked how McAllen International Airport is recovering from the pandemic.
“We have seen a 70 percent increase from last year and we are trending from April thru June higher than 2019, which was our highest year on record. It is good story to tell.”
Suarez said she will have a better idea on long term projections come the Fall.
“There were industry projections that this was going to take a lot longer. Leisure travel, like you said, the demand was there and that is what we are seeing now. The true test will be come Fall. Do we see business travel come back? If that comes back we are very optimistic about that will look like.”
Suarez thanked U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez for helping to secure $5.4 million via the Airport Relief Funding process. Previously, McAllen International Airport received $4 million and $3 million in response to COVID-19.
“Airports are a key component of not only infrastructure and economic development but just overall quality of life. We were hit so drastically during COVID. We were one of the first industries to feel a really heavy burden as we worked through this last year,” Suarez explained.
Suarez said the new money is being used for operations and maintenance costs.
“Even though we did not have many passengers, we still had to ramp up our maintenance costs and sanitation costs… to ensure we were compliant with CDC recommendations.”
CDC stands for the Centers for Disease Control.
PHARR, Texas - Directors with the Pharr Economic Development Corporation have recognized Vanguard Academy students for successfully completing a summer internship program with local businesses.
The program came about thanks to a grant received by Vanguard. Vanguard in turn asked Pharr EDC to help place the students. The program was administered by Victor Perez and Karina Lopez of Pharr EDC and Monica Longoria of Vanguard. Students received a stipend for their work.
"We are beyond blessed for having this opportunity," Longoria said, at a recent Pharr EDC board meeting. She said the EDC has a “great team."
Each of the students on the program spoke about their experience with the program. All said the experience was beneficial. One of the internships has led to a job offer.
Pharr EDC President Ambrosio Hernandez, MD, said an internship program can help a student find out what he or she wants to do as a career.
“A lot of this, you think you know what you want. But when you get your boots dirty and your hands dirty you can figure out what you really want to do,” Hernandez said.
Noting that the Vanguard students were placed with local small businesses for their internship, Pharr EDC board member Ramiro Caballero, MD, said small businesses are the backbone of any economy.
“Small businesses are the heart of business anywhere. Small businesses can become big businesses. I have friends of mine that started with a small business in high school and made it into a multi-million dollar industry. I know people who started making tortillas who are now extremely successful,” Caballero said.
“It all comes with hard work and customer service so hopefully those things you will learn. Business will not come to you. You have to go to business. You will learn a lot of the skills in college, people skills, networking, and being good to your customers. Always remember that and always try to help others because it always come back to you, also.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story, go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
HARLINGEN, Texas - The vice president of international sales and global development for Frontier Airlines says the Rio Grande Valley has great potential as a tourist destination.
Alfredo Gonzalez gave an in-depth interview to the Rio Grande Valley International News Service at a recent news conference held at Valley International Airport in Harlingen.
The news conference was held to announce a new nonstop flight from VIA to Las Vegas, starting in September, on Sundays and Thursdays. The one-way price from Frontier Airlines is only $49.
While the new service might have been started to assist Valley tourists wishing to visit Las Vegas, it was put to Gonzalez that Vegas residents might also be interested in the Valley, After all, the Rio Grande Valley is lucky enough to be home to South Padre Island. Gonzalez said he could not agree more.
“This is not just a flight, it is a story to be told. After what we suffered in the last year, this is a beautiful story and a beautiful destination that has all the assets that we think we need in order to have a successful flight,” Gonzalez said.
“This area is an undiscovered gem. Even though as discovered as places like South Padre Island are, I think that the diversity of product on both sides of the border are amazing and I think it is what people in today’s world are looking for. They might not be looking for the giant rollercoaster anymore. They are looking for beautiful beaches, wide open spaces, places where you can take your family, relax and really take in after such a hard time in the last year and a half.”
Gonzalez continued: “South Padre Island has historically been an amazing recreational holiday vacation destination. And I think we as an airline understand that people need to go in both directions. Yes, it is great that we can service the most fun city in America, Las Vegas, but at the same time look at the numbers of hundreds of thousands of people that live in Clark County and all around Las Vegas that want to have a holiday on the beach. There are no beaches in Vegas.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
EDINBURG, Texas - Hidalgo County and McAllen leaders recently held a news conference to announce that thousands of maquiladora workers from Reynosa would cross into the U.S. to be given a COVID-19 vaccine.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is being administered within the Hidalgo International Bridge compound. Maquila workers are bused across the bridge and receive the vaccine from nurses whilst staying on the bus. The bus then returns to Reynosa.
Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez kicked off the news conference. He was joined by Eduardo Olivarez, Hidalgo County’s chief administrative officer for Health & Human Services, McAllen City Commissioner Pepe Cabeza de Vaca, Keith Patridge, president of McAllen Economic Development Corporation, and Steve Ahlenius, president of McAllen Chamber of Commerce.
The other featured speakers were Foylán Yesces Cedillo, Mexico’s consul in McAllen, and Humberto Martinez, president of Index Reynosa, the maquiladora trade association.
Cortez said the program is called the Essential Economic Trade Initiative.
“It involves vaccinating maquiladora workers in Reynosa with unused COVID-19 vaccines before they expire. Our initial goal is to vaccinate up to 3,000 workers but our hope is we will vaccinate more as we receive more unused vaccines from across the state when they become available,” Cortez said.
“I want to make it clear that no U.S. citizens will be denied any vaccine or anyone who wants one from our area hospitals, private pharmacies, UTRGV, or even our Hidalgo County clinics. This program uses left over vaccines that are soon to expire to vaccinate maquila workers before the vaccines are destroyed.”
Cortez noted that similar programs have been started in San Diego, California, and the Texas border cities of El Paso and Brownsville.
“We think this as a good thing. We view this as a smart, economic move aimed at restoring to normal one of our region’s biggest economic engines, which is the maquiladora industry,” Cortez said.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
SAN JUAN, Texas - Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa recently spoke at a luncheon hosted by Hidalgo County Tejano Democrats and LUPE Votes.
The event was organized to show support for Democrats in the Texas House of Representatives who have broken quorum in the current special session in Austin. Most of the 58 Democrats are now in Washington, D.C., to urge U.S. senators to pass a federal law that would supersede voting restriction legislation Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is trying to get passed at the state level.
Hinojosa said the Texas House Democrats were being asked to make a quorum so Texas House Republicans could vote “to pass Jim Crow legislation, to deprive their own constituents of the right to vote.”
How can they ask our people to do that, Hinojosa asked. He said that it would be like having one’s family lined up to face a firing squad, “and the guys that are going to shoot your family said, can you load up the weapons for us?”
The luncheon was held at Azure Bistro in San Juan. Other speakers at the event were Juan Maldonado of Hidalgo County Tejano Democrats and Danny Diaz of LUPE Votes. They said their communities fully support the Texas House Democrats that broke quorum. “We applaud efforts from our delegation to preserve our voting rights and resist Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 15,” Maldonado told the Rio Grande Guardian.
The attached podcast features Hinojosa’s speech.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Josh Mejia caught everybody by surprise at the recent BTX Developers luncheon by casually mentioning that the Musk Foundation was donating another million dollars to downtown revitalization in Brownsville.
Mejia, executive director of the Brownsville Community Improvements Corporation, was one of the keynote speakers at the event. Co-sponsored by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, the City of Brownsville and the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, the luncheon brought together potential investors, real estate developers and community leaders. The luncheon was followed by two bus tours of Brownsville, one of which took in BCIC’s much anticipated e-Bridge Center.
In his remarks, Mejia gave an update on the e-Bridge Center and other quality of life improvements coming to Brownsville. But, he received the biggest applause when he mentioned inward investment by Elon Musk.
“I was texting back and forth with my board members and about 45 minutes ago I receive an email from the Musk Foundation. It is like perfect timing. It is like they know we are here. Well, they just mentioned they donated another million (dollars) towards this program. So, now we have $2 million,” Mejia said. The audience cheered.
This podcast features Mejia's presentation at the BTX Developers event.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The executive director of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation says a huge jobs fair she organized last month was one of the highlights of her career.
Helen Ramirez noted that the event, titled Careers and Coffee, was the largest of its type ever held in the Rio Grande Valley. It featured more than 1,500 job opportunities with various organizations, including the City of Brownsville, SpaceX, DHR Health, SteelCoast, Southwest Key, and National Electric Coil.
“This event, which was held June 28, was probably one of the highlights of my career, ever. I have had a long career in public and private industry, over 20 years. And I would say it was a celebration of community,” Ramirez said.
Ramirez is also deputy city manager for the City of Brownsville. She made her remarks at a recent luncheon hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, the City of Brownsville and GBIC. It was titled the BTX Developers Event.
Speaking abut the careers expo, Ramirez said: “We have a lot of talent here in Brownsville. But, there is also a lot of brain drain where we have students, talented engineering students, aerospace, astrophysicists, go to Austin and San Antonio and Houston for jobs.”
To fight the brain drain, the organizers of Coffee and Careers, targeted some of the large metro areas in Texas.
“We had commercials running specifically in hotels by Vimeo and we really targeted a lot of our great universities that we have in Texas. And many just came out, many were registered, and also we gave free resources,” Ramirez said.
“The great thing about this event, we started at 7:45 in the morning and we did not end until the last person was interviewed and 7:30 p.m. That speaks to… many career expos, if you have been to one, they are formal, they can be very in-personable. This career expo was just, you are going to get interviewed, if you want an interview, you are going to get considered. You can actually speak to some of these large companies.”
Ramirez cited DHR Health Brownsville, which is looking to hire around 300 people by the end of the year. She also referenced SpaceX, which generated a huge level of interest from jobs seekers at the expo, and Steel Coast.
“The talent is here and to have so many people say, we want to live, work, we want to come back to Brownsville, or we just want to have a different life (was gratifying),” Ramirez said.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilbert Hinojosa says it is a “brilliant” idea to allow Matamoros residents to come over to Brownsville to have their COVID-19 vaccines.
Hinojosa, a former Cameron County Judge, said he will take the idea to the Biden Administration and U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela.
The idea of pilot program that would see Matamoros residents cross the Gateway International Bridge, receive a wristband that allows them to get the coronavirus vaccine at the old HEB store in downtown Brownsville has been made by public policy advocate and veteran broadcaster Ron Whitlock. Whitlock has been working on the project with Brownsville licensed real estate broker Larry Jokl.
“I’d never thought of that. I think it is a brilliant idea,” said Hinojosa. “It is something that Joe Biden should take a look at. And the State Department and the different health agencies that are in charge of preventing the spread of this disease. It makes sense to me.”
Whitlock said if the pilot project was successful it could hasten the full reopening of land ports of entry on the U.S.-Mexican border. They have been closed to so-called “non-essential” travel since March, 2020, in order to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Asked who he and Jokl are partnering with on the venture, Whitlock said: “We have already got a lot of important people signed up. We have Belinda Reininger, who is head of the University of Houston medical branch at UTRGV in Brownsville. Texas Southmost College has already volunteered to get involved with helping to train people to deliver the vaccine. I have met with Brownsville Fire Chief Jarrett Sheldon and Brownsville Public Health Director Dr. Arturo Rodriguez. They tell me they need help, that they are running out of volunteers. We have former Rotary Club Governor Andy Hagen; their clubs in Brownsville and Matamoros have agreed to work together. Andy has agreed to administrate. We have TSTC in Harlingen; the head of their foundation has agreed to assist. And I am going to be requesting from Charles Butt the use of his property, across the street. We can use the old HEB parking lot as a drive thru.”
Hinojosa said the nation needs to think “outside of the box” when dealing with COVID-19. “It has had such a traumatic effect. Look what happened here in the Rio Grande Valley. We had refrigerated 18-wheelers with bodies stacked onto of each other for a certain period of time. We had ambulances waiting in line two blocks long with patients to get into a hospital that was already overwhelmed with patients. All of us had friends that died.”
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The potential benefits to Brownsville in particular and the Rio Grande Valley as a whole of expanding their presence in the NewSpace economy were discussed at the recent BTX Developers Event.
The event was hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership in conjunction with Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation and the City of Brownsville. The even comprised a luncheon attended by real estate developers, potential investors and community leaders and two bus tours, one that took in downtown Brownsville and another that featured the city’s industrial parks and international airport. The luncheon was held at the Brownsville Events Center.
One of the keynote speakers spoke in depth about the NewSpace economy - Brant Arseneau, founder of SpacedVentures and 9Point8 Capital. Arseneau has based his finance company in Brownsville.
According to Wikipedia, Joseph Brant Arseneau is “an entrepreneur and executive, best known for his work in both fintech and space technology. He is generally known in finance for his work in Electronic Trading, Renewable Energy Derivatives, and Capital Markets technology.”
In his remarks, Arseneau spoke about NewSpace today being in roughly the same place as the digital economy was in the mid-1990s. In other words, it is poised for rapid growth.
“Right now, about $400 billion of revenue is being generated within the industry. Morgan Stanley and Bank of America feel that that is going to grow to $1.4 trillion dollars by 2030 and, further, to $3 trillion by 2040. And just to put that into perspective. The oil and gas industry is around $3 trillion. So, it is quite a mass ver amount of capital flowing into the industry.”
This podcast features Arseneau's remarks at the BTX Developers Event luncheon.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The Rio Grande Valley Partnership recently held the BTX Developers Event in conjunction with the City of Brownsville, Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, and Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation.
The event attracted real estate developers and investors, both to a luncheon held at Brownsville Events Center and a bus tour. In fact, there were two bus tours, one covering downtown Brownsville, including the site of the eagerly-awaited eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization, and other a tour of industrial parks and the recently refurbished Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport.
There were five main speakers during the luncheon. One of them was Constanza Miner, retail and development manger for the City of Brownsville. In her presentation, Miner listed some of the coming retail establishments. These included:
Doctors Hospital at Renaissance
Main Event
Madeira 1,300 ac Master Plan
The Human Bean
Kailani Poke
Black Bear Diner
Midtown Brownsville
Adams Downtown Living
Samano Studios & Armand’s Grocery
Levee CA—BC (Common Area Business Center)
The attached podcast features Miner's presentation at the BTX Developers Event.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – When it comes to building a second causeway to South Padre Island, the state legislature failed the Rio Grande Valley this legislative session.
Cameron County leaders were hoping state lawmakers would find $3 million so that an environmental impact statement could be produced. It did not happen. And now, because local leaders came away empty handed, Valley residents are going to have to step up to the plate.
Cameron County is slated to chip in $1.5 million. South Padre Island will likely pony up $1 million. And Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority (CCRMA) will provide $500,000.
In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, CCRMA Executive Director Pete Sepulveda gave an update on where the second causeway project stands.
“The project was placed on hold back in December 2017 because we were developing it as a toll project. There was a change in the governor’s policy towards toll projects. Since that time we have been on hold,” Sepulveda said.
“Unfortunately, we had already done a draft environmental impact statement. We had done a public hearing. We had done a value engineering session where we had gotten some really good recommendations.”
Sepulveda said the engineering session had determined that the cost of the project could be lowered substantially if the amount of mitigation required was lowered.
“It was very unfortunate that we were placed on hold after that. We have spent the last couple of years trying to convince TxDOT that we need to move forward with the project. Unfortunately, through two legislative sessions we still don’t have authority for public-private partnerships and so we cannot continue to deliver the project as a toll project.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On June 30, 2021 the Wilson Center's Mexico and Canada Institutes joined a conversation with the trade ministers from the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
This event focused on the biggest lessons learned from the first year of USMCA, as well as on the top priorities for North American collaboration in the years ahead.
The webinar was introduced by Patrick J. Ottensmeyer, president and CEO of Kansas City Southern. The three keynote speakers were Ambassador Katherine Tai, the U.S. Trade Representative, Secretary Tatiana Clouthier Carrillo, Mexican secretary of economy, and the Hon. Mary Ng, minister of small business, export promotion and international trade for Canada.
Panelists included U.s. Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas, and Earl Anthony Wayne, public policy fellow, and former career ambassador to Afghanistan, Argentina, and Mexico.
The moderator was Ambassador Mark Green, president, director, and CEO of the Wilson Center.
Editor’s Note: To read the commentary given by Ambassador Green at the webinar, go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas – Tourism on South Padre Island is rebounding well following COVID-19 but how people take their vacation is changing.
Vacation homes are in greater demand because they allow families to maintain the “bubble” they were in during the pandemic.
This is the view of Ed Caum, executive director of SPI’s convention and visitors bureau, and Tom Goodman, a real estate broker on SPI. Both gave their analysis of the current tourism boom in an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian.
“Some of the biggest increases we have seen in the collection of hotel tax is within the vacation rental business. That is happening not just exclusively here, it is happening in beach destinations and national parks,” Caum said.
“We are seeking a change. People who had not been exposed to vacation rentals, over the period of Covid, if they had not tried it before they are trying it now and they are liking it. We are seeing multi-generational families coming together.”
Goodman said there was and is pent up demand for vacations, following the pandemic. However, he said the type of holidays people are taking is changing.
“What is more interesting in my mind, rather than just say we have this huge increase in numbers, is to delve into why, what is it that is changing about the traveling public. In my opinion, what we have seen with the pandemic is about a five-year leap ahead of where we were in the travel industry out here on South Padre Island, much of attributed to vacation rentals,” Goodman said.
Goodman said the number of visitors SPI had in March of this year was better than the numbers for 2019, 2018 and 2017.
“Yet, interestingly enough, we did not have an increase in bridge crossings. What happened? Vacation rentals, we were seeing a much higher average daily rate. People are coming in spending more money, on the island for a family, staying in vacation rentals.”
Goodman continued: “People have been attracted to vacation rentals because it has been an escape from the crowded hotels. They can distance themselves in vacation rentals.”
Caum agreed. He said families were encouraged to stay in their “family bubble” during the pandemic and that mindset has continued.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Helen Ramirez, deputy city manager of Brownsville and CEO of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, says there are some specific reasons Paragon VTOL Aerospace chose to relocate to her city.
“Brownsville was selected from over 50 cities in Texas because of our attributes - our open mindedness, our innovation, and because of you, the community,” Ramirez said, at a news conference.
VTOL stands for vertical take off and landing. Ramirez said Paragon VTOL will be “safely testing new urban air mobility and transportation, beginning with drones, and eventually producing vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.”
Ramirez said that because of the state-of-the-art technology it utilizes, Paragon VTOL could have a big impact on Brownsville, the region, the state of Texas, and nation. “We are going places,” she predicted.
Paragon VTOL Aerospace was founded by oil executive and Jamaican native Dwight Smith to produce a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. At the news conference, Smith said his company plans to build a manufacturing hub on designated industrial land at the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport, with operations starting next year.
He said the company is also planning to develop a “vertiport” for vertical liftoffs, landings and service. The company has acquired a capital commitment of over a billion dollars just for the micro grids that will power the vertiports, Smith said.
“The reason I selected Brownsville is because of the community,” said Smith. “Look at the people of Brownsville and you feel the sense of opportunity to build together.”
Smith laid out the strategy for his company in Brownsville. He said it will begin with working out the bugs of a drone package delivery. “We will start with small drone delivery based on a crawl, walk, and run strategy,” he said. “We will begin with meals, mail, and medicine drones in Brownsville.”
Under Paragon’s walk strategy, Smith said, the company plans to initiative a heavy load vehicle that will eventually carry passengers.
Brownsville Mayor Trey Mendez enthusiastically welcomed Paragon VTOL to his city.
“Once again, Brownsville is making history and pioneering aviation,” Mendez said, referencing the first international airmail flight piloted to Brownsville by aviator Charles Lindbergh on March 10, 1929.
“Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads,” Mendez said, borrowing a famous line from the 1989 movie Back to the Future Part 2.
“The relocation of Paragon VTOL furthers the creation of our infrastructure as a commercial NewSpace ecosystem,” Mendez said. “The City of Brownsville and its partners are committed to continuing to activate our economy through space industries.”
EDINBURG, Texas - Did you know that over 14,420 Dreamers live in the McAllen metro region and contribute $39.8M in federal, state, and local taxes?
This information was provided at a recent forum co-hosted by the Texas Business Immigration Coalition, the Texas Opportunity Coalition and UT-Rio Grande Valley. The event was held at the Edinburg campus of UT-Rio Grande Valley.
A Dreamer is a person who has lived in the United States without official authorization since coming to the country as a minor. People of this description who meet certain conditions are eligible for a special immigration status under an executive order first signed by President Obama.
The forum focused on ways in which business, higher-education, and civic leaders can support a federal Dream Act, which would allow the Dreamers a permanent way of staying in the United States.
Among the VIPs in attendance were U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, Edinburg Mayor Richard Molina, Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos, UTRGV President Guy Bailey, Rio Grande Valley Partnership President Sergio Contreras, IBC Bank Vice President Eddie Aldrete, and UTRGV Vice President Veronica Gonzales.
Congressman Gonzalez thanked the organized and local leaders for attending the meeting and discussing the impact Dreamers have on our economy. “These young people are Americans in every way, except on paper, which is why we must keep pushing for solutions that will provide them with a pathway to citizenship,” Gonzalez said.
Also participating were the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and the LIBRE Initiative.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
HARLINGEN, Texas - Did you know about the Russia-Paris connection?
According to Russian Pianist, Danil Trifonov, to this day, many building and street signs are bilingual Russian/French.
Trifonov explained this Russian/French connection when I recently spoke to him about his latest release, Silver Age, an homage to music created during this important period in Russian History.
Pianist Danil Trifinov’s Silver Age album, includes Scriabin's Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in F sharp minor Op.20; Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No.2 in G minor Op.16; and Three Movements from Stravinsky’s Petrushka.
On the Silver Age album you will also be able to listen to Prokofiev's Sarcasmes Op.17, Piano Sonata No.8 in B flat major Op.84 and the "Gavotte" from "Cinderella" Op.95 No.2. The album also includes Stravinsky's Serenade. Go straight to track 14 and listen to my favorite--excerpts from The Firebird.
The album is available in double disc and e-album formats.
I think you will enjoy listening to the podcast of my conversation with Russian Pianist, Danil Trifinov.
Editor's Note: Credit for the attached photo of Danil Trifonov goes to Dad]rio Acosta.
HARLINGEN, Texas - Rev Torres, a paralegal with Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project, says there is still time to obtain a $1,400 stimulus check from the U.S. Treasury.
There are a number of reasons why an individual may not have received the check, Torres explained, in a podcast with the Rio Grande Guardian.
“If you did not file a tax return, this may the reason you have not received your stimulus check,” Torres said. “By filing as a 2020 return, this may result in you getting your payment.”
The Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project is a division of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The governor-elect of Nuevo León says developing a high-speed passenger train between San Antonio and Monterrey will help improve security for border crossers.
Samuel Garcia Sepulveda was in Washington, D.C., this week to develop partnerships and find funding sources for mobility projects. The trip was coordinated with the help of U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar of Laredo.
In addition to high-speed rail, Garcia Sepulveda wants a 20-mile highway built to improve connectivity to the Gloria-Colombia International Bridge. Once that is done, he said, travelers from Monterrey can get to the bridge more efficiently and avoid cartel-controlled Tamaulipas.
“There has been insecurity outside of Nuevo León. These incidents (of violence) are happening outside Nuevo León. Nuevo León has complete protection throughout the state and maybe these political conflicts, this fight between the federal government and the government of Tamaulipas has caused a distraction from the security,” Garcia Sepulveda said, on a webinar hosted by Rep. Cuellar.
“We hope that they have, soon, the ability to make bonds between the federal government and the government of Tamaulipas. Nuevo León has to do its own work to improve the security and give the border the security it deserves.”
In his remarks, Cuellar acknowledged there is a “little bit of a difference between Nuevo León and Tamaulipas.
“And we certainly want to make sure that we are helpful. Through appropriations, I want to help Mexico on the security part. We have done that in the past. But, it does not go through governors, it has to go to the federal government and they have to work that out,” Cuellar said.
“But, I am concerned because we have had American citizens that have disappeared. It (securing key highways on the Mexican border) is something that has to be done. With all due respect it is something we have to tackle. Otherwise it does have a ripple effect on trade, tourism and our inter-connections.”
Cuellar said the dominance of cartels along the border needs to be acknowledged.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
EDINBURG, Texas - Driscoll has been a part of the Rio Grande Valley community for 25 years, with specialty centers in Brownsville, Harlingen and McAllen staffed by Driscoll pediatric sub-specialists and other clinical team members.
Now, Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley will further expand upon the mission of Driscoll Children’s Hospital founder Clara Driscoll to provide medical care to all the children of South Texas.
Driscoll Children’s Hospital will open and independently operate the only designated, freestanding children’s hospital in the Rio Grande Valley.
The name of the hospital will be Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley.
“Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley will further the mission of Driscoll Children’s Hospital founder Clara Driscoll to provide medical care to all the children of South Texas. We look forward to being an even larger part of the Valley community and providing more care for more kids,” a news release from Driscoll stated.
The hospital will provide the following pediatric services:
• Pediatric specialists
• Acute inpatient and outpatient surgery
• Emergency services
• A Level III NICU
• A Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
• Rehabilitation: physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy
• Imaging
• Laboratory
• Child Life program
The new eight-level hospital will be located on the campus of DHR Health.
Editor's Note: To read the full story, go to the Rio Grande Guardian's website.
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - The largest ever Career Expo to held in the Rio Grande Valley takes place in Brownsville on June 28.
The event is being called the Careers and Coffee expo. It will feature 1,500 job opportunities with various organizations, including the City of Brownsville, SpaceX, DHR Health, SteelCoast, Southwest Key, and National Electric Coil.
The expo takes place at the Brownsville Events Center, located at 1 Event Center Road, and entry is free to the general public. Over 1,500 job openings will be highlighted at the expo, which will run from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Helen Ramirez is executive director and CEO of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC) and deputy city manager for Brownsville. GBIC is hosting the career expo.
Ramirez said there will be career opportunities in fields such as healthcare, engineering, transportation, human resources, and government, and in skilled trades including machinery mechanics, facilities maintenance and welding.
Careers and Coffee will also offer free resume headshots by a professional photographer, a resume workshop, and networking opportunities in collaboration with Texas Workforce Solutions, Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Southmost College and UT-Rio Grande Valley, Ramirez explained.
“We are proud to be able to connect Brownsville’s amazing employers, who are ready to hire, with the talented, hardworking, qualified people of Brownsville,” Ramirez said, “It’s time to get our community back to work.”
In an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Ramirez said Brownsville students no longer have to leave the city or the region in order to fashion a successful career.
“I think the powerful message of having a career expo that offers more than 1,500 jobs in different career sectors such as medical, aerospace, engineering and all types of job sectors, is that it really speaks to the opportunities that students that have left Brownsville or people that have left Brownsville even 15, 10 or five years ago have now,” Ramirez said.
“They have the opportunity, because of our sustainable economy, to come back and actually have the ability to have a quality of life, raise their families here, next to family. The strength of our economy really makes it (Brownsville) a great place to come back to and have career success. That is the message we want to send. You do not have to move away to be successful in your career and with your family.”
The Career and Coffee expo was promoted at a recent news conference. Ramirez spoke at the news conference, along with GBIC Chairman and Brownsville City Commissioner John Cowen, Jr. Representatives from DHR Health, SteelCoast, Southwest Key, and National Electric Coil also spoke.
WESLACO, Texas - South Texas Health System has installed a High Resolution 1.2 Tesla Open MRI system at its Emergency Room in Weslaco.
A Tesla unit is a measurement of magnetic field strength as it applies to Magnetic Resonance Imaging systems.
STHS hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house to mark the arrival of its new state of the art Hitachi Oasis 1.2T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system, the first of its kind in the Valley.
Wes Robinson is assistant chief nursing officer for South Texas Health System Heart and the system’s six freestanding emergency departments. Robinson said the Hitachi Oasis 1.2T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system is considered the highest field strength open MRI system in the industry, pointing out that it is an open scanner that provides patients with a 270-degree unobstructed view.
Open to the front, back and most of the sides, it is equipped with a spacious bed allowing for a much more comfortable experience for bariatric, claustrophobic, geriatric and pediatric patients, Robinson pointed out.
“South Texas Health System has always strived to transform healthcare in the Rio Grande Valley by investing in
advanced medical technology for our patients, and this new open MRI machine is a perfect example of that commitment to our community,” Robinson said.
“While we provide traditional MRI services at our facilities across the region, this new open MRI system will help improve the overall experience for our patients without sacrificing image compromise.”
Laurence Weinreich is director of radiology for South Texas Health System Edinburg and South Texas Health System’s freestanding emergency departments. Weinreich said the open MRI system offers musculoskeletal, neuro, vascular and body imaging capabilities. He said the 1.2-tesla magnet results in shorter scan times while capturing high-resolution images.
“This Hitachi Oasis system will really change the MRI game in the Valley, with its unmatched patient comfort, rapid workflow and clinical capabilities,” Weinreich said.
“As part of our commitment to providing quality, compassionate care to the patients in our community, we are confident this new open MRI system will ensure the best diagnostic results available without the anxiety and stress getting an MRI can trigger in patients.”
Open MRI services are available at South Texas Health System ER Weslaco, located at 330 W. Expressway 83, Weslaco, TX 78599, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Here is a podcast from the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
It was a terrific opportunity yesterday to observe Mexican democracy in action. And, I have to say that the INE (Instituto Nacional Electoral) did an incredible job. They did an incredible job of organizing the election.
I would say more importantly than that, of working with Mexican civil society, and by civil society I do not mean NGOs (non-government organizations. I mean the people on the street who organized themselves to run the polling stations. The INE work hand in hand with them in terms of the training, providing them with the resources they need to actually execute a very well-run, fair, free, transparent election.
I had the opportunity to travel around the southern part of Mexico City yesterday, visiting five different polling stations. I was there for the rapid count in one of them and it is an extraordinarily simple process but it is one that works very, very well.
One of the biggest takeaways of this election is democracy does work in Mexico. I know that a lot of people have had doubts about the future of democracy. It is alive and well. The INE did a great job, as I said, but Mexican civic culture, the culture of democracy is alive and kicking. And there is great pride on the part of the Mexican people in their own elections. And a large part of that comes from the fact that they are so intimately involved in it.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service's website to see the full commentary from Duncan Wood, vice president for strategy and new initiatives; senior advisor to the Mexico Institute. Wood made his remarks on a Mexico Institute webinar titled Ground Truth Briefing - Mexico’s Mid-Term Elections. Wood was in Mexico as an official elections observer for the mid-term elections. The attached podcast features the webinar.
McALLEN, Texas - The Rio Grande Valley economy, as measured by sales tax revenues, went “absolutely” bonkers” in March, says Matt Ruszczak, executive director of Rio South Texas Economic Council.
While the figures for the state of Texas as a whole were impressive, up 30.09 percent on the same month in 2020, the increase in the Valley was huge - 42.19 percent.
“It is absolute bonkers,” Ruszczak said, in his monthly analysis of data produced by the Texas Comptroller’s Office.
Ruszczak said it was important to set the stage, when comparing March 2021 with March 2020.
“March 2020 was obviously a challenging time. The pandemic was spreading into the United States and making its way towards Texas. March 2020 was also the month when the bridges closed - March 21st - to non-essential traffic back and forth from Mexico,” Ruszczak said.
“The stock market was taking a nose dive in the month of March, last year, which added to the concern and uncertainty. And we were very rapidly approaching a shelter-in-place order which actually came into effect in April of last year.”
Looking at the economy in March, 2021, Ruszczak said the contrast “could not be starker.” He said March of this year was marked by a general sense of optimism.
“We had a significant ramp up in the vaccinations. We were starting to break records in terms of the vaccination numbers. Were also started to see some positive numbers coming out in terms of infection rates and the general strain on hospitals,” Ruszczak said.
“The state reopened in March of 2021. The governor took a very bold step moving forward, re-opening the state, which obviously allowed businesses to start functioning at full speed, 100 percent capacity. And while the bridges were still closed and they are still today, the stimulus money, the big stimulus checks, the $1,400 stimulus check, started coming into people’s bank accounts and mailboxes towards the latter part of March.”
MCALLEN, Texas - Discussion on a proposed pilot project to help Matamoros residents get the COVID vaccine in downtown Brownsville came up doing a news conference held at the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge on Wednesday, June 2.
The news conference was hosted by U.S. Sens. Jon Cornyn of Texas and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, and U.S. Reps. Henry Cuellar of Laredo and Tony Gonzales of San Antonio.
In response to a question on when the border bridges will be reopened, Cornyn said: "We want to do this responsibly. We are asking the administration for a transition plan from this ban on anything other than essential trade and traffic. We want to know, how do we transition safely from Title 42 back to reopening our border, which is, I believe, safe and open for business."
Public policy advocate and veteran broadcaster Ron Whitlock, who designed the pilot project, responded: "I have a transition plan," and proceeded to explain it to the lawmakers.
After he had heard an overview of Whitlock's idea, Cornyn said: "I think it makes perfect sense for us to use the excess vaccines that we do not need here in the United States to help our friends in Mexico and elsewhere around the world."
Editor's Note: Click here to read the full story in The Rio Grande Guardian.
EDINBURG, TEXAS - The leaders of RGV Focus have given their views on the disappearance of Rio Grande Valley students from virtual classes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some schools, such as Vanguard Academy, did not lose any students. Others in the region lost many.
In the attached podcast, Ron Whitlock interviews Dr. Rodney Rodriguez, senator director of RGV Focus, Dr. Narciso Garcia, superintendent of Vanguard Academy, Cledia Hernandez, provost of Texas State Technical College in Harlingen, and Ramiro Gonzalez of Falcon Bank.
In addition to a discussion on the students that disappeared, the subject of the Valley’s digital divide was brought up.
Whitlock met the RGV Focus leaders at Region One Education Service Center. The event featured the 2020 annual scorecard produced by RGV Focus. The scorecard shows that the Rio Grande Valley matches or exceeds state performance in 9 out of 10 education metrics.
Click here to read the scorecard.
HIDALGO, Texas - The authors of the Bipartisan Border Solutions Act conducted a fact-finding tour of the Rio Grande Valley on Wednesday, while at the same time promoting their new legislation.
U.S. Reps. John Cornyn of Texas and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, and U.S. Reps. Henry Cuellar of Laredo and Tony Gonzales of San Antonio visited a Customs and Border Protection temporary overflow facility in Donna and the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge. They also met with federal and local law enforcement officials, as well as elected and community leaders with an interest in solving border security issues.
The four held a news conference at the bridge, answering questions about their legislation, when land ports of entry might be reopened to so-called “non-essential” travelers, providing vaccines to visa holders from Matamoros, and Gov. Greg Abbott’s recent decision to declare the border area a disaster.
The four lawmakers say their legislation will provide new protections for unaccompanied children and help streamline the processing of migrants. The legislation would also establish at least four regional processing centers in high-traffic areas along the border. And the legislation would create a pilot program to expedite legal proceedings for asylum seekers.
The bill requires the hiring of hundreds of immigration judge teams, asylum officers, litigation teams and other staff. “The cases of migrants who arrive during surges will be prioritized to ensure those with legitimate claims can be granted asylum without lengthy delays, while also disincentivizing would-be migrants with weak asylum claims from attempting the dangerous journey to the border,” Cornyn, Sinema, Cuellar and Gonzales say.
MCALLEN, Texas - In May, four legislators introduced bipartisan and bicameral border legislation called the Bipartisan Border Solutions Act.
The four legislators were U.S. Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema, a Democrat from Arizona, U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar, a Democrat from Laredo, and U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales, a Republican from San Antonio.
These four legislators will conduct a tour of McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge tomorrow, June 2, at 12:45 pm. They will later hold a joint press conference. Other stops on the legislative tour include the Border Patrol Donna Temporary Processing Center and the Department of Health and Human Services’ Delphi Emergency Intake Site. The four legislators will also meet with local elected officials, stakeholders and law enforcement officials.
The legislators say they introduced The Border Solutions Act in response to a surge in migrants coming across our southern border. They say they want to to improve the capacity to manage migration influxes; adjudicate asylum claims in a timely manner and protect unaccompanied migrant children.
The legislators say their legislation will ensure migrants are treated fairly and humanely. They say they want to deter those who do not have realistic asylum claims from placing themselves in danger by making the treacherous journey to the U.S. southern border, thousands of miles from their home.
A number of border organizations strongly support the proposed Border Solutions Act. They include the Border Trade Alliance, the Texas Border Coalition, and the Rio Grande Valley Partnership.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas- A project to improve inspection facilities at Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates in Brownsville is being fast-forwarded four years thanks to an innovative money-swap arrangement.
The Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization would not have had money in the budget for the project until 2026, even though it is shovel-ready. So, the executive director of the RGV MPO, Andrew Canon, approached other large MPOs around the state to see if they could help.
The North Central Texas Council of Governments said they could help. They agreed to essentially loan RGV MPO $14.6 million for the Brownsville port of entry project. If they had not done this, NCT COG would have had to return its money back to the Texas Department of Transportation. In return, RGV MPO will give the $14.6 million back to NCT COG in 2026 from its so-called Category 7 funds - without interest.
“It is a huge project we are going to advance four years,” Canon said, referring to the Veterans International Bridge project.
NCT COG has already approved the money-swap deal. RGV MPO approved the swap at a board meeting last Thursday. Now, it must be approved by TxDOT.
RGV MPO Chairman Ambrosio Hernandez said Veterans International Bridge is one of the major ports of entry for the Rio Grande Valley.
“Any port of entry that gets optimized in a more expeditious manner is always a win for the Rio Grande Valley. We are proud we were able to help as the RGV MPO, to move this project along,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez said fast-forwarding the inspection facilities project at Veterans International Bridge is all the more important because the USMCA trade agreement is ramping up.
“The more bridges we have functioning, the better off we will all be. The more trade we get, the more jobs are created,” Hernandez said. “I congratulate the RGV MPO for moving on this project and any other project that serves the entire Rio Grande Valley.”
Cameron County Commissioner David Garza is a member of the RGV MPO. He said the Veterans International Bridge project is important for the whole region.
“It increases the capacity and the speed at which we can get trade and goods through the bridge and into the state of Texas and the rest of the nation,” Garza said. “It is important for mobility of product into our country from Mexico and we know that there chokeholds in different areas. Some of them (trucks) are backed up a day or two.”
Advancing the Veterans International Bridge project by four years does a number of things, Garza explained.
“It gets the project done but more importantly it also will save us dollars doing it at today’s cost versus the cost four years from now. Who knows what those costs might be,” Garza said.
“We don’t want to wait four years and then find out that the dollars we have are not enough to cover what we are doing. This presented an opportunity for us to take advantage of someone’s excess dollars.”
Garza added: “It is a win-win situation for everybody.”
Editor’s Note: The main image accompanying the above news story shows an inspection facility at Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates in Brownsville. (Photo: RGG/Steve Taylor)
MCALLEN, Texas - The people of the Rio Grande Valley do not realize what a gem they have in South Texas College.
This is the view of the president of STC’s board of trustees, Rose Benavidez.
Benavidez held a news conference on Thursday to name a sole finalist for president of the college, announce a one-time payment for all employees, and present STC’s most recent state and national rankings.
“One of the things that is probably most troubling to me is that we have this great faculty, we’ve had this great president, we expect to have an amazing president coming forward, yet every single time that our record is recognized, we know about that within our own internal confines,” said Benavidez, during the news conference.
“And that is unfortunate for this region, it is unfortunate for the students that we serve, it is unfortunate for the taxpayers that subsidize a lot of the work we do because we absolutely know that is critical and vital for people to know that South Texas College is a premier institution, not just in this region but all over the country.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
HARLINGEN, Texas - The City of Harlingen and South Padre Island are working more closely than ever to ensure an efficient shuttle service is operating between SPI and Valley International Airport.
This is the view of Marv Esterly, aviation director for VIA.
“We are joined at the hip with South Padre Island, the City of Harlingen and Valley International Airport,” Esterly said.
“We carry 70 percent of the air traffic going to the island through Valley International Airport. So we realize we need each other. We have quickly formed a great partnership.”
Esterly gave his views to the Rio Grande Guardian on the first day Viva Aerobus brought passengers to VIA from Monterrey.
“It is important we have great ground transportation once you get here. That is one of the things we are working on right now,” Esterly said.
“We have a reciprocating agreement with South Padre Island that allows South Padre Island taxis to actually pick up here at Valley International Airport. Before they were able to drop off, so they would drive all the way here and then they would dead end back. Now they can just enter our cab line here. It allows us to have a better taxi cab service.”
Asked about an improved shuttle service between VIA and SPI, Esterly said:
“We are working closely with the Island on a shuttle service. We have three companies at this point that we are watering, like a flower they are coming out. A brand new service with really nice vehicles. We are really happy to continue to work with them to get this thing going.”
In his in-depth interview, Esterly also spoke about VIA revamping its Federal Inspection Station in order to accommodate Customs and Border Protection staff.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian's website to read the full story.
AUSTIN, Texas - Ruth Hughs is having to give up her role as Border Commerce Coordinator for Texas because she is resigning as Secretary of State.
The Texas Tribune reported Friday that Hughs is tendering her resignation as Secretary of State, effective May 31. That is the last day of the current legislative session.
The Tribune notes that a secretary of state appointed in between regular legislative sessions is constitutionally required to leave office immediately if the Senate goes through an entire session without confirming them. The Senate Nominations Committee, chaired by Republican Dan Buckingham never took up Hughs’ nomination.
The Tribune went on to say that Hughs stayed out of the political fray when it came to elections and elections policy and kept a much lower profile during her time in office compared to predecessor David Whitley.
While that may be true, it was not the case when it came to another of the secretary of state’s key duties - border trade.
Hughs chaired the Border Trade Advisory Committee, which played a key role in developing the Texas-Mexico Border Transportation Master Plan for the Texas Department of Transportation. She chaired the BTAC in her capacity as Texas’ Border Commerce Coordinator.
After the master plan was finished, Hughs spoke highly of it at a Texas Transportation Commission meeting in Austin. She also promoted the plan in the Rio Grande Valley in April.
“The City of Pharr is proud to have welcomed Secretary of State Ruth Hughs at our recent RGVMPO Transportation Policy Committee meeting as we worked on implementing the Border Trade Master Plan,” said Pharr Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, MD.
RGVMPO stands for Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization. Hernandez chairs the group.
In a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott announcing her resignation as Secretary of State, Hughs said of her role as Border Commerce Coordinator:
“I am also proud of the work we have clone to strengthen our international relationships and facilitate business growth and trade. The friendships we enjoy with our international partners were instrumental in addressing needs that arose during the pandemic. Texas is better positioned today as a result of our perseverance and resilience during these challenging times. Thanks to your leadership, we remain globally competitive and continue to enjoy great economic growth.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The Rio South Texas Economic council recently hosted a webinar fearing four sea/water ports in southern Texas and northern Tamaulipas.
The title of the webinar was: Rio South Texas Virtual Visit: Sea Connectivity.
The four ports were: the Port of Brownsville, with commentary by Eduardo Campirano; the Port of Harlingen, with commentary by Raudel Garza; the Port of Matamoros, with commentary by Arturo Gomez; and the Port of Port Isabel, with commentary by Steve Bearden.
Also on the webinar was Rick Sharp, of Online Transportation International. The moderator for the webinar was Matt Ruszczak, executive director of the Rio South Texas Economic Council.
The audience featured site selectors from Europe.
Editor's Note: To read the commentary of the Port of Brownsville's Eduardo Campirano, go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
HARLINGEN, Texas - According to wine entrepreneur and New York Times bestselling author, Craig Hall, the business climate in Texas is excellent.
“I have got to tell you, there is a difference between the business climate in California and the business climate in Texas. It is a pleasure to be a Texan. It is a pleasure to have a business climate like we have in Texas and both from a tax standpoint there is encouragement but also from just a business climate standpoint," Hall said.
“Texas in my view is in for a great growth over the next probably 20 years, as far as I can see. I am just very, very excited and bullish on Texas."
A private, independent non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) called LiftFund provides credit and services to small businesses and entrepreneurs who do not have access to loans from commercial sources.
Recently, LiftFund CEO and Founder Janie Barrera featured entrepreneur and bestselling author Hall, in a webinar.
In 1994, Liftfund CEO and founder Janie Barrera opened the first LiftFund office in San Antonio with three employees. Today, Liftfund has offices in 14 states that provide a pathway to financial success for entrepreneurs.
This podcast features the webinar.
HIDALGO, Texas - Hidalgo Economic Development Corporation wants to develop a seven-mile hike and bike trail that extends to an existing trail in McAllen and a river walk similar to that in San Antonio.
The ambitious plans were outlined during a recent webinar by Priciliano (J.R.) Treviño, executive director of Hidalgo EDC. The virtual Commercial and Investment Tour of Hidalgo was hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership.
During the webinar, Treviño listed the land and properties available for development in his city. Some are privately owned, some are city owned. With regard to the EDC’s big quality of life project, Treviño said:
“This is a great development property. This is a property owned by the City of Hidalgo behind the historic Pump House Museum. This is one of the prime locations where the irrigation systems started. It is surrounded by our historic district, by our 1880 Hidalgo County Courthouse - the original courthouse for the county, the original jail house and the original post office. It is in a nice tourist type of development attraction.”
Treviño said the property covers 30 acres of land and water, with approximately 14.5 acres of land that can be developed adjacent to the old pump house and historic district.
“It even has some 4.7 acres along the river,” Treviño explained. “This has great potential for a boardwalk, some restaurants, some shops, do some paddle boarding there, bike trails. We already have a bike trail that runs from the pump house all the way to Military.”
Treviño said Hidalgo EDC is currently working with Hidalgo County Commissioner Eddie Cantu to extend the city’s bike trail from Military Highway all the way to 2nd Street in McAllen. He said he hoped the City of McAllen would get involved in the project.
“It would be a seven mile run or seven mile bike ride all the way to the pump house. It would be a great potential opportunity for a developer that wants a good… maybe even a 100-year lease or 50 year lease on the property if they come in and develop this whole property into a boardwalk, or river walk. We can have our own River Walk down here, you would not have to go all the way to San Antonio,” Treviño chuckled. “It is a great piece of property.”
HARLINGEN, Texas - The Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center Scholars and the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center of the Atlantic Council host a webinar recently on Mexico's upcoming mid-term elections.
The election takes place June 6. It will be the largest election in Mexico’s history with electors choosing candidates for over 21,000 offices.
The election marks the halfway point in President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's term of office. Analysts see it as a referendum on his first three years in office.
“The outcome of this election will determine the extent to which López Obrador can implement his agenda and national reforms. With a weak and divided opposition, López Obrador's ruling party, Morena, is expected to maintain control in Congress,” the Mexico Institute says.
Among the speakers was Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera, a former associate professor in the Department of Public Affairs and Security Studies at UT-Rio Grande Valley. Correa-Cabrera is now associate professor at the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. Her areas of expertise are Mexico-U.S. relations, organized crime, immigration, border security, social movements and human trafficking.
"What is this election about? It is about two political forces,” Correa-Cabrera said.
“One, of course, is AMLO’s project, the Morena project, with all its limitations and strengths. And, also, the groups that try to restore the previous regime - the regime that López Obrador called the neoliberal regime.”
Correa-Cabrera added: "I don’t think that the United States understands the complexity of Mexico today. And why is this? Because when I read some of the statements, for example, in terms of security or energy, it's if as in the United States there is this idea that we are in the 1990s or we are in the first decade of the twenty-first century and we’re not like that."
