Rio Grande Guardian
Rick Carrera
- Title
- Rick Carrera
- Runtime
- 5:41
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Rick Carrera is director of economic development for the Council for South Texas Economic Progress. At the August meeting of the South Texas Manufacturers Association, Carrera spoke about the automotive industry cluster COSTEP is working on for the Rio South Texas region. Identifying which suppliers to the automotive industry are in the region will help with the recruitment of new business, Carrera said. He said those suppliers would also secure more promotion when COSTEP goes to trade shows around the country.
- Title
- State Rep. Sergio Muñoz
- Runtime
- 5:28
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- State Rep. Sergio Muñoz, D-Mission, opposes the new congressional map drawn by Republican leaders in Austin. However, he was one of a handful of Democrats in the House that did not flee the state in order to break a quorum. He has chosen to stay at the Capitol in the hope of negotiating a compromise map. In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Muñoz says there is an argument that it might be better for his colleagues to get back to the Capitol, let the Republican majority pass the legislation and there would then be more time to fight it in the courts. In the interview, Muñoz explains how the map makes big changes to the three South Texas congressional districts, which are known as CD 15, 28, and 34.
- Title
- McAllen EDC
- Runtime
- 2:17
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- McAllen Economic Development Corporation is helping facilitate some big industrial projects that it cannot yet reveal. This was the message the group’s chief executive officer, Ralph Garcia gave at a South Texas Manufacturers Association (STMA) meeting on Friday, August 15, 2025. The projects will happen on the city's southside, Garcia said. He also promoted an upcoming event the EDC is hosting called Trade Talks. Meanwhile, his colleague, Josh Vasquez, spoke about an event on up-skilling coming Tuesday, Aug. 19. It includes Workforce Solutions and the Texas Workforce Commission.
- Title
- Introducing the RGG Business Journal
- Runtime
- 7:37
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The Rio Grande Guardian now has a sister publication! The RGG Business Journal will focus on border business, international trade, and data reports, offering unique news stories and expert analysis from the South Texas border region. In an interview with Business Journal reporter Daniela Capistran, Business Journal Editor Steve Taylor points out that most of the Rio Grande Guardian's coverage was business related anyway. So, it made perfect sense to create a second, specialist brand.
- Title
- U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar
- Runtime
- 7:49
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, held a private meeting with key stakeholders at the offices of Texas Citrus Mutual in Mission on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025. Although the discussions were private, Rep. Cuellar did give the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service an interview after the event. In the interview, Cuellar discussed tariffs, the renegotiation of USMCA, the value of the House Committee on Appropriations (he is a member) as it relates to setting policy, and the Trump Administration's apparent consideration of making migrants pay a deposit to come to the United States.
- Title
- Alejandro Barrera
- Runtime
- 3:07
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- In a private meeting of key stakeholders with U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, Roma City Manager Alejandro Barrera brought up the issue of Mexican trucks crossing the Roma International Bridge. Those trucks can turn right and travel down to the rest of the Rio Grande Valley. But they are not permitted to travel left and go north through Zapata County on to Laredo. In an interview with the RGG Business Journal after the meeting had concluded, Barrera said the prohibition against Mexican trucks going through Zapata County has been in play for some time. But, he said could not understand why. He said it does not seem fair. He also spoke about the growth of trade at the bridge and the importance of a new industrial park being built next to the bridge.
- Title
- 2025 Small Business Summit - Driving Success Through Collaboration Panel
- Runtime
- 46:15
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The Governor's Office of Small Business Assistance teamed up with Pharr Economic Development Corporation to host the 2025 Governor's Small Business Summit. It was held at the Jose "Pepe" Salinas Memorial Recreation Center in Pharr. One of the panel discussions was titled: "Stronger Together: Driving Success Through Collaboration." The moderator was Dr. Annabelle Palomo, CEO and founder of Rio Grande Valley College. The panelists were: Francisco Almaraz, CEO of Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley, Linda Ufland, director of the Entrepreneurship & Commercialization Center for UT-Rio Grande Valley, and Dr. Valerie G. Segovia, vice president of investor relations for the Texas Economic Development Corporation. Here is the panel discussion.
