Rio Grande Guardian

Title: 5101 North Cage Blvd
Runtime: 3:19
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: More industrial property is coming on the market in north Pharr next to I-69C. The Class A, flex industrial facility is located at 5101 North Cage Boulevard, Pharr, Texas. It is on the west side of the expressway, just north of Nolana Avenue. Totaling 24,990 square feet, the new building will offer a range of sizes, from 3,570 SF up to 24,990 SF. A groundbreaking ceremony was held recently for the project. Afterwards, the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service interviewed property owner Sameer Wadhwani and Forum CRE brokers Jaboney Rodriguez and Carlo Molano.

Title: Dr. Ali Esmaeili
Runtime: 3:03
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Dr. Ali Esmaeili is dean of mathematics, science and bachelor programs at South Texas College. In this interview, Esmaeili explains why AI should be embraced and why CEOs, business leaders, and executives should attend an upcoming conference on Automation in the Rio Grande Valley. The conference takes place April 22 in the Student Union Building at STC's Pecan Campus in McAllen. It is being co-hosted by STC, the Rio Grande Guardian and Allied Consulting Group.

Title: RGV StartUp Week
Runtime: 20:25
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: The organizers of the 2nd Annual RGV StartUp Week have held a press conference to announce program details. This year the events are taking place across the Rio Grande Valley, not just Brownsville, which was the case last year. This year there will also be events in Harlingen, Weslaco, Pharr and McAllen. Here is a video of the press conference.

Title: Starr County Industrial Foundation
Runtime: 4:23
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Starr County Judge Eloy Vera recently held his 2025 State of the County Address at the Julabe Events Center in Rio Grande City. Before the judge gave his address, a number of short videos were played on two large screens. Here is a video featuring Starr County Industrial Foundation

Title: Henry Cuellar
Runtime: 4:27
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Starr County Judge Eloy Vera recently held his 2025 State of the County Address at the Julabe Events Center in Rio Grande City. Before the judge gave his address, a number of short videos were played on two large screens. Here is a video featuring U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar

Title: Raul Peña, III
Runtime: 3:18
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Starr County Judge Eloy Vera recently held his 2025 State of the County Address at the Julabe Events Center in Rio Grande City. Before the judge gave his address, a number of short videos were played on two large screens. Here is a video featuring Starr County Commissioner Raul Peña, III.

Title: Jose 'Kiko' Perez, Jr
Runtime: 3:46
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Starr County Judge Eloy Vera recently held his 2025 State of the County Address at the Julabe Events Center in Rio Grande City. Before the judge gave his address, a number of short videos were played on two large screens. Here is a video featuring Starr County Commissioner Jose 'Kiko' Perez, Jr.

Title: South Texas College
Runtime: 2:16
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Starr County Judge Eloy Vera recently held his 2025 State of the County Address at the Julabe Events Center in Rio Grande City. Before the judge gave his address, a number of short videos were played on two large screens. Here is a video featuring South Texas College

Title: Starr County Memorial Hospital
Runtime: 2:08
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Starr County Judge Eloy Vera recently held his 2025 State of the County Address at the Julabe Events Center in Rio Grande City. Before the judge gave his address, a number of short videos were played on two large screens. Here is a video featuring Starr County Memorial Hospital.

Title: Eleazar Velasquez, Jr
Runtime: 3:34
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Starr County Judge Eloy Vera recently held his 2025 State of the County Address at the Julabe Events Center in Rio Grande City. Before the judge gave his address, a number of short videos were played on two large screens. Here is a video featuring Starr County Commissioner Eleazar Velasquez, Jr.

Title: Hernan 'Nune' Garza
Runtime: 3:16
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Starr County Judge Eloy Vera recently held his 2025 State of the County Address at the Julabe Events Center in Rio Grande City. Before the judge gave his address, a number of short videos were played on two large screens. Here is a video featuring Starr County Commissioner Hernan 'Nune' Garza.