Andrew I. Rudman is director of the Mexico Institute. During the webinar, he said: "All elections are important, and each is described as more important, more consequential than the last. But, at the risk of following that hyperbole, I would argue that this election is indeed the most important and consequential in Mexico's relatively brief democratic history, with significant political power at stake."
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
PHARR, Texas - Texas Secretary of State Ruth Ruggero Hughs recently gave a major speech about international trade at a meeting of the Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization.
The meeting was held at the Pharr Events Center.
In her remarks, Secretary Hughs pointed out that the total assessment of trade transported between the Texas-Mexico border is valued at $615 billion and accounts for 68 percent of all U.S.-Mexico trade.
This relationship is also directly tied to more than one million trade-dependent jobs in Texas with an economic impact of $260 billion, Hughs pointed out. In addition, the movement of goods that crosses through the RGV contributes $40 billion to the GDP of the U.S.
“As we Texans know, there's no better place to do business than in the Lone Star State,” Hughs said.
“This week's trip to the Rio Grande Valley was an incredible opportunity to engage with and learn from community stakeholders on the various issues and challenges they face, as well as avenues for growth. I also appreciated the continued partnership that we have with our Mexican counterparts as we work collaboratively to grow the Texas-Mexico relationship. I remain committed both now and in the future to working alongside leaders from the Valley to foster opportunities for economic growth and prosperity to ensure that we forge a brighter future for all.”
One of the key items Hughs brought up in her speech was the Texas-Mexico Border Transportation Master Plan. The plan addresses the needs, challenges, opportunities, and funding strategies, such as public-private partnerships, to move people and goods more quickly and efficiently across Texas' 28 border crossings.
Hughs pointed out that the BTMP is the result of joint efforts between the Texas Department of Transportation and the Border Trade Advisory Committee, which she chairs in her capacity as Texas' Border Commerce Coordinator.
In December, Hughs presented the 400-page BTMP to the Texas Transportation Commission. In March, the TTC approved the plan. It now awaits its adoption by the board into the Unified Transportation Program, the state's 10-year transportation plan.
It is estimated that the Rio Grande Valley will receive more than $11 billion to address the needs of the region.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - Brownsville Mayor Trey Mendez spoke about SpaceX and New Space in his recent virtual State of the City address.
“2021 will be an exciting year for Brownsville and a year that we will begin to see the fruits of our labor. SpaceX has ramped up operations and the impact is very visible. So visible that we now have the attention of the world focused on Boca Chica," Mendez said.
"On Tuesday, March 30th, SpaceX launched its fourth high-altitude test of Starship from Brownsville. We understand that SpaceX continues to have expansion plans at the launch site and we look forward to working with them.”
Mendez said the City of Brownsville is actively building a New Space ecosystem in Brownsville to attract more space-releasee companies.
“New Space is projected to be a trillion-dollar industry by 2030 and Brownsville will position itself as a city that welcomes this industry and fosters innovation,” he said.
Mendez said the arrival of Space Ventures in Brownsville is an “early win” in this effort. He said the company continues to expand its footprint in the city.
“Space Ventures is a technology platform where new space companies can raise up to $5 million for their startup operations. They have hundreds of companies interested in the platform and we anticipate being able to bring some of those to Brownsville,” Mendez said.
“If they start here that means they grow here and they are more likely to stay here for the longterm, bringing further capital, development, and workforce to our city. We look forward to our partnership with Space Ventures.”
Mendez also made news in his State of the City address by announcing the arrival of the Space Channel.
“Continuing the space front, I am excited to announce the City of Brownsville has entered into an economic development agreement with a space channel. Space Channel is the world’s only media channel dedicated to space news and entertainment. Space Channel has agreed to build its broadcasting studios in Brownsville, hire Brownsville talent and broadcast Brownsville to the world. We are excited about the decision to make Brownsville their home base,” Mendez said.
Mendez noted that on March 30 a tweet from Elon Musk “caught worldwide attention.” Mendez explained:
“Elon Musk tweeted that he was donating $20 million to Cameron County schools and $10 million to the City of Brownsville for downtown revitalization. More and more companies have shown interest in our city and we believe that the interest will continue to rise as more companies see the value of Brownsville.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
McALLEN, Texas - McAllen Mayor Jim Darling recently held his final State of the City Address.
After 43 years in government, including three four-year terms as mayor, Darling will step down as soon as the result of the runoff election for mayor is known. The runoff is between outgoing city commissioners Veronica Vela Whitacre and Javier Villalobos.
In his speech, Darling noted how the past year had brought challenges such as the coronavirus pandemic and the sever winter freeze. He thanked all the first responders for their efforts.
Darling also noted some of the city’s achievements, such as introducing citywide wifi, expanding Bicentennial Boulevard, improving parks, the focus on drainage and boosting trade through the refurbishment of Anzalduas International Bridge.
The mayor had entered the McAllen Convention Center with a dance routine. He concluded it with these remarks:
“I have tried in my many years to work with everyone, everyone of every race, nationality, creed, political persuasion, everyone who could help our great city. I have also tried to always return the favor when I could. God Bless You and God Bless McAllen. Bye."
Asked by the Rio Grande Guardian what the key things were that he wanted to get across, Darling said:
“I wanted to be funny. I wanted to be entertaining. I wanted to be informative. I think we did most of that. I wanted to do two things. I am leaving so I wanted to leave a message for the people that are taking my place. And, number two, it has been a tough year. I wanted to thank a lot of people for getting it done. We accomplished most of that. I want everybody to walk our of here feeling good about their city and proud of it.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
PHARR, Texas - Victor Perez, executive director of Pharr Economic Development Corporation, says his work recruiting new businesses to Pharr is about to get a whole lot easier.
The reason? TeamPharr.Net, the City of Pharr’s much-lauded fiber-optic cable broadband internet network service.
The network will provide an internet speed of 1 gigabyte, which Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez says is 100 times faster than anything being offered in the Rio Grande Valley right now. The plan includes the installation of 2.1 million feet, or 398 miles of fiber-optic cable.
“Can you imagine what this means for the businesses in Pharr?” Said Perez. “Take, for example, Starbucks, They provide wifi to their clients, their customers. When you have one gigabyte, they can say, it does not matter how many people hook up to our wifi we are going to have the capacity to hold a lot more people than they do now.”
Asked how the service will impact Pharr EDC’s efforts to lure new businesses to the city, Perez said: “When you offer that, one gigabyte, it is going to be a big plus. I am excited. It is another incentive for the business community to come in and say, you know what, I want to come into Pharr. This fiber-optic is going to be a huge thing for our city and our community.”
Perez said a lot of credit must go to Mayor Hernandez. “The mayor made this a priority back in 2015. His vision and hard work is paying dividends.”
Mayor Hernandez said at the news conference: “For too long, Pharr families have lacked access to one of the now basic and necessary utilities in life – affordable, high-speed broadband Internet. These days, the internet is our lifeline; It connects us to the everyday world, it keeps us teaching and learning through virtual means, and it gives us access to opportunities that are beyond our normal reach.”
Hernandez said the City of Pharr will install 2.1 million feet, or 398 miles of fiber-optic cable to 24,000 residential and business accounts, with the network providing an internet speed of 1 gigabyte.
Special guests and dignitaries providing remarks during the announcement included Texas state Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., Texas Workforce Commissioner Julian Alvarez, Jordana Barton, vice-president of community investments for Methodist Healthcare Ministries, Dr. Eduardo Cancino, interim executive director for Region One Education Service Center, Dr. Narciso Garcia, superintendent of Vanguard Academy, Xavier Salinas, superintendent of Hidalgo ISD, Sylvia Ibarra, interim superintendent of Valley View ISD, Eddie Anaya, a leader of Valley Interfaith who lives in Las Milpas, and Marco Lopez, community organizer for internet access with community group La Unión Del Pueblo Entero.
This podcast features the news conference.
Editor's Note: Click here to read the remarks of Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez and here to read the remarks of Jordana Barton, vice-president of community investments for Methodist Healthcare Ministries.
U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Kyrsten Sinema and U.S. Representatives Henry Cuellar and Tony Gonzales have introduced The Bipartisan Border Solutions Act, in response to the recent surge in migrants coming across the southern border.
The authors of the bill say the legislation would improve both the Department of Homeland Security’s and the Department of Justice’s capacity to manage migration influxes and adjudicate asylum claims in a timely manner, protect unaccompanied migrant children, reduce impact on local communities, ensure migrants are treated fairly and humanely, and ultimately deter those who do not have realistic asylum claims from placing themselves in danger by making the treacherous journey to our southern border.
“I have seen firsthand that law enforcement at our southern border has been overwhelmed by this historic surge of migrants, and border communities are straining to provide whatever assistance they can,” said Cornyn, R-Texas. “With the Border Patrol estimating that this situation will only get worse, we must address this in a meaningful way that is fair to migrants seeking asylum, takes the pressure off of our border communities, and allows our Border Patrol agents to focus on their primary mission of securing the border.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
MISSION, Texas - Cliffe Killam, president & CEO of Killam Development, says he is excited to “work with community stakeholders and empower them to help continue to make great things happen in Mission, Texas.”
Killam give an exclusive interview to the Rio Grande Guardian recently about the 3,400-acre master planned community his company is building in south Mission. The interview is contained in the attached podcast.
“This community has been incredibly welcoming, and they are excited about the potential for attracting new restaurants and entertainment and creating a unique neighborhood custom designed for them,” Killam said.
Killam Development is a private, family-owned business that has been serving South Texas for more than 100 years. Based in Laredo, Texas, the company is involved in the oil and gas industry, real estate development, ranching, and investments.
Killam Development acquired the 3,400-acre property in 2019. The property straddles the City of Mission and the City of McAllen and includes areas near Anzalduas Bridge.
In his interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Killam discussed a new aspect to the project: a decision by the City of Mission and Mission Economic Development Corporation to transfer beneficiary ownership of Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone funds designated for 180 acres on the property.
Killam said thanks to the TIRZ agreement, $13 million will be invested in Phase I of the project in order to build new roads, water and wastewater infrastructure.
According to a news release issued by Killam Development, the property within the City of Mission had an existing TIRZ, established in 2001 with the previous property owner, Hunt Valley Development. The TIRZ allowed for $35 million in investment over 30 years. Of that, approximately $22 million has been invested in infrastructure for construction of lift stations and water and wastewater infrastructure.
“Because of the business-friendly climate and that this undeveloped property in Mission had this infrastructure in place and an additional capacity of approximately $13 million, we saw a clear opportunity to make a long-term investment in the community,” Killam said.
“The TIRZ is important because it will give us the confidence to invest in critical infrastructure for our phase 1 that will enhance quality of life and economic opportunity in Mission. We are grateful for the support and excited to break ground on construction this year.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
SAN JUAN, Texas - San Juan City Manager Ben Arjona says his city will be catapulted to the next level thanks to a number of exciting new retail and commercial developments.
Arjona spoke about the fast growth of San Juan during a recent webinar hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership.
The San Juan EDC Commercial & Investment Virtual Tour allowed those on the webinar to learn about San Juan’s key strategic assets as well as business opportunities and properties available.
“We have a lot of real estate out by the frontage. There is over, maybe, 80 or 100 acres by the frontage,” Arjona said, referring to land adjacent to I-2.
“At one point it used to be called the golden corridor. San Juan is known for the luxury dealerships. We have the Mercedes Benz, we have the Land Rover, Audi, Acura, Lexus. Those are sitting at the corridor so there is a lot of development.”
Arjona said he cannot disclose at this time some of the major commercial and retail projects that are in the works.
“There are actually two big developments coming to San Juan in the next few months. It is just unfortunate I cannot disclose any at that at this point but just stay tuned. There are one, two, three, four, five, about seven of them that are coming to the city of San Juan. We are very excited about that,” Arjona said.
“We are working with the developer currently and it is something that is going to catapult our city to the next level, by bringing in these businesses, commercial, big retail business and two restaurants, good sized restaurants. So, we are very excited about that.”
RGV Partnership President Sergio Contreras said he was blown away by the news that 20 new residential subdivisions are being built in San Juan. Arjona said San Juan’s current population of 38,000 will likely shoot up to 42,000 or 43,000 when the next census figures are issued. However, he said the true number is even greater.
“We have not stopped growing,” he said. “We have never seen so many rooftops being developed. The number of subdivisions are at an all-time high.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell recently held this year’s State of the City Address.
He said the state of the local economy is strong, with more jobs coming to the city.
He also spoke about how Harlingen coped with the coronavirus pandemic.
Here is his speech:
HARLINGEN, Texas - Direct, nonstop, Viva Aerobus flights between Harlingen and Monterrey will start May 6. The company will use the Airbus A320 aircraft.
It is the first time Valley International Airport has had international passenger flights for 26 years.
“It is exciting to open a new nonstop service in Texas as part of our strategy to expand Viva Aerobus’s reach to the U.S. We are looking forward to providing customers with Viva’s unmatched reliability, safety, and renowned customer-focused service offering the lowest fares,” said Viva Aerobus CEO Juan Carlos Zuazua, in a prepared statement.
“Our flights will be the only nonstop service between Harlingen and Monterrey, improving convenience for travelers and access between these sister cities, which already share important commercial and cultural ties.”
The attached podcast features the speeches of VIA Aviation Director Marv Esterly, Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell, Juan Carlos Cue Vega, Mexico’s consul in the lower Rio Grande Valley, and Walfred Castro, director of corporate communications for Viva Aerobus.
For the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.
MCALLEN, Texas Congressman Vicente Gonzalez says cartels in Mexico could have earned $1.2 billion this year through smuggling undocumented migrants into the United States.
The McAllen Democrat arrived at this figure by multiplying 172,000, which is the number of migrants known to have crossed the southern border in the last three months, by $6,000, which is the going rate to get an undocumented immigrant into the United States.
Gonzalez is urging the Biden Administration to process asylum seekers on the Mexico-Guatemala border. That way, he said, you “take cartels out of the equation.
Gonzalez recently took a bipartisan group of congress men and women, known as the Problem Solvers Caucus, to the southern border. He followed this up by quizzing Ricardo Zúñiga, special envoy for the Northern Triangle at the U.S. Department of State, during a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security, Migration and International Economic Policy Subcommittee.
Another Biden official he questioned was Peter Natiello, deputy assistant administrator in the Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean, U.S. Agency for International Development. The hearing was titled, “Renewing the United States’ Commitment to Addressing the Root Causes of Migration from Central America.”
Gonzalez represents the 15th Congressional District of Texas, Part of the district is on the Texas-Mexico border.
“We do not have the resources to deal with 173,000 people who came mostly to my section of the border. It has really overwhelmed us and overwhelmed all our local capacity,” Gonzalez told the hearing.
“What I have advocated is to have the same system we have in my district in a very humane, clean, first-class American facility closer to them on the southern Mexico border or the Guatemala border.”
Gonzalez said he does not see an end in sight to the surge in migrants seeking asylum.
“We are talking about climate migration down the road and maybe other countries down the road. What are we doing in planning long term ideas to be able to help folks closer to home and have these processing centers and maybe refugee settlements, or whatever it is, to help this mass migration that is coming north, further south and to keep them from coming through Mexico? Gonzalez asked Zúñiga.
Gonzalez said he and a neighboring congressman calculated that, “just in the last 90 days, cartels have probably been enriched about $1.2 billion just from the migration that has occurred this year, at an average of $6,000 a head that they are charging.”
Gonzalez said the United States should have same migration processing procedures it has in his district in place in Mexico and/or Guatemala.
“Ultimately, I envisage actually having your asylum hearings in safe zones where we can ensure and guarantee their safety. I think we need to start having out of the box ideas or we are going to continue dealing with this on our southern border,” Gonzalez said.
*Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
Editor's Note: The attached podcast features the news conference Rep. Gonzalez held with members of the Problem Solvers Caucus. It was held on the banks of the Rio Grande River at Anzalduas Park, in Mission, Texas.*
MCALLEN, Texas - For the latest in our Meet the Candidate series we met up with Dr. Shahid Rashid, who is running for mayor of McAllen.
Born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan, Dr. Rashid is a physician and public health expert, trained at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Texas Medical School in Houston.
He has a practice in McAllen that specializes in pain management. He is happily married to Elean Ledesma, who was born and raised in Mission, Texas. They have six children.
Dr. Rashid has been serving McAllen for over two decades as a physician, community humanitarian, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
“I am not a politician. I am a physician and public health expert and I care deeply about my patients, my community and the city of McAllen,” Dr. Rashid told The Rio Grande Guardian.
“My practice specializes in pain management. I alleviate and reduce pain. I hope to alleviate and reduce the pain we are all suffering due to the pandemic and the fear and uncertainty we are all confronting due to the economic, social, medical and emotional upheaval that this virus has caused.”
Dr. Rashid added: “I strongly believe it’s my ethical, moral and professional duty to help my community during this critical time as I have the education, training, and expertise to do so.”
MCALLEN, Texas - For the latest in our Meet the Candidate series we met up with Veronica Vela Whitacre, who is running for mayor of McAllen.
Currently, Vela Whitacre is a McAllen City Commissioner. She has represented District 6 on the commission for the past eight years.
Born and raised in McAllen, Vela Whitacre has also served on the boards of Easter Seals, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Mcallen Boys and Girls Club, and the McAllen Education Foundation.
Vela Whitacre currently works as an executive director in the non-profit sector.
“I want to assist small local businesses recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping their doors open with targeted support and need-based plans,” Vela Whitacre told the Rio Grande Guardian.
“I want to stimulate new and existing business growth through grant programs for economic growth and create opportunities to stimulate high demand and unique businesses.”
As for quality of life issues, Vela Whitacre said: “I want to continue developing outdoor spaces, city parks and pedestrian infrastructure. And increased digital infrastructure rot support e-commerce, education and other digital activities.”
WESLACO, Texas - While the Rio Grande Valley is in the national spotlight due to the surge of unaccompanied children arriving at the southern border, there is no local NPR or PBS news service to cover it.
This outrages a nonprofit set up to bring NPR back to the Valley. The group is called: Grassroots Public Radio RGV.
“It is outrageous to me that one of the most economically distressed areas in the United States - and yes, the border is the United States, contrary to what many folks’ believe - does not have a local NPR or PBS station,” said Ron Rogers, a director of Grassroots Public Radio RGV.
“We have all this international news coming out of our region and we cannot support public radio and public TV? It does not make sense. Why can’t we get educational television and educational radio in our area. Forget what the church did. Now is now. What is the hold up?”
Rogers was referring to the fact that the Diocese of Brownsville sold the local PBS and NPR stations a few years ago, leaving a region of 1.2 million without public TV and public radio.
“Year after year, survey after survey, U.S. citizens say NPR and PBS are the most reliable news services in this nation. More people believe NPR and PBS nationally than any other source of news,” Rogers said.
“Yet we cannot have educational television or educational radio, public broadcasting that has won every award for the last 50 years, for being the premier educational station for children and adults, for the history of our country. We are missing out.”
Asked what Grassroots Public Radio RGV is doing about it, Rogers said the group has started a fundraising campaign to raise $750,000. This is what will be needed to buy a radio station. Rogers said that campaign can be assisted by President Biden’s infrastructure plan and through philanthropic support from billionaires like Elon Musk.
“I am calling our congressmen and our senators and the president to help. President Biden said infrastructure is important. Well, a new radio station is infrastructure. What about Elon Musk? He just gave $30 million to schools in Cameron County. Any philanthropic folks that have money and care about this region, that want to invest in children’s education and public education, should come to our aid.”
Congressmen Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez tell listeners what they are doing to bring back NPR and PBS in the attached podcast.
Rogers said some of the best programming about the history of America is on PBS.
"I cannot get it. I don’t have cable. I have over the air, which I like. I can get PBS on Roku as an app, but that is scattered. We should have public broadcasting over the air.”
Rogers used to live in Boston, Mass., and remembers the plethora of local public broadcasting stations he could pick up on the radio dial. He said he has friends in other parts of the country who cannot believe he cannot tune into any in the Rio Grande Valley.
“The number of people that tell me, you do not have NPR, you do not PBS, that is amazing, that is tragic. They cannot believe it. It is like we are out in the middle of a desert.”
LAREDO, Texas - A huge solar energy project is underway in Webb County, thanks to financing from the North American Development Bank and others.
NADB, along with a syndicate of three other lenders, and global renewable energy developer BayWa r.e. signed a credit agreement for up to $216.1 million to finance the design, construction, and operation of the 200 MWAC Corazon Solar Project.
It is being constructed on nearly 2,000 acres of private land in Webb County.
Calixto Mateos-Hanel, NADB managing director, said his bank is participating with a $62.9 million loan. The bank served as coordinating lead arranger on the transaction.
“We are proud to collaborate on the construction of the Corazon Solar Project located in Webb County, Texas,” Mateos-Hanel said.
“This solar project will help contribute to what is projected to be the fastest-growing form of power generation in Texas over the next three years, while also fighting climate change.”
According to Mateos-Hanel, NADB has developed and financed 37 clean energy projects, including 20 solar projects.
During a virtual ceremony, Mateos-Hanel and Jam Attari, CEO of BayWa r.e. Solar Projects, LLC signed the loan agreement for NADB’s participation in the Corazon Solar Project.
“We’re pleased to have secured financing from like-minded partners committed to the growth of a more resilient and clean energy future,” Attari said.
“Texas continues to be a strong partner for renewable energy growth, and this milestone represents a win for our climate and the economy, creating more opportunities for the local community and the generations to come. At BayWa r.e., we continue to move forward in our promise to drive the energy transition today for a better tomorrow.”
Attari said the project will generate an estimated 537.30 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity during the first year of operation, equivalent to the annual consumption of 38,074 households, and reduce approximately 258,338 metric tons/year of carbon dioxide (CO2), 195 metric tons/year of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and 219 metric tons/year of sulfur dioxide (SO2).
Editor's Note: The full story is on the Rio Grande Guardian website.
HARLINGEN, Texas – With tax season underway it is safe to say that this season has been a complicated one.
Many people received unemployment benefits this past year and people are wondering if these benefits are taxable or not.
Rev Torres, a paralegal with Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project, answers some tax questions on this issue.
The Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project is a division of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid.
Readers and listeners that have questions about the economic impact payments can reach Torres via the web at TRLA.org or via telephone at 956-393-6213.
HARLINGEN, Texas - Composer and pianist Robin Spielberg believes in "old school" technology.
Yes, she is in the top one percent of artists featured on Pandora Internet Radio, has over 200,000 listeners monthly on Spotify and has sold over a million CDs.
However, Robin told me that one of her top-selling platforms is still the old-fashioned vinyl record. I recently had an enjoyable conversation with Robin Speilberg about her recording work and the continued viability of old school technology.
As a special treat for you, I directly transferred one of the cuts from her vinyl album, “Re-Inventions - Timeless Masterpieces Re-Imagined.” Wear headphones. This was NOT a digital download, this was direct, real-time transfer from the physical vinyl album, just like it sounds on my sound system.
RIO GRANDE CITY - The U.S. Department of Agriculture is to fully reopen its Starr County office, says the agency’s area district for rural development.
Roel Ruben Gomez made the announcement at a recent town hall meeting hosted by U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar on South Texas College’s Starr County campus. Gomez spoke about all the programs the agency has to help rural communities.
Gomez pointed out that USDA had a staff member working full-time out of Rio Grande City up until 2007. However, from that point on the hours of operation were reduced to one day per week.
Gomez said his colleague in USDA’s Edinburg office, Roberto Rodriguez, will be running the Starr County office, which is located inside Rio Bank in Rio Grande City. Both Gomez and Rodriguez are natives of Starr County.
Rodriguez pointed out Starr County qualifies for most of the USDA programs. He said the agency has programs to help the elderly and colonia residents. Right now, Rodriguez said, USDA is offering home improvement grants of up to $10,000 for residents aged 62 and over.
A couple of local elected officials were in the audience for the USDA announcement. Congressman Cuellar praised USDA. He urged local officials to ensure local residents get to the agency’s Starr County office, once COVID restrictions have been lifted.
Gomez said USDA is offering to help with the Starr County courthouse project.
Several leading organizations focused on national security and immigration policy convened a roundtable discussion to share the solutions they have developed to address the current situation at the U.S. southern border.
Among those participating was McAllen businesswoman Monica Weisberg-Stewart, representing the Texas Border Coalition. Other groups on the webinar included the Council on National Security and Immigration, the Cato Institute, and Americans for Prosperity.
MISSION, Texas – Killam Development announced that construction will begin on their 3,400-acre master planned community, El Milagro, within the next two months.
Rolando Ortiz, real estate manager for Killam, made the announcement in a RGV Partnership Zoom meeting that highlighted the City of Mission and the Mission Economic Development Corporation.
A year after receiving feedback from their public workshops and holding many charrettes, Ortiz expressed excitement at the prospect of finally breaking ground. He said Phase I of the El Milagro Master Plan will include building 400 single-family units, developing over 30 acres of commercial space, and creating foot and bike paths in the area. Melden & Hunt, Inc. will oversee the civil engineering and infrastructure while local contractors will work on waterlines and streets.
In a pre-recorded video, Radcliffe “Cliffe” Killam II, partner at Killam Development, thanked the RGV Partnership, the City of Mission, Mayor Armando O’Caña and the Mission EDC board for their help throughout the process.
“I can say [the] City of Mission is the most business-friendly community that I have ever worked with, and it’s been really just delightful,” said Killam.
Editor's Note: Click here to read the full story by Patricia Martinez.
U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn of Texas invited fellow Republican senators to visit the Rio Grande Valley to learn more about the recent surge of unaccompanied migrants crossing the Rio Grande.
It could have been the largest number of senators ever to visit the Valley at one time: 18. They held a news conference at Anzalduas Park, right next to the Rio Grande.
Local community leaders and advocates recently hosted a virtual roundtable to discuss the importance of processing unaccompanied children safely, humanely, and swiftly.
Dr. Bob Sanborn, president & CEO, of Children At Risk, and Sister Norma Pimentel, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, were among those to participate in the webinar.
AUSTIN, Texas - The director of TxDOT’s freight, trade and connectivity section says she is looking for some “quick wins” as the new Texas-Mexico Border Transportation Master Plan starts to get implemented.
Caroline Mays spoke about the new plan at a recent Texas Transportation Commission meeting.
The BTMP is a comprehensive, multimodal, binational long-range plan crafted by the Texas Department of Transportation. The 400-page plan identifies transportation issues, needs, challenges, opportunities, and strategies for moving people and goods efficiently across the Texas-Mexico border, the border regions, and beyond.
TxDOT hosted a series of meetings throughout the border region to gather public input for the BTMP. It was formally adopted at TTC’s March meeting.
Laura Ryan, a TTC commissioner, asked Mays when Texas might see some tangible results. Mays responded: “We are under the procurement process right now. Hopefully we can complete that within the next four months. But, we are not waiting for that procurement to be done.”
Mays said she met recently with the Border Trade Advisory Committee, which helped craft the new plan.
“We started discussions with them. What does implementation look like so we can start doing some quick wins? We also have an internal TxDOT border task force made up of the three district engineers and then some of the divisions. We had a meeting with them last week also and we started discussing what are some of the high priorities they would like to see.”
Mays added: “We are already working on identifying those and moving forward and we are going to, in some instances, use some of the capacity we have in existing contracts to start facilitating advancing of some of the recommendations that the districts have already highlighted. So, we are not waiting four months to start working. We are already working it right now.”
MCALLEN, Texas - Two members of Congress from South Texas have given their analysis of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, and specifically what it will mean for the region.
U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar of Laredo discussed the package via a webinar. U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez of McAllen discussed it at a news conference held at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce.
Here is the audio from the two events.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ton Garza has told border communities to tell their story and not let those from outside the region set the narrative.
Speaking on a webinar hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Garza said border residents should also hold its elected leaders accountable.
“Continue to hold them accountable for the things that are important to us in South Texas and along the border,” said Garza, a native of Brownsville, Texas.
Garza served as ambassador to Mexico during the George W. Bush administration.
“My frustration, was, often times, that it seemed like the policy which most impacted us was driven by individuals in Iowa or Idaho or some other state so removed from the border,” Garza said.
“Their understanding was largely soundbites and they weren’t soundbites based on reality. So, keep telling our story.”
When telling that story, make sure international trade with Mexico is included, the former ambassador stated. “Trade and commerce are what drives opportunity not only for this generation but for future generations,” Garza said.
He also spoke up for immigration and immigrants.
“Immigration is something so fundamental to our country and our nature that while we all want safe, secure, and efficient borders, we don’t want to close them to immigration, which has always made us a stronger and better country,” Garza said. “So, I would hold people accountable and then tell them the story.”
The moderator of the webinar was RGVHCC President and CEO Cynthia Sakulenzki. She asked Garza about the recent surge in border crossings by unaccompanied minors.
“We are going through a moment where this sense that there will be a change in policy has led to more disruption along the border,” Garza said.
“I think we will get beyond that, whether it be through expanded processing centers, whether it be with clear lines in terms of what the rules of immigration are going to be.”
Garza noted that another former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Roberta S. Jacobson, is helping the Biden Administration with border policy. He pointed out Jacobson’s recent remarks that “this is not the time to be coming, we are trying to fix this.”
Garza said it might take a little bit of time for things to settle down at the border and that the national guard and/or various .federal agencies may have a greater presence in the region for the next six months or so.
During the webinar, Garza, a former Cameron County Judge and Texas Secretary of State, also spoke about the likely impact of the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
MCALLEN, Texas - McAllen Mayor Jim Darling is fed up with all the negative publicity surrounding the Rio Grande Valley perpetrated by national politicians and news outlets.
At a news conference held to announce new non-stop flights between McAllen and Monterrey, Mexico, Darling said his city is safe. He said the city is helping Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley provide testing for COVID-19 to asylum seekers dropped off in the city.
Darling said he hopes Washington, D.C., will compensate the city for the work it is doing to help the federal government look after migrants and that the negative jibes will stop.
MCALLEN, Texas - During this election season, the Rio Grande Guardian is running a Meet the Candidate series.
The series comprises audio interviews with candidates seeking elected office to city councils and commissions.
Mario Reyna, a veteran and former dean of business at South Texas College, is running for McAllen City Commission, District 3.
Here, attached, is the interview with Reyna.
MCALLEN, Texas - During this election season, the Rio Grande Guardian is running a Meet the Candidate series.
The series comprises audio interviews with candidates seeking elected office to city councils and commissions.
We caught up with Pepe Cabeza de Vaca at his campaign kick off event at the Radisson Hotel in McAllen. Cabeza de Vaca is running for McAllen City Commission, District 6.
Here, attached, is the interview with the candidate.
HARLINGEN, Texas - In this month’s taxation advice podcast, Rev Torres discusses the new tax season.
Torres is part of Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project, a division of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid.
Torres was a regular contributor on taxation issues when KHID 88.1 FM and KJJF 88.9 FM were running NPR programing in the Rio Grande Valley.
Now the stations are longer part of NPR, 88 FM radio presenter Mario Muñoz has moved over to The Rio Grande Guardian, with Torres joining him to offer expert tax advice.
Torres’ analysis has been in great demand during the coronavirus pandemic, especially with advice on the various stimulus bills passed by Congress.
Readers and listeners that have questions about the economic impact payments can reach Torres via the web at TRLA.org or via telephone at 956-393-6213.
They can also submit questions to The Rio Grande Guardian by emailing mmoreno@riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - The chief medical officer for DHR Health says politics does not always sit well with health and science.
Dr. Robert Martinez urged residents of the Rio Grande Valley to continue adhere to guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control.
“The (COVID-19) vaccine is the light at the end of the tunnel, however, that tunnel continues to be long. Fresh this morning some new guidelines from the CDC. I think our job here at DHR Health is continue to do this work but also to continue to remind everyone in the community about the precautions that need to continue to be taken,” Martinez said.
“People in the community need to continue to wear their mask. They need to continue to social distance. They need to continue with their hygiene, hand hygiene in particular until we are out of this and everybody is vaccinated. We are still at risk.’
Martinez said those who have received the COVID-19 vaccine still have a small chance of transmitting the coronavirus.
“They can transmit it not knowingly so let’s wait until everybody gets the vaccine, let’s do that as quickly as possible. And, again, be looking out for the changes that we need to follow to make sure that we maximize safety for everyone in the community.”
Martinez made his remarks at a ceremony to mark the 100,000th COVID vaccine administered by DHR Health. The event was held at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance. Martinez pointed out that new CDC guidelines came out the same morning as the ceremony.
“The CDC guidelines that were put out this morning recommend continuing to wear a mask certainly. So, politics is one thing, health and science is another. Sometimes they work together, sometimes they intersect, sometimes they collide,” Martinez said.
“But again, I think we all agree on doing what we need to be doing on a scientific basis, and that is, like the CDC has put out this morning, continue to heed those warnings so we can get back to a normal way of life, hopefully, and keep people from getting super sick, getting in the hospital, and anyone losing any more of their loved ones.”
MCALLEN, Texas - The McAllen Area Rotary Clubs recently held a virtual McAllen mayoral candidate debate.
All five candidates appeared. They are: Othal Brand, Jr., Michael Fallek, Dr. Shahid Rashid, Veronica Vela Whitacre, and Javier Villalobos.
The candidates explained who they are and why they are running for mayor. They were asked what challenges McAllen faces and also took a question about the asylum seekers passing through McAllen.
Here is an audio version of the debate.
PHARR, Texas - At a recent function to launch the Pharr EDC Foundation, Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez mentioned how his city is ahead of the curve.
He said he had read a story in a local newspaper about how Gov. Greg Abbott was supporting a plan to have the elderly and infirm vaccinated against COVID-19 in their own home. The advantage of this being that this population would not have to wait for hours in a parking lot to get their shot.
Hernandez, a medical doctor, said the City of Pharr was already doing this: going home to home, vaccinating those who could not get out of their home. He gave a shoutout to Pharr City Commissioner Ramiro Caballero, also a medical doctor.
Wishing to learn more about the Pharr vaccination program, the Rio Grande Guardian immediately interviewed Dr. Caballero. Here is the interview.
PHARR, Texas - Pharr International Bridge sponsored a webinar recently to discuss what happened to world trade in 2020 and to gaze into the crystal ball.
The host was Ken Roberts, president of WorldCity. Roberts produces an annual book for the City of Pharr called Trade Numbers. The 2020 version analyzes Pharr’s $36.68 billion worth of trade with the world.
Another key speaker on the webinar was Guillermo Malpica Soto, who was one of the lead negotiators for Mexico during negotiations between the United States, Mexico and Canada on crafting NAFTA’s replacement, USMCA.
Luis Bazan, director of the Pharr International Bridge, said Pharr has a great story to tell as it relates to international trade.
“Although the pandemic did affect the nation’s trade, which caused the value of trade nationwide to decrease by about 12 percent, crossings and revenues in Pharr were up for 2020. It is so important we tell that story,” Bazan said.
A lot of investment in infrastructure is being made on the U.S. and Mexican sides of the Pharr International Bridge. Bazan said it is important that the stakeholders that use the bridge are aware of the expansion plans.
“As we continue to develop the infrastructure projects that Mayor Hernandez and the City Commission set out to accomplish, we must ensure the trade community understands the importance of their vision for the Pharr International Bridge and how these projects will position Pharr strategically for future trade, by improving efficiencies and reducing wait times to ultimately service a larger market,” Bazan said.
Co-sponsors of the webinar included Mid Valley Customs Brokers Association, the North American Strategy for Competitiveness, and the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America.
MCALLEN, Texas - Michael Fallek says he will continue McAllen’s historic connections to international trade and commerce if he is elected mayor of the city.
The businessman and community leader made clear his support for the maquiladora industry in an exclusive audio interview. The podcast is part of the Rio Grande Guardian’s Meet the Candidates series.
“It (cross-border trade) is a absolutely crucial to the success of McAllen. And not just McAllen. Valley-wide. McAllen has to lead in the Valley. As McAllen goes, the Valley goes and South Texas goes. And the cross-border trade is absolutely critical to that success,” Fallek said.
Fallek pointed out that his father was one of the pioneers of McAllen’s foreign trade zone.
“I grew up in McAllen, I grew up crossing the border every week, or every other week, or three times a week. Whether it was for dinner or to tour some other development across the border,” Fallek said.
“Running hotels now, as we do in the Valley and specifically in McAllen, that is our business base; the people coming down from Chicago, New York, California, but also internationally from Japan, South Korea, everywhere else. They come and they stay in McAllen to cross the border and service the plant that their companies have there. It is absolutely crucial.”
Fallek says the disruption of supply chains caused by the coronavirus pandemic has made people realize the importance of manufacturing locally. He says this will provide more opportunities for McAllen, Reynosa and the Valley.
“It (cross-border trade) is a significant focus of mine. Not just because that is what has helped build McAllen but, I feel like, especially these days, as we’ve understood more and more through the pandemic how the just-in-time manufacturing process works, that local is probably going to be better,” Fallek said.
“I feel like we have a real opportunity to bring additional businesses and manufacturing plants to the border region and we need to be reaching out and establishing those increased ties to really build not just additions on what we have but new opportunities, new companies, new employment into the Valley, whether that is located on the McAllen side, whether it is located in Mission, Pharr, or whether it is located in Reynosa.”
Fallek added: “The majority of the people managing those (maquila) plants are probably going to be located in McAllen. And they are going to be spending money in McAllen. It is absolutely crucial that we continue to focus on that industry.”
Editor's Note: This podcasts explains why Michael Fallek is running for mayor of McAllen, Texas. The election is May 1, 2021.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation’s second annual StartUp Texas Pitch Summit will take place on March 11.
It was to have taken place on Feb. 26 but last week’s storms affected some of the applicants.
The seed fund program is part of BCIC’s ongoing efforts to cultivate a culture and ecosystem of entrepreneurship in Brownsville and the greater Rio Grande Valley.
“This is our second annual pitch summit since our program began last February. Our goal is to foster scalable business in our region and provide entrepreneurs in our community the chance to access capital and commercialize their products or services here at home,” explained Nathan Burkhart, director of marketing and small business development for BCIC.
“Since its inception in Fall of 2019, the StartUp Texas Program by the BCIC has evolved tremendously,” Burkhart told the Rio Grande Guardian.
“What began as a seed fund program for entrepreneurs hoping to scale in Brownsville, Texas, evolved into an expansion of COVID-19 Relief Aid in the form of grants and forgivable loans.”
Today, the StartUp Texas Program encompasses the Pitch Summit, the Brownsville CARES Grant, the Emergency/Bridge Loan, and the (Re)Open for Business Forgivable Loan. All programs are administered and funded by the BCIC.
RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas - Starr County leaders want to know why the state is allocating them a small amount of coronavirus vaccines.
The county has a population of around 70,000. It is only getting about 1,000 vaccines a week. So, at this rate it will take more than a year to vaccinate everyone.
The leaders say it cannot be that they are getting such a miserly amount of vaccines because they are a rural county as other rural counties have received more.
They also say they meet all the criteria for being a high-risk county, such as having a high number of residents living in poverty and a large number suffering from illnesses such as diabetes and obesity.
U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar organized a roundtable discussion on the issue. Among those participating were Starr County Judge Eloy Vera, Rio Grande City Mayor Joel Villarreal, state Rep. Ryan Guillen, and Dr. Jose Vasquez, president of the board of Starr County Memorial Hospital.
Much of the anger was directed at the State of Texas. The leaders said they support moves by the Biden Administration to bypass the state and get vaccines delivered directly to independent pharmacists and community health clinics.
Go to www.riograndeguardian.com for the full story.
RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas - Going forward, state Rep. Ryan Guillen wants to see hospitals and nursing homes given priority when power is switched off during extreme weather conditions.
The Rio Grande City Democrat spoke about the deadly winter freeze during a roundtable discussion held at Starr County Memorial Hospital and organized by U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar.
The event was organized to discuss the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations in Starr County. However, Rep. Guillen said he also wanted to talk about the impact of the big freeze.
“It is a huge crisis. You have got a lot of areas without water, too, because of the lack of power. The power generators were not prepared for this winter storm. They are the cause of the big loss of power,” Guillen said.
“They prioritized hospitals. The hospitals are part of the water system and the water system does not have power. That is causing a problem. They are supposed to be prioritizing nursing homes. Some do (have power), some don’t.”
Guillen added: “Imagine if… the power continues to go down, another storm coming behind it, you can imagine the terrible situation we would be in. Obviously, the generators need to do better on weatherizing their stuff. We have got to figure out how to make them do that.”
LAREDO, Texas - Congressman Henry Cuellar held a news conference with local Webb County shelters on Friday to discuss an increase in migrant individuals released at the southern border.
The news conference went out live as a webinar on Zoom and Facebook so that Cuellar’s constituents in other parts of the district could watch. Among those on the webinar was Sister Norma Pimental of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley.
Cuellar, D-Laredo, talked about recent conversations he held with Border Patrol and the chances of reopening U.S.-Mexico bridges to so-called “non-essential” travel.
Also on the call were Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz, the Rev. Michael Smith, executive director of the Holding Institute, Sister Rosemary Welsh, executive director of Casa de Misericordia, Javier Garcia, executive director of Bethany House, and Becky Solloa, event coordinator for Catholic Services in Laredo.
MCALLEN, Texas – Three topics will be featured during an international trade webinar being hosted next Thursday by the McAllen Economic Development Corporation.
The topics are: an update on how USMCA is working, the impact of COVID-19 on cross-border commerce, and the agenda the Biden Administration might follow for international trade.
“This webinar is free. It is a service to our companies or our community,” said Keith Patridge, president and CEO of McAllen EDC.
Keynote speaker will be Jorge Torres, president of Interlink Trade Services, a customs brokerage based in McAllen, Pharr and Brownsville, Texas.
“Jorge does an excellent job,” Patridge said. “I consider him to be a resident expert here in the Rio Grande Valley on the USMCA, on trade policy, and trade regulations, including the 301 tariffs that exist with China still.”
Torres has been a licensed customs broker for 25 years and has worked with maquiladoras and in customs brokerage operations for 30 years. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Accounting from Texas A&M University and a Master of Professional Accounting from Texas A&M International University.
Torres was keynote speaker on a similar webinar McAllen EDC hosted last June. Then, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement was just about to start.
“The feedback we got from our first webinar was excellent. Everyone felt like it was extremely helpful for them,” Patridge said.
“Jorge provides information that is really useful on a day to day basis for our companies. Because of that first one, the reaction we got, we wanted to do an update. Hopefully, those that tuned in last time will watch this one and we will get many more people to join us.”
Editor's Note: Click here to read the full story in The Rio Grande Guardian.
AUSTIN, Texas - A recent Senate Special Committee on Redistricting hearing designed to hear testimony from Rio Grande Valley residents only heard from two.
The two were Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell and Brownsville community leader Michael Seifert. Their testimony has been covered by the Rio Grande Guardian. Click here to read about Boswell’s remarks. Click here to read what Seifert said.
The rest of the one-hour hearing was dominated by the remarks of State Demographer Lloyd Potter and questions of Potter by state Sens. Eddie Lucio of Brownsville, Juan Hinojosa of McAllen, and Carol Alvarado of Houston.
The Senate Special Committee on Redistricting is gathering testimony from around the state of Texas in advance of the redrawing of congressional and legislative boundaries. These have to be done every ten years, soon after new census data is published. The data collated under Census 2020 will be published later this spring.
Potter said in the hearing that he expects the 2020 Census to undercount the number of residents in the Valley. If left unchallenged this will mean less federal funding for the Valley than should be apportioned.
Potter said Texas has grown enough over the last ten years to probably mean three additional U.S. House seats will be awarded to the Lone Star State.
Valley residents can still tune in and speak at other Senate Special Committee on Redistricting hearings. They can also submit written testimony.
EDINBURG, Texas - Dr. Linda Villarreal, president elect of the Texas Medical Association, says she supports Medicaid Expansion.
Villarreal, a practicing physician based in Edinburg, Texas, recently spoke on a webinar hosted by the Mexican American Legislative Caucus.
On the subject of access to healthcare, Villarreal said: “We have a problem and it has been a problem for over a decade or more. I would say two decades. Access to healthcare has never been good. Medicaid expansion has always been one of our most important messages to our state legislators.”
Another prominent leader in the Rio Grande Valley is businessman Alonzo Cantu. The co-founder of Doctors Hospital at Renaissance also o supports Medicaid Expansion.
“A word people don’t like to hear, Medicaid Expansion. Get it into Texas. We have not gotten it since Obamacare. Instead of sending it to California and Florida. Bring it down here, spend it on healthcare,” Cantu said.
Cantu made his remarks at a media appreciation luncheon hosted by DHR Health and held at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance.
The attached podcast features the analysis of Cantu and Villarreal.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez said he is confident the new Biden Administration can deliver on its promise to pass comprehensive immigration reform.
Success with such a bill would finally allow around 11 million undocumented residents to come out of the shadows and enter a pathway to citizenship that could take eight years to complete. The pathway would likely be limited to those without a criminal record.
Gonzalez was asked about the chances of passing such reform on a webinar he hosted on Wednesday, just hours after President Biden and Vice President Harris were sworn into office.
“I think there is a great chance,” Gonzalez said, in response to question about the comprehensive immigration reform being passed by Congress.
“First of all there is a different aura in the room. But now, with both chambers being as close as they are… under Biden I think you are going to see a moderate Democrat presidency that is willing to work across party lines. Remember, President Biden is a creature of the Senate, that is where he spent most of his life. He knows how to negotiate across party lines. He knows how to get things done.”
Gonzalez predicted Biden would be a “great” president because he understands the process.
“He understands the chamber works. He knows how to make friends. He knows how to get things done. It is a matter of getting both sides together and figuring out what we need to do to continue progressing our democracy.”
Gonzalez is one of 112 Democratic lawmakers who sent a letter led by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to Biden to express their commitment to addressing immigration reform.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas - Reflecting the increased market share the Pharr International Bridge has gained for the import of fruits and vegetables from Mexico, the city’s 92-acre Pharr Produce District is now almost full.
When the park opened a few years ago there were 32 lots available for development. Now, just a handful remain.
This and other information related to the import and export of fresh produce at the Pharr Bridge was relayed by Luis Bazan, a director of the bridge during a recent webinar.
Early in the webinar, Tony Martinez, of Primo Trading Services, LLC, remarked that investments had slowed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Later in the webinar, Bazan agreed but predicted things will rebound.
“It has kind of slowed down due to the economy and the way things are right now. But if you look across the bridge, adjacent to the bridge and Pharr Produce District, that is strictly a cold warehousing district for the City of Pharr,” Bazan said.
“We started with 32 available lots over a 92-acre tract. And here we are a couple of years later and we are almost at capacity. Yes, some of the construction has stopped for a little bit but that is understandable with the current economic conditions. At the end of the day, things will continue.”
Bazan said it makes sense for cold storage warehouses to be positioned close to his bridge.
“People want to be close to the bridge that they cross through. We are very excited to have these companies here that had been crossing through Pharr for many years and decided to put in the investment and work closer with us.”
The webinar featuring Bazan and Martinez was hosted by Miami, Florida-based WorldCity, Inc., which produced the 2020 Pharr Trade Numbers publication. WorldCity generates more than 10 million datasets with the latest U.S. Census Bureau data. It covers more than 200 nations; over 400 airports, seaports and border crossings; and more than 900 export and 900 import commodities.
Ken Roberts, president of WorldCity, said it is thanks to the City of Pharr that his company analyzes trade numbers by port. Before Pharr made this request all the data was obtained at the customs district level. He also said Pharr was the first client to request a Trade Numbers publication in Spanish.