- Title
- Sasha Levine
- Runtime
- 31:33
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Sasha Levine is executive vice president of Levcor, Inc. Levine recently gave the keynote speech at the 2025 Small Business Summit that was hosted jointly by the Governor's Office of Small Business Assistance and Pharr Economic Development Corporation. The event was held at the Jose "Pepe" Salinas Memorial Recreation Center in Pharr. Levine focused a lot in her speech on Pharr Town Center, a near 20-year project developed by her father. She said Levcor believes in the border region because her father was born and raised in Eagle Pass. She praised Pharr EDC for its business-friendly attitude and the support it has shown her company. This video features her remarks, plus a Q&A session with members of the audience.
- Title
- Raudel Garza
- Runtime
- 2:28
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Raudel Garza, executive director of Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, has given an exclusive interview to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service about the big Zoho Corporation project in his city. Zoho, a tech giant from India, has purchased the famous Echo Hotel with plans to make it their Rio Grande Valley HQ. Garza said Zoho's plans are "spectacular." He predicts Zoho will be a catalyst for more development around the hotel.
- Title
- David Fuentes
- Runtime
- 4:09
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- For the last few years, Donna ISD did not participate in the Hidalgo County Head Start program. This dismayed county leaders and many parents. When Angela Dominguez came in as superintendent of Donna ISD she worked hard to bring Head Start back. She had a willing supporter in Irma Peña, executive director of Hidalgo County Head Start. Recently, the two entities held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at B.G. Guzman Elementary School for the re-introduction of the program. One of the speakers at the event was Hidalgo County Commissioner David Fuentes, a keen supporter of Head Start. Fuentes gave the Rio Grande Guardian an interview at the event.
- Title
- Angela Dominguez and Irma Peña
- Runtime
- 4:38
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- For the last few years, Donna ISD did not participate in the Hidalgo County Head Start program. This dismayed county leaders and many parents. When Angela Dominguez came in as superintendent of Donna ISD she worked hard to bring Head Start back. She had a willing supporter in Irma Peña, executive director of Hidalgo County Head Start. Recently, the two entities held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at B.G. Guzman Elementary School for the re-introduction of the program. After the festivities had concluded, Dominguez and Peña gave an interview to the Rio Grande Guardian.
- Title
- 2025 Small Business Summit - Leveraging State & Local Programs - Part Two
- Runtime
- 4:08
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The Governor's Office of Small Business Assistance teamed up with Pharr Economic Development Corporation to host the 2025 Governor's Small Business Summit. It was held at the Jose "Pepe" Salinas Memorial Recreation Center in Pharr. One of the panel discussions was titled: “Strategies for Growth: “Leveraging State & Local Programs.” The moderator was Angela R. Burton, district director, U.S. Small Business Administration, Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office. The panelists were: David Ortiz, South Texas Regional Director for the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center, Maria Juarez-Serna, director of the Small Business Development Center at UT-Rio Grande Valley, and Marivel Mata, director of the APEX Accelerator at UT-Rio Grande Valley. Here is Part Two of the discussion.
- Title
- Sophia Garza
- Runtime
- 19:40
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Sophia Garcia is a resident of Laredo who is about to start college at UT-Austin's McCombs School of Business. Garcia was a budding entrepreneur at the age of 15. She was mentored by legendary workforce development leader Blas Castañeda. Rio Grande Guardian Editor Steve Taylor recently secured an exclusive interview with Garcia. She discussed her entrepreneurial spirit, her advocacy work, and the role Castañeda has played in shaping her career trajectory.