Title: Victor Perez
Runtime: 5:03
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: A groundbreaking ceremony took place Wednesday, April 2, at 5101 N. Cage Blvd. The event was held for Tesh Flex, a new state-of-the-art industrial facility. "The City of Pharr and the Pharr Economic Development Corporation are taking another step toward economic expansion," Pharr EDC President Victor Perez told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service. "This latest development signals continued investment in infrastructure to attract businesses, create jobs, and solidify Pharr’s role as a key logistics and industrial hub in South Texas." Perez also spoke about the seven new industrial parks slated to be built in south Pharr.

Title: Eloy Vera
Runtime: 24:20
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Starr County Judge Eloy Vera delivered his 2025 State of the County Address on April 1, at the Julable Events Center in Rio Grande City. In his remarks Vera praised South Texas College for the impact it has had on the county. He also thanked DHR Health for the residency program it plans to introduce. He spoke, also, about the renovation of the county courthouse and the Roma suspension bridge. And he said the state of the county's finances are healthy. "I'm happy to report that Starr County has never been in a better financial position than we are today. According to our county treasurer, Mr. Romeo Gonzalez, we currently have over $31.3 million in the bank. $31.3 million. I had to read it twice because for Starr County, that is a huge number." Here is his address in full.

Title: Luisa Saenz
Runtime: 20:43
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Luisa Saenz is a semi-retired children's advocate and grant writer. She is perhaps best known as the former leader of the Children's Defense Fund-RGV. But she has done so many other things in her varied career, including working in the import-export industry. Her skills as a grant writer have yielded $35.9 million for various Rio Grande Valley non-profit organizations over the years. In this interview she talks about some of the projects she worked on. Currently, she helps students at Valley View High School secure placements at top universities.

Covarrubias analiza los aranceles con líderes empresariales

Title: Covarrubias analiza los aranceles con líderes empresariales
Runtime: 17:31
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: El Dr. Daniel Covarrubias es director del Texas Center for Border Enterprise and Economic Development en la Universidad Texas A&M International en Laredo. Recientemente participó como orador en la reunión trimestral de Friends of COSTEP, celebrada en el Cambria Hotel McAllen Convention Center en McAllen. COSTEP significa Council for South Texas Economic Progress.

Covarrubias habló sobre el impacto que los aranceles pueden tener en la economía y luego respondió preguntas del público. Aquí está la parte de la sesión de preguntas y respuestas que se llevó a cabo completamente en español.

Title: Daniel Covarrubias
Runtime: 15:33
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Dr. Daniel Covarrubias is director of the Texas Center for Border Enterprise and Economic Development at Texas A&M International University in Laredo. He recently spoke at a Friends of COSTEP Quarterly Meeting, held at the Cambria Hotel McAllen Convention Center in McAllen. COSTEP stands for Council for South Texas Economic Progress. Covarrubias spoke about the impact tariffs can have on the economy, plus a white paper he recently penned, and two others he has in the works. All three white papers “reimagine” a new-look USMCA. Here is the section of his speech detailing the white papers.

Title: Dr. Madhavan Pisharodi, MD
Runtime: 49:34
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Pisharodi’s book is titled: “Corona Be Not Proud.” It provides concrete examples on ways to avoid the next pandemic, such as improving ventilation in homes and offices. The book is available on Amazon.com.

Title: Ricardo Rubiano
Runtime: 32:40
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Caption: Ricardo Rubiano is a Rio Grande Valley-based real estate developer and co-founder of Open EB5. The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service recently interviewed Rubiano on a range of topics. We spoke about Open EB5's current affordable housing project in Pharr and a similar project planned for Brownsville. We also spoke about economic development in general. Rubiano believes a new "golden triangle" is emerging - between San Antonio, Houston, and the Rio Grande Valley.