“As vice chair of the Pharr International Bridge, thank you, Ken, for working with us,” Martinez said. “It truly makes our job so much easier to have you on our side because it is a fact check. You are a name that people trust. When people hear Ken Roberts they know the numbers are there. That means it is valid. It builds confidence in the people we are trying to service.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story, go to www.riograndeguardian.com
WESLACO, Texas - Matt Ruszczak’s end of year report for sales tax revenue activity in the Rio Grande Valley shows the region outperformed the state of Texas.
Every month the executive director of Rio South Texas Economic Council analyzes numbers put out by the Texas Comptroller’s Office.
His December report looked at sales tax revenue collections from November 2019 to October 2020. While Texas as a whole saw a 0.36 percent increase in collections in this period, the figure for the Valley was even better. The region recorded a 1.23 percent increase.
“That is strong result, all things considered,” Ruszczak said.
All four counties in the Valley recorded more sales tax revenue collections in 2020. Cameron County was up 2.03 percent. Willacy County was up 3.1 percent. Hidalgo County was up 0.63 percent. And Starr County was up 7.66 percent.
Looking at individual cities in Cameron County, Brownsville saw a 1.28 percent increase, Harlingen a 1.09 percent increase, Port Isabel a 0.18 percent increase, and San Benito a 12.55 percent increase. The main drag on the county’s numbers was South Padre Island, which saw a 4.2 percent decrease.
In Willacy County, the biggest city, Raymondville, saw a 4.49 percent increase in sales tax collections in the 12-month, Nov. 2019-Oct. 2020 period.
In Hidalgo County, Edinburg saw a 3.21 percent increase, Mission a 1.05 percent increase, Pharr a 2.81 percent increase, and Weslaco a 5.54 percent increase.
The two cities in Hidalgo County that saw a decline both rely more heavily on Mexican shoppers. McAllen’s sales tax revenue collections were down 3.79 percent. Mercedes saw a drop of 16.16 percent. Mexican shoppers have not been able to cross into the United States since last March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In Starr County, Rio Grande City’s sales tax revenue collections were up 8.38 percent.
Ruszczak pointed out that 36 of the 44 cities in the Valley saw an increase in sales tax collections, with 23 recording increases of five percent or more. “For 2020 that is outstanding,” Ruszczak said, referencing the challenges posed to economic activity by COVID-19.
Ruszczak noted that eight of the cities in the Valley saw sales tax revenue collections grow by more than 20 percent. “They were the beneficiaries of the COVID shift we have been talking about,” he said. “Instead of going to a destination city, people are shopping closer to home.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to: www.riograndeguardian.com.
HARLINGEN, Texas - Immediately following a news conference hosted by Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell, Valley Baptist Health System CEO Manny Vela asked for forgiveness for being so impassioned.
In his remarks from the podium, Vela had made an impassioned plea for Cameron County residents to adhere to best practices in the fight to stem the surge of COVID-19. He noted that hospitalizations for the virus had quadrupled at Valley Baptist-Harlingen over the past eight weeks.
“Forgive me, I get a little impassioned. This is the reality. We are seeing our numbers quadruple for COVID patients at Valley Baptist Harlingen over the last eight weeks. I think that holds true for most hospitals in the county,” Vela said, in an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian.
Vela said he had two messages to give to the community.
“One, thanking everybody in our community who has helped us by following the best practices. It got us to the position of being manageable for our COVID numbers. Unfortunately we have had Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. We have seen our numbers escalate. So, the first part of the message is thank everybody. We just need you to keep toeing the line with us.”
The second message was aimed at those who have not been wearing masks, not washing their hands regularly, and not practiced social distancing.
“The second part of my message is for that small part of our community who are simply not following the best practices because of ignorance or arrogance or absolute lack of self respect for others. They have got to receive this message. It is not too late for them to get on the bandwagon and protect our community.”
Vela said if the community as a whole will follow best practices, his team of frontline healthcare workers will be better protected from COVID.
Editor's Note: To read the full story, including Manny Vela's thoughts on the COVID-19 vaccine, go to riograndeguardian.com.
HARLINGEN, Texas - President-elect Joe Biden is reported to be considering a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan that will include $1,400 for most Americans.
In the waning days of the 116th Congress a smaller stimulus bill was passed worth $900 million. It included giving most Americans $600.
In the attached podcast, Rev Torres of the Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project discusses this smaller stimulus bill.
The Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project is a division of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid.
Torres was a regular contributor on taxation issues when KHID 88.1 FM and KJJF 88.9 FM were running NPR programing in the Rio Grande Valley.
Now the stations are longer part of NPR, 88 FM radio presenter Mario Muñoz has moved over to The Rio Grande Guardian, with Torres joining him to offer expert tax advice.
Torres’ analysis has been in great demand since Congress announced it would be sending out stimulus checks to all American adults.
Readers and listeners that have questions about the economic impact payments can reach Torres via the web at TRLA.org or via telephone at 956-393-6213.
They can also submit questions to The Rio Grande Guardian by emailing mmoreno@riograndeguardian.com.
WESLACO, TEXAS - A shift in shopping habits brought about by the coronavirus pandemic has boosted sales tax revenues for smaller communities in the Rio Grande Valley.
Matt Ruszczak, executive director of Rio South Texas Economic Council, analyzed these developments in an 2020 end-of-year report. His report was based on information released by the Texas Comptroller’s Office.
“The COVID shift, looking at these numbers, is definitely real,” Ruszczak said. “The fact that people have changed their shopping habits reverberates in these numbers. The fact that they are spending their money in these secondary and tertiary markets, and not as much in the primary markets, gives value to these numbers.”
The top ten Valley communities as measured by the percentage growth in sales tax revenues were: Bayview, Santa Rosa, Edcouch, Alton, Combes, Penitas, La Grulla, and Rancho Viejo.
McAllen, the Valley’s No. 1 destination for shoppers, saw its market share from 1.3 percent to 24.6 percent. The city suffered in part because Mexican shoppers have been prevented from crossing in the United States since March. The travel ban was put in place to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Ruszczak said he will be interested to see if shoppers return to destination cities once the pandemic has receded.
“As we normalize, will we revert back to old habits or are we going to retain our closer to home shopping habits, or our online shopping habits?”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
Editor’s Note: This is the first of two podcasts focusing on Matt Ruszczak’s end of year report on sales tax revenue collections. Part Two will be posted in our next edition.
LAREDO, Texas - U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar says he intends to bring at least four cabinet secretaries to the South Texas border region once President-elect Biden is sworn into office.
Cuellar is critical of the way President Trump’s cabinet secretaries, when visiting the border region, would not meet with the business community or environmental leaders. Instead, he said, they only focused on the border wall, and stopping drugs and undocumented immigrants from coming into the country.
The five cabinet secretaries are Deb Haaland, Biden’s pick for interior secretary, Xavier Becerra, who is set to be health and human services secretary, Marcia L. Fudge, who has been chosen to run housing and urban development, and Alejandro Mayorkas, the president-elect’s nominee to run homeland security.
All four will need to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
“There are some friends I intend to bring down here. Deb Haaland is going to be the new interior secretary. She is a friend of mine from New Mexico. I want to see how she can work with us, from the Department of Interior,” Cuellar said.
“We have got Xavier Becerra, who is going to be the health and human services secretary. That is the second person I want to bring down to Laredo. Marcia Fudge, also, is someone that I served with and she is the HUD secretary. Those are the folks that are coming in.”
Mayorkas, the son of Jewish Cuban refugees, would be the first Latino to run the department of homeland security.
“The new homeland secretary is a friend of mine. I intend to bring him down to Laredo and to the Valley and do a border tour,” Cuellar said.
“They usually go to El Paso and down to the lower Rio Grande or Arizona. I want them to see different areas, including Eagle Pass and other areas that have asked me to look at.”
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to www.riograndeguardian.com
MISSION, Texas - U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar says Congress is pumping an additional $7 billion into broadband connectivity.
The Laredo Democrat welcomed the appropriation, arguing that the funding is needed along the U.S.-Mexico border and in rural areas. He said improving internet access will be one of his top issues in 2021.
“We added about $7 billion for broadband connectivity,” Cuellar said. “I think what we have seen with our kids at home and students online… we are finding that there are certain areas that don’t have broadband. What we want to do is make sure that we keep building the infrastructure for broadband, especially in the rural areas.”
Cuellar made his comments in a webinar he hosted to discuss the $1.4 trillion omnibus appropriations bill and the $900 billion coronavirus relief bill.
He said funding to improve broadband services is coming via the relief package and the appropriations package.
“We are working now to push that in the Valley. In fact, tomorrow I have a phone call with a company that is doing some of that broadband in the area, down there in the Valley,” Cuellar said.
“The money is there and hopefully we will get that because we have seen under the pandemic some deficiencies, deficiencies in broadband and WiFi, computers for some families.”
Cuellar said he has heard from teachers that many families have two or three kids at home with only one computer to use.
"We are trying to address that, with monies going to the schools so they can buy the equipment, the computers. WiFi that is being used by school districts, so they can set up WiFi hotspots.”
Cuellar said he has also spoken to some housing authorities that also want to provide broadband services.
“For example, in the Valley, they would like to use some of that money also for WiFi for some of those residents in Section 8 housing. And, of course, just in general the border area and the rural areas have deficiencies in broadband and that is why we are adding billions of dollars to do this.”
Cuellar added: “If people ask me what is one of my goals for this next year, broadband is going to be one of them. That is why I have set up this phone call for tomorrow for some of the projects along the rural areas.”
EDINBURG, TEXAS - Dr. Ivan Melendez, Hidalgo County’s local health authority, has given his wrap-up on 2020, a year like no other for his profession.
At times during the year, Hidalgo County led the nation in deaths and hospitalization rates caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Indeed, at one point, Melendez, a frontline healthcare hero, himself tested positive for COVID-19.
While things appear to have settled down, Melendez said Rio Grande Valley residents cannot let their guard down during the holiday season. He urged everyone to continue to practice good personal hygiene, keep wearing face masks in public, to practice social distancing, and not gather in large crowds.
“Our community was Ill-prepared. The world was ill-prepared (for COVID-19),” Melendez said, in his 2020 year in review.
“The virus is like the marathon and you don’t train for the marathon the weekend before. When you are a boxer you don’t go to your wife and say, hey, babe, have seen my shorts I have a world championship fight next week. It doesn’t work that way. You have to be training, you have to be ready.”
In an exclusive podcast with the Rio Grande Guardian, Melendez rattled off a number of grim milestones, noting that the pandemic was at its worst in Hidalgo County in July 2020.
“Where did we fail? Our population was very sick. Our baseline state of health… despite being the No. 1 in diabetes, hyper-tension, morbid obesity, lack of access to healthcare, 20 percent un- or under-insured, a porous border to a third world country that is just chaotic, 29 being the average age in our community, it was the perfect storm. Despite that we were the worst among the worse.”
Melendez said he cannot accept praise for a job well done.
“When people come to me and say, you guys have done a great job, well, I don’t think so. I think we have made a great effort but you measure a job by outcome. You don’t say, oh my God, you have really tried hard to paint that house. No, you say the house looks good. We had the highest mortality rate.”
So, did the efforts of healthcare professionals on the frontline in the battle against the coronavirus match the results? Melendez said, no.
“Our efforts were gargantuan, but our results, you cannot argue… our results were not good,” he said.
“And so, our lesson learned, from my perspective, is we need to have our community in a better state of health.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
EDINBURG, Texas - During a recent press conference, the dean of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, Dr. John Krouse, announced that the first priority of distribution for the COVID-19 vaccine will be the frontline health professionals.
I asked Internal Medicine Physician with UT Health RGV, Dr. Chelsea Chang, if there were any side effects from the vaccine so far. I also asked the Chief Resident, Internal Medicine, Dr Arturo Suplee Rivera, if receiving the COVID vaccine has resulted in any negative events.
Dr. Rivera commented about negative information that is circulating about the COVID-19 vaccine. I also spoke to Internal Medicine Physician, Dr. Michelle Lopez, about any reactions to the COVID 19 vaccine.
According to Dr Lopez none of the health concerns with the vaccine are backed by actual science. The priority of distribution for the COVID-19 vaccine is mandated by the Centers for Disease Control.
MCALLEN, Texas - McAllen City Manager Roy Rodriguez says Anzalduas International Bridge will be “game changer” for the Rio Grande Valley and the state of Texas - once it can take trucks carrying cargo.
At the moment, Anzalduas can take empty trucks going southbound into Mexico. That should change soon, Rodriguez said, during a webinar hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership. The webinar showcased McAllen as a place worthy of commercial investment.
“Our bridges are our way of life for South Texas. We are very proud to own two international bridges. We have a team of cities that have partnered for many, many years, on Hidalgo Bridge and Anzalduas Bridge,” Rodriguez said.
“Anzalduas is really the future for us. It is a big part of the future of this region.”
Rodriguez pointed out that Anzalduas Bridge has been open for about ten years.
“We have only been able to have vehicular traffic go through it. And, in the last few years we have had empty trucks going southbound into Mexico. We are currently designing the cargo facilities,” Rodriguez said, proudly.
“I will use something the mayor uses all the time: is just going to be a game changer.”
Many of the listeners on the webinar were potential investors and real estate developers. Rodriguez explained why Anzalduas is going to make a big difference.
“When we open up Anzalduas for cargo it is going to really, really, develop our region and our state. In McAllen, we realize that the bridges are much more than another revenue (stream). Anzalduas Bridge impacts the State of Texas and the United States,” Rodriguez said.
By way of example, Rodriguez highlighted the parts that go into making automobiles. He said many of these parts cross the U.S.-Mexico border.
“A lot of folks outside of our region do not realize that parts coming from Mexico, northbound, are going as far as Michigan, in order to put cars together, with parts made back here, across the border. So, Anzalduas is definitely going to be a game changer.”
Rodriguez said a plan to develop Anzalduas so it can take fully loaded trucks is 90 percent complete. He said the plan will incorporate the Donations Acceptance Program, which allows municipalities to work with the federal government to fund infrastructure projects at international ports of entry.
“It will be submitted through the DAP program, our partners with CBP, GSA and all the others that will use the facilities have been part of that design from the beginning. We did not want to guess what they needed. They have been around the table with us, designing this port of entry and we are very excited that we will be turning dirt on that in 2021.”
CBP stands for Customs and Border Protection. GSA stands for General Services Administration.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - State Rep. Terry Canales, chair of the House Committee on Transportation, says he intends to launch a port caucus when the 87th legislative session starts next month.
The Edinburg Democrat made the announcement during a virtual town hall meeting he hosted recently with the Port of Brownsville. He said more funding needs to be made at ports of entry.
“We know that 18-wheelers, big rigs, consume pavement at ten thousand times the rate of a regular passenger vehicle. We know that we have a disproportionate amount (at border ports of entry); hundreds of thousands of trucks from the Rio Grande Valley to El Paso, where Lina Ortega is at,” Canales said.
“We know that those ports, including the inland ports, feed and move the economy of Texas. They are job creators with millions upon billions upon billions of dollars. They are economic engines.”
Evelina ‘Lina’ Ortega is state representative for District 77. An El Paso Democrat, Ortega sits on the House Committee on Transportation. She participated in Canales’ town hall meeting.
Other speakers included Eduardo Campirano, port director for Brownsville Navigation District, and Pete Sepulveda, executive director of the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority.
“So, we have trucks that consume a disproportionate amount of pavement but we don’t get a disproportionate amount of money to build and outfit and maintain and preserve the infrastructure that exists arounds these engines and the reality is and what I have seen is - and these town halls prove it - we can’t live without the ports but we are underfunding the ports every opportunity we get,” Canales said.
“Texas can do better and we have to do better, from connecting the most basic bridges to actually getting an interstate to Brownsville, and connecting the lifeblood of, not just Texas but the nation.”
Canales thanked those who participated in the virtual town hall meeting. He said they had helped to shed light on the fact that oil and gas is important in Texas.
“Oil and gas does not move without the ports. It stays in the ground. That is the reality and so there is a symbiotic relationship between the community we find so important in Texas and the port, which we continuously underfund.”
Canales added: “When this next legislative session begins it is my intention to create a port caucus so that all members who border and or have ports in their area can join and help me lobby the rest of the members in making sure that we understand that if we underfund our ports we are literally cutting Texas short and we are hurting the United States in general.”
EDINBURG, Texas - Dr. Manish Singh, MD, chief executive officer of DHR Health, says Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, will go down in history in the Rio Grande Valley.
It was the day his hospital started inoculating frontline healthcare workers against COVID-19 with the new vaccine produced by Pfizer.
“This is an historic moment we all are witnessing. Fifteen or 20 years from now we will all look back and we will remember this day as the day it all started to end, the end of this nightmare,” Singh told the Rio Grande Guardian.
“Today is the day that it started. It may take weeks, it may take months, but it has started.”
As well as historic, the day was emotional, Singh said, during a press availability at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance. Reporters had been invited to witness the vaccine shots being administered to doctors, nurses, and others in the healthcare arena that are treating coronavirus patients.
"Myself being a physician, an administrator and a COVID patient, this is a very, very, emotional moment. Not just for myself, not just for DHR, but the community we serve down here,” Singh said.
DHR Health has been sent 5,200 doses of the vaccine, Singh said, with more on the way.
“We got 5,200 vaccines. We have the capacity to store more than 25,000 doses of the vaccine. Once we use this current batch of the vaccine, they will provide another 5,000-plus. I hope within this next week or two we will have around 12,000 doses of the vaccine available,” Singh said.
Singh acknowledged that as per CDC and FDA guidelines, frontline healthcare workers will be the first to the vaccine. After that, he said, it will be other workers at DHR.
Editor's Note: To read the full story, go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - The first vaccines for COVID-19 have been administered to frontline healthcare workers in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.
Dr. John H. Krouse, executive vice president for health affairs at UTRGV Health and dean of the UT-Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, held a virtual press conference on Tuesday to announce the news.
“It is a very exciting time,” Krouse said. “It is really thrilling that we are finally able to begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel, by being able to receive vaccine and now start to distribute that in an orderly approach.”
Krouse said UTRGV has only just received the vaccines, produced by Pfizer.
“We have received our first doses here at UTRGV this morning. And we plan to start vaccinating this afternoon, our first group of people. And then, over the rest of this week, we will be doing 12-hour shifts in order to assure that we are able to get the vaccine to our frontline healthcare workers in support, here at UTRGV.”
Krouse said the vaccine will be distributed following CDC and FDA guidelines. He said these guidelines state that the first round of vaccines should be to those frontline healthcare workers who have exposure to COVID—19 patients.
The attached podcast features Krouse’s remarks at the news conference, plus his answers to questions from reporters.
HARLINGEN, Texas - The IRS is resuming operations after being shut down due to the coronavirus.
According to Rev Torres, a paralegal with the Taxpayer Assistance Project, this has concerned many taxpayers that owe taxes to the IRS because IRS collection activities have also resumed.
Torres said the IRS recently announced it would be offering some relief to taxpayers that owe taxes to the IRS.
The Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project is a division of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid.
Torres was a regular contributor on taxation issues when KHID 88.1 FM and KJJF 88.9 FM were running NPR programing in the Rio Grande Valley.
Now the stations are longer part of NPR, I have moved over to The Rio Grande Guardian, with Torres joining me to offer expert tax advice. At 88 FM I was a radio presenter.
AUSTIN, Texas – Doctors Hospital at Renaissance Health System, otherwise known as DHR Health, has been named Large Employer of the Year by the Texas Workforce Commission.
The recognition was made at TWC’s 24rd Annual Texas Workforce Conference held virtually on December 9.
The Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers and communities prosper economically.
Each of TWC’s 28 local workforce development boards recognized a Local Employer of Excellence at the virtual conference. The award honors an employer that is actively involved with Texas Workforce Solutions and has made a positive impact on employers, workers and the community.
DHR Health was nominated by Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley.
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian's website to read the full story.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - While many industries struggled in 2020 due to the global pandemic, the Port of Brownsville managed to stay afloat and even experienced growth.
Eduardo A. Campirano, port director and CEO, spoke to Rio Grande GuardianEditor-in-Chief Steve Taylor about the state of the port and their monumental year.
As one of the 16 essential infrastructure sectors identified by the federal government, the port remained fully operational.
“In spite of the year and the difficulties with the year, for us, we have to keep our doors open,” said Campirano. “ … The movement of cargo doesn’t stop. The closing the borders doesn’t stop. The receipt of global shipping doesn’t stop.”
Despite supply chain disruptions, Campirano said that the port saw an average of 1,500 trucks a day loading and unloading cargo. He explained that as businesses began to reevaluate their logistical operations during this health crisis, the Port of Brownsville became an appealing and, in some cases, cost-effective alternative.
“We’ve been able to demonstrate that we have the capability,” said Campirano. “And, you know, that commodity may move in by vessel, but it moves out by truck; we’ve moved it out by barge; we’ve moved it out by rail. So, the logistics platform is well-suited to provide that customer variety and access to markets perhaps in a much more affordable way, and so that’s been a plus for us.”
Campirano said the port opened up markets to Rio Grande Valley and Mexican businesses that had not been available before. Increases in cargo volume and diversity were the result. Manufactured goods like electronic parts and agricultural commodities like grain were shipped around the East Coast and even as far as China. Their newly initiated container service connected goods with Port Tampa Bay, another burgeoning market for businesses.
Campirano says that he is cautiously optimistic, even in good years, about the port’s revenue and growth and hoped to at least match last’s figures in light of the pandemic. In July, Brownsville Navigation District Commissioner John Reed said the port was faring the crisis well, but Campirano was pleasantly surprised to see that 2020’s numbers had surpassed those of 2019. With this trend, even as some major projects are still on hold, Campirano says 2021 “could be a year for the record books.”
“If we, with the advent of the vaccine for COVID[-19] and the return to some sense of normalcy, if we can hit that in full stride, then I believe the prospects for our region are very exciting.”
EDINBURG, Texas - What can the Rio Grande Valley expect from the 87th Legislative Session that starts in Austin, Texas, on Jan. 12, 2021?
State Sen. Juan Hinojosa and state Reps. Terry Canales and R.D. ‘Bobby’ Guerra gave their best guesses during a webinar hosted by the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce on Dec. 3. The event was moderated by former state Rep. Veronica Gonzales, who is now a vice president at UT-Rio Grande Valley.
Among the topics discussed were the budget deficit, transportation funding, expanding Medicaid, a new speaker for the Texas House of Representatives, additional monies for UTRGV, tuition revenue bonds, the digital divide, and whether the general public will be allowed into the state Capitol, given the coronavirus pandemic.
Sponsors of the webinar included AT&T, DHR Health, UTRGV, Texas Gas Service, City of Edinburg, City of Pharr, Texas National Bank, Carranza Development , Superior Properties, South Texas Health System, Oscar Gonzalez CPA & Associates, and CJE Construction LLC.
Dr. Guy Bailey, president of UTRGV, phoned in to the webinar and asked the legislators about tuition revenue bonds.
Bailey said: “Do you know, our medical school and, in fact, all of our health programs are growing very rapidly. We have a new doctorate in podiatric medicine that will be starting soon. To really implement all the new programs that we do, we need space and I wondered if there are any opportunity for tuition revenue bonds this spring? TRBs would help us build the facilities we need as we bring these new programs online.”
Sen. Hinojosa responded to Bailey’s question. He said: “From discussions that have taken place on the Senate side, because of interest rates being so low right now and because of the deficit we are facing with our budget, it would be a good time to pass revenue bonds, TRBs, so, I think it has support. I think right now you will see much more intense discussion. We just need also for the universities and colleges throughout the state to put a little bit of pressure, if you will, on their legislators and state senators that represent them in the legislature. So, I think it is very doable.”
McALLEN, Texas - Jordana Barton says her upbringing in a colonia in South Texas helped shape her choice of career - as a champion for investment in low-income communities.
Barton is perhaps best known in the Valley for authoring the Texas Border Colonias Study for the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. That led to her working to address the digital divide in cities such as Pharr and Brownsville. She recently moved over the Methodist Healthcare Ministries.
“I grew up in Benavides, Texas, a very small, rural community near Laredo. It was designated a colonia by the Secretary of State’s Office, when they were labeling places. It is incorporated now but it was designated a colonia because we had very substandard housing and a lack of infrastructure, such as safe drinking water and some of the basics, such as paved roads and things like that. For example, it was not until I was in graduate school that my family got connected to city sewage, not a cess pool.”
Barton made these comments in an in-depth interview with the Rio Grande Guardian via Zoom.
“That is where I got my passion for service and - I did not know it was a field back then - community development. Being able to invest in low income communities where other people may not see the assets that are there. I knew there were assets there,” Barton said.
“You can stand outside of my home, where I grew up and you could look at it and say, what could have come out of this, because, you know, there is no insulation, there is no central air and heat. It is dilapidated and not up to code. But a lot can come out of it.”
Editor’s Note: To read the full story, go to RioGrandeGuardian.com
MCALLEN, Texas - One of the Rio Grande Valley’s oldest charitable organizations is celebrating 100 years of serving the community.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, or simply the Elks, of McAllen will commemorate its centennial on Dec. 28 of this year.
Milly Hernandez, Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge #1402, spoke to Rio Grande Guardian Editor-in-Chief Steve Taylor about the group and its philanthropic work throughout its long history.
Established in 1868 as a fraternal order in New York, the Elks vowed “to promote and practice the four cardinal virtues of charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity.” In the decades since, the order has come under fire for allegations of discrimination. It was not until 1973 that minorities were allowed membership and not until 1995 for women. Hernandez acknowledged the group’s history, but says she is proof that things have changed.
“That’s how the organization’s evolved throughout the 100 years,” said Hernandez. “With that being said, I am the third female that leads McAllen Elks [Lodge] #1402, and I am the first female Hispanic that leads this organization in the 100 years that it’s been in existence here in McAllen.”
Despite the blemish of its past, the Elks’ unwavering commitment to its charity work remains uneclipsed. Hernandez says this is how she came to know the group and eventually become a member.
“I really fell in love with the aspect of the grants and how they invest in the community,” said Hernandez. “And, that’s basically how I decided to get involved with the Elks.” Nationally, the organization dedicates itself to veterans, youth programs and educational scholarships.
In addition to these, Hernandez highlighted events such as “Cansgiving,” its collaboration with University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s student group, Enactus, to provide meals for needy families during the Thanksgiving holiday. The Texas Elks Camp in Gonzales, Texas, a summer camp for special needs children, is another cause for which Lodge #1402 raises money. As a chair for the Elks National Foundation, Hernandez also does grant writing for the benefit of Hidalgo County, including securing funds to help during the coronavirus.
Reflecting on the last century, Hernandez encouraged Valley residents to join the Elks and continue its legacy.
“We think this organization does a lot for this community, and we’ve been here for 100 years for a reason,” said Hernandez. “ … It is one of the best kept secrets in McAllen.”
For more information about the Elks Lodge #1402, call 956-686-3902 or email them at mcallenelks@gmail.com.
McAllen Elks Lodge #1402 is located at 3500 Jordan Rd.
HARLINGEN, Texas - Czech heritage is at the forefront with Elyse Anne Kakacek’s album release “Formless.”
In 1894, composer Antonin Dvorak completed a song cycle in English that was translated from the 1579 Czech version of the Bible.
Elyse Anne Kakacek uses Dvorak’s English text of the Bible translated from the Czech version in her album “Formless.”
Rio Grande Guardian arts correspondent Mario Muñoz spoke to Kakacek about her album “Formless.” This podcast features the interview.
MCALLEN, Texas - According to a senior vice president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Blake Hastings, the average person graduating from South Texas College today will have his job disrupted five or six times, due to technology changes.
Hastings gave some updates on the economy at the national, state, and regional levels during a presentation at the virtual South Texas College INNO 2020. He said the Federal Reserve Bank is hopeful the lame duck Congress will pass an economic stimulus bill.
South Texas College partnered with La Universidad Autonoma de Tamaulipas to host a binational INNO 2020 Conference. INNO stands for innovation.
Hastings has made a presentation on the state of the economy in each of the last four innovation conferences hosted by STC. During his presentation, Hastings applauded the work of Dr. Shirley A. Reed, who is set to retire as STC’s founding president.
The attached podcast features some of the highlights from Hastings’ presentation.
AUSTIN, Texas - The historically lower voter turnout levels in the Rio Grande Valley can be put down, in part, to Hispanics being disillusioned by public corruption.
Other reasons include a lack of competitive elections caused by one party domination, very little public discourse on issues, and a high level of poverty.
These are the conclusions contained in a study of attitudes towards voting by Hispanics in Texas. The study, conducted for the Texas Organizing Project (TOP), included interviews with Hispanics in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, El Paso and the Valley.
On a webinar, Dr. Cecilia Balli, a journalist, researcher and anthropologist, said the study found some unique findings in the Valley. The webinar, titled 2020 Election & the Texas Latino Vote, was hosted by the Mexican American Legislative Caucus (MALC).
“In the Rio Grande Valley we had a discourse, several discourses, that emerged very strongly around local political culture. We were very concerned after having done interviews in the Valley - and I am from the Valley, I am from Brownsville,” Balli said.
“I think a lot of you can relate to these findings. It was interesting to us how prevalent it came up in almost every conversation. A sense that politics are controlled by very few people. That because there isn’t competition between the parties, real competition, because it is controlled by Democrats, there is very little discussion of issues or platforms.”
Instead of campaigns being dominated by a discussion on issues or platforms, in the Valley, candidates largely run on their name, their photo, and how well they are known, Balli explained.
“High levels of public corruption across the board, from school districts to judicial offices. And then all of that combined with extreme poverty, makes a lot of people doubt that they can make a difference by voting. They have stayed focused, some of them, on what they can control more immediately,” Balli said.
“I think the region also feels neglected and forgotten by people in Austin and Washington.”
Editor's Note: The full story can be found in the Rio Grande Guardian.
EDINBURG, Texas - If Rio Grande Valley parents cannot pay their light bill, how are their children going to be able to access the Internet to do the remote learning expected of them?
This was one of the questions posed by Dr. Rodney H. Rodriguez, senior director for RGV Focus, during a recent webinar hosted by Teach for America-Rio Grande Valley.
The webinar was titled, “How can education and workforce development lead to a strong RGV post-COVID-19?” One of the topics that came up was the digital divide.
Rodriguez said his nonprofit has applied to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for funds to pay for computer equipment and wifi in underserved areas.
“Can our families pay the light, can they pay the rent, are they able to put food on the table?” Rodriguez said. “It is great and dandy that we are going to have this high-tech equipment but if people cannot pay their light, how are you going to access this equipment? Keep in mind, that is going to be a huge challenge moving forward.
Other speakers on the webinar included Julian Alvarez III, the Texas Workforce Commission’s commissioner for labor, and state Sen. Juan Hinojosa. Veronica Gonzales, vice president for governmental and community relations at UT-Rio Grande Valley, was the moderator. There were also appearances by Jonathan Stevens, managing director of Teach for America-RGV, Ana Gonzalez, the nonprofit’s executive director, and attorney Deborah Cordova, a member of Teach for America-RGV’s advisory panel.
In addition to the digital divide, the topics discussed included the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on the world of education, strengthening the pipeline between high schools and colleges, mental health, and the proactive nature of the Valley’s educational institutions.
“It is so unfortunate the pandemic hit when it did because we were on a very good trajectory with all the opportunities that are here now in the Rio Grande Valley. We cannot allow this to slow us down,” said Gonzales.
Sen. Hinojosa said Valley students can compete against those from other parts of the country, pointing out that the region’s best and brightest are accepted by Harvard, Yale, and Georgetown.
“This is where the action is and for us, we are switching over from an agriculture-based economy to one of healthcare professions, education, advanced manufacturing,” Hinojosa said, pointing out that the Valley’s average age is younger than other regions in the country. He said this is a big plus.
“You can tell the growth is here. The action is here, the leadership is here. And we have the students that want to learn and be educated. We have to put all that together and we are doing that,” Hinojosa said.
In his closing remarks, Alvarez urged educators to listen to industry.
“How about training these high school kids, as we are going to be doing at DHR; were are going to be busing high school kids to learn how to repair and maintain equipment at the hospital with COVID relief funding that we received from the federal government. The only condition is after they go through the training, that DHR hire them. That is a win-win,” Alvarez said.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales says county is applying for a $90 million Living Breakwaters Project grant, in collaboration with the Port of Corpus Christi and other jurisdictions to create a coastal ecosystem that would mitigate the impact of storm surges from coastal hurricanes and storms.
The application is being made to the Texas General Land Office for funds through the Community Development Block Grant – Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) program.
Judge Canales was just one of several participants in a November 10 virtual town hall meeting hosted by State Rep. Terry Canales. The two Canales’ are not related. The discussion centered on the economic impact of the Port of Corpus Christi.
Other speakers included state Sen. Juan Hinojosa, state Reps. Todd Hunter and Abel Herrero, CEO of the Port of Corpus Christi Sean Strawbridge and Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil and Gas Association and former commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture.
"Our Texas ports, whether seaports or land ports between Texas and Mexico, are incredibly powerful economic engines for the State," said Rep. Canales, chairman of the House Committee on Transportation.
"Texas transportation is often overshadowed by highways and bridges—which are of course essential to Texas's economy—but I think it's time to shine the spotlight on our ports for a moment to showcase just how impressive yet bottlenecked they are.”
Rep. Canales represents District 40 in the Texas House. This district is based in the Rio Grande Valley. However, Rep. Canales hails from Alice, Texas, and knows the Coastal Bend area well. In fact, Rep. Hunter said he considers Canales part of the Coastal Bend delegation.
Rep. Canales pointed out that in 2017, the Port of Corpus Christi was the second fastest growing seaport in the United States in terms of exports, growing by $4.69 billion.
”Texas is stifling the growth of its seaports by not having a dedicated maritime funding source to ensure that the state's ports can keep up," Rep. Canales said.
Rep. Canales said he viewed the virtual town hall meeting as an opportunity to hear about a great Texas asset and how important it is the daily lives of Texas residents.
HARLINGEN, Texas - For the past several weeks we have been discussing economic impact payments.
One thing that we have stressed throughout is that this situation is evolving. Well, recently, there was a development regarding the economic impact payments. Specifically, the deadline for non-filers to register for the economic impact payments.
In the attached podcast, paralegal Rev Torres of the Taxpayer Assistance Project, answers some questions about the economic impact payments.
The Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project is a division of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid.
Torres was a regular contributor on taxation issues when KHID 88.1 FM and KJJF 88.9 FM were running NPR programing in the Rio Grande Valley.
Now the stations are longer part of NPR, 88 FM radio presenter Mario Muñoz has moved over to The Rio Grande Guardian, with Torres joining him to offer expert tax advice.
Torres’ analysis has been in great demand since Congress announced it would be sending out stimulus checks to all American adults.
Readers and listeners that have questions about the economic impact payments can reach Torres via the web at TRLA.org or via telephone at 956-393-6213.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute seeks to improve immigration and integration policies and develop new ideas to address complex migration policy questions.
Recently, the Migration Policy Institute held a webinar to discuss the implications for migration policies in the new Biden Administration.
According to the Director of the U.S. Immigration Policy Program at the Migration Policy Institute, Doris Meissner, the Biden Administration plans to speed-up the adjudication of asylum cases from the current period of years to a matter of months. Meissner is a former Commissioner, U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service.
The Director of the Migration Policy Institute office at the NYU School of Law, Muzaffar Chishti, says that he expects the Supreme Court to continue to affirm that the Presidents authority on immgration is quite extensive.
In this podcast, Chishti discusses the chances of Biden implementing comprehensive immigration reform, whilst Meissner looks at potential executive actions on immigration by the incoming president.
MCALLEN, TEXAS - With the elections over, state Sen. Juan Hinojosa is looking forward to the 87th Legislative Session that starts in January.
The McAllen Democrat says the top issues will include healthcare, with lawmakers reviewing the state’s response to COVID-19 and making recommendations to better deal with such a pandemic in the future.
Hinojosa is currently vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance. He said the “biggest challenge” will be the state budget. “If we have a $5 billion deficit it will be manageable,” Hinojosa said. The reason, he explained, is the state has a healthy rainy day fund.
Another top issue will be redistricting, with lawmakers altering congressional and Texas House district lines to take into account the population shifts identified by the 2020 Census. Hinojosa said redistricting is one of the most divisive issues legislators have to deal with.
In an interview that took place just before the Nov. 3 elections, Hinojosa also spoke about the impact of COVID-19 on the state Capitol. He said access to the building would have to be curtailed to some extent.
KINGSVILLE, Texas - Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar says it will be Texas consumers that lead the state out of recession.
Hegar spoke about the state of the Texas economy while giving the keynote address at Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s virtual 2020 Economic Forum.
He pointed out that while other states have just one economic headwind to contend with, the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, Texas has two, the pandemic and a contraction in the oil and gas industry, which had started before COVID-19 hit.
“Many other states don’t have the double headwinds that Texas has faced with the contraction in oil and gas as well,” Hegar said.
“We think Texas will have a slower time getting back to pre-pandemic levels for GDP growth as well as employment numbers - because we have two headwinds, where other states are predominately facing one headwind instead. However, we do think that here in the next eight months or more, Texas will once again start outpacing the national average.”
Hegar said Texas’ negative balance has improved quite a bit.
"While our revenues are negative compared to the same month a year ago, for the last eight months on average, they are not as negative as we anticipated.”
Editor's Note: For the full story go to www.riograndeguardian.com
MCALLEN, Texas - State Sen. Juan Hinojosa has given a brief overview of the 2020 Election from a South Texas perspective.
In an exclusive eve-of-poll podcast with The Rio Grande Guardian, Hinojosa discusses the recent visit to the Valley by Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party nominee for Vice President of the United States. He also discusses whether Texas is in play for his party, after decades of Republican control. And he talks about the political scene in Corpus Christi, which is the northern part of his district.
Hinojosa, a Democrat from McAllen, represents District 20 in the Texas Senate. The district includes the western half of Hidalgo County, including Edinburg, Mission, and part of McAllen, Brooks County, Jim Wells County and the eastern part of Nueces County.
Editor's Note: The podcast is the first of a two-part series. Part Two looks ahead to the 87th Texas Legislature, which begins Nov. 12, 2021. Part Two will be published later this week.
MISSION, Texas - The McAllen Bridge System, in conjunction with federal, state and local stakeholders, officially inaugurated additional northbound lanes at Anzalduas International Bridge Port of Entry.
The newly constructed lanes were part of improvements made to increase northbound vehicular traffic at the bridge. The total construction cost for the improvement was $2,867,922.
The project involved adding three travel lanes for passenger cars that includes two working vehicular lanes and one by-pass lane, known as a return lane. The two vehicular lanes included the installation of two inspection booths with the accompanying equipment, high mast lighting and extending the existing canopies.
Local officials said the project will improve mobility and commercial border efficiency at the port of entry by alleviating queuing and shortening wait times for northbound vehicular traffic. The lanes at the Anzalduas Port of Entry have now increased from four working lanes to six working lanes.
Among the VIPs to speak at a ribbon-cutting ceremony were McAllen Mayor Jim Darling, Mission Mayor Armando O’Caña, Hidalgo Mayor Sergio Coronado, state Sen. Juan Hinojosa, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, and McAllen City Manager Roy Rodriguez.
McAllen Superintendent of Bridges Juan Olaguibel was emcee.
This podcast features all the speakers at the ribbon-cutting.
EDINBURG, Texas - With pollsters moving Texas into the “toss up” category, Kamala Harris was in the Rio Grande Valley on Friday.
The Democratic Party nominee for Vice President of the United States gave a campaign speech at UT-Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg.
Earlier in the day she spoke in Houston and Fort Worth.
The significance of the Valley visit is that the region, at the southmost tip of Texas, is heavily Hispanic and opinion polls have suggested that President Trump is making inroads into this demographic. Harris aimed to excite a traditionally Democratic stronghold.
Some opinion polls have the presidential race tied in Texas. Others have Trump ahead but with the percentage lead within in the margin of error.
Democrats are excited because turnout is high. They believe this favors them. This year’s early vote came close to equaling the entire vote in Texas in 2016. In 2016 some eight million voters cast ballots. This year’s final total could reach 12 million, according to political analysts.
This podcast features Harris’ speech at UTRGV, along with the analysis of Rio Grande Guardian editor Steve Taylor.
HARLINGEN, Texas - James Whale’s film classic from 1931, Frankenstein, starring Boris Karloff, was released without a musical score.
This was the case for many films in the early days of the “talkies.”
However, in the case of Frankenstein, composer Michael Shapiro wrote a 70-minute score to be played simultaneously with a screening of the movie. Shapiro was commissioned to do so in 2002 by the Boris Koutzen Foundation. It has received over 50 performances worldwide.
The overture of the full orchestral version was recorded by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in the United Kingdom.
Here is my interview with Shapiro about his Frankenstein musical score.
MISSION, Texas - A question about whether the disbursement of certain funds was handled correctly by Mission Economic Development Corporation was discussed at length by the group’s board of directors.
Two payments were discussed. One involved the payment of $13,000 under the downtown facade grant program. The program was designed to help businesses downtown. But the $13,000 payment was for a property on Griffin Parkway outside of the downtown area.
The other involved funding for Texas Citrus Fiesta.
Daniel Silva, executive director of Mission EDC, said Texas Citrus Fiesta initially asked for $75,000. Mission EDC awarded the entity $35,000. However, there was also talk of taking $18,000 out of the marketing and sponsorship budget to give to Texas Citrus Fiesta.
Aissa I. Garza, secretary of Mission EDC, had questions about how the payments were made.
“I do not think it is appropriate for the expense to have been recorded as an MEDC advertising line item,” Garza said at one point during the board meeting.
“If I had understood that you were going to be placing an expense for the benefit of Texas Citrus Fiesta within an expense line item that is for the benefit or incurred for the MEDC I would not have approved that,” Garza said at another point during the board meeting.
The discussion lasted almost an hour. In addition to Silva and Garza, the discussion involved Mission Mayor Armando O’Caña, Mission EDC President S. David Deanda, and Mission EDC Executive Assistant Judy Vega.
Mayor O’Caña asked if the Mission EDC board could take up the disbursement issues again at its next meeting and perhaps have the minutes revised.
SAN BENITO, Texas - It is hard to celebrate the anniversary of a key facility for a community in the age of COVID.
However, the City of San Benito and its economic development corporation did so digitally. The first anniversary of the opening of the San Benito Business & Economic Development Center was featured on Facebook with EDC Executive Director Rebeca Castillo explaining how the project came about.
“We reactivated a vacant funeral home into the San Benito Business & Economic Development Center. It now houses the San Benito EDC offices and is also a resource center for the business community,” Castillo said. “We are very proud to have created an entrepreneurial and starter-up ecosystem that leads our businesses to success.”
The San Benito Business and Economic Resource Center is located at 701 N. Bowie Street, San Benito. Castillo said the 3,000 square feet facility will serve as an ecosystem that will provide incubation space for up four business start-ups. The start-ups could be housed there for a period of 18 to 24 months and be provided with low cost rent. The idea, Castillo said, is to provide resources for the start-ups in the hope that they can successfully graduate into their own storefront.
Julian Rios, president of San Benito EDC said he believed the working space will prove integral to boosting economic growth in San Benito.
“We are building around the concept of customer service and being hands on. We assist business prospects by finding the ideal property/location, by helping them prepare a business plan, by programming trainings and workshops that are of most demand and so much more,” Rios said.
For the celebration, state Sen. Eddie Lucio sent a video message of support. VIPs that attended a live event included San Benito Mayor Benjamin ‘Ben’ Gomez, Julian Alvarez, the labor representative on the Texas Workforce Commission, Pat Hobbs, executive director of Workforce Solutions Cameron, and Alex Meade, a senior vice president for Texas Regional Bank.
Castillo said she and her economic development team can be contacted via phone at (956) 626-1350 or via email at info@sanbenitoedc.us
Editor’s Note: Here is a link to the celebration on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SanBenitoEDC/
Editor’s Note: The attached podcast features the remarks of Julian Alvarez, labor representative on the Texas Workforce Commission.
MCALLEN, Texas - Because of COVID-19, the Valley Symphony Orchestra's fall season is going to happen digitally, rather than in front of a live audience at the McAllen Performing Arts Center.
In an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, musical director and conductor Peter Dabrowski spoke about what viewers could expect to see both on Facebook and on KRGV-Channel 5.
The fall season premiere starts Oct. 23 and features the VSO piano quartet. The woodwind and percussion sections will perform on Nov. 20. And, on Dec. 18, the VSO will present "A Touch of Frost," a holiday tradition featuring brass and harp selections.
"Join the Valley Symphony from the comfort and safety of your home for three dynamic and delightful concerts," Dabrowski said.
MEXICO CITY - Three experts, one from Canada, one from Mexico and one from the United States, discussed what impact the outcome of the 2020 presidential election will have on North America.
Dr. Stephen Randall, professor emeritus at the University of Calgary, was the expert from Canada. María-Cristina Rosas, director of the Olof Palme Center for Analysis and Research on Peace, Security and Development in Mexico City, was the expert from Mexico. And Duncan Wood, director of the Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute in Washington, D.C., was the expert from the United States.
The three got together for a webinar hosted by the Olof Palme Center. The event was hosted by Rio Grande Guardian editor Steve Taylor. Among the topics discussed were international relations, trade, border security, and immigration.
HARLINGEN, Texas - According to civil and structural engineer, J.V. Garcia, a drainage ordinance being considered by the City of Harlingen should be rejected by the City Commissioners because it does nothing for the City of Harlingen.
On October 3, Garcia organized at Trail of Floods tour of Harlingen to highlight flood-prone areas.
State Rep. Eddie Lucio III opened the tour, which began at Victor Park in Harlingen.
Lucio said Garcia was relentless and passionate in advocating for issues he believes in.
“What is happening here today is an important part of the policy-making process. I assure you that as you organize and speak loudly, you will be heard,” Lucio said.
The tour concluded at the Harlingen Convention Center.
In an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian following the tour, Garcia proposed the creation of a Rio Grande Valley Flood Control District. And he rejected a proposed new drainage ordinance developed by the City of Harlingen.
“We are trying to encourage them to do something more, something better. At a minimum standard, adopt what the City of McAllen and Hidalgo County has, which is like the Gold Standard,” Garcia told The Rio Grande Guardian. “Even the City of San Benito has a better drainage policy than Harlingen.”
HARLINGEN, Texas - In this month’s taxation advice podcast, Rev Torres discusses the economic impact payments and past due child support.
Torres is part of Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project, a division of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid.
Torres was a regular contributor on taxation issues when KHID 88.1 FM and KJJF 88.9 FM were running NPR programing in the Rio Grande Valley.
Now the stations are longer part of NPR, 88 FM radio presenter Mario Muñoz has moved over to The Rio Grande Guardian, with Torres joining him to offer expert tax advice.
Torres’ analysis has been in great demand since Congress announced it would be sending out stimulus checks to all American adults.
Readers and listeners that have questions about the economic impact payments can reach Torres via the web at TRLA.org or via telephone at 956-393-6213.
They can also submit questions to The Rio Grande Guardian by emailing mmoreno@riograndeguardian.com.
HARLINGEN, Texas - Harlingen business owner Nydia Tapia-Gonzales has spent most of her professional career promoting the City of Harlingen in different capacities.
Tapia-Gonzales has also contributed eco-tourism reports for the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
More recently, Tapia-Gonzales has become concerned about the issue of flooding and drainage in a historically significant part of Harlingen.
In a Zoom conversation, Tapia-Gonzales spoke with Harlingen resident and engineer J.V. Garcia about an update to the City of Harlingen Drainage Ordinance.