- Title
- 2025 Small Business Summit - Leveraging State & Local Programs - Part One
- Runtime
- 16:15
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The Governor's Office of Small Business Assistance teamed up with Pharr Economic Development Corporation to host the 2025 Governor's Small Business Summit. It was held at the Jose "Pepe" Salinas Memorial Recreation Center in Pharr. One of the panel discussions was titled: “Strategies for Growth: “Leveraging State & Local Programs.” The moderator was Angela R. Burton, district director, U.S. Small Business Administration, Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office. The panelists were: David Ortiz, South Texas Regional Director for the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center, Maria Juarez-Serna, director of the Small Business Development Center at UT-Rio Grande Valley, and Marivel Mata, director of the APEX Accelerator at UT-Rio Grande Valley. Here is Part One of the discussion.
- Title
- 2025 Small Business Summit - Leveraging State & Local Programs - Part Three
- Runtime
- 19:33
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The Governor's Office of Small Business Assistance teamed up with Pharr Economic Development Corporation to host the 2025 Governor's Small Business Summit. It was held at the Jose "Pepe" Salinas Memorial Recreation Center in Pharr. One of the panel discussions was titled: “Strategies for Growth: “Leveraging State & Local Programs.” The moderator was Angela R. Burton, district director, U.S. Small Business Administration, Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office. The panelists were: David Ortiz, South Texas Regional Director for the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center, Maria Juarez-Serna, director of the Small Business Development Center at UT-Rio Grande Valley, and Marivel Mata, director of the APEX Accelerator at UT-Rio Grande Valley. Here is Part Three of the discussion.
- Title
- Diane Milliken Garza
- Runtime
- 7:33
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Diane Milliken Garza is executive director of the RGV Philanthropic Foundation and a member of the Texas Commission on the Arts. In this latter capacity she was appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott. In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Milliken Garza said she has invited her colleagues on the board of the Texas Commission on the Arts to visit Brownsville on August 26th and 27th. She said her colleagues have accepted the invitation. The commission members will visit many of the historic places in Brownsville with a view to securing a state designation as a cultural district. If that were to happen, Milliken Garza said, Brownsville could gain a lot more tourists. Cultural tourism can be of great benefit to a city financially, she explained.
- Title
- Caitlin Admire
- Runtime
- 4:29
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The City of Brownsville has launched what it calls a Downtown Renaissance Master Plan. It did so with a community information session at the eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization on Friday, August 1, 2025. City leaders and consultants said the master plan will focus on creating a long-term vision for Downtown Brownsville that includes downtown's uses and physical environment, walkability, housing, parks, trails and public spaces, infrastructure updates, economic development, parking, and preservation of the city's unique architectural, historical, and cultural assets. Here is an interview with Caitlin Admire, project manager for Freese & Nichols.
- Title
- John Cowen, Jr.
- Runtime
- 2:54
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The City of Brownsville has launched what it calls a Downtown Renaissance Master Plan. It did so with a community information session at the eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization on Friday, August 1, 2025. City leaders and consultants said the master plan will focus on creating a long-term vision for Downtown Brownsville that includes downtown's uses and physical environment, walkability, housing, parks, trails and public spaces, infrastructure updates, economic development, parking, and preservation of the city's unique architectural, historical, and cultural assets. Here is an interview with Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, Jr.
- Title
- Danny Diaz
- Runtime
- 16:27
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Palmview native Danny Diaz is a political commentator and consultant. In the past he has led La Unión del Pueblo Entero's communications department. Of late, Diaz has been closely following the Texas congressional redistricting saga that has been playing out in Austin and, because Democrats broke quorum, across the country. Diaz says there is no doubt the proposed new congressional map for Texas is a gerrymander. He argues it is racist in nature. The map came about after President Trump asked Republican leaders in Texas to redraw the boundary lines in order to create five new Republican-friendly districts. However, Diaz says there is still an opportunity for South Texas incumbents U.S. Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez to hold on to their seats, even though they are two of the five being targeted by Republicans.
- Title
- Thomas Ray Garcia
- Runtime
- 15:36
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Thomas Ray Garcia is an educator, writer, entrepreneur, and public servant from Pharr, Texas. He is the founder of the College Scholarship Leadership Access Program (C-SLAP) and currently serves as chair of the nonprofit group’s board of directors. For the second election in a row, Garcia is running for the Texas Board of Education, District 2. In this in-depth interview, Garcia talks about his candidacy, why the State Board of Education matters, and the impact of C-SLAP.