Title: Dr. Daniel Covarrubias
Runtime: 4:56
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Dr. Daniel Covarrubias is director of the Texas Center for Border Enterprise and Economic Development at Texas A&M International University in Laredo. He recently spoke at a Friends of COSTEP Quarterly Meeting, held at the Cambria Hotel McAllen Convention Center in McAllen. COSTEP stands for Council for South Texas Economic Progress. Covarrubias spoke about the impact tariffs can have on the economy, plus a white paper he recently penned, and two others he has in the works. The Rio Grande Guardian Interviewed him after the meeting had ended.

Title: Adam Gonzalez
Runtime: 5:51
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Adam Gonzalez is CEO of Council for South Texas Economic Progress. The group recently hosted a Friends of COSTEP Quarterly Meeting, held at the Cambria Hotel McAllen Convention Center in McAllen. The Rio Grande Guardian Interviewed Gonzales after the meeting had ended. We had questions about the impact of tariffs on the economy and COSTEP’s latest efforts to bring new industry to the Rio-South Texas region.

Title: Denny's
Runtime: 2:30
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Ozzy Duenas is district manager of Denny’s Corporate Restaurants. Pedro Sanchez is general manager of Denny’s McAllen. In an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Duenas and Sanchez talk about a customer appreciation day event Denny’s recently held at their diner on Nolana in McAllen. They also spoke about the enduring popularity of the restaurant and why it deserves to hold its “America’s Diner” moniker.

Title: Mark Lewis
Runtime: 15:09
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Mark Lewis is the new president of Edwards Abstract & Title Co. He took over the position recently from his father, Byron Lewis. In his first video interview since becoming president, Lewis talks aout the history of Edwards Abstract, the high bar set by his father, the State of RGV Real Estate forum that Edwards Abstract hosts each year, and the growth of the Rio Grande Valley.

Title: The Brownsville AI Tech Club
Runtime: 8:04
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: A new report from California-based Secure Data Recovery has spotlighted Brownsville as one of the nation's major emerging tech hubs. Titled America's Next Tech Hubs, the report ranks Brownsville second on the list of up-and-coming tech cities in the US, driven by the city's impressive tech sector growth. As a consequence of the new designation, a group of tech enthusiasts from Brownsville have set up an AI Tech Club at the eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization. One of these tech enthusiasts is electronics engineer Julio Johnson. Another is software developer and business owner Steve Perez. The Rio Grande Guardian interviewed both.

Title: Jonathan Stevens
Runtime: 18:49
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Teach For America Rio Grande Valley will host its annual Honor Roll Gala at the Mission Event Center on Friday, April 4, 2025. Jonathan Stevens, senior managing director of Teach for America RGV, said the event will celebrate individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to transforming education in the Rio Grande Valley. He said this year’s honorees exemplify extraordinary leadership and unwavering dedication to providing all students with an excellent education. Stevens said Annabelle Palomo, CEO and founder of Rio Grande Valley College, will be recognized with the 2025 Honor Roll Educational Champion Award. He said Region One Education Service Center will be recognized with the 2025 Institutional Catalyst Award. And, Stevens said, Pablo Mejia, 1999 Teach For America Rio Grande Valley Corps Member will be recognized with the 2025 Alumni Leadership Award. Here is an in-depth interview with Stevens.

Title: J.R. Garza Alamo Mayor
Runtime: 5:08
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: The Rio Grande Valley Partnership recently held a commercial and investment showcase at Alamo City Hall. Alamo Mayor J.R. Garza was there to greet potential investors. After the event, Garza gave the Rio Grande Guardian an interview. He spoke about commercial investment opportunities and the quality of life on offer in his city.

Title: Anthony Ortega Freedom Bank
Runtime: 3:13
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Anthony Ortega is a board member of Freedom Bank and president of Amigo Title Co. The bank is based in Alamo, Texas. In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Ortega encouraged land developers to look at Alamo. “There is prime real estate in Alamo. There are a lot of opportunities here,” Ortega said.