“As a civil engineer, I will never say stop building. I am pro-development. But let’s build in a smart way that isn’t going to flood our neighbors and isn’t going to be detrimental to our citizens,” Garcia said.
Garcia gave details about a Trails of Floods event this Saturday at Victor Park, Harlingen.
For more information about the Trails of Floods event email: jvgarcia@casaengr.com.
EDINBURG, Texas - The City of Edinburg used $2 million in CARES Act funds to create a two-tier COVID recovery plan, called SPARK.
Only local businesses were eligible for COVID recovery funds.
Rio Grande Guardian editor Steve Taylor interviewed Edinburg City Manager Ron Garza.
EDINBURG, Texas - In one of the most innovative census data collection efforts in the Rio Grande Valley, the City of Edinburg launched a Census Mobile Ice Cream machine.
Edinburg’s census self-response rate is the highest in the RGV and better than the state’s average.
Rio Grande Guardian editor Steve Taylor interviewed Edinburg City Manager Ron Garza.
EDINBURG, Texas - When Ron Garza took over as city manager of Edinburg, he wanted to introduced more transparency, so that local residents are better informed on how their tax dollars are being spent.
One of the innovations introduced allows residents to track the progress of ongoing city projects. Another innovation was changing the structure of the city's economic development corporation.
Rio Grande Guardian editor Steve Taylor interviewed Ron Garza.
SAN JUAN, Texas - Sister Norma Pimentel believes impediments to immigration and economic activity between the United States and Mexico need to be relaxed, with border security moved 25 miles inland to checkpoints such as Sarita and Falfurrias.
The executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley gave interviews to reporters at the San Juan Basilica soon after being named one of the 100 most influential people of 2020 by Time Magazine.
Veteran reporter Ron Whitlock asked if Pimentel would like a return to the days when people moved freely between South Texas and Tamaulipas.
“The checkpoint was 25 miles inland, further inland, there was an economic security zone between those two checkpoints. The river was not a dividing line,” Whitlock reminisced.
“I remember those days and I think it was so perfect for us,” Pimentel responded.
“We knew that in this space land between Mexico and Sarita, it was a space for us to be ourselves. We had good partnerships and relationships with Mexico, back and forth. We did not have to worry.”
Pimentel said back in the day, the real border was at the Sarita checkpoint.
“People knew that you could not go beyond that point. They allowed us to go back and forth (between Mexico and the United States), to celebrate life, to celebrate our culture, celebrate our food, people and families, without feeling that something is wrong. It was a beautiful way to be. To have taken that away from us, it is almost as though they took away a part of who we are.”
MISSION, Texas - Killam Development’s real estate manager believes the much-anticipated Shary Village Industrial Park in Mission is now on the fast track.
Rolando Ortiz participated in a webinar hosted by Congressman Henry Cuellar last week. During the webinar, Cuellar announced $3 million in federal funding for Mission Economic Development Corporation.
Cuellar said these funds will help develop and enhance Shary Village Industrial Park with the construction of water and sewer improvements.
Asked by The Rio Grande Guardian about the timeline for the industrial park’s construction, Ortiz said:
“I believe the process now is, the EDC will be looking at a procedure of going out for request for qualifications from engineering groups and then it is our understanding that it will continue on a normal pattern and we could be under construction between December and January of 2021. It will definitely be on the fast track.”
As real estate manager, Ortiz is responsible for all aspects involving the Killam real estate portfolio. He has been involved with the development of over 700,000 square feet of industrial warehouse space and has developed over 1,000 single family residential lots.
Ortiz supervises all leasing, facilitates management, maintenance, marketing and property value enhancement of the real estate investment portfolio. He has a Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M International University and a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from Texas State University.
Ortiz holds a Texas Brokers License and is a Certified Shopping Center Manager and a Certified Retail Property Executive designated by the International Council of Shopping Centers. He is a former President of the Laredo Builders Association and the Laredo Development Foundation and currently sits on the Texas Freight Advisory Committee for the Texas Department of Transportation.
Editor's Note: To read the full story, including comments by Congressman Henry Cuellar, go to The Rio Grande Guardian's website.
PHARR TEXAS - The City of Pharr held a groundbreaking ceremony last Thursday for $40 million worth of infrastructure projects at the Pharr International Bridge.
Funding for the projects has come about thanks to the Donations Acceptance Program, a mechanism by which local funds can go towards federal projects.
Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez gave remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony. He said that in addition to the $40 million being spent at the bridge, an additional $500 million was being spent on highway projects in the city.
He said these would benefit not just Pharr, but the Rio Grande Valley, the State of Texas, and the nation.
In addition to the mayor, state Rep. Sergio Muñoz spoke at the event. As did Pharr Bridge Director Luis Bazan.
Go to The Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.
LAREDO, Texas - U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar says it is time to reopen the international bridges so that Mexican shoppers and tourists can cross in the United States.
He said this could be done safely by testing all visitors at the bridges for COVID-19. He said advances in technology mean the results of the tests could be known within five minutes.
“I stand in support of employees, owners, and customers of retail and tourism-based businesses that are in dire economic circumstances due to COVID-19,” Cuellar said, at a news conference in downtown Laredo on Friday.
“Along with essential businesses, those deemed “non-essential” should have the right to reopen their doors immediately and continue serving their community.”
Although Cuellar and local business owners want Mexican shoppers and tourists to travel north, the congressman cited data on the drop-off in travel going south.
According to Texas A&M International University’s Texas Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development, southbound pedestrian crossings in Laredo have declined by 65.7 percent, while southbound vehicle crossings in Laredo have declined by 48 percent. Southbound truck crossings in Laredo have declined by 2.5 percent.
On March 21, 2020, the United States temporarily limited inbound land border crossings from Canada and Mexico to “essential travel.” Cuellar pointed out that “non-essential” travel includes travel that is considered retail or tourism in nature. However, reflecting the views of local business leaders at the news conference, Cuellar said all shoppers and tourists from Mexico are essential.
Among those to speak at the news conference were Edelmiro Martinez, owner of Emex Financial Services Casa de Cambio, Miguel Inclan, owner of La Sabrosita Paleteria & Snacks, Jerry Schrewel, executive director of IBC Bank, and Mike Marasco, owner of local McDonald’s franchise.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
SAN JUAN, Texas - Bishop Daniel Flores is urging parishioners to complete their 2020 Census form.
Flores held a news conference at the Basilica in San Juan on Wednesday to announce the census outreach the Diocese of Brownsville will be doing between now and the Sept. 30 deadline.
“We want to get the word out about how important this is for the (Rio Grande) Valley,” Flores said.
He pointed out that the region’s representation on Congress can be weakened if a full and accurate census count is not taken. He also said that much of the federal funding that comes to the Valley is based on the size of its population.
Flores said he is encouraging every priest at every parish to promote Census participation through multiple actions. These include:
• Announcements at the beginning and/or end of Mass
• Awareness and reminders through any parish gatherings, in person or online
• Inclusion in parish bulletins, newsletters, and social media platforms
• Phone Banks at lowest performing locations; church staff/volunteers call parishioners to assist in responding
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full version of this story.
HARLINGEN, Texas - UT-Rio Grande Valley, in partnership with the City of Harlingen and the Harlingen CISD held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new UTRGV Early College High School.
It is located at 2901 Medical Drive in Harlingen.
This campushelps replace the current ECHS on Pecan Street with a 64,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility on 6.3 acres gifted by the City of Harlingen. The design phase began in spring 2019, with the new campus expected to open fall in 2021.
UTRGV ECHS offers students a direct path to a bachelor’s degree with a focus on academic core, engineering, computer science or education.
Through this program, students can earn up to 60 hours by the time they graduate from high school.
Among the dignitaries to speak at the groundbreaking ceremony were UTRGV President Guy Bailey, Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell, UT System Regent Dr. Nolan Perez, MD, and HCISD Superintendent Art Cavazos.
This podcast features their remarks.
WESLACO, Texas - The Rio Grande Valley Partnership recently hosted a webinar with U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas as its guest.
RGVP President Sergio Contreras asked the senator a number of questions, many related to COVID-19. The questions had been formulated by RGVP members and those who tuned in to hear the conversation.
Among the topics covered were the chances of another major relief package being passed by Congress, the chances of an infrastructure bill being passed by Congress, extending the Census 2020 deadline beyond Sept. 30, 2020, the possibility of reopening international bridges to Mexican visa holders, and limiting COVID-19 related liability for businesses.
HARLINGEN, Texas - Unemployment compensation benefits are constantly in a state of flux so to hear about the latest we are interviewing Rev Torres.
Torres is part of Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project, a division of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid.
Torres was a regular contributor on taxation issues when KHID 88.1 FM and KJJF 88.9 FM were running NPR programing in the Rio Grande Valley.
Now the stations are longer part of NPR, 88 FM radio presenter Mario Muñoz has moved over to The Rio Grande Guardian, with Torres joining him to offer expert tax advice.
Torres’ analysis has been in great demand since Congress announced it would be sending out stimulus checks to all American adults.
Readers and listeners that have questions about the economic impact payments can reach Torres via the web at TRLA.org or via telephone at 956-393-6213.
They can also submit questions to The Rio Grande Guardian by emailing mmoreno@riograndeguardian.com.
WASHINGTON, D.C.- The Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute hosted a webcast to discuss the latest report from Mexican thinktank Signos Vitales.
“The Pandemic in Mexico: The Scope of the Tragedy” is a two-part analysis of the devastating economic impact of COVID-19 in the country.
Duncan Wood, director of the Mexico Institute, moderated the discussion with panelists Eduardo Gonzalez-Pier, fellow at the Center for Global Development; Valeria Moy, general director of the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness; and Enrique Cardenas, president of Signos Vitales.
Major points included the country’s delayed response to the pandemic, miscommunication and tension between local and federal agencies, the resulting GDP loss, a bleak forecast and, finally, lessons learned.
"It would be shameful is this crisis goes go to waste, and, by that, I mean there are very important lessons of what cannot happen with our health sector,” said Gonzalez-Pier. “We should start thinking about what all these numbers mean to avoid mistakes and identify what was gone right so that that we learn from this. "
He continued: “We need to share with the rest of the global community what happened in Mexico … Our assessment is not only for Mexico; it is also of global concern. The learning that might come from this exercise will have externalities for the better working of our governments."
EDINBURG, Texas - Hidalgo County’s health authority says he is speaking in a personal capacity when he calls for the prioritization of primary care clinics over more profitable lines of service in the health industry.
Dr. Ivan Melendez appeared on a webinar about COVID-19 hosted by Futuro RGV. Asked by moderator Felipe Salinas how the Rio Grande Valley can be better prepared for the next pandemic, Melendez said:
“This is my own personal observation, perhaps a little politically incorrect. You can tell I am not running for anything. I think that it is human nature to put the resources into those lines of service that are profitable. So, a heart transplant, a liver transplant, a kidney transplant, patient hospital stay, hospice, all these are profitable lines of service.”
Melendez said he is not immune from criticism for putting more profitable healthcare work ahead of providing help where it is most needed.
“I mean, I can’t remember the last time that I volunteered my services at a nonprofit primary care center. I am not going to throw a stone and not take some responsibility too. But, we’ve designed these lines of services that I believe have been prioritized by which is more profitable versus not.”
Melendez continued: “So, it is not infrequent when someone says, well, do we do a rehab or do we not and then look at the numbers. So, we need to shy away from that and say, we need to establish primary care resources.
In his answer to Salinas’ question, Melendez then brought up the difficult task primary care supporters have had in getting a healthcare district established in Hidalgo County.
“When we try to get a hospital district going it is always beat up. People just vote it down because, I am paying South Texas Community College, I’m paying the school, the municipality, county. People say, I’m not going to pay more taxes. Then the misperception, I think it is a misperception.. that, and if I do (vote for a healthcare district) and we get this money it is just going to go to the hospitals. And they are already the $1.5 billion people in town. Why should I vote to enrich them?” Melendez said.
“So, we need to find ways where we can ascertain that our tax dollars are not redirected to other parts of the country for those people to distribute to their investors. But they are placed here so we can staff primary care clinics.”
Melendez said he is hopeful that support for primary care clinics has increased during the coronavirus crisis. “One of the advantages of this pandemic is that it has created an awareness from our elected officials that we need to prioritize a little bit differently,” he said.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - U.S. Rep. Will Hurd says the North American Development Bank, which invests in infrastructure projects along the southwest border, has exceeded exceptions.
NADBank was set up in the early 1990s as part of the negotiations over the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Hurd, a Republican from San Antonio, said that, initially, the bank had the aim of fostering environmental policy in the U.S.-Mexico border region and enhancing relations between the two countries.
“Decades later, NADBank has truly accomplished this and even exceeded expectations,” Hurd said.
NADBank provides grants through the Project Development Assistance Program (PDAP) and the Border Environment Infrastructure Fund (BEIF) to support communities with development activities necessary for the implementation of vital water infrastructure projects that are selected by EPA through a public prioritization process.
This process allows the program to target limited funding to projects with the highest benefit in terms of public health and environmental risk, cost-effectiveness, institutional capacity and sustainability.
Hurd pointed out that NADBank has helped finance more than 250 projects and supported around $8.6 billion in infrastructure investments.
“These projects have cleaned up polluted air, addressed public health challenges, and promoted greater energy projection.”
Hurd’s remarks about NADBank were delivered by a district director during a webinar that was held to announce $15 million in funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6 through the U.S.-Mexico Border Water Infrastructure Program.
This program funds technical assistance and infrastructure construction grants for high-priority municipal drinking water and wastewater projects. The monies were awarded to NADBank, which administers projects on behalf of EPA Region 6 in Texas and New Mexico.
“Today we recognize the strong partnership NADBank has with the EPA and announce new funding through EPA’s Border Environment Infrastructure Fund,” Hurd said.
“Through the EIF, NADBank and EPA have partnered with local governments in Texas’ 23rd District on several multimillion dollar projects to improve the lives of south and west Texans.”
Hurd said the grants not only make much-needed infrastructure improvements, but also prevent serious public health risks.
“We see what NADBank has been able to accomplish in its partnership with the EPA. In recent weeks, we have celebrated the completion of a project in Marathon and marked the groundbreaking of a project in Presidio all because of funding through the Border Environment Infrastructure Fund. With this new allocation of $15 million for our region, I have no doubt that more projects to improve the lives of my constituents who live, work and raise their families in our communities will be accomplished in the future.”
RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas - Starr County’s new health authority, Dr. Tony Falcon says the pressure on the county hospital caused by the coronavirus is easing.
Falcon said the number of positive cases to date in Starr County is 2,603, while the number of fatalities is 117. Number of recoveries from COVID-19 is 1,383. And, the number of active cases is 1,069.
There have been zero deaths in emergency room over the past ten days and only three patients have been transferred out of the county.
Starr County Memorial Hospital now has 19 beds available for COVID patients, Falcon said.
“The numbers have all turned very positive. It is a very good sign,” the veteran physician said.
The most vulnerable part of the community remains those aged 55-plus, Falcon said. He said flu vaccines have come in.
“I am going to urge the community to get out and get vaccinated. It is more important than ever that we get vaccinated against the flu.”
Asked by a reporter why the COVID situation has improved, Falcon said:
“It is a combination of things. Our citizens, in general, have been very good. I like to get out and about to observe things. I am very proud of the people of Starr County. We see a lot of people with their masks on and being careful. The patients I talk to are careful.”
Keeping to social distance guidelines is particularly hard for the people of Starr County, Falcon explained.
“I know that a lot of our patients, especially the elderly, deeply miss the warmth and the closeness of family members but they have been really good about keeping their distance, about wearing a mask, about washing their hands. And I think that has made a difference,” he said.
Falcon praised the leadership of Starr County Judge Eloy Vera.
“We were probably thinking that this was over and things got out of hand, obviously. But with the stay at home directions from the judge’s office and his direction, I think we changed the course of that again to where the numbers are way, way down.”
Vera spoke at the news conference, as did Dr. Ray Mussett of Roma, Texas.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Ken Roberts, president of WorldCity, held a webinar with Cameron County International Bridge System titled “2020 Cameron County Trade Trends Webinar.”
The program, in English and Spanish, also featured Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr., Cameron County International Bridge System Director Josue Garcia, Jr., and Bob Parker, port director for U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Port of Brownsville.
Collating data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Roberts looked at imports and exports through Cameron County’s various bridges, pointing out that the county does $18 billion worth of trade with the world.
While trade is down because of the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on the world economy, Roberts sees reason for optimism.
“We’re in the middle of this tough but things will get better,” Roberts said.
One of the questions asked of Roberts focused on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which is the successor trade deal to NAFTA.
“What is in the middle of the transition from NAFTA to USMCA is pandemic and the economic fallout. I think even without that the transition would have been gradual,” Roberts said.
Florida-based Roberts said there are not a lot of changes between the two trade agreements.
“But some of those involving automotive in particular will have some impact because there are some changes to the wage requirements that affect only Mexican labor, not Canadian or U.S. labor,” Roberts said.
“And then there are some changes that affect the quantity of parts that will go into cars that are eligible for the tariff elimination. What remains to be seen is will people abide by the new regulations to avoid the tariff or just pay the tariff with the less expensive, essentially Chinese motor parts.”
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The next step in moving Brownsville away from the bottom of the digital divide table is conducting a comprehensive survey.
Lit Communities has been hired by the City of Brownsville to conduct the survey, which is titled Bring Better Broadband to Brownsville.
“This is going to be the primary way we are going to capture the needs here in Brownsville, whether you are a resident or a business,” said Rene Gonzalez, chief strategy officer for Lit Communities.
“This is our demand aggregation platform. It is basically the survey portal we have created to explain to the community what we are doing and how we are trying to get it done.”
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Brownsville is one of the least “wired” communities in the nation. This unenviable title prompted Brownsville Mayor Trey Mendez to make the digital divide one of his top issues at his first State of the City address.
Gonzalez announced details of the survey on a webinar hosted by the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce last week.
The Bring Better Broadband to Brownsville study is slated to be officially launched on Aug. 26.
Gonzalez said a website is being launched to coincide with the study.
He said residents and business owners living in the catchment area would be encouraged to enter their address on the website. They would be asked how they are using the internet, what the current download speeds are, how much they are paying for broadband and how satisfied they are with the speed, reliability and price of the service.
“We also want to know whether what you have at the moment adequately supports what you want to do.”
Gonzalez said there will also be some hypothetical options given. If a better internet service was provided, would people sign up for it. “We want to understand what the needs are, in order do a financial model and projection,” he said.
Gonzalez said it is important to hear from those who are not subscribing to a broadband service.
“What are the reasons? We want to know. Is it because you do not have access? Is it because it is unaffordable? Is it because you needs a device? It is basically the beginning of us being able to explore really more the digital divide issue.”
He added that the survey can be completed in Spanish and that a Spanish language version of the website has been created.
He noted that this is first time Lit Communities has had to create a full Spanish language platform for a community it has partnered with.
Editor's Note: A more detailed story about Build Better Broadband in Brownsville is available the Rio Grande Guardian website. Go to: https://riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas - Each week, Pharr International Bridge holds a “virtual” town hall meeting for the international trade community.
The series is called BridgeConnect LIVE. Before the coronavirus pandemic struck, the Pharr International Bridge Board would hold the events in-person once a month.
Now, because of the threat of COVID-19, the events are held once a week on Facebook. The series is called “The Effects of COVID-19.”
Session 19 focused on the ACE Program.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires carriers bringing goods into the United States to file a manifest prior to arriving at the United States Border by means of a system called the Automated Commercial Environment. It’s called ACE for short.
During Pharr Bridge Connect Session 19, officials at the Pharr International Bridge and Customs and Border Protection provided a detailed instructional for truckers bringing product into the United States from Mexico. For the benefit of Mexican carriers, the session was conducted in Spanish.
HARLINGEN, Texas - U.S. Sen. John Cornyn made his first trip to the Rio Grande Valley since the coronavirus pandemic struck.
He came on a fact-finding mission, to learn how the Valley, one of the nation’s hotspots for the virus, was coping with the healthcare challenge.
Cornyn hosted a roundtable discussion in Harlingen that included three of the Valley’s four county judges, as well as hospital and UT-Rio Grande Valley leaders. Following the roundtable discussion, Cornyn took questions from news reporters.
"I don't agree with those people that said there is a playbook that was available to any one of us, either at the federal, the state or the local level on how to deal with this (pandemic)," Cornyn said. "But, we have, because we really didn't have any choice."
This podcasts includes the roundtable discussion and the Q&A with reporters.
HARLINGEN, Texas - Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell spoke about the spike in coronavirus cases in the Rio Grande Valley in an in-depth interview on Fox News.
Asked why the Valley has higher percentage of COVID-19 cases than the state of Texas as a whole, Boswell said part of the problem was the culture of the region.
He also said the people of the Valley let their guard down once the economy was reopened.
Boswell says he tells local residents to follow the three Ws. “Wear your mask, wash our hands, and watch your distance.”
WESLACO, Texas – Economist Luis Torres of the Texas A&M Real Estate Center says the path to recovery for the Rio Grande Valley economy depends on COVID-19 outcomes.
By way of an example, Torres said the number of unemployment claims in the region grew around July 4, just as the number of coronavirus cases increased. He called this “worrisome.”
Torres made his remarks as keynote speaker during a recent webinar hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership. It was titled Economic Indicators in Housing and Commercial Markets–Texas & RGV.
“The good news is the economy is on a recovery path, after the lockdown. But, the only thing here is, the recovery is going to depend on the COVID-19 pandemic. That is the issue going forward,” Torres said.
Torres pointed out that the current economic crisis started because of a health crisis.
“It was not started by economic forces. So, we closed the economy voluntarily. It was a self-induced coma of the economy. Now the issue here is the severity, because it will depend on health outcomes and the uncertainty going forward, the duration and the impact.”
Torres said the uncertainty is affecting everyone.
“Households, businesses, all of our planning for the future depends on how well we control the COVID-19 pandemic. It affects investments, consumption decisions and, of course, that affects economic activity.”
Torres said the Texas A&M Real Estate Center has developed a weekly index for the Texas economy. “We need to know right now, in a timely fashion what is happening with the economy. There has been an uptick. However, we are currently in a recession.”
Torres said the Brownsville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) lost about 60,000 jobs once the pandemic hit, while McAllen MSA lost around 28,000 jobs. He said things have recovered since then. “Things are still negative but the good news were are on a recovery path.”
The Valley economy was doing well before the pandemic, Torres pointed out, with unemployment in Brownsville at 5.7 percent and in McAllen at 6.5 percent. The stay-at-home orders and closure of certain business sectors led to a 19 percent unemployment rate in McAllen and a rate of almost 18 percent in Brownsville. Brownsville is now reporting 10.4 percent, Torres said, and McAllen 12 percent.
The sector hit hardest, Torres said, was leisure and hospitality.
Editor’s Note: Click here to read the full story and view a slideshow of Luis Torres’ powerpoint presentation.
EDINBURG, Texas - Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez has set up a task force to look at a new way of stopping the spread of COVID-19.
The problem the COVID Shield Task Force has identified is that a large number of Hidalgo County residents live in three-generational homes: kids, parents and grandparents.
The task force also found out that most of the people testing positive for the coronavirus are young and most of the people dying from the virus are old.
So, the task force is looking at an idea from South Korea. Namely, moving a segment of the community that has just tested positive out of their home and into a more isolated area, such as a hotel.
Those that could be moved include those aged over 65 and those with underlying medical conditions.
Judge Cortez has spoken to Gov. Greg Abbott about the idea and is looking for funding for the medical personnel needed to make the plan work. Another thing that needs to be addressed is the issue of liability.
Judge Cortez spoke about creating a COVID shield isolation facility during a livestream he held on Facebook on Thursday. He held the livestream in order to tell the people of Hidalgo County why he has extended the county’s stay-at-home order.
Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.
MISSION, Texas - U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar says residents in South Texas will play a role in clinical trials for a COVID-19 vaccine.
Cuellar said the National Institute of Health wants to ensure the volunteer pool is as diverse as possible.
Along with members of the Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Native American Congressional caucuses, Cuellar participated in a meeting with Dr. Francis Collins and Dr. Anthony Fauci to discuss ways to increase the number of diverse participants at each of the COVID-19 clinical trial sites.
Cuellar said Moderna has announced its vaccine trial sites for the COVID-19 vaccine in many locations across the United States, including Laredo, the Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio.
“Hispanic populations have long been underrepresented in medical research despite being disproportionately affected by many of the studied disease, including the COVID-19,” said Congressman Cuellar.
“For this reason, I am working hard with the National Institute of Health and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to create a diverse study population of the COVID-19 vaccine to ensure all Americans benefit from the eventual treatments. The inclusion of Laredo, the Rio Grande Valley, and San Antonio in this vaccine trial will help to guarantee that treatments work for all communities in America.”
Cuellar added: “As we continue to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, we know from history that we cannot get this wrong. I am committed to working with the National Institute of Health to ensure the future vaccine is affordable and accessible in all communities. I want to thank Dr. Fauci and Dr. Collins for taking the time to meet with us as well as working to ensure that Hispanic populations are represented in this vital work.”
The companies that will be conducting the COVID-19 vaccine trials in South Texas include:
- Laguna Clinical Research Associates in Laredo
- Centex Studies, Inc. in McAllen
- Clinical Trials of Texas in San Antonio
The attached podcast includes the remarks of Congressman Cuellar at a webinar with reporters about the clinical trails for a COVID-19 vaccine. The podcast also includes the comments of Dr. Joseph McCormick, a world renowned epidemiologist who now works for UT Health Science Center-Houston. McCormick is the founder of the UTHealth School of Public Health in Brownsville.
Editor’s Note: To read the full story go to the website of The Rio Grande Guardian.
WESLACO, Texas - Gov. Greg Abbott says he will skip the pared-down Republican National Convention in order to focus on the COVID-19 pandemic in Texas.
The impact of the coronavirus is being felt most acutely in the Rio Grand Valley, with 17,006 positive cases in Hidalgo County and 12,077 in Cameron County. Hidalgo County has seen 644 deaths while Cameron County has seen 226.
Gov. Abbott was in the Valley this week to announce the temporary conversion of McAllen Convention Center to a COVID-19 healthcare facility. The maximum number of patients that it could handle will be 250 patients. He also announced the opening of Step Down sites, where COVID patients can convalesce after leaving hospital. These will be in Pharr, Harlingen and, soon, Starr County.
Abbott also announced that the Department of Defense has deployed two 85-person U.S. Army Reserve Urban Augmentation Medical Task Forces to the cities of Harlingen and Edinburg to help combat COVID-19. These teams consists of medical and support professionals who will help meet medical needs at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen and DHR Health in Edinburg.
“As communities in the Rio Grande Valley rebuild from Hurricane Hanna, I urge Texans in the area to be mindful of the threat still posed by COVID-19,” Abbott said. “As we work to slow the spread of COVID-19, it is vital that we take the necessary action to ensure abundant hospital capacity in the Rio Grande Valley. This temporary facility in McAllen will lessen the strain on the region’s hospitals until we can contain the virus and bring hospitalizations back down.”
Abbott held a news conference in Weslaco at which the county judges for Hidalgo, Cameron and Starr spoke. The attached podcast includes all the remarks made at the news conference, including Abbott’s answers to reporters’ questions.
Editor's Note: Read the full story in The Rio Grande Guardian.
RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas - Physicians in Starr County’s only hospital will soon have to chose which COVID-19 patients they will treat and which ones will be left to die.
That was the grim message from Starr County Health Authority Dr. Jose Vasquez. Interviewed by Dave Brown of Texas Standard, Vasquez said: “We are getting to the point where we are going to have to make tough decisions about who should be getting ventilatory support and a high level of care here or who do we believe is not going to be able to make it alive. So resources will have to be redirected for those that have better chances.”
Starr County, with a population of about 61,000, has 1,432 confirmed coronavirus cases. Its only major medical facility, Starr County Memorial Hospital, cannot cope, said Vasquez.
Vasquez said deciding who lives and dies is the hardest decision a physician will ever have to face.
“We have to swear a duty to protect every life equally regardless, no discrimination. But here, it is just basically a matter of applying mass critical care guidelines and choosing between people who actually have a fighting chance to come alive of this significant intentness care procedures versus the ones who because they are so sick or aged or have chronic conditions, they are not going to have a chance so we will redirect those resources that have actually a chance to survive.”
Texas Standard reporter Brown also interviewed Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell.
Texas Standard is part of the National Public Radio network. Although the Rio Grande Valley does not have an NPR station, NPR programming is being provided on a digital streaming service by KEDT-FM of Corpus Christi. KEDT is media partner of the Rio Grande Guardian.
PHARR, Texas - Each week, Pharr International Bridge holds a “virtual” town hall meeting for the international trade community.
The series is called BridgeConnect LIVE. Before the coronavirus pandemic struck, the Pharr International Bridge Board would hold the events in-person once a month.
Now, because of the threat of COVID-19, the events are held once a week on Facebook. The series is called “The Effects of COVID-19.”
Session 16 focused on the tomato suspension agreement. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service under the auspices of the United States Department of Agriculture has taken action to prevent the introduction of tomato brown rugose fruit virus into the United States.
Tomato and pepper production in the United States is worth more than $2.3 billion annually. Required federal government compliance with inspection protocols was one of the main topics of discussion during Pharr BridgeConnect Session 16 on July 23.
Session 16 was hosted by Pharr Bridge Director Luis Bazan.
The session was conducted in English and Spanish.
EDINBURG, Texas - Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez called Bishop of Brownsville Daniel Flores for spiritual guidance before announcing a new shelter at home order.
The new order also includes a curfew, essential travel limitations and a requirement for everyone to use facial coverings while outdoors. Cortez acknowledges the order is not enforceable.
“Who would ever have thought back on March 21, when we had the first incident of someone testing positive, that we would be caught in this pandemic with these tragic numbers of people infected and fatalities. And the impact it would have on our businesses and people,” Cortez said during a Facebook live event.
Cortez said the situation has gotten so bad that the county is using refrigerated trucks as morgues. He said he was alarmed to learn that flea markets like the one in Alamo is still operating with visitors not adhering to social distancing guidelines.
“This is a monster,” Cortez said of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I have spent most of this weekend calling other county judges, calling the State of Texas emergency management team. I even called the bishop for spiritual help. I am looking around for every possible source of a solution as to how do we solve this problem.”
Cortez said that after discussing the situation with leaders in the medical community he has come to realize there is no easy fix. “There isn’t just one thing to do. It is going to take a combination of things,” he said.
Acknowledging that his new shelter-in-place order lacks enforcement capability, Cortez said he does not think he needs it. He said he trusts that Hidalgo County residents will “do the right thing.”
Editor's Note: The attached podcast features Judge Cortez, state Sen. Juan Hinojosa of McAllen, Texas, Dr. Ivan Melendez, Hidalgo County's health authority, and Dr. Victor Gonzalez of the Hidalgo-Starr County Medical Society.
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas - U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela sees no alternative to shutting down the economy again in order to defeat the surge in coronavirus cases in the Rio Grande Valley.
Vela made clear his views on a telephone town hall he put together with a stellar group of medical professionals. The event was co-hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership and South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce.
Discussing the possibility of another stay-at-home order, Vela said: “That is the only way we are going to stop this disease.”
Vela said he came to this view having listened to the medical experts.
“If you listen to all the professionals that are on this phone call, that (a new stay-at-home order) has to be the next step,” Vela said. “It is painful but, if we can do that for two to three to four weeks we will be in a much better place a month from now and then we can get our economy growing again.”
The medical experts on the webinar were: Ron Klain, a former chief of staff to Vice Presidents Gore and Biden and President Obama’s Ebola czar, Israel Rocha, CEO of Elmhurst and Queens hospitals in New York, Dr. Art Garza, CEO of Valley Regional Medical Center in Harlingen, Dr. Joseph McCormick, founder of the UTHealth School of Public Health in Brownsville, and Dr. Joseph Masci, chairman of the Department of Global Health at Elmhurst Hospital Center in New York.
PHARR, Texas - Each week, Pharr International Bridge holds a “virtual” town hall meeting for the international trade community.
The series is called BridgeConnect LIVE. Before the coronavirus pandemic struck, the Pharr International Bridge Board would hold the events in-person once a month.
Now, because of the threat of COVID-19, the events are held once a week on Facebook. The series is called “The Effects of COVID-19.”
Session 15 was titled: “Planning Beyond the Pandemic.” Among the topics discussed were the resumption of business, binational cooperation, and safe and secure trade.
Session 15 was hosted by Pharr Bridge Operations Director Fred Brouwen.
The session was conducted in Spanish.
MCALLEN, Texas - According to the President and CEO of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, Steve Ahlenius, the Second Causeway Project at South Padre Island could be structured at Public/Private Partnership.
Steve Ahlenius spoke during a webinar on July 8th hosted by the Texas Association of Business to launch the Keep Texas Moving coalition.
The moderator for the webinar was the Texas Association of Business Vice President, Aaron Cox.
Keep Texas Moving is a coalition of small and large businesses, local chambers of commerce, truckers, commuters and local leaders advocating for solutions to improve gridlock on Texas roads.
To read the full story go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Henry Cuellar and Diputado Mario Martín Delgado Carrillo, co-chairs of the US-Mexico Interparliamentary Group, recently hosted a virtual meeting to discuss USMCA and ways to improve US-Mexico relations.
The U.S.-Mexico Interparliamentary Group has met regularly since 1961 to bring together legislators from both countries to discuss priority issues and identify ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
“After three years of intense negotiations, signing by each country’s trade ambassadors, and passage of the agreement in U.S., Canadian, and Mexican legislative bodies, the $1.5 billion tri-lateral trade agreement is now in force,” said Congressman Cuellar of Laredo, Texas.
“The North American Free Trade Agreement gave rise to the greatest display of economic growth in the history of Texas, United States, Mexico, and Canada. Now that the USMCA is in force, we will brighten that future and continue to make North America the economic, cultural, and societal envy of the world. As the Chairman of the U.S.-Mexico IPG, I will continue to work with my Mexican counterparts to strengthen our bilateral relationship and enhance the economic growth of our two nations.”
Cuellar said he wanted to thank the Majority Leader of Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies, Mario Delgado for “his dedication to finalizing this trade agreement and strengthening our trade partnership so we bring further economic prosperity to both countries.”
Cuellar pointed out that the trade relationship between the United States and Mexico is becoming increasingly more important. He said 2019 was a record year for U.S.-Mexico trade as the two countries exchanged nearly $700 billion in goods and services. Citing information from the U.S. Chamber, Cuellar said nearly $1.7 billion in goods flow across the border every day. In addition, 6.3 million trucks and just under 500,000 loaded rail containers crossed.
Building on this success, as trade continues to rebound between the United States and Mexico, Cuellar said he is working to improve coordination on essential business designations to ensure domestic economies have access to each other's critical cross-border supply chains. These designations will be coordinated and reciprocated by both governments given the reliance domestic economies have on international exchanges, he said.
Cuellar described USMCA as “a revolutionary modernization of the 25-year-old NAFTA into a 21st century, high-standard agreement.” He said trade agreement will support mutually beneficial trade leading to freer markets, fairer trade, and robust economic growth in North America.
“There are number of achievements that make this agreement historic, including provisions on the environment, intellectual property, and labor,” Cuellar said.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In light of Mexican President López Obrador's visit to the United States to meet with President Trump this week, the Wilson Center's Mexico Institute hosted a dialogue with experts on the state of U.S.-Mexico relations.
The webinar was titled "AMLO, Trump, and the Bilateral Relationship." It was moderated by Duncan Wood, director of the Mexico Institute.
The panel consisted of Earl Anthony Wayne, a former U.S. Ambassador and Mexico Public Policy Fellow & Advisory Board Co-Chair at the Mexico Institute, Roberta Jacobson, a former U.S.-Ambassador to Mexico and Advisory Board Member at the Mexico Institute, Gerónimo Gutiérrez Fernandez, a former U.S. ambassador to the United States and former managing director of the North American Development Bank, Alejandro Moreno, professor of political science at the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM), and Carlos Heredia, a Mexican economist and associate professor at the China Studies Unit of the Center for Research and Teaching in Economics (CIDE) in Mexico City.
"Presidential visits are always important," Wood said.
HARLINGEN, Texas - In our latest music album review we interview Caroline Shaw about her new work with the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale.
Shaw is a Grammy and Pulitzer prize-winning composer. The new album is titled “PBO and Caroline Shaw.”
PBO Is an ensemble based in San Francisco and has been around for a few decades.
“They are known for performing baroque music on period instruments. But, interestingly, instead of performing music from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, they are now commissioning new works from this century. Which is very exciting,” Shaw said.
PHARR, Texas - Each week, Pharr International Bridge holds a “virtual” town hall meeting for the international trade community.
The series is called BridgeConnect LIVE. Before the coronavirus pandemic struck, the Pharr International Bridge Board would hold the events in-person once a month.
Now, because of the threat of COVID-19, the events are held once a week on Facebook. The series is called “The Effects of COVID-19.”
Session 14 focused on the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. From the Mid Valley Custom Brokers Association, Adrian Gonzalez, offered a “boots on the ground’ overview of USMCA.
Part 14 was hosted by the Pharr Bridge Trade Liaison, Freddy Flores.
The session was conducted in Spanish.
HARLINGEN, Texas - In his regular podcast with The Rio Grande Guardian, Rev Torres reminds taxpayers that this year’s filing deadline is July 15.
Torres is part of the Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project, a division of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA).
To help taxpayers get their income-tax questions answered, TRLA is holding a Facebook Live event on July 13 at 12:00 p.m.
The livestream will feature staff with the Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project, with presentations in English and Spanish. The tax project provides free legal help on federal income tax matters to low-income Texans in the 68 counties TRLA serves.
Tax project staff will also discuss the new deadline for non-tax-filers to register for a stimulus payment from the federal government under the CARES Act. An individual who hasn’t filed a 2019 federal income tax return may be eligible to use the free non-filers tool on IRS.gov, which is available in English and Spanish.
The event will also address tax questions such as:
- What happens if I can’t file my taxes by the July 15 deadline?
- How do I obtain an extension on the payment of taxes?
- My income has declined, and I can’t afford to make tax payments. What are my options?
- What are my options if I owe the IRS for taxes not paid in previous years?
- I didn’t work, or worked very little, in 2019. Do I need to file?
The event will be available for replay on the TRLA Facebook site.
In the podcast, Torres also gives advice on what to do if a resident has lost or had stolen their economic impact payment from the federal government.
Torres was a regular contributor on taxation issues when KHID 88.1 FM and KJJF 88.9 FM were running NPR programing in the Rio Grande Valley.
Now the stations are longer part of NPR, 88 FM radio presenter Mario Muñoz has moved over to The Rio Grande Guardian, with Torres joining him to offer expert tax advice.
Torres’ analysis has been in great demand since Congress announced it would be sending out stimulus checks to all American adults.
Readers and listeners that have questions about the economic impact payments can reach Torres via the web at TRLA.org or via telephone at 956-393-6213.
They can also submit questions to the Rio Grande Guardian by emailing mmoreno@riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Cameron County health authority Dr. James Castillo said the people of the Rio Grande Valley are going to have to get used to living with the coronavirus for at least a year, even if a v vaccine for COVID-19 is found.
Castillo spoke at a recent news conference hosted by Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr. At the event he said 80 percent of the COVID-19 infections are being traced back to gatherings where people were not earring a facial covering.
“It is driving a majority of the infections,” Castillo said of such gatherings. “That is why these measures are so important and all the advice that everybody is going about staying at home, especially if you are vulnerable and not being in crowds is so critical to trying to slow the spread of this illness.”
Castillo went on to predict how long COVID-19 will be with us.
“We are going to have to live with this illness for at least the next year, no matter a vaccine. This is going to go on for at least another year. So, this is going to be the new normal. People are going to hav e to learn to adapt and live with it,” Castillo said.
“That is why all the recommendations about the hand washing, about the physical distancing, preventing the spread of large events or gatherings, birthday parties or family gatherings in the back yard, is critical to slowing this thing down.”
PHARR, Texas - After 20 years of operation, Vanguard Academy has received its first ever school bus.
The arrival of an International model bus from Longhorn Bus Sales in Houston was made on Monday, June 29, with the charter school’s superintendent, Dr. Narciso Garcia, on hand to take delivery.
“This is an historic day. We got the best of the best with an International bus,” Garcia said, explaining that he has wanted to purchase a school bus ever since he arrived as superintendent three years ago.
“We are really excited because all these years, whenever Vanguard Academy needed to take students somewhere, we would have to lease a bus. This is the first one in Vanguard Academy’s history and the first of many.”
The new bus seats 77 passengers, with seat belts and video surveillance cameras installed. Garcia said the bus will have WiFi added before students come back for the Fall semester.
“Although it seats 77 students, with social distancing we will have to spread them out if we are talking them to South Texas College or between the campuses,” Garcia explained.
More buses will be added at Vanguard, as the budget allows, the superintendent said.
For the full story go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
MCALLEN, Texas - Jorge Torres, president of Interlink Trade Services, gave his analysis of the new USMCA trade agreement recently, via a webinar hosted by the McAllen Economic Development Corporation.
Torres has been a licensed customs broker for 25 years and has worked with maquiladora and customs brokerage operations for 30 years.
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement took effect July 1, replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Topics covered by Torres during the webinar included:
- Key Aspects of the Transition from NAFTA to USMCA
- General Overview of the USMCA Rules of Origin for Automotive and Textile Products
- Certification of Origin Requirements
- General Overview of USMCA Origin Verifications and Record keeping.
More than 200 people signed up to watch the webinar. Keith Patridge, president and CEO of McAllen EDC, said his organization has been getting a plaudits for putting on the event.
Patridge said a counterpart in another economic development corporation in the Rio Grande Valley told him it was the best webinar on USMCA he has heard.
“Interlink and MEDC believe it is essential to help educate the members of our trade community and clients on the benefits of conducting business within our region under the new USMCA,” Patridge said.
Interlink Trade Services has offices in McAllen/Pharr and Brownsville, Texas. Its founder Torres holds a Bachelor in Business Administration in Accounting from Texas A&M University and a Master of Professional Accounting from Texas A&M International University.
AUSTIN, Texas - Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order on July 2, 2020, requiring all Texans to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in public spaces in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases, with few exceptions.
Abbott also issued a proclamation giving mayors and county judges the ability to impose restrictions on some outdoor gatherings of over ten people, and making it mandatory that, with certain exceptions, people cannot be in groups larger than ten and must maintain six feet of social distancing from others.
PHARR, Texas – Each week, Pharr International Bridge holds a “virtual” town hall meeting for the international trade community.
The series is called BridgeConnect LIVE. Before the coronavirus pandemic struck, the Pharr International Bridge Board would hold the events in-person once a month.
Now, because of the threat of COVID-19, the events are held once a week on Facebook. The series is called “The Effects of COVID-19.”
Session 13 was titled “Frequently Asked Questions.” The topics discussed included:
- Pharr Bridge Hours of Operation
- Types of Payments
- Travel permits into Mexico
- Limit of passengers per vehicle into Mexico
- Non-essential travel into USA
- Ages for essential travels into Mexico
- Proper safety measures
- Proper documentations for essential Doctor visits
Part 13 was hosted by the Pharr Bridge Director Luis Bazan.
The session was conducted in Spanish.
MCALLEN, Texas - The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement took effect July 1, 2020, replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement.
To celebrate, the Wilson Center in Washington, D.C., hosted a webinar with esteemed representatives from the three countries: Luz María De La Mora from Mexico, Joseph Semsar from the United States, and Ailish Campbell from Canada.
The Wilson Center is home to the Mexico Institute and the Canada Institute.
De La Mora is a former Mexico Institute public policy scholar and now under-secretary for foreign trade in the Secretariat of Economy in Mexico.
Semsar is deputy under secretary for international trade, performing the non-executive functions and duties of the Under Secretary for International Trade in the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Campbell is chief trade commissioner of Canada and assistant deputy minister in the Global Affairs Department in Canada.
The webinar started with opening remarks from Jane Harman, a former U.S. Representative from Los Angeles, California, who is now president and CEO of the Wilson Center.
“We are all celebrating, virtually, the fact that this is a new phase in the relationship among our three countries,” Harman said.
“The new NAFTA is meant to strengthen the continental steel and aluminum production, encourage auto production, introduce stronger protection for workers, and introduce technology, can you imagine, as a form of trade, something that was not envisioned back in the day when NAFTA passed.
“But, as we all know, the devil is in the detail, and an 1,800-page agreement will be put to the test when it is implemented."
Harman ended her remarks by saying: “Sorry we don’t have champagne or whatever might suit, in my case a tequila, to celebrate this momentous occasion. Congratulations, everybody.”
For the full story, go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
LAREDO, Texas - USMCA, the reopening of the Texas economy, and the travel ban on Mexican visitors are the topics under discussion in a podcast with IBC Bank President Dennis E. Nixon, and Vice President Gerry Schwebel.
The two bankers are not pleased that Mexican visa holders cannot visit the United States. They warn that the border region’s economy could collapse if Mexican nationals are not allowed to shop and stay in the United States.
Indeed, during the 45-minute discussion, Nixon said he had approached the federal government about allowing Mexican visa holders to shop and stay in border communities but not be allowed, during the COVID-19 pandemic, to cross the inland checkpoints.
Nixon is a member of the strike force Gov. Greg Abbott set up to advice on re-opening the Texas economy following stay-at-home orders.
EDINBURG, Texas - Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez and Hidalgo County Commissioner Ellie Torres on Monday hosted a roundtable about COVID-19 with healthcare and hospital leaders from across the county.
Included on the panel was Dr. John Krouse, dean of the UT-Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine. Check out the Rio Grande Guardian website to read Dr. Krouse’s remarks in full.
“As you know, on Sunday we reported over 400 cases that tested positive for this virus and we’ve never seen these numbers before. The numbers continue to escalate, it seems like every day,” Judge Cortez said, kicking off the event.
“Unfortunately, I have had some friends and acquaintances that have received this virus and are very seriously ill. They have told me they would not wish this on their worst enemy. It has been a very, very, painful process.”
Cortez pointed out that when stay-at-home orders were put in place at the start of the pandemic, one of the goals was to ensure local hospitals were not overwhelmed with patients. “Today, we find ourselves close to reaching capacity,” he said.
Cortez said he wrote to Gov. Greg Abbott, the state’s healthcare director and emergency management coordinator ast Friday seeking help for local hospitals. “To my happy surprise they responded very quickly. At least two hospital groups will receive support,” Cortez said.
Cortez added: “We are in this thing together. We are going to solve this by working together.”
This podcast includes the comments of Judge Cortez, Dean Krouse and all the hospital leaders present at the roundtable discussion.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr., held a press conference on Friday with the heads of four local hospitals to speak about the “dire” situation surrounding the county’s exponential uptick in COVID-19 cases.
Manny Vela, president and CEO of Valley Baptist Health System; Art Garza, CEO of Valley Regional Medical Center; Matt Wolthoff, CEO of Harlingen Medical Center; and Leslie Bingham, senior vice president and hospital CEO of Valley Baptist Health System, all joined Cameron County Health Authority Dr. James Castillo to discuss their concerns.
Like Pharr Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, the leaders says their biggest fear is not having enough health care workers to treat the influx of COVID-19 patients.