- Title
- Dr. Pisharodi
- Runtime
- 24:13
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Dr. Madhavan A. Pisharodi, MD, is a Brownsville, Texas, based neurosurgeon and inventor. The Rio Grande Guardian occasionally interviews him about his inventions. Here is the latest.
- Title
- Larry Jokl
- Runtime
- 3:10
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Veteran Brownsville realtor Larry Jokl has announced brief details about a major development coming to Brownsville. He did so in the Q&A section of a City of Brownsville community information session on the city's new Downtown Renaissance Master Plan. Jokl said he was surprised his project was not mentioned at the city event. He said his project will be a partnership between the City of Brownsville and Cameron County and that these two entities have set up a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ). He said the project would be funded in part by state dollars. After the information session had ended, Jokl gave an exclusive interview to the Rio Grande Guardian. He said he could not give too many details at this stage but revealed as much as he could.
- Title
- Brownsville Downtown Renaissance Master Plan
- Runtime
- 28:03
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The City of Brownsville has launched what it calls a Downtown Renaissance Master Plan. It did so with a community information session at the eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization on Friday, August 1, 2025. City leaders and consultants said the master plan will focus on creating a long-term vision for Downtown Brownsville that includes downtown's uses and physical environment, walkability, housing, parks, trails and public spaces, infrastructure updates, economic development, parking, and preservation of the city's unique architectural, historical, and cultural assets. Here are highlights from the information session.
- Title
- Michael Pacheco
- Runtime
- 2:04
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Michael Pacheco is a Pharr City Commissioner. In this interview, Pacheco discusses the Pharr International Bridge and specifically when the second span project will be completed and how uncertainty over tariffs is not fazing Pharr officials.
- Title
- Raudel Garza
- Runtime
- 2:32
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Raudel Garza, executive director of Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, has explained why some distributors prefer being on the north side of the Rio Grande Valley, such as Edinburg, rather than close to the international bridges. If they house their products near the bridges they still have to get through the Valley's busy traffic before heading north. Garza first made this observation at a meeting of the Greater McAllen Association of Realtors. The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service asked him to reprise his analysis later in an exclusive interview.
- Title
- Raudel Garza
- Runtime
- 5:53
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Raudel Garza is executive director of Edinburg Economic Development Corporation and possibly the most experienced economic development specialist in the Rio Grande Valley. Recently, Garza gave an exclusive interview to the Rio Grande Guardian about the explosive growth of Edinburg. The Guardian secured the interview at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new one-million gallon water tower that has been built in north Edinburg. In the interview, Garza speaks specifically about the growth in north Edinburg, and the number of new subdivisions popping up in the city. He says he expects the population growth to continue at a fast pace for the next ten to 20 years. The great advantage the city has, Garza explains, is that it has a lot of land to the north, northeast and northwest.
- Title
- Pam and Marge Bentsen
- Runtime
- 1:12
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Pam and Marge Bentsen are landowners in north Edinburg. The Bentsen family recently donated an acre of land in north Edinburg to the City of Edinburg so the City could build a new one-million gallon water tower. The tower is seen as an important infrastructure upgrade that will enhance water service and pressure for residents north of Monte Cristo and Closner. The Bentsens gave an exclusive interview to the Rio Grande Guardian at the conclusion of a press conference held by city officials.
- Title
- Melisa Gonzales-Rosas
- Runtime
- 40:50
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Melisa Gonzales-Rosas is assistant director of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council's community and economic development department. Recently, Gonzales-Rosas gave an in-depth presentation on the various strategic plans the LRGVDC is involved in. She gave the presentation at a quarterly meeting of the LRGVDC's Small Cities Coalition. Among the topics Gonzales-Rosas discussed were economic development, resiliency, used tires, water, and new guidelines the U.S. Economic Development Administration may usher in.
- Title
- Edna De Saro
- Runtime
- 4:13
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Edna De Saro is an independent marketing specialist based in the Rio Grande Valley. One of her clients is the City of Pharr's IT Department. In this video, De Saro explains the benefits of Pharr Connect, the city's blazing fast fiber internet service.