Title: Rita Hernandez
Runtime: 3:17
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Rita Hernandez is executive director of Cameron County Education Initiative. Recently, Hernandez secured a $216,750 grant for the nonprofit from Rio-South Texas Education & Community Development Foundation. The money will allow CCEI to expand its Medical Careers Training and Apprenticeship program. Here is an interview with Hernandez.

Title: Luis Antonio Perez
Runtime: 13:34
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Luis Antonio Perez is dean of the A.R. Sanchez, Jr., School of Business at Texas A&M International University in Laredo. In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Perez spoke about the success of the school, a grant he and his team secured from Rio-South Texas Education & Community Development Foundation for the school’s banking academy, and Laredo Day in Washington, D.C.

Title: VAMOS
Runtime: 3:35
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Rio-South Texas Education & Community Development (RSTEF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on Postsecondary Education and Workforce Development. RSTEF serves a seven-county region comprised of Willacy, Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Zapata, Jim Hogg, and Webb counties. The nonprofit provides financial support to 501(c)3 nonprofits whose programs result in increased skilled employment and educational obtainment for area residents. RSTEF’s goal is to help our region’s residents attain vocational trade certifications and/or degrees for in-demand professions thereby improving the economic conditions and quality of life for the region. Recently, RSTEF held its 2025 Awards Ceremony. It was held at the Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport. One of the grant recipients was Valley Alliance of Mentors for Opportunities and Scholarships. VAMOS received $47,500 for Expanding Access to Higher Education.

Title: VIDA
Runtime: 2:42
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Rio-South Texas Education & Community Development (RSTEF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on Postsecondary Education and Workforce Development. RSTEF serves a seven-county region comprised of Willacy, Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Zapata, Jim Hogg, and Webb counties. The nonprofit provides financial support to 501(c)3 nonprofits whose programs result in increased skilled employment and educational obtainment for area residents. RSTEF’s goal is to help our region’s residents attain vocational trade certifications and/or degrees for in-demand professions thereby improving the economic conditions and quality of life for the region. Recently, RSTEF held its 2025 Awards Ceremony. It was held at the Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport. One of the grant recipients was Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement. VIDA received $200,000 for its Career Pathways and Supportive Services.

Title: UTRGV
Runtime: 4:39
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Rio-South Texas Education & Community Development (RSTEF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on Postsecondary Education and Workforce Development. RSTEF serves a seven-county region comprised of Willacy, Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Zapata, Jim Hogg, and Webb counties. The nonprofit provides financial support to 501(c)3 nonprofits whose programs result in increased skilled employment and educational obtainment for area residents. RSTEF’s goal is to help our region’s residents attain vocational trade certifications and/or degrees for in-demand professions thereby improving the economic conditions and quality of life for the region. Recently, RSTEF held its 2025 Awards Ceremony. It was held at the Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport. One of the grant recipients was the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. UTRGV received $1 million for its Rio-South Texas Education and Community Foundation Endowed Scholarship.

Mexico's Water Debt to the United States

Title: Mexico's Water Debt to the United States
Runtime: 28:45
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz, and the new US Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins have met with farmers in the Rio Grande Valley. The private meeting was held at a farm south of San Juan, Texas, on March 19. The subject was the water crisis in the Valley and Mexico's failure to comply with a 1944 water sharing treaty. After the meeting, the two elected officials and Rollins held a press conference to talk about the meeting. They all said they were confident President Trump would get Mexico to comply with its water sharing obligations. Additionally, Rollins announced emergency relief funding for Valley farmers. Here is a video recording of the press conference in full, including questions from reporters.

Title: Brian Jones
Runtime: 5:18
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Brian Jones is a farmer in the Rio Grande Valley and a board member representing South Texas on the Texas Farm Bureau. Jones participated in a private meeting Rio Grande Valley farmers had with U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz, and the new US Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins. The meeting was held at a farm south of San Juan, Texas, on March 19. The subject was the water crisis in the Valley and Mexico's failure to comply with a 1944 water sharing treaty. Jones spoke to the Rio Grande Guardian about the meeting.