“Our hospitals expand and contract based on the demand that we are experiencing,” said Garza. “And, at the moment, our hospitals are expanding. And, I’m very concerned that if our rates continue the way they are, then we will find ourselves in situations like we saw on the news – cities like New York and other hotspots. And, unfortunately – I hate to say this, and this is simply my opinion – I don’t think we’re far from that.”
Treviño said he holds the news conferences to keep local residents on the latest developments on the coronavirus.
“We are doing this to inform you. We want to inform the public so they understand the demands and the current existing conditions at the hospitals. We need your help in order to make sure that things don’t get worse, going forward,” Treviño said.
“That is why we are asking all of you to do your part because the hospitals need to be able to have the resources and the staffing to save lives and if we are overrun it is going to multiply the problems we are going to be facing.”
For the full story by reporter Patricia Martinez go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - In a Q&A during a news conference in Brownsville on Friday, Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr., and Cameron County Health Authority James Castillo were asked about the spread of COVID-19 by tourists to South Padre Island.
The questions were posed by veteran broadcaster Ron Whitlock of Ron Whitlock Reports. Both Treviño and Castillo said they wished those visiting the island would pay more attention to the pleas of health officials, that they practice social distancing and wear facial coverings.
This podcast features the three questions from Whitlock and the response of the county judge and county health authority.
EDINBURG, TEXAS - Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez and Hidalgo County Health Authority Dr. Ivan Melendez recently appeared on a Facebook LIVE to discuss COVID-19 issues.
Cortez spoke about a recent surge in coronavirus cases in his county and new curfews he was putting in place in response.
Melendez participated in a Q&A with Hidalgo County’s public affairs director, Carlos Sanchez, with a focus on the impact the COVID-19 is having on area hospitals.
Melendez, who does all of his clinical work in local hospitals, was asked about an increase in the number of tests coming back as positive for the coronavirus in Hidalgo County.
In Hidalgo County that rate is currently six percent and rising. This, he said, is cause for alarm.
“What worries me, at six percent is the rapidity, the quickness at which those numbers have increased. I do all of my clinical work in the hospitals. I am seeing the controlled chaos. I am seeing the impact that this accelerated rate is causing in the hospitals. I am seeing the staffing issues,” Melendez said.
Melendez cited the situation at one local hospital, which he did not mention by name.
“There are 50-plus COVID patients in-house. Twenty-three of them require hemodialysis. That hemodialysis on people with COVID, they have to be done at bedside. Well, of course, we also have a lot of people in our part of the country that go to the emergency departments to get emergency dialysis. Because that is their only source. They are not able to have a routine dialysis at a dialysis center.
“So, imagine if you are having 23 bedside dialysis and you still have to take care of another 40 or 50 people a week that need to have dialysis in the emergency department. That is an example that I would like the public to know how (about, how) even a doubling in our percent rate begins to tax significantly the resources that are available.”
Melendez said that, as of now, the resources at local hospitals are not being taxed to the point of saturation.
“Now if we were doubling, if we are at six percent today and we were 12 percent in two weeks and we were at 24 percent in another two weeks, that would be a catastrophic event for us.”
Melendez said there are plans to deal with such an eventuality.
PHARR, Texas – Each week, Pharr International Bridge holds a “virtual” town hall meeting for the international trade community.
The series is called BridgeConnect LIVE. Before the coronavirus pandemic struck, the Pharr International Bridge Board would hold the events once a month.
Now, because of social distancing, the events are held via Facebook and held once a week. The series is called “The Effects of COVID-19.”
Session 12 focused on the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, or CTPAT, a voluntary public-private sector partnership program. CTPAT members are considered to be of low risk by Customs and Border Protection.
During Session 12, a Customs and Border Protection officer, Pedro Peña, explained how his agency works with the trade community to strengthen international supply chains and improve United States border security.
Peña discussed the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism and the minimum security requirements to be a part of CTPAT.
Part 12 was hosted by the Pharr Bridge Trade Liaison, Freddy Flores.
The session was conducted in Spanish.
MCALLEN, Texas - Stakeholders from across Hidalgo County should collaborate to address the digital divide.
This is the opinion of David C. Plummer, vice president of information services and planning at South Texas College.
Plummer gave an update on STC activities at a recent McAllen Economic Development Corporation board meeting.
Plummer said it is great to push more courses on online but what happens if students do not have access to the Internet. He said STC students are affected by thi
“Having hotspots on our campus is great but at the very beginning there was no travel, they do not want anybody on our campuses. So, how are students getting online if they don’t have it at home? If they do not have access to those digital hotspots?” Plummer asked.
Plummer gave credit to the information technology departments working for Hidalgo County and the City of McAllen. With regard to the latter, he said they did a “great job” opening up some digital hotspots around McAllen.
“It would be great to work together and identify all the hotspots in the county and identify those zones where we really don’t have it. And then see if we can all work together to figure out between our IT partners, the city, the county, how can we at least get some hotspots out to those areas,” Plummer said.
According the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, the three metropolitan statical areas in the nation with the least internet connectivity are along the Texas-Mexico border. Namely, McAllen, Brownsville, and Laredo.
“If this (Coronavirus pandemic) occurs again, or even if it doesn’t occur, I think our students really need that broadband wifi. I don’t think any one entity is going to solve it. I think it is going to take all of its to do that,” Plummer said.
In his presentation to the MEDC board, Plummer also gave an update about educational instruction at STC for the Fall semester. He said more courses would be online only, to reduce face-to-face activity on the college’s various campuses.
EDINBURG, Texas - Patients who have recovered from COVID-19 should consider donating plasma to help save the lives of others.
This is the message from Dr. Sohail Rao, MD, president and CEO of DHR Health Institute for Research and Development.
“Right now, which is very unfortunate, most of the plasma we are infusing into the patients, is actually coming from the national stockpile. It is not coming from the region, it is not coming locally from Hidalgo or Cameron counties,“ Rao told The Rio Grande Guardian in a Zoom interview.
“So, right now I am basically begging and borrowing plasma from Boston, from Arizona, from North Carolina, all the way up to Seattle.”
Rao explained that the Institute for Research and Development is a nonprofit that facilitates the donation of plasma from recovered/suspected COVID-19 patients and their family members.
“Due to the critical increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations in the Rio Grande Valley, donated plasma will be used to treat patients in local hospitals who are fighting severe and life-threatening COVID-19 infections,” he said.
“All eligible donors will undergo antibody testing during screening to determine the presence of antibodies in their blood. These results will be shared with the participant.”
Rao added: “There is no cost to participate, and if eligible, you will be provided with compensation for your participation.”
If interested, please call (956) 215-3166 or (540) 444-2318.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The Cameron County health director issued a dire warning Monday about COVID-19.
Dr. James Castillo said he hopes his county is not looking at an exponential curve when studying the number of new cases.
Cameron County has seen 49 deaths due to the coronavirus, many connected to four nursing home facilities and one detention center. There were 101 new cases reported on Monday.
“After we re-opened (the economy) I think everybody was really excited, after shelter-in-place,” Castillo said, at a news conference hosted by Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino.
“We did such a good job with the shelter-in-place, we thought it did not affect us. We thought it was only infecting elderly people and nursing homes. But, since the re-opening, the science is telling us it is not over. We did not have our first wave, yet. The wave is coming now.”
Editor's Note: For the full story go to The Rio Grande Guardian website.
PHARR, Texas - Each week, Pharr International Bridge holds a “virtual” town hall meeting for the international trade community.
The series is called BridgeConnect LIVE. Before the coronavirus pandemic struck, the Pharr International Bridge Board would hold the events once a month. Now, because of social distancing, the events are held via Facebook and held once a week. The series is called “The Effects of COVID-19.”
Part 11 focused on U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s new ACE Manifest Truck Portal. Representatives from CBP were on hand to explain how trucking companies can complete a truck manifest using the web portal.
Part 11 was hosted by Pharr Bridge Director of Operations Fred Brouwen.
The session was conducted in Spanish.
HARLINGEN, Texas - Rev Torres of the Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project says the IRS is to start issuing out some economic impact payments using a debit card instead of a check.
Torres said the debit cards are being distributed to individuals that do not have their banking information on file with the IRS.
“The card will arrive in a plain white envelope. Be aware because many people will think it is junk mail but it is not,” Torres said.
The Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project is a division of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid.
Rev Torres was a regular contributor on taxation issues when KHID 88.1 FM and KJJF 88.9 FM were running NPR programing in the Rio Grande Valley.
Now the stations are longer part of NPR, 88 FM radio presenter Mario Muñoz has moved over to The Rio Grande Guardian, with Torres joining him to offer expert tax advice.
Torres’ analysis has been in great demand since Congress announced it would be sending out stimulus checks to all American adults.
Readers and listeners that have questions about the economic impact payments can reach Torres via the web at TRLA.org or via telephone at 956-393-6213.
They can also submit questions to the Rio Grande Guardian by emailing mmoreno@riograndeguardian.com.
PHARR, Texas – Each weekPharr International Bridge holds a “virtual” town hall meeting for the international trade community.
The series is called BridgeConnect LIVE. Before the coronavirus pandemic struck, the Pharr International Bridge Board would hold the events once a month. Now, because of social distancing, the events are held via Facebook and held once a week. The series is called “The Effects of COVID-19.”
Part 10 focused on how those in the import/export business can benefit from the U.s. Small Business Administration. In addition to representatives from the administration, a representative from Hollis Rutledge & Associates was also on the panel.
Part 10 was hosted by Pharr Bridge Trade Liaison Freddy Flores.
Part of the session was in English and part in Spanish.
WESLACO, Texas - Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr., says he fears the international bridges will be closed to Mexican visa holders for another month, if not longer.
Treviño held a news conference at the Cameron County Courthouse last Wednesday where he discussed the issue in depth. He said that in his capacity as chairman of the Texas Border Coalition, he had written to acting commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, Mark Morgan, urging him to re-open the bridges.
President Trump has restricted border crossings for the past six weeks to trade and commerce. Ordinary visa holders cannot cross to go shopping, sightseeing or visit their families. Border communities say their economy has been hurt by the decision. Supporters of the restriction say the measure has reduced the chance of COVID-19 spreading. The current restrictions are in place until June 22.
Treviño would not say who had told him the border crossing restrictions will be extended.
The day after the news conference in Brownsville, all the four county judges in the Rio Grande Valley met for a news conference at the offices of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council in Weslaco. The four are Treviño, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, Starr County Judge Eloy Vera, and Willacy County Judge Aurelio Guerra. The news conference was called to discuss a recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the Valley. However, the issue of whether to re-open the bridges came up.
Veteran broadcaster Ron Whitlock of Ron Whitlock Reports asked all four county judges a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ question. Do they support the re-opening of the bridges.
This podcast contains their answers.
WESLACO, Texas - It is rare for the four county judges of the Rio Grande Valley to get together in public. But they did so at a news conference last Wednesday to discuss the recent spike in COVID-19 cases.
The four county judges are Richard Cortez of Hidalgo, Eddie Treviño, Jr., of Cameron, Eloy Vera of Starr, and Aurelio Guerra of Willacy. They met at the offices of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council in Weslaco.
Rio Grande Guardian reporter Steve Taylor asked the judges what plans they have to reduce the increase in the coronavirus, other than tell local residents to social distance, wear a mask and wash their hands frequently.
This podcast features the response of the county judges to that question.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - A top doctor in Cameron County’s public health department says if the current spike in COVID-19 cases continues there will not be enough hospital beds for infected patients.
Dr. James Castillo gave the warning at a news conference held Wednesday with Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr.
“Hospitalizations are going up. If that trend continues on that path, a lot of patients who get hospitalized, especially in the ICU, they could be there for a month. For weeks, not a few days. If this trend continues, hospital capacity will start approaching its limits.”
If Cameron County starts seeing that, he said, officials will have to start thinking about restricting the movement of residents again.
On the day of the news conference, Cameron County has received confirmation of two additional COVID-19 related deaths. The individuals were 65 and 67-year-old males from Brownsville. This raised the number of COVID-19 related deaths in Cameron County to 42. The county also received confirmation of an additional 39 case reports of COVID-19. A few weeks ago, before the economy was re-opened, Cameron County was reporting only ten or so additional cases per day.
On Thursday, more alarming figures were released by Cameron County. There were two more COVID-19 related deaths. The individuals were a 100-year old female and 59-year-old male from Brownsville. This raised the number of COVID-19 related deaths in Cameron County to 44. Cameron County also received confirmation of an additional 41 case reports of COVID-19.
In his remarks, Judge Treviño said: “As the state began to open up I reiterated the fact that even though it is no longer mandatory to wear a mask or a facial covering, we were requesting or recommending that people still do that. Some people have continued to still do that and I thank you. Those who are not following we reiterate it. You are putting yourself, your family and others at risk.”
The attached podcast features highlights from the news conference, which was held at Cameron County Courthouse.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar ran through some bleak economic statistics during a recent webinar hosted by Brownsville Chamber of Commerce.
Hotel occupancy tax revenues have dropped an incredible 86 percent, he reported.
Hegar pointed out that prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the Texas economy was doing really well.
“The Texas economy was growing. We had sales tax increasing every single month compared to the same month a year ago,” Hegar said.
“However, with the collections we had in April, which reflected the economic activity we had in March, we were down 9.2 percent compared to April of last year. We just reported what the numbers were for May, which was the business activity in April and that was down roughly 13.3 percent. That was one of the largest drops we have had, going back to February 2010 in sales taxes.”
Hegar than ran through some of the other tax collection numbers.
“Our vehicle motor sales and rental taxes were down 38 percent compared to May of 2019. Motor fuels taxes, which is when you go to the pump, was down 30 percent. That was the steepest decline since 1989. Oil and gas production taxes were down roughly 75 percent each. Our hotel occupancy tax - this is one that is just staggering number - was down 86 percent. That was the largest drop on record, going back to 1982. And our alcohol beverage tax was down 76 percent.”
Esmy Villarreal, president of the Brownsville Chamber introduced Hegar at the start of the webinar and also pitched questions asked by chamber members.
PHARR, Texas - Each week Pharr International Bridge holds a “virtual” town hall meeting for the international trade community.
The series is called BridgeConnect LIVE. Before the coronavirus pandemic struck, the Pharr International Bridge Board would hold the events once a month. Now, because of social distancing, the events are held via Facebook and held once a week. The series is called “The Effects of COVID-19.”
Part 9 focused on ACE, which stands for Automated Commercial Environment. It is the system through which the trade community reports imports and exports and the government determines admissibility.
Part 9 was hosted by Pharr Bridge Deputy Director Fred Brouwen.
The series is being conducted in Spanish.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The port director of the Brownsville Navigation District says business has been good so far in 2020.
Eddie Campirano was a guest on a recent webinar hosted by the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce.
Campirano told Chamber President Esmy Villarreal that the Port of Brownsville moved more cargo during the first quarter of 2020 than it did in the first quarter of 2019.
“The mix of commodities may have changed somewhat. Steel is not as robust as we have seen. Nor liquid commodities. But, it has been made up for with the wind components. It has been made up for in some of the other markets we serve,” Campirano said.
Looking ahead, Campirano said: “Will that remain for the rest of the year? We hope so but at the end of the day we may be running into what we see in some of the changes that have occurred in the last few months.”
Campirano acknowledged it may take some time to catch up with previous volumes for some of the activities that occur at the port.
“As consumers demand comes back so will some of these activities but at this point we are excited with the 2020 comparison with 2019. We hope that trend continues,” Campirano said.
“We will always see peaks and valleys in our cargo movement. On the whole it is looking very good.”
Cal Poly Pomona Music Professor Nadia Shpachenko won her first Grammy Award for her album, “The Poetry of Places,” in the category of Best Classical Compendium at the Staples Center on Jan. 26.
“I feel like the Grammy is the icing on the cake,” the Ukranian-born Shpachenko said. “I really did this project because I wanted to work with these composers … I wanted to connect the works with all the things I was passionate about, in this case architecture.”
In this podcast, Shpachenko talks to Rio Grande Guardian broadcaster Mario Muñoz about the new album. The interview took place before the Grammy Award winners were announced.
Bishop Daniel Flores has given his view on President Trump’s decision to pose for photos in front of a boarded up church near the White House with a bible in his hand.
The episode has drawn lots of commentary from around the world. According to news reports, federal officers used force to clear a large crowd of peaceful demonstrators from the street between the White House and St. John’s Episcopal Church.
The decision to move the demonstrators was made by Attorney General William Barr in order to clear a path for the president. The White House says tear gas was not used. Media reports and those in the crowd say otherwise.
Trump visited the boarded up church the day after a fire was set in its basement. Trump stood in front of the world’s media with his back to the church and held aloft a bible. He did not speak about unrest in the country, nor open the bible
The Right Rev. Mariann Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, said she was “outraged” by the episode, believing the president used the church as a political prop.
Bishop Flores was asked about the episode during a webinar held by the Diocese of Brownsville to celebrate World Communications Day. Normally, Flores would hold the annual event at the San Juan Basilica. However, due to the coronavirus he spoke to reporters online.
Asked about Trump’s visit to St. John’s and his actions there, Flores said: “I found it very difficult to watch. I fear that both parties would use kinds of religious symbols to promote a certain agenda, on one side or the other. I think that is something that happens.”
Flores said the separation of church and state is not something that only protects the state.
HARLINGEN, RGV Focus, a collective impact initiative of Educate Texas, has unveiled its 2019 annual report and scorecard.
As with last year’s report, the title is “Contigo,” which is Spanish for “With You.”
The scorecard tracks the key metrics RGV Focus has identified to be important in understanding education in the Rio Grande Valley. It also tracks how the Valley scores in comparison to those for the state of Texas.
“In this year’s annual report you will see that Rio Grande Valley students now match or out-perform their Texas peers in eight out of 12 key indicators,” said Rodney H. Rodriguez, senior director at RGV Focus.
Rodriguez offered a few highlights:
- 51% of RGV high school students are completing Advanced Placement or Dual Credit Courses, exceeding the state average of 43 percent;
- 73% of RGV seniors are completing the FAFSA application for higher education financial assistance, exceeding the state average of 64 percent;
- 80% of RGV higher education graduates are finding employment or furthering their education at 4-year colleges, exceeding the state average of 75 percent.
“This is big,” Rodriguez said. “Contigo, our collective efforts are working.”
Editor's Note: Go to www.riograndeguardian.com for the full story.
WESLACO, Texas - In a report on Saturday, the San Antonio-based Rivard Report said IDEA Public Schools will pay former CEO Tom Torkelson $900,000.
Previously, the online news organization broke the story of Torkelson’s resignation. At the time of the resignation, IDEA officials did not release Torkelson’s separation agreement or his contract as CEO. Through an open records request, The Rivard Report was able to obtain both. Click here to read the agreement.
The chairman of IDEA’s board of directors is Al Lopez. The Rivard Report said Lopez wrote to funders and leadership team members on Friday, pointing out that the $900,000 equates to Torkelson’s salary and performance bonus last year. Click here to read Lopez’s letter.
Both Torkelson and IDEA agreed to not publicize the transition package agreement. However, it is subject to the Texas Public Information Act.
Lopez said IDEA has introduced new policies designed to strengthen governance and accountability. The new policies prohibit access to private air travel, business, and first-class seating on commercial flights.
The Rivard Report quoted Lopez as saying IDEA has “clarified guidelines regarding what constitutes appropriate IDEA development and networking activities, including reasonable costs and specifying that official IDEA functions should take place at IDEA properties whenever feasible.”
“With the benefit of hindsight, the board and IDEA’s management team wish some things had been done differently,” Lopez wrote. “We have embraced recent criticism and feedback as an opportunity to show how high-performing public charter school systems can respond and evolve quickly to do what is required of them.”
The Rio Grande Guardian obtained one of the last audio interviews with Torkelson before his resignation from IDEA. Around the same time it interviewed state Sen. Jose Menendez of San Antonio, who was critical of IDEA’s use of funds for private jets and entertainment.
In his interview, Torkelson said no taxpayer money was used to hire a private jet or pay for a suite to watch San Antonio Spurs games. However, he said he accepted the criticism that was coming his way. "If you are explaining, you are losing," he said.
This podcast contains the interviews with Torkelson and Menendez.
MISSION, Texas - Congressman Henry Cuellar held a conference call with reporters on May 27 to discuss federal funding for counties and cities under the Coronavirus-inspired CARES Act.
Culler pointed out that the State of Texas is the conduit for a lot of the federal funds, approved under the CARES Act, for cities and counties.
He said the State of Texas is holding back a lot of these federal funds. The intent of Congress, Cuellar said, is to get the funding to cities and counties, as soon as possible.
Cuellar also spoke about the border wall and plans for a virtual border wall.
PHARR, Texas - Pharr International Bridge held Part 8 of its BridgeConnect LIVE on Thursday, May 28, 2020.
The series is called “The Effects of COVID-19.” The title of Part 8 was: “Decal Transponder Online Procurement System.” The panelists participating in the session included representatives from Pharr International Bridge and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
During Pharr Bridge Connect Part 8, officials from the Pharr International Bridge and CBP officials offered detailed instructions on how to enroll in the Decal Transponder Online Procurement System. According to officials, the objective is to achieve a 100 percent participation rate in the Decal Transponder Online System.
Pharr International Bridge Director Luis Bazan opened the Bridge Connect Live session No. 8.
Most of the discussion was in Spanish.
New York-based composer, conductor and author Michael Shapiro recently recovered from COVID-19.
While in hospital in New York he had help from the Sisters of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland, thanks to a local nun.
“She got on the phone with the priests and the nuns in Dublin… and they prayed Mass for me. Can you imagine, a Jewish boy from Brooklyn?”
Shapiro said this is representative of a connection, spiritually, between all of us. “Blessings to those lovely people. I will never forget it.”
"It confirms where I believe all of us in beloved United States and and international countries must go. It is not heady stuff. This is just everyday stuff. Kindness and mercy,” Shapiro said.
"I do believe it can make our theater our music and our painting and sculpture, you name it, and just ordinary life richer and better.”
Shapiro has a new album out, titled Archangel. It is performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, with Steven Beck on piano.
MISSION, Texas - A memorandum between the cities of McAllen and Mission and their respective economic development corporations could help spur development of a new international airport at Moore Air Base, which could, in turn, attract Southwest Airlines.
This is the view of Mission Mayor Armando O’Caña, who also believes the MOU could help the region lure a Chinese-owned maquiladora from Reynosa to the upper Rio Grande Valley.
Martinez spoke in depth about the MOU at a board meeting of Mission Economic Development Corporation last Thursday. The meeting took place via the world wide web because of the need for social distancing.
Mission EDC Chairman David Deanda began the discussion on the MOU. Mission EDC executive director Daniel Silva said McAllen is keen for such collaboration because Mission has a great track record when it comes to workforce development.
In his remarks, Mayor O’Caña said he meets regularly with McAllen Mayor Jim Darling to discuss issues of importance to both Mission and McAllen. He told of a recent visit Darling made to China and how McAllen was trying to bring in a Chinese manufacturing company. An MOU between the Mission and McAllen could help land such projects, O’Caña said.
Another city Mission is looking to partner with is San Antonio, O’Caña said, in his report to the Mission EDC board of directors. He said Mission and San Antonio are working on a joint project to land a Brazilian company.
Another reason the MOU would be advantageous, O’Caña argued, is it would hasten development north of Mission. He said the city leadership is in discussions with the Public Utility Commission of Texas about adding basic infrastructure north of 7-Mile Line. That would put development of Moore Air Base within striking range, the mayor said. McAllen’s current international airport, Miller, is landlocked and cannot expand, he said.
Moore Air Base was deactivated by the U.S. Air Force in 1961. If Moore Air Base were to be developed by McAllen it would be of interest to Southwest Airlines, Mayor O’Caña said. Currently flying out of Valley International Airport in Harlingen, Southwest would like to be based in the Upper Valley, he said.
In an interview with The Rio Grande Guardian after the Mission EDC board meeting, Mayor O’Caña said he hopes the MOU between Mission and McAllen can be expanded further to include Edinburg and Pharr. He said regionalization is key to future economic development in the Valley.
PHARR, Texas - Pharr Bridge Board hosted Part 7 in its weekly Bridge Connect series on Thursday, May 21.
The subject was “How USMCA will impact manufacturing in Mexico.”
USMCA stands for United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. It is a replacement for the North American Free Trade Agreement and goes into effect on July 1, 2020.
Presentations were made by Pharr International Bridge, Mid-Valley Customs Brokers Association, Asos. Agents Aduanales Reynosa, InterLink Trade Services, U.S. Customs Brokers Custom Compliance. Woodcrafters HP, INDEX, and Rio South Texas Economic Council.
The discussion was in Spanish. This podcast has the whole event.
HARLINGEN, Texas - In this week’s Q&A, Rev Torres discusses who should and should not use the IRS non-filer portal when applying for an economic impact stimulus check.
Torres is part of the Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project, which is a division of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid.
Readers and listeners that have questions about the economic impact payments can reach Torres via the web at TRLA.org or via telephone at 956-393-6213
They can also submit questions to the Rio Grande Guardian via staylor@riograndeguardian.com.
EDINBURG, TEXAS - The chairman of DHR Health is concerned Rio Grande Valley residents with non-COVID-19 illnesses are not visiting their doctor for fear they could catch the virus.
Dr. Carlos Cardenas gave an in-depth interview to the Rio Grande Guardian about how his hospital is coping during the current coronavirus pandemic.
“What nobody has really talked about is we have a significant amount of illness and disease in the community that did not go away. It is still here,” Cardenas said.
“COVID was distraction in one way but it does not take away the fact that we still have people who have ongoing problems and issues that need to be dealt with.”
Cardenas was a co-founder of Doctors Hospital at Renaissance. The health system changed its name to DHR Health a couple of years ago.
Cardenas said DHR has gone to great lengths to provide a safe place for people to come to access the care that they need.
“There are other illnesses that march forward and without proper attention, small problems can become big problems,” he said.
“As we say, and ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So, getting the word out to the community, my message is: don’t sit at home with your illness or your problems, come see your family doctor or at least pick up the telephone and call. Let them know what is going on so that we can continue to tend to you and the things that you need apart from COVID-19.”
Asked if DHR has been able to cope with its regular, non-COVID-19, workload during the pandemic, Cardenas said:
“Absolutely. I think what we have seen is a decrease in the volume because I think people were afraid to come to the hospital. That is understandable but at the same time to sit at home with a problem or a condition, that needs tending is something you pay for in the long term. It should be handled when it is a smaller problem, rather than when it is a bigger problem. Those are the kinds of messages we need to get out to the community.”
Cardenas said DHR is not doing anything different on the front end. He said the fact that families cannot see their loved ones in hospital is a precautionary step to ensure their safety.
“We are trying to keep you safe and keep patients safe, we are trying to keep our staff safe. There are an abundance of examples of what happens when you don’t follow those rules. They are hard. This is not easy to do, particularly in our culture here, very difficult to do, But, we do all we can to look at each case individually and do what we can for the families who are in need, and to deliver it in a safe way with the best of what we know about the situation we are dealing with.”
McALLEN, Texas - State Sen. Juan ‘Chuy’ Hinojosa says the state of Texas is facing a $2.9 billion loss in revenue as a result of COVID-19 and the current low price of oil.
The McAllen Democrat is vice-chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance. He says it could take two years to the get Texas economy back on track.
Hinojosa recently gave an interview to The Rio Grande Guardian about the worsening state economy and its likely impact on the state’s biennial budget.
HARLINGEN, Texas - The United States Ambassador to Mexico, Christopher Landau, says the relationship between Mexico and the United States is very complicated, critically important and still has “sore spots” for both countries.
Landau was keynote speaker, Friday, May 8, during a Webcast entitled, “U.S.-Mexico Cooperation During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond,” hosted by the Mexico Institute at the nation’s key non-partisan policy forum for tackling global issues, the Wilson Center.
According to Ambassador Landau, he is proud of the way some areas of cross-border cooperation have gone smoothly during the coronavirus pandemic. Landau said: “The way we handled the border itself, in the early days of the crisis back in March, I consider to be a real success story.”
However, one area that is a point of contention has to do with the definition of the term, “essential industry,” for both Mexico and the United States.
Landau said: “I’d say the biggest frustration to me and the thing that this pandemic has laid bare is that we have to do more on the economic front to talk about cooperation on things like essential industries in times of crisis. That has been just a sore area in the beginning.”
Landau is calling for procedures to allow for more institutionalized ongoing discussions of that issue.
Landau also said that he has learned some lessons.
“There are certainly some very legitimate, but compelling, health interests at stake on both sides of the border. The key is to come up with a way protect worker health, without completely stopping economic activity. I think it is possible to walk and chew gum at the same time.”
Ambassador Landau is the son of the late, George W. Landau, who served as U.S. Ambassador to three countries, Paraguay, Chile and Venezuela. According thedirector of the Wilson Center, Jane Harman, even from childhood, Latin America has played a major role in the life of Christopher Landau.
The Mexico Institute, under the auspices of the Wilson Center, seeks to improve understanding, communication, and cooperation between Mexico and the United States by promoting original research, encouraging public discussion, and proposing policy options for enhancing the bilateral relationship with Mexico.
HARLINGEN, Texas - The UTRGV School of Medicine will graduate its charter Class of 2020 in a virtual Spring Commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 9.
In the attached audio, Dr. John H. Krouse, dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine and UTRGV’s executive vice president for Health Affairs, acknowledged that no one could have envisaged the school’s first graduation class to be held “virtually.”
The virtual ceremony will include messages from Krouse, along with Kevin P. Eltife, chair of the UT System Board of Regents; Dr. Nolan Perez, regent of the UT System; James B. Milliken, chancellor of the UT System; and UTRGV President Guy Bailey.
The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Kenneth Shine, former executive vice chancellor for Health Affairs for the UT System.
Krouse said the ceremony has been created to celebrate the wonderful accomplishments of the UTRGV School of Medicine’s inaugural class.
“As they take the next step in their medical careers, it is our honor to take part in this historic event. This commencement officially sends off our first class of medical students, and they will proudly carry the UTRGV name across the country as they enter residency training. This ceremony represents the success of the School of Medicine, and includes the faculty, administration, students and community who have dedicated so much to this program.”
Krouse said that for the virtual ceremony, students will log onto a designated Commencement 2020 webpage starting at 10 a.m. Saturday. He said they will hear messages from UTRGV leadership and special speakers and will hear their names called to virtually receive their degrees.
The link is open to the public and anyone interested in watching the ceremony will be able to access it online at UTRGV.edu/SOMGrad.
Dr. Leonel Vela, the School of Medicine’s senior associate dean for Educational Resources and senior associate vice president for Education, said this virtual commencement event will be unique to accommodate the need for physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We understand that this year’s graduation celebrations will be different,” Vela said. “But we definitely want to celebrate the achievements of the School of Medicine’s Charter Class of 2020. We want to share the pride and joy of the graduates’ families and friends, the faculty, and the university and Valley communities.”
To watch UTRGV’s School of Medicine virtual commencement ceremony, log on to UTRGV.edu/SOMGrad.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr., says he is pleased to hear Congress is finally going to consider compensating cities and counties for the loss of revenues caused by the coronavirus.
Sales tax revenues to expected to plummet because of the tailspin the economy is in. Without extra funding from the federal government, Treviño argues, essential services such as police, emergency management and public health will be at risk.
“It was very concerning to me why there was any hesitation on the part of Congress, whether it was the House or the Senate, and it appears it was on the Senate, that they did not want to consider the impact COVID-19 has had on local governments, cities and counties,” Treviño told Ron Whitlock Reports.
“The reality is that the local governments, cities, counties and the state, have expended a large amount of money in numerous areas, law enforcement, first responders, health, and the provision of regular government services to keep providing those services to our constituents.”
Treviño was alarmed at a recent comment by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell that states be allowed to go bankrupt.
“When there was discussion a few weeks ago about, oh, well, we will let the states go bankrupt, that to me indicated a lack of either concern or understanding of the reality of what local governments do. We do not want to stop providing police, fire protection, emergency response protection, during a pandemic, or at any time.”
Treviño is a former mayor of the largest city in the Rio Grande Valley - Brownsville. He said cities and counties do not want to cut back on other services, such as trash pick up. He said many services provided by local governments are likely taken for granted.
“Injecting additional money into the economic stream, keeping people in their jobs and providing, potentially, infrastructure projects is necessary,” Treviño said.
He argued that in the Valley, major infrastructure projects, such as improving roads, bridges, drainage systems and international ports of entry would go along way.
“I hope it happens soon because all of those potential possibilities are a win-win, both at the national, state and local level.”
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Congressman Filemon Vela recently hosted a Telephone Town Hall with a panel of experts to provide an update on the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The panel included specialists in health care, small business relief, unemployment insurance, stimulus payments and the impact of the virus on the border.
More than 4,000 constituents called in to ask questions of Congressman Vela and the experts.
The panel consisted of Julian Alvarez, commissioner, Texas Workforce Commission; Dr. Christopher Romero, physician advisor, Valley Baptist Medical Center; Josh Mejia, executive director, Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation; Patricio Sampayo, chairman, Brownsville Housing Authority; and Karen McAfee, staff director, House Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - A COVID-19 survivor participated in a telephone town hall hosted by Congressman Filemon Vela.
Ivy Arroyo, who was born and raised in Brownsville, gave harrowing details of life on a ventilator “surrounded by death.”
He said he lost 25 percent of his body weight and suffered a huge mental toll, with the side effects of confusion, helplessness, hallucination and anxiety
Arroyo now lives in Pflugerville, Texas. When doctors realized how serious Arroyo’s situation was he was transferred to Scott & White hospital in Temple, Texas.
He said his family was told to make plans to never see him again because his life was “hanging by a thread.”
Because he also has Type 2 Diabetes, Arroyo’s chances of survival were put at only four to six percent.
But, he said, his family told medical staff that all he needed was a one percent chance of survival. “My fight and determination would take it from there,” Arroyo told the telephone town hall.
“The only reason I am here today is because my body had finally had enough of these test treatments and all I could do is rip the ventilator tube from my throat. My body took it from there.”
Arroyo said he would not recommend this to others, however, because “people can die within minutes off of coming off a ventilator.”
Arroyo praised Congressman Vela and healthcare officials for insisting on social distancing.
“When people want to go out to the beach, and not practice these safety measures set forth by our leaders, this is a tragic situation fixing to happen. If people become more negligent we are going to see an increase of death and a tremendous amount of heartache.”
Arroyo said people had better listen to health officials. “Once again, there are no test runs in life and you will not set a rest button after you die.”
The attached podcast includes the testimony Arroyo gave at the telephone town hall plus an interview Rio Grande Guardian reporter Steve Taylor secured on Sunday with Arroyo and his husband, David.
HARLINGEN, Texas - If readers and listeners have questions about the economic impact payment stimulus checks being sent out by the federal government, please send them to The Rio Grande Guardian.
We will pass them along to our resident tax expert, Rev Torres. Torres is part of the Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project, which is a division of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid.
Rev Torres was a regular contributor on taxation issues when KHID 88.1 FM and KJJF 88.9 FM were running NPR programing in the Rio Grande Valley.
Now the stations are longer part of NPR, 88 FM radio presenter Mario Muñoz has moved over to the Rio Grande Guardian, with Torres joining him to offer expert tax advice.
Torres’ analysis has been in great demand since Congress announced it would be sending out stimulus checks to all American adults.
In the attached podcast, Torres tells Muñoz about the supplemental security income program, among other tax and benefit issues.
Readers can send their questions to mmoreno@riograndeguardian.com.
RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas - Starr County Judge Eloy Vera says he is pleased Gov. Greg Abbott is treading cautiously when it comes to easing restrictions on the coronavirus lockdown.
Vera spoke during a webinar designed to explain to Starr County residents the speed at which businesses will reopen.
“We are trying to open up the business community as best we can. I am certainly concerned about the speed at which we open and I was very pleasantly surprised that the governor came up… they are really baby steps and I am all for that. I think the governor did a great job on this one, as far as how we are going to open up,” Vera said.
Gov. Abbott is allowing some business activity to take place. What this means for employers, employees and customers was discussed in depth on the webinar hosted by Rose Benavidez, executive director of Starr County Industrial Foundation.
Joining Benavidez in the discussion were Vera, Starr-Camargo Bridge Company owner Sam Vale, and Dalinda Guillen, executive director of Rio Grande City Economic Development Corporation.
The attached podcast includes the analysis of Benavidez, Vale, Vera, and Guillen.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - A record number of viewers - more than 1,000 - watched a Mexico Institute webinar about Immigration and the U.S.-Mexico Border during the coronavirus pandemic.
The conversation included the analysis of two members of Congress - Rep. Veronica Escobar, a Democrat from El Paso and Rep. Dan Crenshaw, a Republican from Houston. The moderator was Andrew Selee, president of the Migration Policy Institute.
Closing remarks were given by Duncan Wood, director of the Mexico Institute, which is part of the Wilson Center. The Wilson Center's director, president and CEO, Jane Harman, gave the opening remarks.
"As the U.S. government has implemented a raft of measures to combat the spread of COVID-19, a significant number have been in the immigration arena, touching in particular on the U.S.-Mexico border," the Mexico Institute stated, in a preview of the webinar.
"The Mexican and U.S. administrations agreed to halt nonessential travel across the border, slowing activity across a closely interconnected and vibrant regional economy."
The Mexico Institute pointed out that the Trump administration has also taken a number of unprecedented measures, drawing on powers given to the Surgeon General in 1944 to block the entry of foreign nationals deemed possible health risks.
"As a result, border officials have expelled more than 10,000 unauthorized migrants and asylum seekers through an expedited process and largely ended access to asylum during the crisis."
In their discussion, Reps. Escobar and Crenshaw spoke about the response to the coronavirus pandemic, how it is affecting the border region, and what the future might hold.
HARLINGEN, TEXAS - CPA Rev Torres was a regular contributor on taxation issues when KHID 88.1 FM and KJJF 88.9 FM were running NPR programing in the Rio Grande Valley.
Now the stations are longer part of NPR, 88 FM radio presenter Mario Muñoz has moved over to the Rio Grande Guardian, with Torres joining him to offer expert tax advice.
Torres’ analysis has been in great demand since Congress announced it would be giving stimulus checks to all American adults.
In the attached podcast, Torres tells Muñoz who will and will not receive a $1,200 stimuluscheck.
Torres said outstanding tax debt with the IRS will not be deducted from the upcoming stimulus check. However, there is one exception. If you have outstanding child support, it will be deducted.
Torres is part of the Texas Taxpayer Assistance Project, which is a division of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The founder of the UTHealth School of Public Health in Brownsville says the economy should not be ‘re-opened’ until there has been a lot more testing for the coronavirus.
World-renowned epidemiologist Dr. Joseph McCormick was asked when it will be safe for shelter at home measures to be relaxed during a webinar hosted by Congressman Filemon Vela.
“The testing issue continues to be a problem. It is a major obstacle even to re-opening businesses to a large degree because we don’t have adequate testing,” McCormick said.
McCormick’s past experience includes testing patients with Lassa fever in Africa. He has written over 200 scientific publications related to epidemiology with co-authors from over 20 different countries.
McCormick said the test to see if someone is infected is called a PCR test. He said it usually takes 24 to 48 hours to achieve a result, though there are some rapid tests that are online.
“But, here is the biggest problem with testing that everyone is experiencing: as one of my colleagues put it, the reagents that are required to make these tests are coming in a garden hose as opposed to a canal. This is one of the major things that is holding up the ability to expand our testing.”
Right now, McCormick said, health officials are using criteria on whether people have the symptoms for COVID-19 or not, or whether they have been in contact with a known case, to see whether they get tested.
“We would love to be able to expand that but I don’t see that happening any time soon because of the lack of reagents. We all would like to have more reagents.”
This podcast features the analysis of Dr. McCormick, along with Angela Burton of the Small Business Administration, and Julian Alvarez of the Texas Workforce Commission.
PHARR, Texas - The superintendent of Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD, Jorge L. Arredondo, and the co-founder of IDEA Public Schools, Tom Torkelson were featured in a webinar hosted recently by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership.
RGVP President and CEO Sergio Contreras wanted to know how school districts are faring during the coronavirus pandemic. He was particularly intersected in how students are being reached with all public and charter schools closed because of the COVID-19 crisis.
One of the questions asked concerned the digital divide, which has been identified as a major problem in the Rio Grande Valley. Tens of thousands of students do not have access to the Internet at home and the fear is many will not be able to complete their homework assignments as easily as those that have good WiFi.
Torkelson’s appearance on the webinar came the same day it was announced be would be resigning as CEO of IDEA.
MCALLEN, Texas - Sister Norma Pimentel of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley held a webinar on Tuesday to hear from churches and faith-based groups that are helping to feed the hungry.
Pimentel is setting up a directory of those that are helping during the coronavirus. She also wants to create a list of counselors who can assist Valley residents who are suffering from stress during the current crisis.
Those on the call heard about the work currently being undertaken by the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, plus restaurants that are providing free meals.
Among those on the call were Jaime Longoria. executive director of Hidalgo County’s Community Service Agency, Elaine Hernandez, regional director of Baylor University's Texas Hunger Initiative, and Susan Hellums of the Rio Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church.
EDINBURG, Texas - The dean of the UT-Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine says he is “guardedly optimistic” that the coronavirus will not hurt the Rio Grande Valley as much as it has other parts of the nation.
Dr. John H. Krouse was asked if the Valley would be spared the worst during a virtual town hall meeting last night. During the hour-long Q&A, Krouse was also asked when the pandemic would be at its most severe.
McAllen Mayor Jim Darling phoned in towards the end of the webinar to say it was the best of its kind he had listened to. The event was hosted by U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez.
The question on whether the Valley would be spared the worst of the coronavirus’ wrath came from a listener named Mark.
“I was originally based in New York and I came to the Valley to hunker down away from the pandemic with my family down here,” Mark said.
“I noticed that we enforced stay-at-home orders, I feel, earlier than we got our first case. My question is, is there any data to suggest that our outbreak here in the Valley will be lower or slower than LA or New York or bigger cities?”
Krouse responded.
“I would say yes and I think our local communities, counties and cities, did very early on adopt much more of a strict stance regarding staying at home, sheltering in place. I think we are beginning… you know, we will see maybe in another week, the growth that we have been seeing,” Krouse said.
“But, at that point, we will have been at least 14 days or more in most of our shelter-in-place orders across the Valley. I would expect us to level off at that point.”
Krouse continued: “I think our local leadership has done a tremendous job in acting promptly and acting in an aggressive way. So, I am very optimistic and the models that we are seeing suggests that we may do well given the severity of the problems we are seeing in other places. I am very guardedly optimistic.”
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Congressman Filemon Vela and the Small Business Administration’s Angela Burton held a webinar on Wednesday to discuss the $2.2 trillion CARES Act.
The webinar was hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership. Its president, Sergio Contreras, moderated the discussion.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides emergency assistance for individuals, families and businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
It was the third stimulus bill passed by Congress in response to the pandemic. It was signed into law by President Trump on March 27.
Unprecedented in size and scope,the legislation was the largest-ever economic stimulus package in U.S. history, amounting to ten percent of total U.S. gross domestic product.
Congressman Vela said adults with a social security number that are up to date with their taxes could start receiving a one-time emergency relief check for $1,200 within the next week.
Burton, district director for the Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office of the SBA, said: “Things have rolled out very rapidly.
Tune in to the attached one-hour podcast to hear a detailed discussion on the CARES Act and how the SBA is helping small businesses cope with a downturn in economic activity caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr., has extended his Shelter in Place order.
He announced he was extending the directive for another two weeks, until Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.
“I appreciate everyone who is abiding by the order and understanding the reasoning for it. These are such difficult times in which we must sacrifice a little today, but for a greater tomorrow for all” Treviño stated.
“The order in place is to protect us all and if we continue to abide by it, we can “flatten the curve” as we’ve done so until today. Please, be mindful that COVID-19 abides by no race, gender, color of skin or your last name. Let’s do everything we can to prevent a loved one from being a victim of this pandemic. We’re in this together.”
Treviño said he was also recommending people use a mask, handkerchief, cloth, or piece of clothing to cover their nose and mouth when out in public.
And to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to the youth, Treviño said children under the age of 14 shall not enter large gathering areas such as grocery stores, convenience stores, and any public outing.
“My top priority is the safety and well-being of all the people of Cameron County and taking these precautionary measures should help in this endeavor” Treviño said.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Recently, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus held a conference call with reporters to highlight the danger of migrants catching COVID-19 in detention facilities.
The CHC called on ICE to release migrants and asylum seekers, pointing out that most of those locked up are not criminals or a danger to society.
Two members of Congress from Texas were on the conference call - Joaquin Castro of San Antonio and Sylvia Garcia of Houston.
Asked if they had heard about claims that an outbreak of the coronavirus had occurred at the ICE Port Isabel Detention Center, in Port Isabel, Texas, and that some migrants may have gone on a hunger strike, Castro and Garcia said they had not. “Thanks for the heads up,” Garcia said. “We will look into this,” said Castro, who chairs the CHC.
In the attached podcast, CHC members Castro, Rep. Linda Sanchez of California, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York give their views on releasing migrants and asylum seekers from ICE detention centers.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - UT-Rio Grande Valley’s School of Medicine is looking to test 100 individuals a day for COVID-19.
Working with UT Health RGV, the Office of Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, Hidalgo and Cameron county leaders, and the City of Brownsville, UTRGV SOM has established two drive-thru testing sites, one in Brownsville and one in Edinburg.
Dr. John Krouse, dean of the UTGV SOM, said the Valley should expect a spike in positive cases of COVID-19 in the coming weeks, in part because of an increase in testing.
“The UTRGV School of Medicine is at the forefront of providing our community with healthcare resources, including COVID-19 testing,” he said. “We are proud of our healthcare professionals for stepping up, and we thank Congressman Vicente Gonzalez for being instrumental in making sure we obtained the testing kits necessary to serve our community,” Krouse said.
Krouse said the drive-thru sites will be open to employees, students and the public, and on-site evaluations will be available by appointment only for those 18 years of age or older who qualify after mandatory telephone screening.
To make an appointment, call ahead to the UT Health RGV Patient Communications Center at 1-833 – UTRGVMD (1-833-887-4863) to be screened.
Telephone screening will be mandatory.
Krouse added that protocols have been put in place to avoid testing-site congestion; to make sure that test kits will be used for those with severe symptoms; and to ensure that social distancing and other safety protocols are maintained.
He said healthcare professionals will be present to ensure that everyone follows the drive-thru testing protocols, and to help avoid the spread of COVID-19.
Individuals without insurance can get screened for COVID-19 at no cost. Results of the tests will be confirmed within days for those tested, and prescriptions for testing will be provided by UTRGV physicians at the point of care.
Individuals should arrive at the UT Health RGV drive-thru testing site with their identification.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Grappling with the current coronavirus pandemic is kind of like fighting a forest fire blindfold.
That is the view of Dr. Jospeh B. McCormick, MD, MS, former regional dean of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health in Brownsville.
McCormick, a renowned epidemiologist, has battled epidemics in South America and Africa before. He said the current COVID-19 crisis is one of the worst epidemics he has witnessed.
“We are seeing one of the worst pandemics since the 1918 flu. I worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for over 20 years and investigated outbreaks from Brazil to the ebola outbreaks in west Africa and central Africa. But, this is one of the worst I have ever seen,” McCormick said.
McCormick noted that the United States is the richest country in the world and its population is only a quarter of the population of China.
“But, we have now surpassed China in the number of cases of this disease that we have. This virus is highly infectious and we don’t have a vaccine, nor do we have treatment for this disease. We don’t have adequate testing so that we know where the virus is and we are speculating on who might be infected. We are kind of fighting a forest fire blindfold.”