- Title
- Luis Bazan
- Runtime
- 7:32
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Luis Bazan, director of Pharr International Bridge, says the amount of truck crossings at the bridge has been up in some months and down in others in 2025, as compared to the 2024 numbers. He said there is still confusion over tariff policy and this could be having an impact. He said he is also concerned about investment decisions. Bazan said his team continues to be aggressive in looking for new business in Mexico. Bazan gave an exclusive interview to the Rio Grande Guardian at a luncheon hosted by the Pharr Bridge Board. It was held as an appreciation for bridge customers. In the interview, Bazan gave an update on when the second span at the bridge would be complete.
- Title
- Jose Peña
- Runtime
- 4:18
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Jose Peña, IT director for the City of Pharr, has given the Rio Grande Guardian an update on the city's blazing fast fiber internet service, Pharr Connect. At an event at the Pharr International Bridge, Peña said the City has had great success signing up residential customers and is now placing a lot of emphasis on promoting the service to the business community. He also spoke about the state and national awards the city has garnered for Pharr Connect.
- Title
- Brownsville Coffee Shop #2
- Runtime
- 9:47
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Brownsville Coffee Shop #2 is a Brownsville staple. Founded by Ms. Rafaela Manzano Alviar and now operated by her daughter, Ms. Jovita Chase, the shop is known for its homemade Mexican and American favorites, including its menudo and carne guisada. Located at 3230 International Boulevard, Brownsville Coffee Shop #2 recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary. Among the speakers were Brownsville Mayor John Cowen and Brownsville Chamber of Commerce CEO Esmy Villarreal. Here is a video from a day of celebration.
- Title
- Rina Castillo and Megan Rodriguez
- Runtime
- 21:01
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Rina Castillo and Megan Rodriguez are community and economic development agents for Prairie View A&M Extension in the Rio Grande Valley. Castillo looks after Hidalgo and Starr counties. Rodriguez looks after Cameron and Willacy counties. The pair gave a combined presentation at a recent meeting of the LRGVDC Small Cities Coalition. They explained all the programs they offer in the Valley, including the famed BID Academy program, which is designed to help small businesses get HUD certified. HUD stands for Historically Underutilized Business. Such a designation can help a company secure government contracts. This video features the full presentation Castillo and Rodriguez made at the Small Cities Coalition meeting.
- Title
- Tom Logan
- Runtime
- 5:36
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Tom Logan, director of transit operations for Valley Metro, has explained the concept of Microtransit. He says it is a shared ride system, similar to Lyft or Uber but for the rural areas. Valley Metro is hoping to introduce such a program, initially in Hidalgo County and later the rest of the Valley. The group has the buses and the federal dollars. But it needs a local match. This is where the Rio Grande Valley's smaller cities can help, Logan said. The program was discussed in depth at an LRGVDC Small Cities Coalition meeting, held in Weslaco. After the meeting had concluded Logan gave the Rio Grande Guardian an exclusive interview.
- Title
- Dennis Moreno
- Runtime
- 6:44
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- In the case of an emergency, residents do not have to call RGV 9-1-1. They can text a message instead, if they so wish. This texting service has been in place for a decade but not enough people know about it, said Dennis Moreno, assistant director for RGV 9-1-1. What is new is that residents can now text in any language, not just English. Moreno said this is an important new feature. In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Moreno also spoke about the need, in some cases, for residents to have their address changed so emergency services can find an address in a hurry. Moreno gave the interview at a meeting of the LRGVDC Small Cities Coalition.
- Title
- Bringing Microtransit to the RGV
- Runtime
- 20:20
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- If all the small cities in the Rio Grande Valley can commit around $7,000, Valley Metro would be able to launch a robust micro transit service, similar to Uber or Lyft, for the rural communities. Passengers would book their ride the day before they need it, explained Tom Logan, director of transit operations for Valley Metro. “Our main goal is to create a coalition of cities and local entities to work together to expand public transportation in the region, specifically in non-urban and rural areas of the county,” Logan said. Logan spoke in depth about the proposed program at a Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council Small Cities Coalition meeting. Here is the discussion.