Title: Sonny Hinojosa
Runtime: 3:15
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Sonny Hinojosa is a retired irrigation district manager. He used to manage Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 2. Hinojosa participated in a private meeting Rio Grande Valley farmers had with U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz, and the new US Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins. The meeting was held at a farm south of San Juan, Texas, on March 19. The subject was the water crisis in the Valley and Mexico's failure to comply with a 1944 water sharing treaty. Hinojosa spoke to the Rio Grande Guardian about the meeting.

Title: Texas State Technical College
Runtime: 2:47
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Rio-South Texas Education & Community Development (RSTEF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on Postsecondary Education and Workforce Development. RSTEF serves a seven-county region comprised of Willacy, Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Zapata, Jim Hogg, and Webb counties. The nonprofit provides financial support to 501(c)3 nonprofits whose programs result in increased skilled employment and educational obtainment for area residents. RSTEF’s goal is to help our region’s residents attain vocational trade certifications and/or degrees for in-demand professions thereby improving the economic conditions and quality of life for the region. Recently, RSTEF held its 2025 Awards Ceremony. It was held at the Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport. One of the grant recipients was Texas State Technical College. TSTC received $250,000 for its RSTEF Endowed Scholarship Fund.

Title: Texas Southmost College
Runtime: 2:06
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Rio-South Texas Education & Community Development (RSTEF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on Postsecondary Education and Workforce Development. RSTEF serves a seven-county region comprised of Willacy, Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Zapata, Jim Hogg, and Webb counties. The nonprofit provides financial support to 501(c)3 nonprofits whose programs result in increased skilled employment and educational obtainment for area residents. RSTEF’s goal is to help our region’s residents attain vocational trade certifications and/or degrees for in-demand professions thereby improving the economic conditions and quality of life for the region. Recently, RSTEF held its 2025 Awards Ceremony. It was held at the Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport. One of the grant recipients was Texas Southmost College. The group received two checks. One worth $100,000 for its CTE Pipeline Scholarship Program. The other worth $200,000 for its Graduation Pathway Scholarship Program.

Texas A&M International Alumni Association

Title: Texas A&M International Alumni Association
Runtime: 3:19
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Rio-South Texas Education & Community Development (RSTEF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on Postsecondary Education and Workforce Development. RSTEF serves a seven-county region comprised of Willacy, Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Zapata, Jim Hogg, and Webb counties. The nonprofit provides financial support to 501(c)3 nonprofits whose programs result in increased skilled employment and educational obtainment for area residents. RSTEF’s goal is to help our region’s residents attain vocational trade certifications and/or degrees for in-demand professions thereby improving the economic conditions and quality of life for the region. Recently, RSTEF held its 2025 Awards Ceremony. It was held at the Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport. One of the grant recipients was Texas A&M International Alumni Association. The group received $250,000 for its Banking Academy Endowment.

Title: Teach for America RGV
Runtime: 5:32
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Rio-South Texas Education & Community Development (RSTEF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on Postsecondary Education and Workforce Development. RSTEF serves a seven-county region comprised of Willacy, Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Zapata, Jim Hogg, and Webb counties. The nonprofit provides financial support to 501(c)3 nonprofits whose programs result in increased skilled employment and educational obtainment for area residents. RSTEF’s goal is to help our region’s residents attain vocational trade certifications and/or degrees for in-demand professions thereby improving the economic conditions and quality of life for the region. Recently, RSTEF held its 2025 Awards Ceremony. It was held at the Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport. One of the grant recipients was Teach for America RGV. The group received $100,000 for its Building Teacher Training Pathway Program.