McCormick is now the James H. Steele Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Texas Houston School of Public Health. He made his comments during a virtual town hall meeting about the coronavirus hosted by state Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., of Brownsville.
In addition to Sen. Lucio, McCormick was joined at the virtual town hall meeting by Dr. James Castillo, II, MD, of Cameron County Public Health, Esmeralda Guajardo, health administrator for Cameron County Public Health, Dr. E. Linda Villarreal, MD, chair-elect of the Texas Medical Association, and Dr. John Hellerstedt, MD, commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Editor’s Note: The attached podcast features the remarks of Sen. Lucio, Dr. McCormick, and Dr. Villarreal.
HARLINGEN, Texas - The Rio Grande Valley Partnership and the U.S. Small Business Administration want to help small businesses impacted by the Coronavirus.
During a webinar lasting one and a half hours on Wednesday, Angela Burton gave in-depth information about the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, taking questions from small business owners.
Burton is district director for the Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office of the SBA.
The webinar was hosted by RGVP, with its president, Sergio Contreras, moderating the discussion.
In her remarks, Burton explained she has money to give out. Lots of it - for qualifying small businesses that have been hurt by the coronavirus.
Under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, small businesses can apply for loans of up to $2 million and not pay any money back for the first 12 months. The money can offset losses to a company’s operating budget, including payroll and raw materials The interest rate is 3.75 percent for private companies and 2.75 parent for private nonprofits. Pay back is over 30 years.
Burton says there is no cost to apply and applicants do not have an obligation to take the money. It will be available for up six months, she explained.
Burton said she always tells small businesses to apply, because they have nothing to lose.
Burton said because a number of stimulus bills are coming thick and fast out of Washington, things are changing “every second” at the SBA.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - State Sen. Eddie Lucio wants Gov. Greg Abbott to consider closing the Texas border with Louisiana because of a spike of coronavirus cases that could have occurred after Mardi Gras.
The world-renowned festival, held every February in New Orleans, draws tens of thousands of revelers. According to a database maintained by the New York Times, the state of Louisiana has seen a recent spike in confirmed cases of COVID-19.
At press time, Louisiana had 1,172 confirmed cases, with 34 people dying from the disease. Many of the cases are in the New Orleans area. Texas, by contrast, had 668 confirmed cases and seven deaths.
In an interview, Sen. Lucio said he is worried about COVID-19 spreading from Louisiana to Texas.
“People are going about their business like it is not a serious thing and that worries me a lot. It is very serious,” Lucio, D-Brownsville, said.
“The numbers already indicate this virus is especially growing where there are masses of people coming together. I was told Mardi Gras in LA was a place where… the state of Louisiana had no confirmed cases and suddenly they go to 700. I have not gotten confirmation on that but if those numbers are true, we need to take it very seriously.”
Asked if the Texas-Louisiana border should be closed for non-essential travel, Lucio said:
“I certainly would like us to look at this issue carefully and make sure that we are not easing off on any potential danger that be brought to that part of the state.”
Editor's Note: Click here to read the full story in the Rio Grande Guardian.
SAN JUAN, Texas - La Unión del Pueblo Entero is stopping its block walking of colonias in support of Census 2020 due to concerns about the coronavirus.
Instead, the nonprofit that assists immigrant and low-income families will encourage residents to participate in the census count through phone calls. And with the Census Bureau announcing it has stopped its field operations, LUPE will ask its members and supporters to fill out the census forms online.
In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, LUPE community organizer Martha Sanchez admitted her group is worried that census participation in the Rio Grande Valley will be reduced due to the overriding attention on the coronavirus.
She notes that many Colonia residents do not have access to the Internet.
The more people that participate in the census, the more federal funding a community gets.
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - In an exclusive interview with Ron Whitlock Reports, Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño was told by a reporter that it took two hours to find and buy a gallon of milk.
“And we do not even have a confirmed case yet. What is going to happen when we have a confirmed case?” Treviño asked, in response to the observation by veteran reporter Ron Whitlock.
“Everybody has to remain calm and be mindful. Having five gallons when you only need one every two weeks or a week and half, that is not what we should be doing,” the county judge said.
Whitlock had pointed out that he drove for two hours around Willacy County on Sunday looking for milk. He said he visited HEB, Dollar General and a few convenience stores.
“I ended up with the last two gallons of milk in Willacy County. It took me two hours to get those last two gallons of milk. It was just like Beulah,” said Whitlock, remembering back to the famous hurricane of 1967.
Due to the heavy floods, Whitlock, then a radio broadcaster, was the only reporter operating in the Rio Grande Valley for a week in the aftermath of Beulah. His title was news and public affairs director at K-RIO 910 AM.
“Let’s be positive, be prepared and not panic,” Treviño told Whitlock, referring to the current coronavirus pandemic.
Treviño gave an update on the number of potential cases of coronavirus in Cameron County. At a news conference last Friday, Treviño said two people had been tested and were found to be negative. Results were not yet in for the other two tests, he said. Monday’s update, was that there four tests that had come back negative and the results of five other tests were not yet known.
“We’re going to see the numbers spike,” Treviño predicted.
The interview with the Cameron County Judge came before the City of South Padre Island declared an emergency. Treviño spoke about the situation on South Padre Island in his interview with Whitlock. He has a news conference planned for Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
SAN BENITO, Texas - The 13th Annual Happy Birthday TexasFest, which draws thousands of visitors, will take place in San Benito this weekend, even though many people are concerned about coronavirus.
Federico Garza, president of the nonprofit that runs the two-day re-enactment festival, said the fact that the event is held totally outside will help ensure health safety. “We feel very confident in what we are doing. We are taking all the necessary precautions.”
There have been no reported cases of coronavirus in the Rio Grande Valley thus far.
Happy Birthday TexasFest includes re-enactments of the battles of Gonzales, the Alamo, and San Jacinto.
“We’re expecting at least 10,000 people and hoping for 20,000,” Garza said, noting that the Mercedes Livestock & Rodeo Show is also going ahead this week. “And that event draws 100,000 people,” Garza said.
The name of the nonprofit is Texas Heritage Independence Celebration Association, Inc. In addition to a re-enactment of three battles crucial to Texas independence, the festival will have an appreciation reception for Winter Texans, a Texas History Symposium, arts and crafts and food vendors, Folklorico, Aztec, Matachines and native Indian dancing, dancing horses, a kiddies area, and music provided by country, tenant and conjunto bands.
Garza said he started the festival to provide a more well-rounded version of Texas history.
“When I studied history about the Battle of the Alamo and how the Mexicans fought the Anglos, throughout the course of my entire education, that went from elementary, to junior high, to high school, to college, I never knew that a Mexican had fought for Texas independence. I was astonished to find out that a guy named Juan Seguin had fought for Texas independence. I did not believe and I went and did my own personal research and found out that, yes, there were many Tejanos who had fought for Texas independence but never mentioned in our history books.”
The mission of the festival, Garza said, is to help produce a more inclusive history of Texas, one that is “able to recognize the contribution Tejanos have made for Texas history.”
The Happy Birthday TexasFest is held Friday, March 13, and Saturday, March 14, at the San Benito Fair Grounds. For more information go to www.happybirthdaytexas.com
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar is to host a town hall meeting to plan Laredo’s response to coronavirus.
Representatives from the city’s public entities, including its health department, will meet with officials from the U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Texas A&M International University, Laredo Community College, Laredo ISD, United ISD, Laredo Medical Center, Doctors Hospital, and Gateway Community Health Center.
The town hall meeting is to take place on Friday, March 13, at 11 a.m., at Gateway Community Health Center, 1515 Pappas Street in Laredo. The press and public are invited.
As of Wednesday there are no known cases of coronavirus in Laredo.
Cuellar spoke about the virus in a conference call with reporters on Wednesday. He was joined on the call by Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz and Nuevo Laredo Mayor Enrique Rivas Cuellar. Laredo and Nuevo Laredo leaders are in Washington, D.C. for their annual trip to the nation’s capital. They have an extensive federal legislative agenda.
Cuellar had to leave the conference call towards the end to work on coronavirus legislation. The multi-billion dollar bill has emergency provisions that include paid sick leave, widespread free testing, food aid and unemployment insurance.
In the conference call, Rivas said he opposed closing the U.S.-Mexico border. Rep. Cuellar said President Trump often blames Mexico and noted there are very few reported cases in that country.
“There is no need to panic,” said Mayor Saenz.
The above podcast features those parts of the conference call that dealt with the coronavirus.
HARLINGEN, Texas - In an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, UTRGV President Bailey said the early college high school being developed by the university and HCISD is unique.
“When you think of an early college high school, this is how it should be done. Our students will graduate as juniors in high school, everything they take will not only count as college credit, it will count toward their degree. That is a key distinction you need to make,” Bailey said.
“Almost every college course, you can get credit for it. Will it count towards your degree? We are committed to that. That is so important in helping students graduate in a timely manner and keeping their debt low.”
HCISD Superintendent Art Cavazos agreed with Bailey’s viewpoint that the school district’s partnership with UTRGV was unprecedented.
“What is unique about this partnership is we are back-mapping baccalaureate degrees into the high schools. So the students are actually starting as early as 9th grade, beginning to get student experiences, summer experiences, to prepare them in the soft skills needed to persist in a baccalaureate degree,” Cavazos said.
“We are super excited because kids will be able to start their baccalaureate pathways as early as 10th and 11th grade.”
This podcast features interviews with UT-Rio Grande Valley President Guy Bailey, Harlingen CISD Superintendent Art Cavazos, and Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell.
HARLINGEN, Texas - Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell says his city now has its first general education university campus, thanks to a unique partnership between the local school district and UTRGV.
Harlingen CISD and UT-Rio Grande Valley are developing an early college high school where students will take courses that go towards a university degree.
On behalf of the City of Harlingen, Boswell signed an agreement with UTRGV and HCISD to donate seven acres of land for the project. The market value of the land is around a million dollars, Boswell said.
“It is absolutely fair to say we have a university, UTRGV in Harlingen. It is significant,” Boswell told the Rio Grande Guardian. “It is not just an early college campus. It is a general education campus of UTRGV. For the first time we have a dedicated UTRGV general campus. It is a university presence that we have never really had before.”
Boswell was one of three VIPs to speak at the tri-agency signing ceremony. Another was UT System Regent Nolan Perez, a physician from Harlingen.
In his remarks, Perez said something special is happening in Harlingen and it is being noticed around the state of Texas. Boswell said he liked what Perez had to say.
“I agree with him. Something special is happening the city of Harlingen. In particular we have formed some really great partnerships with the school district and also with UTRGV.
Boswell said broad community support is important for both public education and higher education.
“If we are not engaged and trying to grease that wheel, I think we miss out on opportunities. So, we have been very proactive in trying to see more development with UTRGV. But also to strengthen our partnership with our public schools.”
Asked what the new early college campus means for the young people in his community, Boswell said:
“For the residents of our community to get on public transportation, to come to this campus, do their first and second year of college before they get out of high school and then continue and complete a university degree right here in the same place without every having to leave the city limits of Harlingen, it is a great opportunity.”
Boswell said the fact that UTRGV is offering tuition free programs for families earning less than $70,000 a year will make the new campus even more special.
“It just provides so much more access to higher education and strengthening our workforce and getting a more educated workforce in our community so it is just very positive for everyone involved.”
This podcast features the remarks made Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell, UT-Rio Grande Valley President Guy Bailey, and UT System Regent Nolan Perez from the podium.
LAREDO, Texas - The Mid Rio Grande Border Area Health Education Center recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with a gala at the IBC Bank Annex in Laredo.
AHEC was established in 1993 by a group of Laredo community leaders and the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
The aim was to help address the growing need for health care professionals and academic resources in the region.
AHEC is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization with a mission of AHEC is to enhance the quality of life in communities by:
•Increasing the number of health care workers in the region
•Enhancing academic resources and support to health care providers
•Fostering a healthy lifestyle through community education programs.
Programs are offered to every individual in the counties of Webb, Zapata, Jim Hogg, LaSalle, Dimmit and Duval counties.
Programs include accredited continuing education conferences/workshops for practicing professionals; pipeline programs for elementary to college level students to spark an interest in a higher education and health careers; and health education and information for the community at large to help each one make informed decisions.
“These last 25 years have been remarkable and prosperous for over 100,000 individuals who have received services through the AHEC menu of programs,” said Julie Bazan, executive director of AHEC.
The AHEC Hero award was presented to Ike Epstein and the Sisters of Mercy. Sister Rosemary Welsh and Sister Maria Luisa Vera accepted the award on behalf of the group.
The above podcast features some of the speeches from the gala, including state Sen. Judith Zaffirini, AHEC President Mercurio Martinez, and Blas Castañeda, co-chair of the gala fundraising committee and a founding member of the organization.
LOS FRESNOS, Texas - Los Fresnos city leaders say they are preparing for thousands of new jobs at the Port of Brownsville.
The leaders held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, March 4, for the new Industrial Trades Center. Port of Brownsville Chairman John Reed was in attendance.
Previously, the center was an old fire station. However, with a $44,000 “High Demand Occupation” grant from Texas Workforce Commission, coupled with matching local funds, the center has been converted to an education building and fitted with industrial equipment.
In the day, the Industrial Trades Center will be used by high school students from the Los Fresnos. In the evening, adults can come in and learning trades such as welding and carpentry.
Among those to speak at the ribbon-cutting event were Julian Alvarez, of the Texas Workforce Commission, Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, and state Rep. Alex Dominguez.
The attached podcast features the speeches made at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
LOS FRESNOS, Texas - Los Fresnos city leaders say they are preparing for thousands of new jobs at the Port of Brownsville.
The leaders held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, March 4, for the new Industrial Trades Center. Port of Brownsville Chairman John Reed was in attendance.
Previously, the center was an old fire station. However, with a $44,000 “High Demand Occupation” grant from Texas Workforce Commission, coupled with matching local funds, the center has been converted to an education building and fitted with industrial equipment.
In the day, the Industrial Trades Center will be used by high school students from the Los Fresnos. In the evening, adults can come in and learning trades such as welding and carpentry.
Among those to speak at the ribbon-cutting event were Julian Alvarez, of the Texas Workforce Commission, Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, and state Rep. Alex Dominguez.
After the event, the Rio Grande Guardian interviewed Alvarez, Pat Hobbs, executive director of Workforce Solutions Cameron, Los Fresnos Mayor Polo Nevarez, and Rita Hernandez, executive director of CCEI, a nonprofit otherwise known as Cameron County Education Initiative.
The above podcast features those four interviews.
LAREDO, Texas - The Area Health Education Center (AHEC) of the Mid Rio Grande Border Area is now in its 25th year.
The nonprofit and is supporters are hosting a gala in Laredo on Thursday evening to celebrate.
The event is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. at IBC Bank’s Annex Ballroom located at 2418 Jacaman Road, Laredo, Texas.
AHEC is an outreach program under UT Health San Antonio and its mission is to enhance the quality of life in the communities it covers by increasing the number of well-trained health care workers; enhancing academic resources; and fostering a healthy lifestyle though community education programs.
Blas Castañeda is a founding member of AHEC and chairman of the gala committee. He said AHEC benefits the communities it serves through various educational programs. “Families, leaders, health care providers and over 100,000 students of all grade levels have received services through AHEC multiple programs,” he said.
Castañeda added: “AHEC has been making long strides through their efforts to inspire the youth to stay focused on an education and to become productive citizens and serve as role models for their peers. As a founding Board member and a leader in the community, I have a commitment to AHEC and our youth and that is to make sure we prepare for the next 25 years of outstanding service to the community.”
This podcast features an exclusive interview with Castañeda.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation is seeking to partner with for-profit and non-profit organizations or corporations that seek creative approaches to advance economic prosperity in the city.
The Type B Economic Development Corporation has started its 2020 Economic Impact Grant Program.
“We’re looking to assist with transformational projects that enhance the quality of life for our residents while also enhancing the economic well-being of the community,” said Cori Peña, director of community development at BCIC.
“We are looking for those special public-private projects that can present unconventional approaches to problems, be pivotal in the redevelopment of our Historic Downtown, increase recreational tourism, or help spur small business development all while increasing sales tax revenue and fostering investment opportunities.”
Josh Mejia, executive director of BCIC, said the Economic Impact Grant will ultimately replace the previously known BCIC “Capital Projects Grant.”
Through this opportunity, he said, the BCIC will partner with organizations by supplementing up to $400,000 towards projects or initiatives that will enhance the economic well-being of the community, promote sustainable business development and employment opportunities, and attract public/private investments.
“We want to be smart about the growth of our City,” Mejia said. “We have been working in collaboration with the City of Brownsville on where our future growth and sustainability needs should be, and we welcome projects that meet our requirements in a way that promotes economic development opportunities.”
Mejia spoke about the 2020 Economic Impact Grant Program at a recent economic development information forum hosted at by the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce and held at the Brownsville Event Center.
Mejia said BCIC strives to fund endeavors that are distinctive and novel in their approach and encourages organizations to develop projects that have the potential for transformative impact to the community.
He said the the process includes a two-step application, which requires applicants to schedule a mandatory preliminary meeting before beginning the full application process.
At the chamber event Mejia also spoke about eBridge, a 36,000 square foot building that will house programs by BCIC and other organizations, including UT-Rio Grande Valley, to help entrepreneurs develop their businesses. It will include an incubator for startups. The Economic Development Administration believed in the project so much it awarded a $900,000 grant.
“We want to create a community, a culture for entrepreneurs,” Mejia said.
Mejia’s remarks at the chamber event are contained within this podcast.
SAN BENITO, Texas - The Rio Grande Guardian recently had a wide-ranging interview with San Benito City Manager Manny De La Rosa.
Among the topics discussed were plans to develop a cultural district for the city. This is a top issue for De La Rosa because San Benito is noted for its musical heritage and has a number of museums and cultural landmarks.
"I would like to see the cultural district established in the next two years," De La Rosa said.
Other topics discussed included plans for a new sports facility, alongside a convention center and hotel.
The interview also included a discussion on ways to increase the number of eco-tourists that visit San Benito by highlighting the city’s unique resaca system and developing more nature trails.
"Our resacas are a hidden gem for us. If you are local, you know it," De La Rosa said.
Economic development was also discussed, including development of Los Indios bridge to capitalize on an expected expansion of international trade once USMCA kicks in.
PHARR, Texas - Vanguard Academy has been awarded T-STEM designation by the Texas Education Agency.
This will intrigue many because the open-enrollment charter school, which has seven campuses in the cities of Pharr, Alamo, and Edinburg, is primarily known as a fine arts institution.
In the above podcast, Dr. Narciso Garcia, superintendent of Vanguard, explains why he sought a T-STEM (Texas Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Academy designation.
“A couple of years ago we were designated as an early college. This provided huge opportunities to our students, allowing them to graduate with an associate degree or a certification through South Texas College. South Texas College is such a great partner with Vanguard Academy. We would not be where we are without South Texas College,” Garcia said.
“Last year there was a grant that became available, a T-STEM grant. We wanted to apply so we could give even more support to our early college students in the areas of STEM. So, a cohort of students become T-STEM students.”
In addition to the designation, TEA gave $50,000 to train Vanguard’s staff. “So, in June, some of our teachers to visit three schools in San Diego known as High Tech High. It is one of the best high schools in the nation.”
Garcia said that when he visited with TEA officials they made it clear that they wanted to do things differently than before. “They said they want it to be K-Thru-12, which is phenomenal.”
Vanguard Academy has almost 5,000 students. Of these, around 1,200 are in high school. The charter school will soon be celebrating its 20th Anniversary.
TEA defines T-STEM academies as “rigorous secondary schools focusing on improving instruction and academic performance in science and mathematics-related subjects and increasing the number of students who study and enter STEM careers.”
T-STEM academies:
- Provide dual credit at no cost to students
- Offer rigorous instruction and accelerated courses
- Provide academic and social support services to help students succeed
- Increase college readiness
- Reduce barriers to college access
- Align to regional workforce needs for ICIA, P-TECH, and T-STEM models
TEA says campuses awarded T-STEM designation are provided technical assistance and professional development to ensure implementation of a T-STEM blueprint with fidelity.
MCALLEN, Texas - Dan Porterfield, the president and CEO of the Aspen Institute, made his first trip to the Rio Grande Valley recently, giving the keynote speech at the region’s premier education awards event.
Porterfield spoke at the 2nd Annual Teach For America-RGV Honor Roll Gala, which was held at the McAllen Convention Center.
“It is an incredible honor for me to be here, my very first trip to this part of the country, to be at the epicenter of emerging excellence in education. There is so much happening right here,” Porterfield said. The audience, mostly comprising educators, applauded these remarks.
In stating that the Valley is home to emerging excellence in education, Porterfield may have been alluding to last year’s news that every school district in the region received an “A” or “B” in statewide rankings.
Porterfield also praised Teach For America.
“I believe in Teach For America because it knows the every child can learn and grow the greatness inside of them. I believe in Teach For America because it believes that every child has a legal right, a civil right and a human right to a high quality education,” Porterfield said, again to a round of applause.
“I believe in Teach For American because it has a can-do faith in its teachers, and schools and is fanatical about getting results. I believe in Teach For America because it calls itself to address not just the consequences of educational injustice but the causes of that injustice. And I believe in Teach For America because so many of its alums, many here tonight, have wrapped their brains around the ideal of educational excellence and never, ever, let it go. The is so important for our society.”
Porterfield also said he believed in the nonprofit because it “reminds us that everyone can make a difference and all of us should try.”
He added: “And I believe in Teach For America because it works in partnership with the communities, in service, not as if from above, and playing a long game, region after region after region, all around the country.”
The Honor Roll Gala served as Teach For America-RGV’s only fundraiser of the year. The aim was to raise $150,000. The process will allow the group to grow its teaching and leadership force.
Trumpeter Paul Merkelo has a new record out on the Sony Classical label titled The Enlightened Trumpet.
The album includes recitals of concertos by Haydn, Hummel, Telemann, and Mozart.
He is joined on the album by Oxford Philharmonic.
Recently, Merkelo spoke with the Rio Grande Guardian about the new recording. The interview can be heard on the attached podcast.
Merkelo has been Principal trumpet for the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal since 1995. He has held the same positions with the Rochester Philharmonic and New Orleans Symphony. He gained early orchestral experience as an extra with the New York Philharmonic and Pittsburgh Symphony. Merkelo is on the music faculty at McGill University.
Merkelo has been hailed as ‘the new Maurice André’ by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The Montreal Gazette called him “a spectacular soloist... a most impressive master of his instrument.” Gramaphone magazine said he has “unusual lyrical gifts.”
He was the first member of OSM to be invited to record a debut solo album with the orchestra (French Trumpet Concertos - Kent Nagano).
SAN BENITO, TEXAS - While the U.S. Census Bureau lists the population of San Benito, Texas, at around 24,500, local leaders believe the real figure is closer to 40,000.
They believe the Census Bureau undercounted the city’s residents by a large margin in 2010 and are determined this does not happen again in 2020.
“The census is very important to us. We have decided to be very proactive. We believe we were undercounted and we do not want that to happen again,” said San Benito City Manager Manny De La Rosa.
“So, we have partnered with the school district, with the housing authority, with LUPE, to ensure everybody knows about the census. We are holding block parties, community groups are meeting regularly, we are meeting with the county and with various stakeholders. We are getting the word out.”
De La Rosa gave his comments during an exclusive livestream interview with the Rio Grande Guardian last week. The attached podcast is based upon that livestream.
San Benito was just about the only city in the Rio Grande Valley that did not show a significant increase in population after the 2010 census was taken. According to the Census Bureau, its population in 2000 was 24,055. The same agency said its population in 2010 was 24,250, an increase over the decade of just 0.81 percent.
This “standing still” statistic contrasts sharply with neighboring communities. Between 2000 and 2010, Brownsville’s population grew 22.45 percent, according to the Census Bureau. The same agency reported that Harlingen’s population grew 6.69 percent over the same period. Los Fresnos’ population grew 22.8 percent between 2000 and 2010 and La Feria’s grew by 6.47 percent over the same period.
EDINBURG, Texas - Just as it did throughout 2019, the Rio Grande Valley outperformed the state of Texas for sales tax revenues during the current reporting period.
The data on sales taxes is collated by the Texas Comptroller’s Office. The most recent report, for January 2020, covers sales tax revenues for November 2019.
“Last year, the Valley outperformed the growth rate of the state by a two to one margin. The state grew by roughly four percent. Our growth rate in the region bounced around seven and eight percent. We had a really good performance,” said Matt Ruszczak, executive director of Rio South Texas Economic Council.
Each month, Ruszczak analyzes the sales tax revenue figures for the RSTEC board of directors, the Rio Grande Guardian and 710 News Talk KURV.
“Now we are looking at the January report, which reflects November’s sales and we see the same trends as 2019,” Ruszczak said.
“If you look at the State of Texas’ number for the month of November, the growth was 3.86 percent, compared to the same month in 2018. A good, strong number when you consider inflation fluctuates around two percent. When you are growing at four percent you have good, healthy, growth. If you look at the Valley number over the four counties combined, our growth rate was 7.74 percent, compared to the same month in 2018.”
Ruszczak said this represented “a good, good, strong number for the Valley.”
Editor's Note: A full report on the latest sales tax revenue figures for the Rio Grande Valley can be found in the Rio Grande Guardian.
MCALLEN, Texas - Dan Porterfield, the president and CEO of the Aspen Institute, will give the keynote speech at Teach For America-RGV’s Honor Roll Gala.
The gala takes place at the McAllen Convention Center on Friday, Feb. 7, 2020, starting at 6:30 p.m. It will be Porterfield’s first visit to the Rio Grande Valley. Click here to purchase a ticket.
Teach For America-RGV, a nonprofit that has been in the Valley for 29 years, is hoping to $150,000 from the gala. The proceeds will allow the group to grow its teaching and leadership force.
“We invite you to invest in the recruitment, training, and support of motivated leaders who will take up the torch and continue to lead education in our region to new heights,” said Teach For America-RGV’s managing director, Jon Stevens.
Although this is only Teach For America-RGV’s second annual awards gala, Stevens believes it is fast becoming the Valley’s main education awards show.
Stevens sat down for an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardianin advance of the gala. In the attached podcast he discusses the history of Teach For America in the Rio Grande Valley and what its mission statement is. He also previews the gala and announces the two individuals and one education institution that will be honored at the event. He also expresses his delight that Porterfield will be giving the keynote address at the gala.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - A groundbreaking was held recently for the Battlefield Trail Extension, which adds 1.8 miles to City of Brownsville’s Historic Battlefield Trail.
Among those attending the ceremony were representatives from, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, the City of Brownsville, the National Park Service, the UT School of Public Health, the City Harlingen, the City of Port Isabel, the City of South Padre Island, the City of Los Fresnos, the City of San Benito and the Town of Rancho Viejo.
It is the first phase in a plan to connect Brownsville with Los Fresnos by trail and is a project intended to increase access to public lands in the region. The extension to the trail ties in with Challenge-RGV, a county-wide effort to inspire healthy eating and active living among residents.
The Battlefield Trail Extension was funded with a $2 million grant from the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation (Legacy Foundation) to jumpstart Cameron County’s efforts to create new opportunities for physical activity and active transportation in a part of the country facing significant rates of chronic disease and poverty.
It is the first of six Caracara Trails catalyst projects that are intended to accelerate development of the 428-mile trail network, which is poised to deliver significant health and economic benefits to the region.
For example, the development of the trail network is expected to generate a 22 percent increase in physical activity to Cameron County residents and an annual health care cost savings of as much as $12.3 million. Construction of the trail network alone is expected to deliver a total economic impact of more than $173 million.
“As we break ground on the Battlefield Trail Extension, we’re marking a turning point for the health, wellness and economic potential of our region,” said Rose M.Z. Gowen, M.D., Brownsville city commissioner and a board member of RTC.
“The Caracara Trails vision is already bringing new investment to Cameron County in the form of federal and private grants. Already, you can see families and friends out on the trails, having fun while building new routines in their lives around physical activity.”
Soon, Gowen said, a trail will connect Brownsville to Los Fresnos, with the new extension part of the project.
“Our trail network vision and all that it can deliver for the health and economic growth of our region is being realized with each investment, each mile of trail built and each person who gets out for a walk, a run or a ride.”
The above podcast features all the speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony.
EDINBURG, Texas - There is a trend among hospital groups to introduce smaller facilities such as micro hospitals, stand alone emergency rooms, and urgent care centers.
DHR Health is putting its emphasis on urgent care centers, making the case that they are more affordable. They have so far opened such centers in Edinburg and McAllen and are slated to open a new one in Mission in mid-February.
In the attached podcast, Dr. Carlos Cardenas, chairman and co-founder of DHR Health, and Dr. Cruz Alberto Bernal, a family medicine physician at DHR, make the case for urgent care centers.
“I don’t really want patients to come to my hospital for primary care,” Dr. Cardenas said. “If they can achieve their goal of maintaining health or preventing a health issue and we can make that happen at times when they cannot see their primary care physician, or if they don’t have a primary care physician, the access should be through an urgent care center.”
Cardenas argued that urgent care facilities are more affordable and provide the services that are needed in an accessible way.
Asked about free-sanding emergency departments, Cardenas said: “I call it expensive care, not urgent care. Urgent care is accessible and affordable, free standing emergency care is expensive care for the same heath care delivery.”
Dr. Bernal said: “About two-thirds of the ER visits in the U.S. could be treated in an urgent care facility.”
MISSION, RGV - Congressman Henry Cuellar held a news conference with VIPs from Tamaulipas and South Texas during the Mission Citrus Parade festivities.
Among the dignitaries present were Mission Mayor Armando O’Caña, Rio Grande City Mayor Joel Villarreal, Reynosa Mayor Maki Esther Ortiz Domínguez, and South Texas College dean of business Mario Reyna.
The discussion centered on U.S.-Mexico, increased funding for the North American Development Bank, regional partnerships and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
The event was held at La Fogata restaurant in Mission.
The above podcast features the news conference, most of which was conducted in Spanish.
MCALLEN, Texas - Duncan Wood, director of the Woodrow Wilson Center's Mexico Institute, recently spoke in McAllen, Brownsville, Laredo and San Antonio.
The subject was the policies of Andrés Manuel López Obrador, one year into his presidency of Mexico.
The Woodrow Wilson Center, chartered by Congress in 1968, is the nation’s key non-partisan policy forum for tackling global issues through independent research and open dialogue to inform actionable ideas for the policy community.
Wood is an internationally renowned specialist on North American politics, Mexico and U.S.-Mexican ties who lectures and publishes on hemispheric issues and relationships. He regularly testifies to the U.S. Congress on U.S.-Mexico relations and is a widely quoted source on Mexican politics.
An authority on energy policy, international banking regulation and corruption, he is currently co-chair of the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Transparency and Anti-Corruption, and is a member of the editorial board of Foreign Affairs Latinoamerica.
The above podcast features Wood’s remarks at the McAllen event, which was hosted by IBC Bank and the Rio Grande Valley Partnership. It took place at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. Wood was introduced by Adrian Villarreal, president of IBC Bank-McAllen.
MISSION, Texas - Congressman Henry Cuellar recently held a news conference at the Center for Education & Economic Development in Mission to discuss a range of subjects including border security and immigration.
The Laredo Democrat referenced congressional action on the border wall, NAFTA, the North American Development Bank, stopping illegal firearms from being sent into Mexico, fever ticks, Census 2020, and education funding.
“It is unfortunate that the President is attempting to unconstitutionally reprogram $7.2 billion in federal funding to build a border wall,” Cuellar said.
Under the Trump Administration’s plans, Cuellar said, “$3.7 million would be drawn from military construction projects and $3.5 million would be drawn from military efforts to combat drug smuggling.”
These funds were properly appropriated by Congress, Cuellar said, and specifically from one of the committees he sits on.
“Reprogramming these funds without the Appropriation Committee’s explicit authorization is unconstitutional,” Cuellar said.
Cuellar said that as a vice-chair, he was able to secure prohibitions on the use of funding to construct fencing within these parts of his district:
- Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge
- Bentsen-rio Grande Valley State Park
- La Lomita Historical Park
- National Butterfly Center
- Vista Del Mar Ranch tract of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge
- Historical Cemeteries
“I also secured mandates in the bill that require: a) consultation with local jurisdictions; and designs which mitigate community or environmental impacts,” Cuellar said.
The lawmaker said House appropriators had secured language prohibiting any new Southwest Border Wall construction in FOUR separate House-passed funding bills: energy and water; military construction and veterans affairs; defense, and homeland security.
“In conference with the Senate, the Homeland prohibitions were removed to fund a 14th Century border security solution to the detriment of critical military, health, and education programs,” Cuellar said. “My NO VOTE was intended to send the bill back to conference committee lawmakers, so they could negotiate in earnest to profit any funding for a wasteful border wall.”
MISSION, RGBV - Killam Development wants the general public to participate in the designing of a 3,400-acre master-planned community on the Shary Plantation in Mission and McAllen.
The Laredo-based group recently held a week of public workshops to secure the public’s input. Utilizing a hands-on design format, people of all ages helped make decisions about quality of life issues such as walking and biking trails, park space, access to entertainment and more.
The workshops and focus groups were led by consultants from Able City and Dover, Kohl & Partners, a group of professional architects, designers, land planners and artists.
This podcast features the last session of the public workshops, with Jason King, a principal and vice president at Dover, Kohl & Partners, unveiling details of what the general public has requested.
Killam Development is a private, family-owned business that has operated in South Texas for more than 100 years. In 2019 it acquired approximately 3,400 acres in Mission and McAllen that will be the site of a large master planned development with places for people of all generations to live, work and play. It will also include opportunity for commercial industrial development near the Anzalduas International Bridge.
For more information, visit https://imaginergv.com/.
HARLINGEN, RGV - Texas oil and gas companies are committed to reducing emissions and helping to improve the world’s climate.
That is the view of Todd Staples. The president of the Texas Oil & Gas Association held a conference call with reporters on Tuesday to announce that the industry paid a record amount in local taxes and state royalties in 2019.
“I think Texas is at risk if we don’t have a very real, factual-based, conversation about our climate; about our environment and about the progress that needs to be made,” Staples said.
“I think Texas-based oil and natural gas companies are committed to making climate progress. They are committed to a lower emissions future. They are leading the way in investment and technology.”
Noting that Texas is a global energy leader, Staples said members of his organization are “champions” when it comes to carbon capture and sequestration, arguing that they have established lead detection and repair protocols that they are sharing with other companies.
“Our companies have invested heavily in improved sensors and monitoring overall. We know that refining technologies have made our fuels more than 99 percent cleaner than they were just a few decades ago. We are extremely proud of the environmental progress.”
Editor's Note: This podcast features the Q&A Staples held with reporters on Jan. 14, 2020, including new data on the amount of sales taxes and royalty payments Texas oil and gas companies pay to state and local governments.
BROWNSVILLE, RGV - The outgoing chairman of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership says 2019 was an outstanding one for the group as it continued its advocacy for the region and the local business community.
Lee Reed gave a presentation on the major projects of the RGVP over the past 12 months at a Christmas Party held at IBC Bank’s offices in Brownsville.
RGVP is the regional chamber of the commerce for the Rio Grande Valley.
In his presentation, Reed started with the Valley Legislators Tour, a three-day event which sees visiting state lawmakers visit the region. The event is held every other year, soon after the biennial legislative session gets underway.
“It was the most successful ever with over 35 state legislators and three senators,” Reed said. “We brought them down here to educate them about the Valley and the needs of the Valley.”
Some legislators that could not make the tour sent their chiefs of staff. Reed said 25 chiefs of staff were on the tour. He thanked the sponsors for making it happen.
“It takes a lot of money to pay for the airline tickets, the hotel, coordinating all the travel, food, everything, to showcase the Valley,” Reed said. “Having them come down here is very beneficial to making things happen here in the Rio Grande Valley.”
In this podcast we hear from Lee Reed at the Rio Grande Valley Partnership's Christmas Party. He lists numerous projects the RGVP was involved in 2019.
PHARR, RGV – The business community of the Rio Grande Valley has been praised for the key role it played in persuading the Texas legislature to pump more money into public education.
State lawmakers invested an additional $6.5 billion into public education during the 2019 legislative session, with Hidalgo County receiving an additional $90 million over the next biennium and Cameron County receiving just shy of this amount.
“For sure,” said Jennifer Esterline, executive director of the Texas Education Grantmakers Advocacy Consortium, when asked if the Valley business community frequently went to Austin to support meaningful school finance reform.
“And they did not do it just in Austin. They did it in their own communities. The fact that the business community was writing op-eds, speaking out in press conferences about the importance of meaningful reform was absolutely critical.”
In this podcast we hear from Esterline and Sagar Desai, managing director of The Commit! Partnership.
HARLINGEN, RGV – Rose and Richard Loya produced rock ’n’ roll shows for RGV Public Radio 88 FM for a number of years.
When the Diocese of Brownsville sold the station earlier this year, their shows, along with other locally produced programming, was lost to the airwaves.
As a treat for the holiday season, the Loyas have kindly allowed the Rio Grande Guardian to run a couple of their Christmas shows.
The above podcast features the second of these shows.
Rose Loya joined the team at KMBH a few years ago as a volunteer with JukeBox Memories, which featured rock ’n’ roll music from the 1950’s and 1960’s. It was a very popular program.
Rose Loya was born in Corpus Christi but grew up in Harlingen, attending school in Harlingen also. She was recruited by Richard Loya to fill a void on 88FM with JukeBox Memories, and gained a strong following.
Richard Loya had a short stint with KMBH in 2007 and produced several radio shows through the years on his own. He was the producer of the Rock ’n’ Roll show and JukeBox Memories.
We hope you enjoy the festive music.
MCALLEN, RGV - The directors, staff and supporters of El Milagro Clinic recently celebrated the nonprofit’s 23rd anniversary, an event where its founder, Ron Tupper, was named chairman emeritus.
The clinic, located on Vermont Avenue in south McAllen, caters for the economically disadvantaged and uninsured.
At the event, board chairman Roberto M. Garcia said additional services are planned.
"We want to expand the services Ron started years ago, to cover other areas of need for those that are uninsured or can’t pay for services,” Garcia said.
Also at the event, Dr. Robert Gonzalez, El Milagro’s medical director, pointed out that the clinic fell on hard times a few years ago. However, it has fully recovered and now boasts a staff of 30 professionals and a budget of more than $1.3 million.
“I have been here 17 years and in those 17 years I have seen the clinic go through a transformation. It has had its ups and downs. I do not know if any of you really know how close this clinic came to shutting down a coupe of years ago,” Gonzalez said.
“Things looked bleak but, thank God, the employees persevered, the people that wanted to keep this clinic open and available to the people that need medial care (made sure it did). I would like to thank Mr. Ron Tupper, the board members, the previous board members, for all their time and effort in helping shape what this clinic is today.”
El Milagro currently serves approximately 15,000 patients.
MCALLEN, RGV - The Fundación de Reynosa Asociacion de Maquiladoras y Manufactureras and INDEX Reynosa have donated the net proceeds of their 2019 Golf Tournament to five local charities.
Checks totaling $63,900 were presented at the annual posada held at the Cambria Hotel in McAllen last week.
The charities are:
· Children’s Haven International· Rio Bravo Ministries· Miradas de Esperanza· Banco de Alimentos - Reynosa· Dare to Care - DHR Health
The emcee for the event was Mike Myers, plant manager of Metal Industries in Reynosa and chairman of Fundación RAMMAC. Myers said he encourages those who participate in the golf tournament to visit the charities in Reynosa.
Enrique Castro, president of INDEX Reynosa also gave remarks. INDEX Reynosa is the trade association for maquiladoras in Reynosa. Castro said he believes there is great potential for Fundación RAMMAC and INDEX Reynosa to raise even more money for good causes.
The above podcast is a recording of the posada, with commentary from Myers, Castro and representatives from the local charities.
MCALLEN, RGV - Taxable retail sales were up seven percent in the Rio Grande Valley over the past year, says the executive director of Rio South Texas Economic Council.
Based on statistics provide by the Texas Comptroller’s Office, Matt Ruszczak crunches the numbers to see how well the region is doing compared to the other parts of Texas. He says the Valley did very well, as compared to Texas as a whole.
“Texas was up 4.71 percent. Nice strong growth,” Ruszczak said. “But the Valley’s growth was seven percent, year over year. Not only is that significantly stronger than that of the state as a whole, and a really good growth rate, in and of itself, it is also the second year in a row that we are in that seven percent range.”
Looking at the numbers county by county, Ruszczak reports that between Nov. 1, 2018 and October 31, 2019, Cameron County’s taxable retail sales were up 4.15 percent. Willacy County’s taxable retail sales were up 2.28 percent. Hidalgo County’s taxable retail sales were up 8.39 percent. And Starr County’s taxable retail sales were up 8.07 percent.
Of the 44 taxing communities in the Valley, 42 were up year over year. “That is a great statistic,” Ruszczak said. The two communities to show a dip in sales tax revenues were Progreso Lakes, down 2.4 percent, and Raymondville, down 2.09 percent.
The above podcast provides a lot more analysis of the taxable retail sales for the Rio Grande Valley for the year between Nov. 1, 2018, and Oct. 31, 2019.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar held a conference call with reporters last week to discuss USMCA.
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement is the successor trade pact to the North American Free Trade Agreement. Cuellar calls it NAFTA 2.0.
Cuellar argues that USMCA is 95 percent the same as NAFTA but says the five percent that is different is important.
In the conference call, Cuellar also discusses language he helped add to USMCA that provides more funding for the North American Development Bank.
MISSION, RGV - Laredo-based Killam Development has acquired approximately 3,400 acres in Mission and McAllen from Hunt Valley Development.
According to Killam, the property will be the site of a “large master planned development that will include places for people of all generations to live, work and play. It will include walkable neighborhoods, walking trails and park space, connections to entertainment and commercial districts and education centers.”
The purchase also includes opportunity for commercial industrial development near the Anzalduas International Bridge.
The public and community stakeholders will be asked what they want to see included in the development beginning with a series of public workshops in January.
In the above podcast, Rio Grande Guardian editor Steve Taylor interviews Cliffe Killam, a partner at Killam Development, Daniel Silva, executive director of Mission Economic Development Corporation, and Mission Mayor Armando O’Caña.
We also hear from Mario A. Peña, of Able City, the company that will be conducting the public workshops for Killam.
Cliffe Killam said: “We want this to be a special place that people are proud of and excited about because they helped build it. This will be a hands-on design process. We will turn citizen-inspired ideas into a comprehensive vision that becomes reality, resulting in something bigger and better because we did it together.”
Construction could begin early next year, with home sales anticipated by the fall of 2020.
WESLACO, RGV - Ray Perryman says Congress should put politics aside and pass comprehensive immigration reform.
The Texas-based economist was keynote speaker at a Weslaco 100 luncheon recently. The luncheon was one of a series of events held to celebrate the City of Weslaco’s 100th anniversary.
In his remarks, Perryman spoke about the economic conditions of Weslaco, the Rio Grande Valley, Texas and the United States. He also spoke about international trade and the imposition of tariffs on imported goods.
Noting that one in six dollars-worth of U.S. exports originates in the Lone Star State, Perryman said: "When you mess with trade, you are messing with Texas."
The award-winning economist also made a strong plea for comprehensive immigration reform, arguing that more immigrants are needed to grow the nation's labor pool.
“Twelve million people work in Texas, 1.2 million are undocumented. There are less than 500,000 unemployed people in Texas. Some people say, all they are doing is taking jobs from Americans. Are you kidding with me? We would be 700,000 workers short if we did not have that workforce tomorrow,” Perryman said.
Perryman said he also wanted to get on his “soap box” to talk about education.
The luncheon was held at Knapp Conference Center in Weslaco.
The above podcast focuses on Perryman’s speech.
WESLACO, RGV - Gaps in access to secondary healthcare in the Rio Grande Valley will be the focus at RGV Equal Voice Network’s Rio Grande Valley Health Summit.
The summit takes place at Knapp Conference Center in Weslaco on Dec. 12.
To prepare for the summit, the RGV Equal Voice Network’s health working group conducted a survey of Federally Qualified Health Centers and other safety net clinics in the Valley. These surveys interacted with 603 patients. The group also conducted 13 focus groups throughout the Valley, conducted in English and Spanish. The information collected forms the basis of a White Paper that will be presented at the summit.
The Federally Qualified Health Centers and other safety net clinics in the Valley reported:
- There was general agreement that a lack of of secondary care present a significant challenge to patients;
- One respondent reported that 25-30 percent of the patients were estimated to stop medical care due to the patient ceasing to pursue secondary care. Another clinic reported 60-70 percent of their patients making the same choice;
- One responded reported that put 15,000 referrals in the first quarter of 2018, an estimated 80-90 percent of those appointments were cancelled due to the patients’ lack of funds or inability to access funds to begin the specialty care procedure or care;
- Another respondent found that 45 percent of its patients were unable to access secondary care in 2017. The lack of coordinated partnership or collaboration between the safety net clinics and the hospitals, specialists, and medical school was reference by respondents as a cause of lack of access
“We are very confident in the reliability of this sample of data that was collected through both the surveys and through the focus groups,” said Salomon Torres, a member of the RGV Equal Voice Network’s health working group.
The White Paper found that there is a "dearth of resources for our medically underserved population to access secondary care recommended by primary care."
Ann Cass, chair of the RGV Equal Voice Network’s health working group, said the data shows that the very low and low income population and the working poor are not accessing secondary care because they do not have the funds. She pointed out that Hidalgo County alone has 300,000 people without health insurance.
“We know that they have been having BBQs in order to pay for cancer treatments. People are dying because they cannot get into the specialty care that they need,” Cass said. “That is what we heard and that is what we verified.”
Cass added: “The White Paper is going to be showing a lot of recommendations that we can make to get rid of those gaps.”
The above podcast features the analysis of Cass and Torres.
EDINBURG, RGV - The chairman of the Texas House Committee on Transportation says cities in the Rio Grande Valley should form a coalition to ensure their voices are heard as a new border transportation masterplan is being developed.
State Rep. Terry Canales of Edinburg made the suggestion during a wide-ranging interview with the Rio Grande Guardian.
TxDOT, in collaboration and partnership with the Border Trade Advisory Committee, is working with U.S. and Mexican agencies and stakeholders to develop the Border Transportation Master Plan (BTMP).
The master plan will identify the cross-border challenges of moving people and goods and will include analysis of existing transportation systems--roadway, transit, pedestrian, pipeline, airport, maritime, and rail.
TXDOT is set to hold a meeting about the BTMP at UT-Rio Grande Valley in Brownsville on Monday, Dec. 9.
“The border master plan, when it comes to TxDOT and cities, our cities in the Rio Grande Valley, they need to form a coalition so they are not necessarily voicing their own separate opinion,” Canales told the Rio Grande Guardian, as he made the case for a regional approach.
“TxDOT wants input from all these border cities. I would say we are going to be more powerful together. There is strength in numbers. It is imperative we all get on the same page and we try to approach the border master plan, as far as the Rio Grande Valley goes, as a region.”
Other topics covered in the podcast with Rep. Canales include a second causeway for South Padre Island, high-speed rail, the infrastructure needs of land ports of entry, and the dredging of Texas seaports, including those of Corpus Christi, Brownsville and Port Mansfield.
MCALLEN, RGV - McAllen Economic Development Corporation and the Binational Council of Economic Development of Reynosa (COBIFER) recently took a potential Chinese investor on a tour of Mexican seaports.