- Title
- Jesuit Priest Brian Strassburger
- Runtime
- 5:18
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Two Jesuit priests based in South Texas – Brian Strassburger and William Critchley-Menor - recently penned an article for The Jesuit Review titled: “What we saw during an ICE arrest and immigration court hearing: the breakdown of justice in America.” In the article they reported on asylum seeker, Carlos, who was picked up by ICE immediately upon leaving a Brownsville court. “To see before our eyes this breakdown of justice was appalling. The undercover nature of the ICE operation exposes the entire process for what it is: shameful,” the priests wrote. They described the whole process as a “kangaroo court.” Strassburger is a priest at San Felipe de Jesus Catholic Church in Harlingen. He recently gave an interview to the Rio Grande Guardian.
- Title
- Producing more Certified Teachers
- Runtime
- 25:56
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- McAllen Economic Development Corporation has joined Region One Education Service Center’s efforts to expand access to teacher certification by contributing $12,600 to support aspiring educators. A check presentation was held on July 21, 2025, at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce to recognize the contribution and celebrate the launch of the partnership. McAllen EDC COO Ralph Garcia emceed the event. Among the speakers were McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos, McAllen City Manager Isaac Tawil, McAllen EDC President Elizabeth Suarez, Region One Executive Director Daniel P. King, Region One’s administrator for education, preparation, and development, Marissa Falcon, and State Board of Education Member L.J. Francis.
- Title
- Western portion of Hidalgo County Loop project
- Runtime
- 16:59
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- In his chairman's report, Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority Chairman Robert Lozano gave an update on the Hidalgo County Loop Project, and specifically the western portion. At a recent RGV Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting, Hidalgo County and the City of Mission pushed to take control of this western portion from HCRMA, arguing that the project was not moving forward fast enough. At the HCRMA meeting, Lozano said his group has tried to work with all stakeholders on the project. "We've leaned forward all along," he said. Lozano reported that HCRMA had been unsuccessful in getting additional funds from RGVMPO.
- Title
- Javier Villalobos
- Runtime
- 5:14
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- McAllen Economic Development Corporation has joined Region One Education Service Center’s efforts to expand access to teacher certification by contributing $12,600 to support aspiring educators. A check presentation was held on July 21, 2025, at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce to recognize the contribution and celebrate the launch of the partnership. One of the speakers at the press conference was McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. He told the story about the teachers that transformed his career when he was a student in Crystal City. After the press conference Mayor Villalobos gave the Rio Grande Guardian an exclusive interview.
- Title
- Marissa Falcon
- Runtime
- 7:33
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- McAllen Economic Development Corporation has joined Region One Education Service Center’s efforts to expand access to teacher certification by contributing $12,600 to support aspiring educators. A check presentation was held on July 21, 2025, at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce to recognize the contribution and celebrate the launch of the partnership. Marissa Falcon, administrator for Region One ESC's Educator Preparation & Development Program, said MEDC’s contribution directly supports McAllen residents who are ready to step into the classroom and make a difference. “When we prepare quality teachers, we’re building stronger schools and a stronger community,” Falcon said. Here is an interview with the Region One administrator.
- Title
- Frank Schuster
- Runtime
- 2:30
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz held a press conference at Texas Citrus Mutual on July 18 to announce drought relief funding is coming to Rio Grande Valley farmers through the 1944 Water Treaty Agricultural Assistance Program. They issued the first checks to farmers Dale Murden and Frank Schuster. The total drought relief package is worth $280 million. Schuster’s company is called Val Verde Vegetable Co. He farms south of San Juan, Alamo, and Donna. After the press conference had concluded, Schuster gave an interview to the Rio Grande Guardian.