Title: Texas A&M University Foundation
Runtime: 3:05
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Rio-South Texas Education & Community Development (RSTEF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on Postsecondary Education and Workforce Development. RSTEF serves a seven-county region comprised of Willacy, Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Zapata, Jim Hogg, and Webb counties. The nonprofit provides financial support to 501(c)3 nonprofits whose programs result in increased skilled employment and educational obtainment for area residents. RSTEF’s goal is to help our region’s residents attain vocational trade certifications and/or degrees for in-demand professions thereby improving the economic conditions and quality of life for the region. Recently, RSTEF held its 2025 Awards Ceremony. It was held at the Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport. One of the grant recipients was Texas A&M University Foundation. The foundation received $250,000 for Addressing the Critical Shortage of RNs in the RGV.

Title: South Texas College Foundation
Runtime: 4:07
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Rio-South Texas Education & Community Development (RSTEF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on Postsecondary Education and Workforce Development. RSTEF serves a seven-county region comprised of Willacy, Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Zapata, Jim Hogg, and Webb counties. The nonprofit provides financial support to 501(c)3 nonprofits whose programs result in increased skilled employment and educational obtainment for area residents. RSTEF’s goal is to help our region’s residents attain vocational trade certifications and/or degrees for in-demand professions thereby improving the economic conditions and quality of life for the region. Recently, RSTEF held its 2025 Awards Ceremony. It was held at the Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport. One of the grant recipients was South Texas College Foundation. The foundation received $125,000 for its Promise Programs.

Title: Daniel Covarrubias
Runtime: 9:04
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Daniel Covarrubias is director of the Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development at Texas A&M International University in Laredo. The center is housed within the A.R. Sanchez, Jr., School of Business at TAMIU. Covarrubias wrote a book last year titled “Navigating the New Era of US-Mexico Trade - Infrastructure, Technology and the Future of Cross Border Trade.” The book came out last September. “The idea was to be able to put in a very easy format what goes on with cross border trade. So, it offers a comprehensive view of how US-Mexico trade relationships are advancing,” Covarrubias told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service. The book can be purchased on Amazon.

Title: Adam Gonzalez
Runtime: 10:18
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Rio-South Texas Education & Community Development (RSTEF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on Postsecondary Education and Workforce Development. RSTEF serves a seven-county region comprised of Willacy, Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Zapata, Jim Hogg, and Webb counties. The nonprofit provides financial support to 501(c)3 nonprofits whose programs result in increased skilled employment and educational obtainment for area residents. RSTEF’s goal is to help our region’s residents attain vocational trade certifications and/or degrees for in-demand professions thereby improving the economic conditions and quality of life for the region. Recently, RSTEF held its 2025 Awards Ceremony. The emcee was Adam Gonzalez, the group’s CEO. Here are his remarks at the ceremony.

Cameron County Education Initiative:RSTEF

Title: Cameron County Education Initiative:RSTEF
Runtime: 2:39
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Rio-South Texas Education & Community Development (RSTEF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on Postsecondary Education and Workforce Development. RSTEF serves a seven-county region comprised of Willacy, Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Zapata, Jim Hogg, and Webb counties. The nonprofit provides financial support to 501(c)3 nonprofits whose programs result in increased skilled employment and educational obtainment for area residents. RSTEF’s goal is to help our region’s residents attain vocational trade certifications and/or degrees for in-demand professions thereby improving the economic conditions and quality of life for the region. Recently, RSTEF held its 2025 Awards Ceremony. It was held at the Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport. One of the grant recipients was Cameron County Education Initiative. CCEI received $216,750 for its Medical Careers Training and Apprenticeship program.

Title: Imaginarium of South Texas
Runtime: 2:17
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Rio-South Texas Education & Community Development (RSTEF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on Postsecondary Education and Workforce Development. RSTEF serves a seven-county region comprised of Willacy, Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Zapata, Jim Hogg, and Webb counties. The nonprofit provides financial support to 501(c)3 nonprofits whose programs result in increased skilled employment and educational obtainment for area residents. RSTEF’s goal is to help our region’s residents attain vocational trade certifications and/or degrees for in-demand professions thereby improving the economic conditions and quality of life for the region. Recently, RSTEF held its 2025 Awards Ceremony. It was held at the Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport. One of the grant recipients was Lared-based Imaginarium of South Texas. IST received $50,000 for its Homework Assistance program.