The two groups believe there are logistical advantages for companies to use Mexican ports when moving raw materials and goods between the United States and China.
Joaquin Spamer, a Mexican businessman based in the Rio Grande Valley, sells U.S. cotton to Asia. He has dubbed the use of Mexican ports in the Pacific Ocean basin the “Third Coast” approach. Spamer, a member of the McAllen EDC board of directors, was on the recent trip.
The tour included visits to the seaports of Lazaro Cardenas and Manzanillo, which are on the Pacific side of Mexico, and Altamira and Veracruz, which is on the Gulf of Mexico side. s Lazaro Cardenas is the largest Mexican seaport and one of the largest seaports in the Pacific Ocean basin, with an annual traffic capacity of around 25 million tonnes of cargo. Manzanillo handles Pacific Ocean cargo for the Mexico City area.
The tour also included visits to Mexico City, where almost 22 percent of Mexico’s gross domestic product is produced, and Monterrey.
In addition to Spamer, MEDC was represented by Ralph Garcia, who handles business recruitment and expansion for MEDC in Reynosa. Representing COBIFER on the tour was its president, Luis Cantu.
On the tour they met with state government officials, economic development leader, investors, and port terminal chiefs.
The Mexican tour followed a recent visit to China by McAllen and State of Tamaulipas leaders.
“We wanted to showcase the competitive advantages of the Third Coast option,” said Garcia.
The above podcast features an exclusive interview with Garcia about the Mexican tour.
MISSION, RGV - Congressmen Henry Cuellar of Laredo and Vicente Gonzalez were asked at a news conference if Mexican drug cartels should be classified as terrorist organizations.
President Trump recently made this suggestion after a Mormon family from the U.S. was gunned down in Chihuahua, Mexico.
The congressmen were also asked about asylum seekers living in tents in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, and the new United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.
The news conference was called by UT-Rio Grande Valley to discuss federal funds that the two congressmen had secured for the university. It was held at the Center for Education & Economic Development in Mission.
The above podcast focuses on questions asked about U.S. immigration policy, security in Mexico and USMCA.
BROWNSVILLE, RGV - Potential developers were invited to tour Brownsville by bus recently.
Those participating in the "Explore the Possibilities" program had the opportunity to take one of two bus tours. One bus focused on downtown Brownsville. The other focused on the city’s industrial parks and airports.
The event was hosted by the City of Brownsville and the Rio Grande Valley Partnership. Among the entities involved were the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation, the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, Brownsville-South Padre International Airport, and the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce.
The above podcast features conversations and interviews with participants from both buses.
(Editor's Note: This is the second of two podcasts about the Brownsville bus tours.)
BROWNSVILLE, RGV - The City of Brownsville, working with the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, held a “Building Brownsville Developer Event” on Monday, Nov. 18.
Presentations from various Brownsville entities were given to potential investors at the Brownsville Events Center. After a luncheon at the center, attendees had the opportunity to take one of two bus tours. One bus focused on downtown Brownsville. The other focused on the city’s industrial parks and airports.
At the end of the tours, the two parties joined up for a mixer at Las Ramblas in downtown Brownsville.
Sergio Contreras, president of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, emceed the event. The first speaker was Brownsville Mayor Trey Mendez. He then introduced a video titled Brownsville - A 360 Degree View. This was the same video that was played at Mayor Mendez’s recent State of the City address.
The next speaker was Constanza Miner, retail and development manager for the City of Brownsville. Her presentation was titled Open for Business! Something for Everyone in our Historic Past, Redeveloping Present or Near Future.
Next up was Josh Mejia, executive director of the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation, Brownsville’s Type B economic development group. The theme for his speech was innovation.
Esmy Villarreal, president of Brownsville Chamber of Commerce was the next speaker. She spoke about the new initiatives BCC is undertaking.
Next up was Bryant Walker, airport director of Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport. He spoke the expansion current underway at the airport.
Then came Mario Lozoya, executive director of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, Brownsville’s Type A economic development group. Lozoya spoke about the city’s industrial parks.
Closing remarks were made by Helen Ramirez, the City of Brownsville’s deputy city manager.
This podcast features the speeches given by the Brownsville leaders listed above.
MCALLEN, RGV - The Rio Grande Valley Partnership hosted a transportation forum at the Double Tree Suites in McAllen on Friday, Nov. 15, 2109.
The event came about after U.S. Sen. John Cornyn promised Valley leaders that he would bring Texas Transportation Commission Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, Jr., to the region to address flooding issues on I-2.
Cornyn had visited the Valley last month to learn about the Valley’s drainage challenges. At a roundtable discussion in Weslaco, Cornyn learned that when the Valley experiences heavy storms, I-2 gets so badly flooded that it cannot be accessed in parts of the Mid Valley. Valley leaders told Cornyn that this makes a mockery of I-2 being one of the region’s evacuation routes.
True to his word, Cornyn brought Bugg to the Valley. In response, Bugg said the Texas Department of Transportation would own up to its responsibilities “100 percent.”
The transportation forum was significant because the six main speakers also brought up issues such as a second causeway for South Padre Island, the merger of the the Valley’s three metropolitan planning organizations, the impact on the region’s highways should the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement be ratified by Congress, and the potential of liquefied natural gas export terminals at the Port of Brownsville.
The six main speakers were Cornyn, Bugg, RGV MPO Chairman Ambrosio Hernandez, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr., and TXDOT Pharr District Engineer Pete Alvarez. The emcee was RGVP President Sergio Contreras.
The above podcast features the remarks of all six speakers. Click on the link to learn about the additional highway infrastructure investment coming to the Valley as a result of the creation of the RGV MPO.
MCALLEN, RGV - Sales tax revenue collections across the Rio Grande Valley dipped in the most recent reporting period.
However, Matt Ruszczak, who analyzes the figures, says there is no cause for alarm.
The Rio South Texas Economic Council executive director said that when comparisons between the numbers for September 2019 and the numbers for September 2018 are looked at, a caveat should be introduced: September of 2018 was a stellar month that was always going to be hard to replicate.
In the above podcast, Ruszczak also points out that there was one less Saturday in September 2019, as compared to September 2018.
“I would not call it a screeching halt. When we look at the report from September of last year, it was so stellar, stunningly stellar; double-digit growth across most of the communities. And last August was nothing to sneeze at either. It was also a good report,” Ruszczak said.
“Things have not necessarily slowed down. Things have stabilized. If you have stellar performing months, month after month after month, at some point the math will catch up with you because you are always comparing with the prior year.”
The sales tax revenues are collated each month by the Texas Comptroller’s Office. The most recent report looked at the figures for September 2019. Ruszczak analyzes the figures by comparing the percentage increases or decreases with the same month a year ago.
EDINBURG, RGV - Region One Education Service Center says it is one step closer to closing the “digital divide” for students in the region.
That’s because of the approval of a 10-year $6.7 million funding application by the Universal Service Administration Company (USAC) for the ORION project.
ORION (One Regional Interconnected Optical Network) is a regional fiber optic network which provides a fast connection to the internet and a connection to other regional school districts to support classroom initiatives.
Ali Kolahdouz, Region One Chief Technology Officer, said ORION will allow participating members more bandwidth and greater internet access that is essential for digital learning and rich technology services at a significant cost savings.
With increased bandwidth students will be able to view virtual and immersive worlds, interact with other students across the globe, and learn in an environment built on 21st century infrastructure, Kolahdouz explained, in an in-depth interview with Rio Grande Guardian editor Steve Taylor.
The above podcast features an in-depth interview with Kolahdouz.
PHARR, RGV - Vanguard Academy Charter Schools has received a School Climate Transformation Grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez recently announced.
Vanguard was awarded $739,887 for a period of five years, which will total $3,699,435.
“This grant is a game changer for the communities of Pharr, San Juan, Alamo and Edinburg as it will provide a school psychologist for Vanguard Academy Charter School along with several social workers, a Response to Intervention (RTI) specialist and several school resource officers,” said Dr. Narciso Garcia, superintendent of Vanguard Academy.
Congressman Gonzalez said the School Climate Transformation Grants initiative builds on evidence-based strategies to for schools to improve school climate and behavioral outcome for all students.
“Students who learn in positive learning environments are more likely to improve academically, participate more fully in the classroom, and develop skills that will help them be successful in school and in life,” Gonzalez said.
In the above podcast, Vanguard Superintendent Dr. Narciso Garcia discusses not only the School Climate Transformation Grant, but a range of other projects he is working on.
One of the other topics discussed is the $10.6 million GEAR UP grant Vanguard received last year.
Garcia said the School Climate Transformation Grant would not have been possible without the support of the City of Pharr, the City of Edinburg, Region One Education Service Center, Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, Tropical Texas Behavioral Health, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and Evaluation Grants & Training Institute, Inc.
MCALLEN, RGV - Recently, South Texas College hosted the 7th Annual Binational Innovation Conference at its technology campus in McAllen.
Experts from both sides of the border analyzed the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, how it differs from the North American Free Trade Agreement and how South Texas can benefit from the new pact.
In the above podcast we hear the remarks from the podium of Salvador Contreras, associate professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
Contreras’ topic was ‘USMCA - NAFTA 2.0.’
This podcast is the third in a series of four from ‘INNO 2019.
Recently, South Texas College hosted the 7th Annual Binational Innovation Conference at its technology campus in McAllen.
Experts from both sides of the border analyzed the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, how it differs from the North American Free Trade Agreement and how South Texas can benefit from the new pact.
In the above podcast we hear the remarks from the podium of Adrian Gonzalez, an International Trade Consultant/Licensed Customs Broker based in McAllen, Texas.
Gonzalez’s topic was ‘Commerce, Politics and China.’
This podcast is the fourth in a series of four from ‘INNO 2019.
MCALLEN, RGV - Recently, South Texas College hosted the 7th Annual Binational Innovation Conference at its technology campus in McAllen.
Experts from both sides of the border analyzed the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, how it differs from the North American Free Trade Agreement and how South Texas can benefit from the new pact.
In the above podcast we hear the remarks from the podium of Jorge Espindola Alvarez, an instructor at the Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas.
Espindola’s topic was ‘Manufacturing in Mexico.’
Most of Espindola’s remarks are in Spanish.
This podcast is the second in a series of four from ‘INNO 2019.
MCALLEN, RGV - Recently, South Texas College hosted the 7th Annual Binational Innovation Conference at its technology campus in McAllen.
Experts from both sides of the border analyzed the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, how it differs from the North American Free Trade Agreement and how South Texas can benefit from the new pact.
In the above podcast we hear the remarks from the podium of Blake Hastings, senior vice president of the Federal Reserve Bank if Dallas.
Hastings’ topic was “Economic Outlook for the Rio Grande Valley.’
This podcast is the first in a series of four from ‘INNO 2019.
HARLINGEN, RGV - Birders from across North America have given two thumbs up to the 26th Annual Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, which has just concluded in Harlingen, Texas.
Birders interviewed by the Rio Grande Guardian says the festival was “very well organized,” and that it was “good value.” They say everything that was promised in the brochure, such as field trips to see rare birds, was available and that the program ran on time.
According to studies, visiting birders contribute almost $2 million to the Valley’s economy.
In the above podcast, we interview visiting birders Jean Folsom of Colorado, Jeannette Bourgoin of British Columbia, and Mike Burke of Maryland.
The president of the Starr-Camargo Bridge Company has urged TxDOT to add a new east-west corridor from Matamoros to Camargo to the Texas-Mexico Border Transportation Master Plan it is developing.
Sam Vale made his case at a stakeholders meeting the Texas Department of Transportation held recently in Reynosa. Bridge leaders from South Texas, Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon were present.
“If you look at valid traffic studies, not made up just to promote an issue, you will find out that, if you look at Laredo, even if they double World Trade, even if they build 4 and 5, even if they get the road to Colombia, if all of that happens in the next four or five years, there is still going to be 1,500 trucks per day that don’t make it across,” Vale said.
“So a border corridor also makes it possible for them to use other facilities in a relatively short time and the important thing is it makes business grow. As business grows we all make money and have a better quality of life.”
Vale is a member of an advisory board that makes recommendations to TxDOT on border transportation issues. He was responding to similar remarks made by Leonel Cantú Robles, the secretary of economic development for Reynosa.
Timoteo “Tim” Juarez, Jr., manager for international trade and border planning for TxDOT, said he “totally agreed” with Vale’s analysis. Juarez chaired the meeting in Reynosa.
VIPs at the TxDOT meeting in Reynosa included Mission Mayor Armando O'Caña and Reynosa Mayor Maki Ortiz. Bridge leaders from Cameron County, Pharr, McAllen and Mission were also present.
Editor's Note: The above podcast features the raw audio from the TXDOT meeting in Reynosa, Tamaulipas. Most of the conversations were in Spanish.
Editor's Note: Click here for the full story in the Rio Grande Guardian.
MCALLEN, RGV - Steve Johnson, chancellor of Western Governors University in Texas, was recently in the Rio Grande Valley to build more alliances with education institutions in the region.
In May of this year, Johnson, on behalf of WGU, signed an agreement with South Texas College President Shirley A. Reed aimed at furthering students’ education by utilizing course offerings available at WGU.
WGU Texas was formed in 2011 and currently has 13,000 students. Nationally, WGU has 130,000 students.
In the above podcast, Johnson talks about the history and priorities of WGU, as well as discussing the alliances he is forming in the Valley. He noted that the university is primarily driven by workforce needs and offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in four specific areas - business, health professions, teaching, and information technology.
“We are online and competency-based, which means students move through material as quickly as they can demonstrate competency,” Johnson explained.
WGU Texas has nearly 200 students in McAllen metro area.
HARLINGEN, RGV – The president of UT-Rio Grande Valley has praised Harlingen leaders for having the foresight over many years to bring medical education to their city.
Dr. Guy Bailey sung the praises of Harlingen in an interview with the Rio Grande Guardianwhile hosting a groundbreaking ceremony for the eagerly-awaited UTRGV School of Medicine Institute for Neuroscience.
“This work predates my being here, or this university being here. It goes back to the vision of the leadership of Harlingen, the South Texas Medical Foundation here, the city, the EDC all working together,” Bailey said. “This is what happens when things work in harmony.”
Bailey said the Institute for Neuroscience is a “huge” project for UTRGV School of Medicine.
“The research and the clinic work that is done here will be very important for the health of the Valley. Everything from concussion to post-traumatic syndrome, everything that affects neurology will be treated here and researched here, so we are very excited,” Bailey told the Rio Grande Guardian.
“I am also excited because this is the fruition of a great partnership with the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation. Without that foundation this would not exist. This is truly what happens when you have a partnership between the medical foundation, the legacy foundation and the university. When you are a university president and you think about how things ought to work, this is it. This is a model for how things should work.”
Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation announced in 2017 that it would donate $15 million to the Institute for Neuroscience project. Going back a lot further, the City of Harlingen purchased 35 acres of land for a medical school two decades ago, later setting up the South Texas Medical Foundation to oversee their efforts.
Editor's Note: The above podcast consists raw audio from the groundbreaking ceremony.
Editor's Note: Click here to read the full story in the Rio Grande Guardian.
MCALLEN, RGV - Matt Ruszczak, executive director of Rio South Texas Economic Council, fears he is beginning to sound like a broken record because the sales tax revenue reports he has given for the past few months all sound the same.
The good thing, though, is that the message he is delivering is always positive - the Rio Grande Valley is outperforming the state of Texas as a whole when it comes to economic activity.
“I am in danger of sounding like a broken record, which is a good problem to have because the report is once again positive. We are once again beating the performance of the state in our region,” Ruszczak told the Rio Grande Guardian.
Ruszczak gets his numbers from the Texas Comptroller’s Office. All sales tax revenues must be reported to Comptroller Glenn Hegar in Austin and his office in turn distributes some of the collections back to municipalities.
For the October report, which reflected sales tax activity in August, 2019, the State of Texas was up 3.89 percent over the same month in 2018. Ruszczak described this as “steady strong growth.”
However, this figure was lower than that achieved by three of the four counties in the Rio Grande Valley.
Cameron County was up 8.40 percent. Hidalgo County was up 5.84 percent. And Starr County was up 8.54 percent.
The above podcast has more information about the sales tax revenues for the Rio Grande Valley, including a comparison with the counties of Webb and Nueces. For more information, click here.
HARLINGEN, RGV - The co-founder of IDEA Public Schools says just like competition is good for business, it is good for the parents of students also.
Tom Torkelson spoke about the need for competition at a groundbreaking ceremony for IDEA’s first school in Harlingen. The nonprofit charter is now the largest of its kind in the nation.
“People are asking us, why are we we opening up a school in Harlingen. Two reasons, one our San Benito School, three miles that way, has over a thousand students on the waiting list. We have got to open up a new school to alleviate that waiting list,” Torkelson said. “The second thing is… competition makes us better.”
He went to on to give examples of how competition in the Rio Grande Valley is healthy.
“I am sure Valley Baptist wishes they were still the only hospital here in the Harlingen area but now there are several. I am sure all you elected officials wish that every single year you got to run unopposed but competition keeps us honest and makes us better,” Torkelson said.
“I am sure that those of you who own a business or a car dealership wish that you had a total monopoly on your community. But, the reality is consumers and citizens and residents win when there is competition.”
Other speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony included state Sen. Eddie Lucio and Harlingen City Commissioner Mike Mezmar. Jill Dominguez, regional superintendent for IDEA in the Valley, emceed the event.
The above podcast has the entire raw audio from the IDEA Harlingen groundbreaking ceremony.
Editor’s Note: To read a full report on the groundbreaking ceremony for IDEA Harlingen, click here.
MCALLEN, RGV - This week’s news-wrap looks at the week ending Nov. 2, 2019.
Among the topics discussed with Rio Grande Guardian editor Steve Taylor are:
- The life of a campesino in rural México;
- The Texas Border Coalition’s efforts to ensure a complete census count along the Texas-México border;
- Greater Brownsville Incentive Corporation’s ‘We Grow Our Own’ program;
- Greater McAllen Realtors’ look at Opportunity Zones;
- This year’s Constitutional Amendments for Texas, and in particular Propositions 2, 5, and 8;
- The Texas Department of Transportation’s Border Transportation Master Plan;
- The Texas Senate’s interim charges;
- Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Authority’s October board meeting;
- Doctors Hospital at Renaissance’s Paths Program;
- South Texas College’s 2019 Innovation Conference;
- Rolando Vela’s optimism about a second causeway for South Padre Island;
- The opening of a new IDEA school in Harlingen;
- The Rio Grande Guardian’s sponsorship of a soccer team in Reynosa.
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, RGV - The Texas Border Coalition held its 2019 annual meeting on Thursday, Oct. 24, in the Blue Marlin Room at Pearl South Padre Resort on South Padre Island.
The meeting included a wide-ranging panel discussion on the innovative ways border communities are preparing for the 2020 Census. The panel discussion was titled “Counting the Whole Number of Persons in Each State: 2020 Census Preparations in the Border Region.”
Cynthia Garza-Reyes, representing the City of Pharr, said her city would be utilizing the technology skills of high school students to ensure a thorough census count.
“We are in a different environment to what we were ten years ago. As a city we acknowledge the value of our students in terms of how they are equipped when it comes to technology,” Garza-Reyes said.
“We are assuming that a lot of the count will be done through our student population. We are working with each school district to come up with collaborative ways to make sure that each family is counted through the student.”
In addition to Garza-Reyes, the panel consisted of Cameron County Clerk Sylvia Garza-Perez, Nestor Lopez, representing Hidalgo County, and Albert Morales, representing the U.S. Census Bureau.
LeRoy Cavazos, senior manager of public affairs and communication at Coca Cola Southwest, moderated the panel discussion. Cavazos is a Texas Border Coalition board member.
The above podcast consists the raw audio from that panel discussion.
MCALLEN, RGV - Texas A&M University celebrated the first anniversary of its Higher Education Center in McAllen last week with an event titled Founders Day.
In his remarks, Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp explained the rationale for A&M’s investment in South Texas.
“Many of realized a long time ago that South Texas and particularly the Rio Grande Valley is really what the future of Texas is about. The reason it is is every business that moves into Texas right now doesn’t ask, how much can we get out of the county, how much can we get out of the state. They still try to do it but what they really base their decision on is how many 18-25 year olds live in that county and what is the education level of those kids,” Sharp explained.
“South Texas, everything from San Antonio south, answers that first question better than almost any place in the nation. The second question, that is the important one. What is the education level of those young men and women.”
Sharp said this second question hit home when his good friend, state Sen. Juan Hinojosa asked if he would meet a student who was about to graduate from Texas A&M, and her mother.
He said the story about the student and her mother “was the real genesis” for the Higher Education Center in McAllen.
“We met, and the mother, who spoke very little English, was crying the second she walked in and she was crying the second she left. I asked the student, what’s the matter with your mother and she said, she is a little bit overwhelmed. Why is that? I told her I wanted to go to A&M, and she asked where is it, and when I showed her and she saw it was at the other end of the world, she said that is not going to happen. You go to Kingsville,” Sharp recalled.
The above podcast provides the raw audio from Founders Day. Among the VIPs to speak at the event were Chancellor Sharp, state Sen. Juan Hinojosa, former Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, and businessman Alonzo Cantu.
And Chad Wootton, associate vice president for external affairs at Texas A&M University, explained some of the new projects underway that will be of particular interest to South Texas.
BROWNSVILLE, RGV - Brownsville Mayor Trey Mendez has made eliminating the digital divide a top priority for his administration.
In his first state of the city address, Mendez said for Brownsville to have a huge digital divide is “totally unacceptable” and “almost makes us third world.”
He said he wants to have a “strategic broadband plan” to address the issue in place by May 2020.
According to the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, 67 percent of households in Brownsville lack connected broadband internet, making the city the least “wired” in the nation.
The state of the city address was hosted by Brownsville Chamber of Commerce and held at Brownsville Events Center. Here are part of the remarks Mendez made in his speech:
“Access to broadband is going to be something that is going to determine our future. Some cities are doing this already. Nobody really here. But the wave of the future is digital and we are going to have to start moving toward that if we are going to competitive in a different environment, in a digital environment. So, with the help of the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank we are bringing important stakeholders together to see how we can close what is called the digital divide.
“The thing about the digital divide is, it is almost something that makes us third world. If you do not have access to broadband, if you do not have access to wifi, if students don’t have access to the internet, they cannot do their homework, they do not have access to knowledge.
“Just having this digital divide is just totally unacceptable. We have got discussions that are underway in Washington, D.C., to see how we can tackle this issue. By May 2020 we should have a strategic broadband plan in place and work towards implementing that.”
The above podcast features the entire remarks of Mayor Mendez in his state of the city address, which was hosted by Brownsville Chamber of Commerce and held at the Brownsville Events Center. In addition to the digital divide, Mayor Mendez also focused on workforce development.
BROWNSVILLE, RGV - Toyota Motors North America has donated two used manufacturing robots to Brownsville for educational purposes.
One robot was delivered to Texas Southmost College's ITEC Center and another to Brownsville ISD's Porter High School.
Mario Lozoya, executive director of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, helped secure the robots for BISD and TSC. Lozoya was an executive with Toyota Motor Manufacturing in San Antonio before joining GBIC.
“It is imperative that we work together, as a region, to create relevant processes in our schools that will help provide the necessary skills for citizens in our own back yard and position them to assume the high-tech workforce of tomorrow,” Lozoya said.
In the above podcast, Lozoya talks to Rio Grande Guardian editor Steve Taylor about the acquisition of the robots from Toyota, as well as workforce development, the digital divide, and GBIC’s “We Grow Our Own” program.
BROWNSVILLE, RGV - The U.S. Economic Development Administration has announced a $900,000 investment for Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation’s e-Bridge Center for Business & Commercialization.
In the above podcast, BCIC Chairman Michael Limas, BCIC Executive Director Josh Mejia, and BCIC Marketing & Small Business Development Director Nathan Burkhart discuss the investment, what they hope e-Bridge can become, and some of the quality of life economic development projects they are working on.
“We are very excited to be able to announce that the Economic Development Administration has publicly announced their investment of $900,000 for the e-Bridge Center for Business & Commercialization. This center will be the largest center south of San Antonio of its kind,” Mejia told the Rio Grande Guardian.
“It will provide the fundamental resources for any entrepreneur within the community or outside of the community to start and scale-up a business to a point of commercialization. The key focus areas within the center will be tech, advanced manufacturing, automation, and NewSpace/aerospace with our partners within the community. However, the center will be a catch-all so any entrepreneur with any ideas is welcome within its doors. They can receive any of the fundamental resources that we will have available from all our partners.”
MCALLEN, RGV - Thanks to certain provisions in USMCA, the successor trade agreement to NAFTA, U.S. suppliers to the big auto manufacturers will no longer be moving to Mexico or the U.S.-Mexico border region.
That is the prediction of Keith Patridge, president and CEO of McAllen Economic Development Corporation.
However, also thanks to USMCA, Asian and European manufacturing firms will be attracted to the U.S,-Mexico border region, the MEDC chief believes.
Indeed, one Chinese manufacturer is close to making a decision on moving to McAllen-Reynosa, Patridge said, in an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian.
Patridge’s in-depth analysis of the changing patterns of international trade and the key provisions of USMCA for the manufacturing industry are featured in the above podcast. Go 4 minutes into the podcast to hear discussion on the ramifications of USMCA. Before that there are four minutes of discussion on the need for the Rio Grande Valley to develop a highly-skilled workforce.
LAS MILPAS, RGV - Eduardo “Eddie” Anaya, a leader with Valley Interfaith, is urging a “yes” vote for Proposition 2 in the November constitutional amendment elections.
Anaya was a guest of Rio Grande Guardian presenter Mari Regalado on a Facebook LIVE event last week.
While much of the interview was in English, Anaya did also urge voters to vote “yes” in Spanish.
The above podcast focuses on the conversation Regalado and Anaya had in Spanish.
Proposition 2 is Valley Interfaith’s top issue right now. It would allow the Texas Water Development Board to issue general obligation bonds on a continuing basis as long as the outstanding principal does not exceed $200 million for the state's Economically Distressed Areas Program (EDAP).
The ballot measure would require the bonds to be used for developing the water supply and sewer service in areas defined as economically distressed.
Anaya, an attorney based in Las Milpas, made the point that EDP effectively originated in his community. In the 1980s community activists in Las Milpas, led by his mother, Carmen Anaya, pushed for water and wastewater services in their community. They succeeded in pushing for various colonia improvement bills. Anaya says Las Milpas, now incorporated into the City of Pharr, has been transformed thanks to the community victories of 30 years ago.
WESLACO, RGV - A roundtable discussion on flood mitigation and drainage held Oct. 14 in Weslaco could end up being one of the most consequential events in the Rio Grande Valley this year.
The in-depth discussion took place at the offices of Hidalgo County Precinct One, with the $400 million Raymondville Drain project the top issue.
Among those who spoke at the event were U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, Jayne Harkins, commissioner for the U.S. Section of the International Boundary & Water Commission, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, Willacy County Judge Aurelio Guerra, Mercedes Mayor Henry Hinojosa, Hidalgo County Commissioners David Fuentes and Ellie Torres, and Hidalgo County Drainage Director Raul Sesin.
Sen. Cornyn was the most senior figure present. After listening to elected officials, drainage experts, community leaders and farmers, Cornyn said he would act on three fronts:
- To seek congressional authorization for federal dollars to go towards construction of the Raymondville Drain , the Valley’s No. 1 flood control project;
- To bring Texas Transportation Commission Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, Jr., to the Valley to discuss flood control on the on and off ramps of Expressway 83;
- To secure additional monies for the cash-strapped International Boundary & Water Commission.
The above podcast includes the raw audio from the roundtable discussion and a news conference that followed.
With a cricket game in Weslaco between an Indian team and a Pakistani team as the backdrop, Rio Grande Guardian editor Steve Taylor reviews the week’s news in the Rio Grande Valley.
Among the topics discussed are McAllen Economic Development Corporation’s recent trip to China, McAllen Mayor Jim Darling’s disappointment with state lawmakers over a new annexation law, flood mitigation in the Rio Grande Valley, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn's Valley visit, funding concerns for the U.S. Section of the International Boundary & Water Commission, the future for Project VIDA in Brownsville, and infrastructure funding for land ports of entry.
The cricket game, by the way, was the opening fixture in the 5th Annual Cricket Tournament hosted by the India Association of the Rio Grande Valley. It was held at the Harlon Block Sports Complex in Weslaco. Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez was there for the start of the game, the score announcer was Sucheta Reddy, and the Pakistan team won by five runs.
WESLACO, RGV - Via Twitter, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn says he has spoken to appropriators and received tentative agreement that the cash-strapped International Boundary & Water Commission will get an extra $15 million.
Cornyn heard of IBWC’s financial woes at a roundtable discussion on flood management, held at the offices of Hidalgo County Precinct 1. Jayne Harkins, the new commissioner for the U.S. section of IBWC, spoke at the event. Harkins said she was struggling to get $10 million to improve floodwater flows in the Arroyo Colorado.
The Arroyo Colorado is supposed to drain flood waters away from cities such as Harlingen, Mercedes and Weslaco. However, these days the water drains back into the cities during heavy flooding because the arroyo has not been maintained.
In this podcast we take a closer look at how, as a result of the roundtable discussion and a Rio Grande Guardian story about the event, IBWC is likely going to get that extra $15 million from Congress.
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, RGV - Author W.F. Strong autographed copies of his book, Stories From Texas - Some of Them Are True, at Paragraphs bookstore on South Padre Island this past weekend.
Rio Grande Guardian presenter Mario Muñoz was there to catch a brief interview. It was Muñoz, when he was a morning show presenter on RGV Public Radio 88 FM, the Rio Grande Valley’s previous NPR station, who encouraged Strong to write the book. Strong, a communications professor at UT-Rio Grande Valley, used to recount stories from Texas on Muñoz’s show.
Strong, who grew up in Texas, has been collecting the folk lore of Texas since childhood.
In the above podcast, Strong points out that the book is selling all over the world. “It has a wide reach because Texas has a great mystique around the world. People around the world want to know about it,” Strong said.
In the interview, Strong tells Muñoz to expect a second Stories From Texas book sometime in 2020.
PHARR, RGV - Pharr International Bridge is to undergo a $35 million infrastructure improvement program, its director has announced.
Luis Bazan was interviewed by the Rio Grande Guardian at the bridge during an event staged to celebrate the start of the 2019-2020 fresh produce season.
“We are part of the donations acceptance program which is a CBP program. We now have a signed MOU with GSA and CBP to develop over $35 million of infrastructure inside our land port of entry,” Bazan said.
“We are going to be building some import lanes for trucks, some new exit lanes, but, more importantly as far as the produce industry is concerned, a new dock expansion with a cold inspection facility, and a new agriculture laboratory and training center for future entomologists.”
The above podcasts features interviews with Bazan and Pharr Chamber of Commerce executive director Rebecca Arizmendi.
PHARR, RGV - The start of the 2019-2020 fresh produce season has been celebrated at Pharr International Bridge, which is now in its 25th year of operation.
Pharr International Bridge is the No. 1 port of entry in the nation for the importation of fresh produce. It is also the fourth largest gateway on the U.S.-Mexico border and the 7th fastest growing port in the United States.
The celebration included speeches by Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, Pharr City Commissioner Daniel Chavez, Pharr Bridge Director Luis Bazan, state Sen. Juan Hinojosa, state Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr., and Texas International Produce Association President & CEO Dante Galeazzi.
Pharr Chamber of Commerce executive director Rebecca Arizmendi emceed the event.
The above podcast includes the speeches of the VIPs listed above.
BROWNSVILLE, RGV - The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and UTHealth in Houston are teaming up to fast track the development of new treatments for disease.
The Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences at UTHealth recently announced that is partnering with UTRGV on clinical trials and other research.
Joseph McCormick, MD, the director of the center’s clinical research unit in Brownsville, spoke about the new partnership in an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian.
McCormick is a professor with UTHealth School of Public Health in Brownsville and director of the clinical research unit in Brownsville operated by The Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences.
“In this new award, one of the areas being developed is for us to be able to do clinical trials,” McCormick said.
“This means being able to test new medicines with our population.”
McCormick said that currently, a lot of the clinical trials fail to include minority populations.
Among the topics discussed are the chances of USMCA being ratified by Congress while the impeachment process is going on, a bus tour around Weslaco hosted by Weslaco Economic Development Corporation, KEDT FM becoming visible in the Rio Grande Valley, and podcast interviews with musical acts.
Award-winning pianist Wei Luo has a self-titled debut album out on Decca Gold.
Her passion is Russian music from the classical era.
“Ever since I was very young, my mother took me to Russian ballet, such as Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty,” Luo told Rio Grande Guardian presenter Mario Munoz.
“I was really fascinated by the beautiful melodies and the stage setting and the stories. I think that is where everything started.”
Wei began piano lessons when she was four years old. A year later, she gave her debut recital in Hong Kong and international acclaim soon followed.
At ten years old, Wei made her orchestral debut with the Shanghai Philharmonic and later opened its 2011 season with a performance of the Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 3, a work she still champions today.
Another early milestone was being accepted to the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia where she continues to study while preparing for her major label debut at the age of 20.
Luo received the 2018 Gilmore Young Artist Award and was named one of WQXR's "19 for ‘19" artists to watch for her "pyrotechnical virtuosity."
Tim Gonzalez has been referred to as the Carlos Santana of the harmonica.
Gonzalez, a Brownsville native, is now Nashville session musician. He has made music with the likes of B.B. King, Ronnie Milsap, Doug Stone, Pam Tillis, and Toby Keith.
Gonzalez will be playing a gig at the LongBoard Bar & Grill on South Padre Island on Oct. 12, 2019.
I recently touched base with Tim Gonzalez about his newest project in the Reggaton Genre and also about his upcoming album, Harp Gumbo.
Click on the link above to listen to the interview.
In their first joint collaboration on disc, Pacifica Quartet and classical guitarist Sharon Isbin have recorded an album on Cedille Records titled ‘Souvenirs of Spain and Italy.’
The album features works for guitar and strings by Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Vivaldi, and Boccherini.
Pacifica Quartet are Grammy Award-winners. Isbin is a multi-Grammy Award winner.
"It's really beautiful music with a tremendous amount of variety," Isbin says of the new recording.
The program spotlights Italian-born composers influenced by Spanish idioms. Works include Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco's Quintet for Guitar and String Quartet, Op. 143; Emilio Pujol's guitar arrangement of Antonio Vivaldi's lute Concerto in D Major, RV 93, edited by Isbin; and Luigi Boccherini's Quintet for Guitar and String Quartet in D Major, G. 448.
In this podcast, the Rio Grande Guardian presenter Mario Muñoz interviews Isbin.
WESLACO, RGV - An interactive map has been created as part of the Explore RGV project highlighting 44 sites where birders can see exotic and rare birds in the Rio Grande Valley.
The new “Adventure Guide” has been launched to coincide with the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival that takes place in Harlingen, Nov. 6-10.
The announcement came at a board meeting of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council. LRGVDC oversees Explore RGV. The project was kick-started last year with a $350,000 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Its website and mobile app has around 800 sites across the Rio Grande Valley listed as fun places to visit.
“Explore RGV has been about a year-long project for us. It is a very comprehensive, interactive website and mobile app,” Ron Garza, executive director of LRGVDC, told the Rio Grande Guardian at the conclusion of the board meeting.
“Today we announced two exciting developments for the Explore RGV project. One of them is the unveiling of the adventure guides.”
The above podcast features an interview with Garza.
ALAMO, RGV - Matt Ruszczak has confirmed that sales tax revenues continue to go up in the Rio Grande Valley.
Looking at the latest numbers issued by the Texas Comptroller’s Office, the executive director of Rio South Texas Economic Council says the four-county Valley region experienced a 13.49 percent increase in sales tax collections in July, 2019 - as compared to the same month last year.
“This is a very, very, very, good figure,” Ruszczak said.
What makes the percentage increase even more impressive, Ruszczak said, is that there was one less Sunday in July 2019 than July 2018.
Hidalgo County’s increase in sales tax revenues for July 2019 was up a whopping 16.79 percent, compared to the same month last year. Cameron County’s increase was up 12.89 percent, and Starr County’s increase was up by a huge 17.5 percent.
Willacy County’s sales tax revenues for July 2019 were down 12.89 percent but Ruszczak said this county’s numbers have been fluctuating all year. He noted that year to date, Willacy County’s numbers were up 14 percent. “It looks like an aberration,” Ruszczak said.
Across the Valley as a whole, the year to date increase in sales tax revenues is four percent.
The July sales tax revenue figures for the state of Texas show a healthy increase of 9.35 percent. The increase for Nueces County is 8.86 percent, while the increase for Webb County is 9.21 percent.
In the above podcast, Ruszczak also looks at individual cities in the Valley.
MISSION, RGV - Along with thousands of other manufacturing companies across the country, Royal Technologies will open its plant to the public on Friday - National Manufacturing Day.
The aim is to inspire young people to pursue careers in manufacturing and engineering.
At Royal Technologies’ advanced manufacturing plant in Mission, students involved with the FIRST RGV robotics nonprofit will receive a tour of the company’s facilities. Mission Mayor Armando O’Caña is expected to attend.
National Manufacturing Day is observed on the first Friday in October.
Trung Cao Nguyen, plant manager for Royal Technologies in Mission, predicts science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) graduates will power the next chapter of American production and innovation and says harnessing their potential is an economic imperative.
“It (manufacturing) is very high-tech, a lot of critical thinking, a lot of problem solving. Manufacturing has changed. It is more technical thinking,” Nguyen said.
SAN JUAN, RGV - Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD has hosted a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for its newest facility, the Dr. Daniel P. King PSJA College & University Center.
It is named for their longtime superintendent who retired this past week. Mariza Saenz, principal of PSJA College & University Center, said the center would house all of Dr. King’s education awards and memorabilia.
Dr. King served 20 years as a school superintendent, including 12 at PSJA, and 42 years in public education.
The above podcast features remarks made at the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony by Mariza Saenz, principal of PSJA College & University Center, PSJA School Board President Jesse Zambrano, state Rep. Terry Canales, Sara King and Dr. King himself. Sara King is Daniel King’s wife and a professor at PSJA.
Arianna Vazquez-Hernandez, PSJA's director of communications, emceed the event.
HARLINGEN, RGV - The South Texas Birding Festival is coming up on Nov. 6, 2019. Birders from all over the United States and the World converge in Harlingen for the Festival.
If you look at a map of the United States you will see that the Rio Grande Valley is a sort of “funnel” into Central and South America. What this means is that birds from all over the United States and Canada travel through the Rio Grande Valley as they migrate South. I have spoken to Birders that show me their “Life Lists” of birds they had never seen before they came to the Birding Festival.
Since was a kid, I’ve been listening to the sound of the “Chachalaca,” a bird that most people in the United States have never heard. In South Texas parlance we frequently refer to a noisy person as a “Chachalaca.” If you heard it you would understand why it is a sort of natural noisemaker. South Texas is the Northernmost range of the Chacalaca.
Click on the link above to hear the Chacalaca. We’ll see you at the Birding Festival.
LAREDO, Texas - The co-founder of the Mexican Council on Foreign Relations gave a keynote speech at the recent Pathways For Trade Symposium in Laredo.
Agustín Barrios Gómez, a former federal congressman, spoke in depth about U.S.-Mexico relations. He said he believes the relationship with Mexico to be the most important the United States has. “I believe this and I can argue it ’til the cows come home,” he said.
Barrios Gómez listed a number of statistics in support of this contention.
“It turns out that Mexico and the United States are the two most integrated countries on the planet. I am talking order of magnitude. It is not even open for discussion. We have the most legally crossed border on the planet, 350,000 legal border crossings through 330 ports of entry,” Barrios Gómez said.
Before Barrios Gómez spoke, there were brief remarks from IBC Bank President Dennis Nixon. IBC Bank co-sponsored the Pathways For Trade Symposium, along with Laredo Economic Development Corporation.
Nixon’s remarks are at the start of the podcast. Barrios Gómez’s speech starts ten minutes into the podcast.
HARLINGEN, RGV - This week’s wrap-up of the week's news features discussion on:
- Explore RGV
- Possible expansion of the RGV Metropolitan Planning Organization
- The Bishop Daniel Flores/Valley Interfaith photo ID card
- Naming PSJA ISD’s College & University Center for retiring Superintendent Daniel P. King
- The McAllen Empresarios
- Internships for UTRGV trainee journalists
EDINBURG, RGV - U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez says before violence erupted in northern Mexico, Mexican nationals would deposit hundreds of millions of dollars in Rio Grande Valley banks.
Because of the violence, these individuals are now flying over the Valley to places like San Antonio, Houston and Dallas. As a result, investment by Mexican nationals in Valley banks is down and their second homes on South Padre Island are being sold.
Gonzalez says improving security in Tamaulipas is a prerequisite to bringing those Mexican nationals back to the Valley. One of the key requirements, the McAllen Democrat argues, is restoring security along Highway 40, the interstate that runs from Monterrey to Reynosa. Indeed, Gonzalez says his vote on ratifying the are United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement in Congress is tied to improving security on Hwy 40.
Gonzalez made his views known when he spoke at a recent luncheon hosted by the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. The event was held at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance and the moderator for the conversation was UT-Rio Grande Valley Vice President Veronica Gonzales.
In addition to border security, Gonzalez spoke about tariffs, taxes, gun control, and the 2020 Census.
Click on the link above to hear the congressman’s remarks, which were recorded by Ron Whitlock of Ron Whitlock Reports.
MCALLEN, RGV - McAllen Economic Development Corporation is taking a trade delegation back to China for the second time this year.
The group has never visited the world’s most populous country twice in one year before. McAllen EDC President Keith Patridge says this is an indication of just how much interest Chinese manufacturing firms have in opening plants on the U.S.-Mexico border.
“It is a combination of the tariffs, the provisions under USMCA, and the fact that China is no longer a low-cost operation,” Patridge told the Rio Grande Guardian, in an exclusive interview.
“Because of USMCA, because of the tariffs issue, because of the size of the market here, they (Chinese manufacturers) are saying, we need to be in North America. So, the question then is, where?”
The upcoming trip will take place Oct. 7-13. An MEDC delegation that included McAllen Mayor Jim Darling, visited Shanghai and Shenzhen July 13-22.
In his interview, Patridge said McAllen EDC’s connections to China have blossomed thanks to the work of a husband and wife team from that country. He did not wish to name the couple.
Editor's Note: Click on the link above to hear KEDT 90.3 FM's story previewing McAllen EDC's upcoming trip to China. KEDT is the NPR station for Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend area of Texas. KEDT has a tie-up with the Rio Grande Guardian.
MCALLEN, RGV - Following a visit to the Rio Grande Valley faith leaders and clergy from across Texas are now heading to Washington, D.C., to advocate for a change in immigration policy.
More than 100 members of numerous religious denominations spent two days in the Valley recent. One of the highlights of the trip was visiting with asylum seekers in Matamoros, just across the border from Brownsville, Texas. The asylum seekers, mostly from Central America, are hoping to start a new life in the United States.
Frances Knipp hails from Louisiana but now lives in Dallas. She participated on the Valley tour.
“I cannot speak for the whole group but I think the purpose (of the visit) is to bring a moral voice to this issue, the immigration crisis and how we treat the children of God,” Knipp told the Rio Grande Guardian.
“We live far away from the border. Dallas is an eight hour drive and so we needed to come here and see and witness. Some of it is witnessing, some of it is praying for the people. Some of it is meeting other people who care and want to help.”
The two-day trip was organized by the Texas Interfaith Center for Public Policy. Sponsors included U.S. Christian Leadership Organization, North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church, North Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, San Antonio Regional Justice for Our Neighbors, and American Civil Liberties Union of Texas.
MCALLEN, RGV - In this week's wrap-up on the week’s news, we look at a number of stories we have been and are covering.
These include: the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi to Texas; free tuition for some students at UT-Rio Grande Valley; improvements at Anzalduas International Bridge, the City of McAllen’s property tax rate; the number of immigrants using the McAllen Respite Center, increased funding for transportation projects in the Rio Grande Valley, and restoring safety on Highway 40 between Monterrey and Reynosa.
The stories cover Sept. 15-21, 2019.
MCALLEN, RGV - Community leader and former Catholic priest Michael Seifert gave a homily to around 100 faith leaders from across Texas who visited the Rio Grande Valley recently.
The two-day trip was organized by the Texas Interfaith Center for Public Policy to help clergy learn more about U.S. immigration policy.
Seifert’s homily came towards the end of the trip. He told the faith leaders that when he did his theology studies he was “always struck by this notion of the transcendental love of God being made categorically present in Jesus of Nazareth. That is a nice way to think about that. This big, big thing becoming very, very specific. Then I came to the border and found that specificity almost every single day of my life.”
Seifert has lived in the Valley for almost 30 years. Speaking of the region, Seifert said: “It is an incredible place to be, it is a lovely place to be. It is also a challenging place.”
During his presentation, Seifert played a body-cam video showing a Department of Public Safety officer stopping a car because a brake light was not working. A young couple were in the car with their baby. “She is a classic girl from Brownsville, polite, respects authority,” Seifert said. When the DPS officer learned the young man did not have the required paperwork to be in the country legally he contacted Border Patrol. Seifert said the young woman threw up when the scale of what had happened kicked in.
“Deportation is like a nuclear bomb. It is an extraordinarily awful experience that has all kinds of collateral damage,” Seifert said.
Seifert said that under international and national law, asylum seekers have a right to have their application reviewed if they set foot on U.S. soil. However, he said, the Trump administration has prevented this from happening by putting up road blocks in the middle of international bridges.
“So they cross the river,” Seifert said. The coyotes who help migrants cross the Rio Grande have a simple message, according to Seifert. “Once you cross the river, keep walking until you get to this thing called the Border Wall. Sit down there and wait and the Border Patrol will come along and you surrender to them. So, Trump’s Border Wall does not slow immigration. It is a lighthouse. It is home plate.”
SAN BENITO, RGV - The accordionist headliner for this Saturday's South Texas Music Festival, Percy Cardona, says that he can’t wait to jam at South Texas Conjunto Music Festival this Saturday at the Resaca.
Some of the other musical acts include: Tejano Highway 281, Los Badd Boyz del Valle and Los Gavilanes.
Gates open at 3 p.m. and the music starts at 4 p.m.
According to Festival officials, the South Texas Music Festival promotes the musical heritage of San Benito, including early Conjunto and todays rock, blues, jazz, and country.
EDINBURG, RGV - State Sen. Juan Hinojosa spoke at UT-Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg on Monday, as part of a major announcement on tuition fees.
UTRGV says that from 2020, students from families earning $75,000 or less will not have have to pay tuition fees. UTRGV President Guy Bailey predicted this would be a “game changer” for the Valley.
In his remarks, Hinojosa said students have been “drowning in debt.”
In an interview with Ron Whitlock of Ron Whitlock Reports afterwards, Hinojosa said:
“The debt our students are carrying upon graduation can cripple them financially for the rest of their lives. The interest rates they have to pay to private servers is just outrageous. We have to find ways to make college affordable to the majority of our students. Families have to struggle to make ends meet.
“So, this program today in providing free tuition and books and fees for families who make $75,000 a year and under, that is a big step in that direction. Making higher education accessible, making it affordable and trying to eliminate the student debt our students can ill afford.”
Hinojosa said he gets “very nostalgic” whenever he goes back to UTRGV. The McAllen lawmaker graduated from one of UTRGV’s legacy schools, Pan American University, in 1970.