- Title
- Drought relief funding for farmers
- Runtime
- 4:10
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz held a press conference at Texas Citrus Mutual on July 18 to announce drought relief funding is coming to Rio Grande Valley farmers through the 1944 Water Treaty Agricultural Assistance Program. They issued the first checks to farmers Dale Murden and Frank Schuster. The total drought relief package is worth $280 million.
- Title
- Michael Pacheco
- Runtime
- 2:09
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Michael Pacheco is a commissioner for the City of Pharr. He recently participated in a press conference held to promote Fresh on the Border and Avocado Fest, Pharr's signature festival of the year. Pacheco pointed out that 20,000 people attended in 2024. He expects the turnout to be even higher this year.
- Title
- Jorge Torres
- Runtime
- 30:17
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Jorge Torres is president and founder of McAllen-based Interlink Trade Services. He has been a licensed customs broker for 30 years and has worked with maquiladora and customs brokerage operations for 35 years. Torres is in great demand these days as an expert on tariffs, appearing on national TV and global media outlets. Torres says uncertainty in trade policies is hurting industry and investment in Mexico. Here is an in-depth discussion on the current situation.
- Title
- Megan Rodriguez
- Runtime
- 7:39
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Megan Rodriguez is community and economic development agent for Prairie View A&M Extension in Cameron and Willacy counties. Rodriguez is hosting the first ever BID Academy Sprint at the eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization in downtown Brownsville. The word sprint has been added to the title because the program has been condensed into one week. The programs are usually seven to nine weeks in length. The BID Academy gets companies HUD certified. HUD stands for Historically Underutilized Business. Rodriguez was interviewed about the program by Rio Grande Guardian reporter Daniela Capistran.
- Title
- Dr. Guy Bailey
- Runtime
- 1:42
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Dr. Guy Bailey, president of UT-Rio Grande Valley, has welcomed another major investment at the university’s School of Medicine. The investment is coming from Drs. Subram and Elizabeth Krishnan, a couple who have dedicated more than 40 years to compassionate care and community service in the Rio Grande Valley. The Krishnans are furthering their commitment to healthcare by establishing the first endowed chair in orthopedic surgery at UTRGV SOM. The initiative aims to empower the next generation of physicians and transform healthcare in the region. In an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Dr. Bailey pointed out that the Krishnan family has previously made significant contributions to UTRGV, including the Sujata G. Krishnan Endowed Chair in Neurosciences.
- Title
- Drs. Subram and Elizabeth Krishnan
- Runtime
- 6:35
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Doctors Subram and Elizabeth Krishnan have dedicated more than 40 years to compassionate care and community service in the Rio Grande Valley. The couple are furthering their commitment to healthcare by establishing the first endowed chair in orthopedic surgery at UT-Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine. The initiative aims to empower the next generation of physicians and transform healthcare in the region. The Krishnan family has previously made significant contributions to UTRGV, including the Sujata G. Krishnan Endowed Chair in Neurosciences. The Rio Grande Guardian secured interviews with both doctors at a press conference held to announce the establishment of the endowed chair in orthopedic surgery.
- Title
- William Steele
- Runtime
- 6:04
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Supply Pay is a startup FinTech company in the Rio Grande Valley that does invoice factoring for farmers in Latin America. Willam Steele, its founder and CEO, recently sponsored lunch and refreshments at a press conference that was hosted by the Texas International Produce Association at GR Fresh in south McAllen on Friday, July 11, 2025. The press conference was called in order to fight to keep the Suspension Agreement on Fresh Tomatoes from Mexico in place. The Department of Commerce plans to end the agreement, which pleases tomato growers in Florida. After the press conference had concluded, Steele gave an interview to the Rio Grande Guardian about both the tomato suspension agreement and his company.
- Title
- Jeffrey Salcedo Cantú
- Runtime
- 5:18
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Jeffrey Salcedo Cantú is the new international development business manager for Edinburg Economic Development Corporation. In an exclusive interview (in Spanish) with the Rio Grande Guardian, Salcedo Cantú spoke about the outreach Edinburg EDC is doing in Mexico to attract new investors. He says Mexico offers great potential for the recruitment of new business.