Title: Region One ESC:RSTEF
Runtime: 2:35
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Rio-South Texas Education & Community Development (RSTEF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on Postsecondary Education and Workforce Development. RSTEF serves a seven-county region comprised of Willacy, Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Zapata, Jim Hogg, and Webb counties. The nonprofit provides financial support to 501(c)3 nonprofits whose programs result in increased skilled employment and educational obtainment for area residents. RSTEF’s goal is to help our region’s residents attain vocational trade certifications and/or degrees for in-demand professions thereby improving the economic conditions and quality of life for the region. Recently, RSTEF held its 2025 Awards Ceremony. It was held at the Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport. One of the grant recipients was Region One Education Service Center. Region One received $119,000 for its Preparing and Certifying Educators Program.

Title: Arturo Guajardo, Sr.
Runtime: 13:40
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: March 12 was Juan J. Maldonado Day in San Juan, Texas. The City Commission named the day in honor of the iconic civil rights leader, who died last year. March 12 was his birthday. To celebrate his legacy, friends and family have set up a foundation in his name. Funds donated to the foundation will help young Latinos with their higher education endeavors. It is titled the Juan J. Maldonado Latino Empowerment Foundation. Maldonado's life was celebrated with an event at Amigos Del Valle in San Juan on March 12. One of his longest and best friends, Arturo Guajardo, Sr., spoke of Maldonado's lifetime of service, passion, and activism.

Title: Daniel Covarrubias TAMU Economic Impact
Runtime: 5:11
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: The Texas Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development, under the direction of Dr. Daniel Covarrubias, has published a study on the economic impact Texas A&M International University has on Webb County. The center produces such a study every couple of years. “TAMIU is the only university in the Texas A&M System that's on the border. So, it's the only truly international university, as its name states,” Covarrubias said. “We found that TAMIU generates $374 million as an economic impact on Webb County and supports nearly 6,300 jobs. So it's a pretty big economic footprint.” Covarrubias added: “For every dollar invested, an additional 76 cents is generated in regional economic activity. So, it's pretty impressive.” The Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development is part of the A.R. Sanchez, Jr., School of Business at Texas A&M International University.

Title: Dr. Michael B. Hocker
Runtime: 49:58
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Dr. Michael B. Hocker, dean of UT-Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, gave a speech at the State of RGV Real Estate forum hosted by Edwards Abstract & Title Co. The event was held at the McAllen Convention Center. In his speech, Dean Hocker spoke about the shortage of physicians in Texas, the quality and diversity of the students at UTRGV SOM, the prevalence of diabetes in the region, and the importance of the research his medical school is undertaking. Here is a video recording of his full remarks.

Daniel Covarrubias Insights to International Trade

Title: Daniel Covarrubias Insights to International Trade
Runtime: 2:04
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: The Texas Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development, under the direction of Dr. Daniel Covarrubias, publishes a monthly infographic on different aspects of U.S. international trade. It is called “Crossing Paths: Insights into U.S. International Trade.” In this interview, Covarrubias explains how the series came about and why it is relevant for border communities. The Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development is part of the A.R. Sanchez, Jr., School of Business at Texas A&M International University.

Title: Pilar Rodriguez
Runtime: 6:37
Date posted: 2 years ago
Description: Pilar Rodriguez, executive director of Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority, is confident the long-awaited County Loop can and will be completed. In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Rodriguez said his group is already working with TxDOT on projects worth $1.5 billion. Once those are complete the RMA would only need to find another $2.0 billion for the remaining projects, he said. This, said Rodriguez, is definitely doable. In addition to the loop, Rrodriguez also spoke about the RMA's new strategic plan and its new chairman, Robert L. Lozano.

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