As in the past, Hinojosa said education is the best equalizer society has created. He pointed out that this past legislative session, state lawmakers added $80 million to the Texas Grant Program. This program provides financial aid assistance to enable eligible students to attend public institutions of higher education in Texas.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Tamaulipas Gov. Francisco García Cabeza de Vaca and U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar have repeated their calls for the U.S. government to stop weapons being smuggled into Mexico.
According to García Cabeza de Vaca, 70 percent of the illegal weapons confiscated in Tamaulipas originate from the United States.
The governor and congressman brought up the issue of weapons going south during a news conference in Washington, D.C. It is far from the first time they have made such pleas.
“Of course, we have tried to raise awareness in this visit to Washington to many people with whom we have had the opportunity to talk,” García Cabeza de Vaca said. “What we want is that these weapons do not reach Mexico, and especially at the hands of criminals because they are the ones that are generating much of the violence in our country.”
Congressman Cuellar said: “And to follow what the governor said, I agree with him and one of the things we want to do is see if we can make a meeting with the ATF, CBP and other agencies with the Government of Tamaulipas to see what we can do to try to stop the weapons that are entering Mexico and we hope to achieve this and for that I thank the Governor because we know that we have complicated problems on both sides of the Rio Grande.”
ATF stands for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. CBP stands for Customs & Border Protection.
“The thing is that we have people like the Governor who want to work to find solutions practices to those problems we have.”
Other topics discussed during the news conference included infrastructure at land ports of entry and immigration. García Cabeza de Vaca was in Washington to meet with members of Congress and the heads of various federal agencies. Discussion with these agencies included the subjects of immigration, border security and foreign trade.
In this podcast, three leaders in the Rio Grande Valley pay their tributes to David E. Allex, the legendary economic development leader from Harlingen who passed away this week aged 82.
The three are José A. Mulet, director of air service and business development for Valley International Airport, Pete Sepulveda, executive director of Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority, and state Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., of Brownsville.
This week’s news in review looks at the week ending Sept. 14, 2019.
Among the topics reviewed is the two-day 24th Pathways For Trade - The North American Logistics & Manufacturing Symposium held at Texas A&M International University in Laredo.
Rio Grande Guardian editor Steve Taylor says IBC Bank President Dennis Nixon, International Capital Partners General Partner Agustin Barrios Gomez, America’s Trade Policy CEO William C. Lane, and Earnscliffe Strategy Group governmental relations and strategic communications consultant Sarah Goldfeder in particular gave insightful speeches.
Other topics discussed include:
- a new distribution facility in Mission for Michoacán-based La Bonanza Avocados;
- new research paper about why Rio Grande Valley patients do not go through with appointments to see secondary, specialist, physicians;
- A new EB-5 partnership for the City of McAllen;
- the announcement that the new Border Texan of the Year is UTRGV President Guy Bailey;
- and tributes to the legendary Harlingen economic development leader David E. Allex.
WESLACO, RGV - The biggest obstacle to improving healthcare in the Rio Grande Valley is public transportation to the offices of a primary care physician or a community clinic, argues a top public health official.
Eduardo ‘Eddie’ Olivarez is chief administrative officer for Hidalgo County Health & Human Services. He was a panelist at a diabetes forum hosted by Unidos Contra la Diabetes and sponsored by Knapp Community Care Foundation.
The event was held at the UT-Rio Grande Valley’s Center for Innovation & Commercialization.
In this podcast, Olivarez and state Rep. Armando 'Mando' Martinez of Weslaco speak about the connection between a good public transportation system and quality healthcare.
MCALLEN, RGV - The news wrap for week-ending Sept. 7, 2019, has been uploaded.
Steve Taylor and I discuss a new report on the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the Rio Grande Valley, the start of the 2019-20 FIRST RGV robotics season, restoring National Public Radio in the Rio Grande Valley, the funeral of DPS Trooper Moises Sanchez, and, cricket in the Rio Grande Valley. Yes, cricket!
WESLACO, RGV - The goal of Unidos Contra la Diabetes is to reduce the number of new cases of type II diabetes in the next five years.
The nonprofit group believes this will result in a ten percent reduction in the prevalence of diabetes by 2030.
UDC has received statewide and national attention over the past week following a report it helped produce which shows diabetes is deceasing in the Rio Grande Valley while still increasing in Texas as a whole.
In this podcast, the Rio Grande Guardian speaks to Jenny Newcomb, executive director of UDC, and Dr. Belinda Reininger, regional dean of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health in Brownsville.
HARLINGEN, RGV - Dr. Eduardo Flores, a cardiologist with South Heart Clinic in Harlingen, says the Rio Grande Valley region's diet is “terrible.”
Flores made his comments during an “after hours mixer” hosted by the clinic and Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce. At the mixer, South Heart Clinic welcomed a new physician, Dr. Michael Balderas.
Flores became animated when asked by a reporter about heart health and diet in the Valley.
“The Rio Grande Valley diet is terrible and negatively impactful on cardiac health,” Flores said. “We eat a diet that is rich in cheese, saturated fat from chorizo, tamales, sausage, bacon, brisket, barbecues and other unhealthy sauces of saturated fat. This diet promotes the development of coronary artery disease and diabetes both.”
Flores said that just like diabetes, obesity is “also an epidemic” in the Valley.
“Both of these conditions promote the development of coronary artery disease. What we need to do in the Valley is begin educating our communities about heart-healthy diet and lifestyle changes: a Mediterranean diet, rich in health, beneficial dietary sauces such as whole grains, nuts, fruits, vegetables and lean sources of protein such as salmon, chicken, turkey and lean meat.”
Flores reiterated that cardiologists want their Valley patients to “eat a Mediterranean-type diet, exercise daily and maintain a healthy body weight.”
He added: “If you are a diabetic you should consider beginning aspirin and statin therapy if you are a diabetic patient in the Valley. Seek healthcare from your primary care provider and seek specialty healthcare if you develop chest pains symptoms.”
EDINBURG, RGV - The 5th Annual South Texas International Film Festival starts Sept. 4 and runs four days and nights in Edinburg, Texas.
The festival will feature over 140 films from more than 20 countries.
STXIFF has won plaudits from as far afield as Japan, with actor, director and writer Takuya Fukushima a big fan.
And Edinburg has been officially recognized as a Film Friendly City.
In this podcast, we preview the festival with Letty Leija, director of the festival, Pepe Garcia Gilling, chairman of the festival, and Magdiel Castle, cultural arts manager for the City of Edinburg.
PHARR, RGV - This podcast features extensive audio coverage of a USMCA forum held at the Pharr Events Center on Friday, Aug. 30, 2019.
The event was hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership and Futuro RGV.
The forum was divided into two parts. Salvador Contreras, an economics professor at UT-Rio Grande Valley, gave an overview of U.S. trade with Mexico and explained the differences between the North American Free Trade Agreement and the United States-Mexico-Canada agreement. Contreras then moderated a panel discussion between Luis Bazan, director of the Pharr International Bridge, Ralph Cowen, a commissioner for Brownsville Navigation District, and Keith Patridge, president of McAllen Economic Development Corporation.
The second part of the forum started with remarks from Pharr Mayor and RGV Metropolitan Planning Organization Chairman Ambrosio Hernandez. His remarks teed up a conversation between U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar that was moderated by UTRGV Vice President Veronica Gonzales.
PHARR, RGV - For this week’s wrap-up on the news we feature three events:
- A USMCA forum hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership and Futuro RGV and held in Pharr
- A Texas Transportation Commission meeting held in Austin
- A diabetes forum hosted by Unidos Contra la Diabetes held in Weslaco
The trade forum featured two panel discussions, one with U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, and the other with Luis Bazan, director of Pharr International Bridge, Brownsville Navigation District Commissioner Ralph Cowen, and Keith Patridge, president of McAllen Economic Development Corporation.
The transportation meeting included approval by TTC of the Unified Transportation Program, which included $2.1 billion over ten years for the Pharr TxDOT District.
The diabetes forum featured the results of a new study by Dr. Belinda Reininger, dean of the UTHealth School of Public Health-Brownsville.
WESLACO, RGV - State Sen. Eddie Lucio says he will be bringing Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath to the Rio Grande Valley.
Speaking at a meeting of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council, Lucio said the visit would not be political in nature.
Rather, it would include a town hall meeting in October that would focus on the increased funding state legislators approved for public education.
Lucio also expressed support for a constitutional amendment that is on the November ballot. The amendment would allow the Texas Water Development Board to issue $200 million in bonds for water supply, sewer service, and drainage projects in areas defined as economically distressed.
EDINBURG, RGV - In our latest podcast on developments at UT-Rio Grande Valley’s School of Medicine, we meet up with Dr. Linda Nelson, senior director for clinical operations at the medical school.
The School of Medicine now has 20 clinics across the Valley. In the interview, Dr. Nelson explains why the medical school’s community outreach work is so important.
Dr. Nelson is particularly pleased with the services being provided to colonia residents via a mobile clinic.
The interview took place during the opening of a new multi-specialty clinic in south Edinburg.
MCALLEN, RGV - In this week's look back at the last seven days of border-related news, we focus on public education and in particular the new accountability ratings issued by the Texas Education Agency.
Region One Education Service Center assists school districts in the Rio Grande Valley and Laredo. The new TEA rankings show every school district in the region garnering an "A" or a "B."
Over the past week we have interviewed Cornelio Gonzalez of Region One, Daniel P. King of PSJA ISD, Narciso Garcia of Vanguard Academy, J.A. Gonzalez of McAllen ISD, Bethany Solis of IDEA Public Schools, and Ruben Cortez of the State Board of Education.
By happenstance we have also featured U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez. He spoke at the India Association of the Rio Grande Valley's India Independence Day celebrations, and at a luncheon hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Just for good measure, we did a Facebook LIVE event with the congressman.
We also featured Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez's concerns about the high rate of poverty in his county. And we looked at a new Texas A&M AgriLife initiative to help producers grow healthier food.
All of these topics are included in the news wrap-up for weekending August 24, 2019.
Camerata Chicago, the Windy City’s leading chamber orchestra, has released new recording of Vivaldi's Four Seasons as an Educational Double Disc CD on the DMD Classics label.
This unique recording of Vivaldi's Four Seasons includes the performance of a brilliant 17-year-old violinist, Amelia Piscitelli, with the Camerata Chicago conducted by Drostan Hall.
This Double CD set features the poetry originally written by Vivaldi himself. On Disc 1, Narrator Steve Robinson, of WFMT Radio, guides you through each of the Four Seasons musical pieces, including explanations, musical examples and Vivaldi's poetry.
Disc 2 contains the complete recordings of the four violin concerti, The Four Seasons - Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
In this podcast, the first in the Rio Grande Guardian’s Music with Mario series, anchor Mario Muñoz interviews Camerata Chicago conducter Drostan Hall.
The Rio Grande Guardian thanks Crossover Media for helping to set up the interview.
EDINBURG, RGV - Now it is No. 1 in Texas, Region One Education Service Center is looking beyond the state to see what best practices it can learn from more high-performing states.
So says Brownsville native Ruben Cortez, Jr, a Region One board member and representative for District 2 on the State Board of Education.
The Texas Education Agency recently announced that every school district and charter school in Region One achieved an “A” or “B” in the state accountability rankings. Those results have catapulted Region One to No. 1 in the state of Texas.
However, Texas only ranks as 38th in the nation for educational attainment. So, Region One leaders believe they must look beyond the Lone Star State for new ideas.
“We want to see if we can bring in any innovative ideas or best practices that are currently being done in some of the higher performing states, such as professional development or resources to our school districts,” Cortez told the Rio Grande Guardian.
“We are no longer trying to compete with 19 other service centers to see who is going to be the best in getting our kids academically ready, college and career ready, post-secondary ready. We want to make sure they can compete in the global economy.”
Click on the link above to listen to an exclusive interview with Ruben Cortez, Jr.
MIDLAND, Texas - IDEA Public Schools has announced plans to expand into the Permian Basin of Texas and that an educator who got her start in the Rio Grande Valley will head the project.
Bethany Solis has been named executive director of IDEA Permian Basin. A product of the Teach for America program, Solis first joined IDEA in 2005 as a second-grade teacher at IDEA Donna. She was a founding academy Principal for IDEA Mission, and in 2012, become the first director of leader development to launch IDEA’s Principal in Residence Program.
Solis and her team led the Principal in Residence program and other organization-wide leader development experiences, from teacher leadership to mentor principalship.
In an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Solis said IDEA will open schools in Midland starting in 2020 and Odessa in 2021. Eventually, she said, IDEA will serve roughly 10,000 students across 14 schools on seven campuses.
“We plan to do something in the Permian Basin that IDEA hasn’t really done before—several of our schools will be turning around existing schools that are chronic under performers and will be creating new proof points of what all children are capable of,” Solis said.
She said IDEA’s presence in the Permian Basin area comes in response to community needs and bold leadership from both Midland ISD and the Texas Education Agency. She said IDEA is committed to partnering with Midland ISD to operate exceptional schools within the district, as well as traditional independent charter schools.
MCALLEN, RGV - For the second straight year, McAllen ISD has earned an “A” from the state of Texas - the highest grade possible.
McAllen ISD also earned the state’s Postsecondary Readiness Distinction for the third straight year. The District performed “exceptionally well” according to txschools.gov.
And, for 16th time in the last 17 years, preliminary reports indicate McAllen ISD has received the state’s highest mark in the School FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas).
“This result is the culmination of years of hard work,” said McAllen ISD Superintendent J.A. Gonzalez. “All our teachers, administrators, students, staff and parents have contributed to this outstanding achievement. We also appreciate the leadership of our board of trustees. We should all be proud.”
Click on the link above to listen to Superintendent Gonzalez discuss educational awards and student safety.
PHARR, RGV - Narciso Garcia, superintendent of Vanguard Academy, says that while there have been great successes at the seven different campuses in the charter system, the best is yet to come.
“Last year we had a 96 percent ranking for accountability. This year it is 97 percent,” Garcia said.
The high ranking is all the more creditable, Garcia claimed, because 84 percent of Vanguard’s students are economically-disadvantaged. Plus, 40 percent are English learners.
Garcia was also pleased to learn that Vanguard scored a 100 percent rating for Closing the Gaps. This was achieved for helping students with special needs, helping those that are limited English proficient, and those that are economically disadvantaged.
“Region One ran the numbers a couple of times, they could not believe we reached a 100,” Garcia said.
Additionally, some of Vanguard’s teachers have won national awards from the Texas Association of Future Educators.
“If our teachers did not have the passion and the heart, we would not be having the results we have,” Garcia said.
BROWNSVILLE, RGV - Cameron County Commissioners Court has tabled a motion to give a tax abatement to Annova LNG.
The energy company is considering building a liquefied natural gas export terminal at the Port of Brownsville.
However, some local residents and groups oppose the plan, saying it would wreck South Padre Island’s tourism.
Rebekah Hinojosa, Brownsville organizer for the Sierra Club of the Rio Grande Valley, attended commissioners court to voice her opposition to the tax abatement.
She later spoke to reporter Steve Taylor about the campaign to stop LNG at the Port of Brownsville. Click on the link above to listen to the interview.
Editor’s Note: The Rio Grande Guardian has reached out to the LNG companies considering developing an export terminal at the port. We will bring their reaction when we get it.
PHARR, RGV - After 42 years its an educator, the legendary superintendent of Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD, Daniel P. King, is retiring.
King has won numerous national, state and local awards for his leadership of PSJA. He takes pride in turning what was a failing, corrupt school district under investigation by the FBI into one that has been recognized across the country.
In an exclusive interview with Rio Grande Guardian editor Steve Taylor, King recalls the high points of his career, as well as discussing what the future might hold for PSJA.
In this week’s wrap-up of the news, news anchor Mario Muñoz and reporter Steve Taylor look at:
1) The BiNational Chambers of Commerce Reunion;
2) The push by McAllen city leaders to get more involved in economic development;
3) The recent McAllen Economic Development Corporation trade mission to China;
4) A ribbon-cutting ceremony for a UT-Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine multi-specialty clinic in Edinburg;
5) A ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new CiL Group cotton warehouse in Weslaco;
6) A grant from Texas Workforce Commission to help Mission Economic Development Corporation develop cyber-security training programs.
MCALLEN, RGV - Chambers of Commerce from across Tamaulipas met with the McAllen Chamber of Commerce on Friday at the Double Tree Suites in McAllen.
The McAllen Chamber hosts the BiNational Chambers gathering every two years.
Chamber leaders spent two and a half hours discussing issues such as border security, border bridge wait times, the impact of migration patterns, USMCA, the need for Presidents Trump and Lopez Obrador to meet, and strategies to foster binational business and friendship between Texas and Tamaulipas.
After the discussion, a news conference was held, in English and Spanish. It featured Julio Almanza, president of FECANACO, Tamaulipas, McAllen Chamber President Steve Ahlenius, Reynosa Mayor Maki Ortiz Dominguez, McAllen Mayor Jim Darling, Jose Manuel Lopez Campos, president of CONCANACO SERVYTUR, and Fernando Oliveira Lopez, secretary of tourism for the state of Tamaulipas.
The podcast above features highlights from the news conference.
MCALLEN, RGV - The Rio Grande Valley continues to do well in sales tax revenues, Matt Ruszczak reports.
Ruszczak, executive director of South Texas Economic Council, crunches the numbers each month to see if sales tax revenues are up or down, compared to the same time last year. He gets the numbers from the Texas Comptroller’s Office.
The latest report focuses on sales tax revenues for June, 2019. Year-to-date, only three small communities in the Valley are performing worse than last year. Every other community is doing better. The Valley as a whole is up 7.67 percent, year-to-date, compared to the same period last year, while Texas as a whole is only up 4.19 percent over the same period.
“These are highly impressive numbers,” Ruszczak reported.
El Paso County’s sales tax revenues are up 4.87 percent compared to the same period last year. Maverick County’s sales tax revenues are up 4.43 percent compared to the same period last year. Val Verde County’s sales tax revenues are up 12.38 percent compared to the same period last year.
Looking at individual cities in Cameron County for the month of June, Brownsville’s sales tax revenues were up 9.41 percent, Harlingen’s were up 5.31 percent, Port Isabel’s were up 8.85 percent, San Benito’s were up 8.39 percent, and South Padre Island’s were up 9.34 percent.
Looking at individual cities in Hidalgo County for the month of June, Edinburg’s sales tax revenues were up 9.78 percent, McAllen’s were up 5.69 percent, Mercedes’ are up 19.69 percent, Mission’s were up 6.77 percent, Pharr’s were up 15.64 percent, and Weslaco’s were up 8.93 percent.
In Willacy County, Raymondville’s sales tax revenues were up 3.48 percent in June. And in Starr County, Rio Grande City’s sales tax revenues are up 7.22 percent in June.
Click on the podcast above to listen to the full report from Matt Ruszczak, executive director of South Texas Economic Council
LAGUNA VISTA, RGV - A federal grant of $700,000, coupled with $300,000 in local matching funds, will allow for sewer and water infrastructure for the eagerly-anticipated South Texas Eco-Tourism Center in Laguna Madre.
Among the speakers at a news conference to announce the funding were U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela, state Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., state Rep. Alex Dominguez, Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr., Cameron County Commissioner David Garza, and Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council executive director Ron Garza.
The South Texas Eco-Tourism Center is being built on ten acres of land donated by the City of Laguna Vista. Retail and housing is expected to be developed along Highway 100 as part of the project. The federal grant is coming from the Economic Development Administration.
The news conference coincided with the monthly meeting of the RGV Small Cities Coalition. Mayors from the cities of Primera, Bayview, Laguna Vista, Palm Valley, Raymondville, Palmhurst attended the Small Cities event. In fact, city officials from 20 cities attended the event.
In exclusive interviews, Ron Whitlock of Ron Whitlock Reports spoke with LRGVDC’s Garza, Cameron County Judge Treviño, and Rolando Vela, city manager to Laguna Vista.
In the interview, Whitlock asked Vela about plans for a second causeway to South Padre Island.
In this week’s wrap-up of the week’s news, Mario Munoz and Steve Taylor look at:
The El Paso shootings; congressional visits to the Northern Triangle countries and the detention of asylum seekers; efforts to build a second causeway to South Padre Island; plans to build a new workforce training facility at the Port of Brownsville; a $1 million eco-tourism center at Laguna Vista; and the National Park Service’s designation of parts of downtown Brownsville as historic.
RAYMONDVILLE, RGV - Willacy County Judge Aurelio ‘Keter’ Guerra has commented on the heavy flooding that occurred in the Rio Grande Valley in June.
Guerra said that while FEMA is responding to individual homeowners, the federal agency has not said it can help municipalities.
The interview with Guerra was arranged by Ron Whitlock of Ron Whitlock Reports.
Click on the link above to listen to the interview.
SAN BENITO, RGV - Thanks to legislation from state Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., and state Rep. Eddie Lucio, III, the City of San Benito can access hotel/motel tax money for economic development projects.
In this podcast, the Lucios and San Benito Mayor Ben Gomez discuss the legislation and plans to build a convention center, hotel and sports complex.
Related story: Gomez: San Benito's economic landscape about to change
EDINBURG, RGV - In a podcast with the Rio Grande Guardian, state Rep. Terry Canales looks back at his first legislative session as chairman of the House Committee on Transportation.
In an exclusive interview with reporter Steve Taylor, Canales talks about working long and grueling hours at the state Capitol, legislation impacting the Houston Ship Channel, the merger of the Rio Grande Valley’s three metropolitan planning organizations, and a bill carried by state Rep. Armando Martinez of Weslaco that establishes a public transit authority for the Valley.
In the podcast, Canales also calls for more state funding for highways that connect to land ports of entry.
Canales, a Democrat, represents House District 40, which is anchored in Edinburg, Texas.
SAN BENITO, RGV - Anchor Mario Muñoz and Reporter Steve Taylor look back at the top news stories for week-ending July 26, 2019.
Among the topics covered are:
- A Facebook LIVE event with Ron Garza of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council and Sergio Contreras of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership;
- Business support for the ratification of USMCA;
- Ensuring a full and accurate Census 2020 count in the Rio Grande Valley;
- City of San Benito thanking state Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., and state Rep. Eddie Lucio, III, for passing legislation to help boost economic development;
- Texas Workforce Commission funding a summer camp for special needs students so they can learn how to fly drones, build robots and use Festo manufacturing equipment;
- Latest sales tax revenue figures collated by the Texas Comptroller’s Office and analyzed by Matt Ruszczak of Rio South Texas Economic Council.
ALAMO, RGV - Hidalgo County continues to lead the Rio Grande Valley in sales tax revenue growth, new statistics show.
The Texas Comptroller’s Office collects sales taxes and redistributes them to cities and counties.
The figures for May, 2019, compared to May, 2018, show Hidalgo County up 9.2 percent. This compares very favorably with the statewide average, which only showed a 0.3 percent increase over the same period.
The figures for May, 2019, compared to May, 2018, show Starr County up 6.3 percent. Willacy County was up 2.1 percent over the same period, while Cameron County was down 2.3 percent over the same period.
Webb County, which includes Laredo, was up 4.4 percent in May, 2019, as compared to May, 2018.
Nieces County, which includes Corpus Christi, was up 6.7 percent in May, 2019, as compared to May, 2018.
The numbers for the Rio Grande Valley, including all the major cities, were crunched by Matt Ruszczak, executive director of Rio South Texas Economic Council.
In the attached podcast, Ruszczak does a deep dive into the numbers. He is interviewed by reporter Steve Taylor.
HARLINGEN, RGV - Rio Grande Guardian columnist Nydia Tapia-Gonzales recently met up with Ed Meza, manager of Downtown Harlingen.
Nydia wanted to learn more about the new stores that have opened and about the renovation of historic Baxter building.
She and Meza also spoke about the fact that eight local businesses have been located in downtown Harlingen for 50 years.
Harlingen is one of eight Texas Main Street cities along the South Texas border.
Here is Nydia’s podcast.
BROWNSVILLE, RGV - Brownsville city leaders and UT-Rio Grande Valley professor Rick Jenet have officially launched the Expanding Frontiers nonprofit.
The aim is to help to help spur economic activity in Space commercialization and exploration, and to help create NewSpace Brownsville.
The nonprofit was launched in the famous Pan American building at Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport.
One of the speakers at the event was Sean Casey, co-founder and managing director of Silicon Valley Space Center. After the event, Casey spoke with Rio Grande Guardian reporter Steve Taylor about the possibility of Brownsville making a mark in the Space industry.
That interview is featured in this podcast.
BROWNSVILLE, RGV - Brownsville city leaders and UT-Rio Grande Valley professor Rick Jenet have officially launched the Expanding Frontiers nonprofit.
The aim is to help to help spur economic activity in Space commercialization and exploration, and to help create NewSpace Brownsville.
The nonprofit was launched in the famous Pan American building at Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport.
One of the speakers at the event was Sidney Nakahodo, co-founder and CEO of New York Space Alliance. After the event, Nakahodo spoke with Rio Grande Guardian reporter Steve Taylor about NewSpace Brownsville and BCIC's involvement in the project.
That interview is featured in this podcast.
MCALLEN, RGV - One of the top rocketry experts in the Rio Grande Valley has produced a podcast about the Apollo 11 space mission.
Saturday, July 20, marked the 50th Anniversary of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin setting foot on the Moon.
In this podcast. Randy Ashley, founder of the RGV Model Rocketry podcast, recalls this “giant leap for mankind.”
BROWNSVILLE, RGV – Brownsville city leaders and UT-Rio Grande Valley professor Rick Jenet have officially launched the Expanding Frontiers nonprofit.
The aim is to help to help spur economic activity in Space commercialization and exploration, and to help create NewSpace Brownsville.
The nonprofit was launched in the famous Pan American building at Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport.
Attending the event was Josh Mejia, executive director of Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation. After the event, Mejia spoke with Rio Grande Guardian reporter Steve Taylor about NewSpace Brownsville and BCIC's involvement in the project.
That interview is featured in this podcast.
BROWNSVILLE, RGV - Anchor Mario Muñoz and Reporter Steve Taylor look back at the top news stories for week-ending July 19, 2019.
Among the topics covered are:
- Congressman Henry Cuellar seeking to get reimbursements for border communities that have spent millions of dollars assisting asylum seekers.
- CK Technologies, a company that manufactures plastic injection molding parts for buses and trucks in Mexico, which had a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their eight years in Brownsville
- RGV Focus, which held its summer retreat on South Padre Island and learned it had received a $2.44 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
- Brownsville Navigation District as it publishes its 2019 Directory.
BROWNSVILLE, RGV – Brownsville city leaders and UT-Rio Grande Valley professor Rick Jenet have officially launched the Expanding Frontiers nonprofit.
The aim is to help to help spur economic activity in Space commercialization and exploration, to help create NewSpace Brownsville.
The nonprofit was launched in the famous Pan American building at Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport.
Attending the event was Brownsville City Commissioner Ben Neece. After the event, Neece spoke with Rio Grande Guardian reporter Steve Taylor about NewSpace Brownsville. He said he expects to be a board member of Expanding Frontiers.
That interview is featured in this podcast.
BROWNSVILLE, RGV - Brownsville city leaders and UT-Rio Grande Valley professor Rick Jenet have officially launched the Emerging Frontiers nonprofit.
The aim is to help to help spur economic activity in Space commercialization and exploration, to help create NewSpace Brownsville.
The nonprofit was launched in the famous Pan American building at Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport.
Among the speakers was Brownsville Mayor Trey Mendez. After the event, Mendez spoke with Rio Grande Guardian reporter Steve Taylor. That interview is featured in this podcast.
BROWNSVILLE, RGV - Traci Wickett, president and CEO of United Way of Southern Cameron County, is promoting the latest educational attainment report card from All In Brownsville.
All In was established in 2011 with a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation with the goal of doubling the number of individuals in Brownsville who achieve post-secondary credentials with labor market value by 2025.
The new report measures Pre-K enrollment, kindergarten readiness, how 3rd graders are reading, 8th grade math, and high school graduation rates.
“We strongly believe in using data to make decisions, to use it as a flashlight to help us figure out where to go, rather than as a weapon to punish people with,” Wickett told the Rio Grande Guardian.
The new report shows the value of pre-K education. All In studied the performance of students who come from disadvantaged families. It found huge gains in the educational attainment of such students in kindergarten if those same students first received pre-K instruction.
“There is a strong argument in here for pre-K expansion and indeed universal pre-K. When kids start school ready, the evidence is they will finish on time and have more successful lives,” Wickett said.
Looking ahead, Wickett and All In team hopes to add Los Fresnos and Port Isabel as All In communities.
Editor's Note: The above story is the 21st episode in our second season of podcasts.
MCALLEN, RGV - The Rio Grande Guardian is running a four-part series titled Connecting the RGV to Europe.
This is Part Four and it features Stefan Aengenheyster of Germany. Aengenheyster is a director with the Transatlantic Business & Investment Council.
Aengenheyster and other members of the TBIC visited the Rio Grande Valley for a four-day tour hosted by Rio South Texas Economic Council.
In this podcast, Aengenheyster tells reporter Steve Taylor about the visit and the ways in which the Rio Grande Valley can connect more closely with Europe.
BROWNSVILLE, RGV - Brownsville city leaders and UT-Rio Grande Valley professor Rick Jenet have officially launched the Emerging Frontiers nonprofit.
The aim is to help to help spur economic activity in Space commercialization and exploration, to help create NewSpace Brownsville.
The nonprofit was launched in the famous Pan American building at Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport. Among the speakers were Dr. Jenet, Yolanda Marshall, director of strategic partnerships at the NASA Johnson Space Center, Sean Casey, founder and director of the Silicon Valley Space Center, and Sidney Nakahodo, co-founder and CEO of theNew York Space Alliance.
In this podcast, we bring extended highlights of the remarks of these four VIPs - Jenet, Marshall, Casey and Nakahodo.
MCALLEN, RGV - As we go to press, McAllen Mayor Jim Darling, members of McAllen Economic Development Corporation, and a representative from the state of Tamaulipas are in China.
They are there at the invitation of a major Chinese company. They were invited to speak to hundreds of Chinese companies in Shenzhen and Shanghai that are interested in investing on the U.S.-Mexico border.
In an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, McAllen EDC President & CEO Keith Patridge said the interest from Chinese companies in investing in North America has been spurred in part by the new USMCA trade agreement.
In the interview, Patridge also spoke about two new companies the MEDC has landed. These companies will be bringing almost 1,000 jobs to McAllen.
RIO GRANDE CITY, RGV - Reporter Steve Taylor and anchor Mario Muñoz look back at the week's news for the week ending July 12, 2019.
Among the topics covered are NewSpace Brownsville, asylum seekers and economic development in Starr County.
EDINBURG, RGV - Dr. Raúl Barreda, M.D., trauma medical director at DHR Health, has made the case for the Rio Grande Valley securing a Level 1 Trauma Center.
In May, DHR Health announced it is now functioning as a Level 1 Trauma Center. The institution believes it will secure the appropriate accreditation in the near future.
Also in May, the state Legislature approved a budget that includes $6 million to boost efforts to land a Level 1 Trauma Center in the Valley. That money will be distributed to the Valley by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
In this podcast, Dr. Barreda explains what a trauma center is, the differences between a Level 1 center and, say, a Level 2 or Level 3 center, and why having such a center is crucial to the Rio Grande Valley.
BROWNSVILLE, RGV - Earlier this year, Josh Mejia was named executive director of Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation.
BCIC focuses on economic development projects aimed at improving the quality of life of Brownsville residents.
“We have a history of working on the development of parks. trail systems, improving tourism. But now you are starting to see a little bit more about working with the existing human capital that we have in our community, through promoting entrepreneurship and small business development,” Mejia said.
In a wide-ranging interview with Rio Grande Guardian reporter Steve Taylor, Mejia discusses the Expanding Frontiers Project, the eBridge project and the Business Improvement & Growth program.
The Rio Grande Guardian is running a four-part series titled Connecting the RGV to Europe.
This is Part Three and it features Alessia Paolicchi. Houston-based Paolicchi is executive director of the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce of Texas. She graduated from University of Pisa Law School, Italy, and later added a Master’s degree in Personnel Administration and Human Resources Management from University of Bologna.
Paolicchi was international sales manager and production planning and scheduling for a large Italian shoe company for two years before becoming director of operations for CTT in 1997. CTT, a holding with 1200 employees, is responsible for public transportation services in the north west area of Tuscany.
Paolicchi and other members of Transatlantic Business & Investment Council visited the Rio Grande Valley for a four-day tour hosted by Rio South Texas Economic Council.
In this podcast, Paolicchi tells reporter Steve Taylor about his visit and the ways in which the Rio Grande Valley can connect more closely with Europe.
PHARR, RGV - Pharr Economic Development Corporation and UT-Rio Grande Valley’s Small Business Development Center recently held free workshops for aspiring business owners.
At the workshops - one in English, one in Spanish - attendees were provided with information on the steps necessary for a smart start to owning a business.
The workshops featured brainstorming a business idea, determining potential customers, reviewing one’s financial position, developing a concrete plan of action, and accessing helpful resources.
The workshops were presented by a Certified Business Advisor with the SBDC.
Karina Lopez, business retention and expansion manager at Pharr EDC spoke to Rio Grande Guardian reporter Steve Taylor about the workshops.
BROWNSVILLE, RGV - Eddie Campirano, port director for Brownsville Navigation District, gave an in-depth presentation to site selectors from Europe during a familiarization tour organized by Rio South Texas Economic Council. The site selectors were members of Transatlantic Business & Investment Council and they spent four days in the Rio Grande Valley.Campirano pointed out that the Port of Brownsville is the only deep-water sea port directly located on the U.S.-Mexico border. “We are also the largest land-owning public port authority in the United States.,” Campirano said.“Our foreign trade zone is ranked No. 2 in the nation, continuous, very steady, for the value of exported commodities.“And, we happen to be home to the largest domestic fabricator of offshore exploration and drilling platforms in the United States.”During the presentation Campiranno discussed the possibility of liquefied natural gas export terminals being built at the port. He also spoke about other plans to expand economic activity.
The Rio Grande Guardian is running a four-part series titled Connecting the RGV to Europe.
This is Part Two and it features Werner Beermann from Germany. Beermann is senior manager for European business development with Gray, a design-build company that specializes in engineering, architecture and construction services.
Beermann and other members of Transatlantic Business & Investment Council visited the Rio Grande Valley for a four-day tour hosted by Rio South Texas Economic Council.
In this podcast, Beermann tells reporter Steve Taylor about his visit and the ways in which the Rio Grande Valley can connect more closely with Europe.
The Rio Grande Guardian is running a four-part series titled Connecting the RGV to Europe.
This is Part One and it features Charlotte Nytoft from Denmark. Nytoft is founder and owner of CNR Consulting. She also serves as Transatlantic Business & Investment Council's specialist for the Nordic countries of Europe.
Nytoft and other members of TBIC visited the Rio Grande Valley for a four-day tour hosted by Rio South Texas Economic Council.
In this podcast, Nytoft tells Rio Grande Guardian reporter Steve Taylor about her visit and the ways in which the Rio Grande Valley can connect more closely with Europe.
LE SAUX, RGV - Willacy County leaders believe they have come up with a novel way of enticing manufacturing companies to their county.
They plan to offer 100 percent tax abatements to wind farm companies that locate there, provide those companies provide free energy to manufacturers seeking to move into the county.
Willacy County Judge Aurelio ‘Keter’ Guerra spoke about the plan at a meeting with site selectors from Europe. The site selectors were on a tour of the Rio Grande Valley that was hosted by Rio South Texas Economic Council.
After his presentation, Guerra was interviewed by Rio Grande Guardian reporter Steve Taylor about the tax abatement-free energy plan.
LOS FRESNOS, RGV - The Commemorative Air Force Rio Grande Valley Wing has a new home in Los Fresnos, Texas.
Embracing the challenge that a new venue presents, volunteers are preparing to host the first – at this airport – CAF Airshow on June 22 and 23, 2019.
In this podcast, Rio Grande Guardian columnist Nydia Tapia-Gonzales discusses the airshow. Tapia-Gonzales is director of Texas Birding, a state-wide tourism marketing co-operative.
She also serves on the board of directors of Preservation Texas and the Community Development Corporation of Brownsville.
Tapia-Gonzales is also publisher of RGVMod, a website dedicated to the preservation of the Valley's mid-century modern architecture and LaVidaValle.com, a blog about living in the Rio Grande Valley. She is also a visual artist.
Every month, Matt Ruszczak, executive director of Rio South Texas Economic Council, takes a look at the latest sales tax revenue reports issued by the Comptroller's Office. In this month's interview with reporter Steve Taylor, Ruszczak looks at sales tax revenues for April, 2019, for March and April, 2019, combined, and for the year-to-date. The reason for discussing March and April together is that this year, the Easter holiday period was in April whereas in 2018 it was in March. Combining the two months makes for a more accurate comparison with 2018, Ruszczak says. Overall, cities in the Rio Grande Valley are doing well, as compared to 2018 and in comparison to other parts of Texas, Ruszczak reports.
On Sunday, June 9, 2019, Auxiliary Bishop Mario A. Avilès blessed a new location for McAllen's Humanitarian Respite Center. The center, just across the street from the downtown bus station, has been acquired by the City of McAllen. It will host asylum seekers dropped off by Border Patrol. The asylum seekers will be provided free food and clothing and a place to stay overnight, before they head out to other parts of the country. Among the speakers at the event were Sister Norma Pimentel, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, McAllen Mayor Jim Darling, and state Sen. Juan Hinojosa. All three were asked to respond to the claims of some McAllen residents that the City of McAllen's involvement showed McAllen is a Sanctuary City.
BROWNSVILLE, RGV - Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation has won a statewide award for its new education and workforce pipeline initiative. The “2019 Workforce Excellence Award” is to be presented to GBIC leaders by the Texas Economic Development Council. The GBIC program receiving the statewide accolade is titled “We Grow Our Own.” It was first unveiled to the public at the Brownsville Event Center on Feb. 22 of this year. In this podcast, GBIC executive director Mario Lozoya discusses the program.
The Hannover Messe is the world’s largest trade show for industrial technology. In recent years, economic development leaders from the Rio Grande Valley have visited the show to seek out manufacturers that may wish to invest in North America. Torsten Buchwald, managing partner of I-CI Global Services, was born and raised near Hannover and has attended the trade show many times. In this podcast he is interviewed by reporter Steve Taylor about the 2019 Hannover Messe and his work in bringing more manufacturing companies to North America.
The Hannover Messe is the world’s largest trade show for industrial technology. In recent years, economic development leaders from the Rio Grande Valley have visited the show to seek out manufacturers that may wish to invest in North America. Matt Ruszczak, executive director of Rio South Texas Economic Council, has been to Hannover Messe for the past three years. In this podcast he is interviewed by reporter Steve Taylor about the 2019 Hannover Messe and RSTEC’s efforts to expand the Rio South Texas region’s footprint in Europe.
Cameron County Commissioner David Garza does not give interviews to the media very often. He said he wanted to make an exception on this occasion because of the importance of the topic - securing federal disaster relief funds for the Rio Grande Valley. Garza was part of a delegation from the Valley that visited with officials from the Department of Housing & Urban Development in Washington, D.C., this week. Other Valley leaders on the trip included Hidalgo County Commissioners David Fuentes and Ellie Torres and Willacy County Commissioner Eduardo 'Eddy' Gonzales. Garza said Valley leaders are, thankfully, now taking a regional approach to drainage issues.
On Thursday, May 30, 2019, UT-Rio Grande Valley President Guy Bailey gave his State of the University Address. The event was hosted by the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and held at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance. Dr. Bailey spoke about how the university and its school of medicine started, their trajectory and the recognition now coming their way. In this podcast, Rio Grande Guardian presenter Mario Muñoz provides his edited highlights.
Stalwart GOP operative Hollis Rutledge helped campaign for George Herbert Walker Bush when he ran unsuccessfully for the open U.S. Senate in Texas in 1970. The Houston-based Republican was challenging Democrat Lloyd Bentsen, who, like Rutledge, was from Mission, Texas.
During Ronald Reagan's presidency, Rutledge served in the Department of Housing & Urban Development. When Bush succeeded Reagan, Rutledge was regional administrator for the General Services Administration.
Rutledge got to know Bush and his family very well. He sat down for an interview with Rio Grande Guardian editor Steve Taylor to pay tribute to 41. He said Bush does not get the credit he deserves for ushering in the North American Free Trade Agreement, which, Rutledge says, has transformed the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.
The Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council is the official council of government for Hidalgo, Cameron and Willacy counties. Its executive director, Ron Garza, recently sat down for a conversation with Steve Taylor, editor of the Rio Grande Guardian, to discuss two new programs the agency is championing: Explore RGV and bike-sharing.
The 25th Pathways For Trade - North American Logistics & Manufacturing Symposium was held at Texas A&M International University in Laredo on Sept. 19 & 20, 2018. The Rio Grande Guardian and RGV Public Radio 88 FM interviewed three speakers at the event: Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz, Dr. Frederico Schaffler, director of the Texas Center for Border Economic & Enterprise Development, and diplomat Guillermo Malpica Soto, head of the trade & NAFTA office in Mexico's Ministry of Economy in Washington, D.C.
MCALLEN, RGV - Yolanda Saldaña Woods, the new director of Alamo area for FIRST in Texas, has been in the Rio Grande Valley for the past few days.
Woods, a native of San Benito, was in the Valley to attend FIRST RGV’s 2018-19 robotics competition season kickoff, which was held at Nikki Rowe High School in McAllen on Saturday. She told the Rio Grande Guardian was very impressed.
“It was really refreshing to see the level of support FIRST RGV received from the school districts in the Valley, Harlingen, Brownsville, McAllen, PSJA,” Woods said.
“I am taking back to San Antonio a lot of ideas on how to make our kickoff event as exciting as FIRST RGV’s. We do not have the speakers and the cheerleaders and the drums, all the things that make the kickoff truly special for the students.”
On Monday, Woods joined FIRST RGV President Jason Arms and Mario Lozoya, executive director of Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation Executive Director, in making a presentation to invited guests at the Mexican Consulate’s Office in McAllen. FIRST RGV is offering to help start FIRST robotics competitions in Reynosa and Matamoros.
Later, Woods sat down for a podcast with the Rio Grande Guardian. She spoke about her recent visit to Mexico City, where she attended the 2018 FIRST Global Challenge. Mexico’s commitment to the event was evidenced by appearances from both outgoing president, Enrique Peña Nieto, and incoming president, Andres Manuel López Obrador.
Woods also spoke about Arms’ plans to incorporate AmeriCorps VISTA, a national service program designed to alleviate poverty, into the FIRST RGV program.
El Candidato Demócrata para el Senado de Estados Unidos de America, Beto O’Rouke doy una entrevista al Río Grande Guardian sobre su visita al Sur de Texas.
Las preguntas para el Congresista Beto O’Rourke de El Paso fueron que si el recibe el apoyo de los votantes de las colonias.
Siendo que los Candidatos estales y federales olvidan al las colonias.
State Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., dubbed Aug. 6, 2018, International Bridge Day in the Rio Grande Valley. That was because there were two major events involving land ports of entry. At the Veterans Bridge in Brownsville, Customs & Border Protection and Cameron County held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate a project that will see sophisticated new x-ray equipment introduced to inspect northbound trucks. At the Donna-Rio Bravo International Bridge, a groundbreaking ceremony was held to celebrate a project that will see, for the first time, empty trucks crossing southbound. In this podcast we interview Josue Garcia, Jr., bridge director for Cameron County and former bridge director for Donna.
The new DHR Health Transplant Institute - a comprehensive, multidisciplinary disease management center specializing in kidney, liver and pancreatic disorders - has just been opened.
It is home to the Kidney Transplant Center, the Liver Specialty Center and the Hepatobiliary, Pancreas and Organ Transplant Surgery Center.
At a recent news conference, doctors at the institute said a multidisciplinary approach is "essential to a successful transplant program and successful patient outcomes.” The physicians pointed out that organ recipients will no longer have to travel outside of the Rio Grande Valley to receive all of their transplant care.
The Liver Specialty Center provides patients who may be candidates for a liver transplant the opportunity to be evaluated and receive their pre- and post-operative live transplant care close to home.
Kidney transplant recipient Mercedes Rivas is featured in this podcast. Rivas was diagnosed with Wegener’s Granulomatosis, a rare disease with an unknown cause that can damage organ systems, most commonly the kidneys, lungs and upper respiratory tract. Mercedes’ kidneys began to fail and she was placed on the national transplant waiting list. While watching her sister endure the hardships of daily dialysis treatments, Maricela asked to be tested to see if her kidneys were compatible, and she was the perfect match. On Jan. 9, 2018, Maricela’s kidney was successfully donated to Mercedes.
Also featured in the podcast are Dr. Luis Almeda, transplant director, and Dr. Philip G. Thomas, primary transplant surgeon.
An in-depth discussion on training a skilled workforce for Brownsville took place at the offices of Workforce Solutions Cameron on Friday, July 27, 2018. As well as a check presentation being made, a workshop was held on apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. Stakeholders included contractor organizations, Brownsville ISD, Texas Southmost College, and Texas State Technical College. Among those participating in this podcast are Brownsville Mayor Tony Martinez, Texas Workforce Commissioner Julian Alvarez, Workforce Solutions Cameron executive director Pat Hobbs, Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation executive director Mario Lozoya, Brownsville businessman Mike Hernandez, and state Rep. Eddie Lucio, III.
Andrés Manuel López Obrador's presidential election victory was the topic of conversation for a recent LIVE at Bob's show. Specifically, experts were asked what the likely impact of an AMLO presidency would be on the Texas-Mexico border region. Our guests were: Arturo Lopez-Levy, politics professor at UT-Rio Grande Valley, author and journalist Blanca Gomez, who wrote a biography of AMLO when he was gearing up for his first presidential run, South Texas College economic professor Kevin Peek, who lived for a time in Mexico City, and customs broker Adrian Gonzalez. Rio Grande Guardian editor Steve Taylor was the moderator. The lunchtime show took place at Bob's Steak & Chop House in Edinburg, Texas.
By now, there should have been a news conference to announce Mario Lozoya as executive director of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation. However, a member of the GBIC board of directors, Nurith Galonsky, succeeded in obtaining a Temporary Restraining Order to stop the appointment. A court hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, June 18, 2018. GBIC Chairman César De León is a big supporter of Lozoya, who was previously governmental relations and external affairs director for Toyota Corporation in San Antonio. In this podcast we interview Lozoya and De León about what Lozoya hopes to achieve at GBIC.
Scott Nicol of the Sierra Club RGV's Borderlands Team discusses the use of almost $80 million in Hidalgo County drainage system repair funds to reinforce federal levees.
The Mexican presidential election is on July 1, 2018, and Andrés Manuel López Obrador is ahead in the polls. What sort of president would the leader of the National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) party be? Journalist Blanca Gomez, who wrote a book about López Obrador, discusses the presidential election with Rio Grande Guardian columnist Gary Mounce.
Under a directive from the U.S. Department of Education, the State of Texas has to provide more special education services to students. What are South Texas schools doing to ensure Special Ed students are not denied such services? A conversation with educator Deborah Murphy of the Institute of International Studies.
Matt Ruszczak, executive director of Rio South Texas Economic Council, recently visited Germany for the Hannover Messe. Working with the European American Investment Council, Ruszczak is forging alliances to bring European manufacturing companies to the Rio Grande Valley. In this podcast, Rio Grande Guardian editor Steve Taylor interviews Ruszczak about his trip to Germany.