Rio Grande Guardian
RioPlex region has a window of opportunity (Abraham C. Padron)
- Title
- RioPlex region has a window of opportunity (Abraham C. Padron)
- Runtime
- 3:57
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Abraham C. Padron runs the largest independent insurance agency in the Rio Grande Valley, SafeGuard Insurance Agency. Padron is a big supporter of RioPlex and recently spoke at one of the group's events. It was held at IBC Bank in Brownsville. Padron explained how he started his business, how he has refused buyout offers, the economic growth of the region, and why local businesses have a window of opportunity they can capitalize on.
- Title
- Cortez: Our competition is the Texas Triangle (Richard F. Cortez)
- Runtime
- 3:44
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez says the RioPlex region's main competition is the so-called Texas Triangle, which runs from Dallas to Houston to San Antonio and back up to Dallas via Austin. He says projections show that 80 percent of the state's population will live inside that triangle. Cortez explained what the RioPlex region should do to combat this in a short speech to RioPlex members and supporters at a happy hour event the group hosted in Brownsville.
- Title
- Is the RGV ready for Blue Zones? An interview with Jaime Wesolowski of Methodist Healthcare Ministri
- Runtime
- 12:31
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas (MHM) and Blue Zones, LLC, visited Hidalgo County this week to assess whether the cities of Mission, Pharr, McAllen, and Edinburg are ready to embrace the Blue Zones project. Taken as a whole they are. The threshold for readiness is a ranking of 4.0. Pharr had 4.2, McAllen 4.0, Edinburg 3.9, and Mission 3.7. Speakers explained that Blue Zones project communities have experienced double-digit drops in obesity, smoking, and BMI (body mass index), millions of dollars in healthcare cost savings, and measurable drops in employee absenteeism. Blue Zones focuses first on changing the human-made surroundings and systems that most influence health, rather than trying to change individual behaviors. “We take an environmental approach to improving the health and well-being of entire communities by shaping the places where people live, work, and play.” Blue Zones focuses on the ‘Life Radius’ - the area close to home where people spend 90 perce...
- Title
- Texas Industry Partnership (TIP) Grant
- Runtime
- 23:21
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- A press conference was held July 23, 2026, to announce the awarding of a $150,000 Texas Industry Partnership (TIP) Grant to Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande in partnership with The PossAble Dream Foundation and The PossAble Dream Adult High School. The grant will support workforce training for 22 students pursuing careers in two high-demand occupations: HVAC Technician and Medical Assistant, helping strengthen the regional workforce and connect residents with career pathways that meet local employer demand. Here is a video recording of the press conference.
- Title
- The PossAble Dream Foundation awarded TIP grant from Texas Workforce Commission (Cynthia Garza-Reyes
- Runtime
- 4:51
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande (WFS), in partnership with The PossAble Dream Foundation and The PossAble Dream Adult High School, has been awarded a $150,000 Texas Industry Partnership (TIP) Grant from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to provide workforce training for 22 students pursuing careers in two of the region's most in-demand occupations: HVAC Technician and Medical Assistant. Pharr Deputy City Manager Cynthia Garza-Reyes is a board member for The PossAble Dream Foundation. In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Garza-Reyes said the grant will help strengthen the regional workforce and connect residents with career pathways that meet local employer demand.
- Title
- Adam Gonzalez & Rick Carrera, COSTEP
- Runtime
- 22:23
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Two of the leaders of the Council for South Texas Economic Progress - CEO Adam Gonzalez AND Economic Development Director Rick Carrera - recently spoke about their group and the Rio South Texas region at a Memorandum of Understanding event COSTEP hosted for a cluster of electrical and electronics companies from Tamaulipas. The MOU was signed at the IMAS Museum in McAllen. Here are some of their remarks.
- Title
- COSTEP-Tamaulipas Electrical-Electronics Cluster
- Runtime
- 13:11
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- The Council for South Texas Economic Progress recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a cluster of electrical and electronics companies from Tamaulipas. Adam Gonzalez, CEO of COSTEP, said: “This marks a significant milestone in strengthening industrial collaboration and binational competitiveness across the region.” The MOU was signed at the IMAS Museum in McAllen. Here are some of the remarks made at the event.
- Title
- Bechtel needs more workers for NextDecade's big Rio Grande LNG project (Monica Tellam Asti)
- Runtime
- 2:58
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Bechtel is the engineering, procurement, and construction contractor for NextDecade’s big Rio Grande LNG project at the Port of Brownsville. The company currently has around 6,500 workers at the site. But it needs more workers, according Monica Tellam Asti, community relations and communications manager for Bechtel. Tellam Asti and her recruiters were at a “Tools & Talent: Skilled Trades Job Fair” hosted by Edinburg Economic Development Corporation last week. In an interview with the RGG Business Journal, Tellam Asti spoke about the liquefied natural gas export terminal project and the types of workers Bechtel is looking for.
- Title
- An update on the work of South Texas Vocational Technical Institute (Viridiana Treviño)
- Runtime
- 4:08
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Edinburg Economic Development Corporation recently hosted a “Tools & Talent: Skilled Trades Job Fair” at the Edinburg Activity Center. One of the entities that had a booth at the event was South Texas Vocational Technical Institute (STVT). Viridiana Treviño, an executive admissions representative for STVT, said her group’s attendance at the jobs fair was very beneficial. Treviño gave an exclusive interview to the RGG Business Journal at the event.
- Title
- Is the RGV ready for Blue Zones? An interview with Dan Buettner, Jr., of Blue Zones, LLC.
- Runtime
- 9:57
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas (MHM) and Blue Zones, LLC, visited Hidalgo County this week to assess whether the cities of Mission, Pharr, McAllen, and Edinburg are ready to embrace the Blue Zones project. Taken as a whole they are. The threshold for readiness is a ranking of 4.0. Pharr had 4.2, McAllen 4.0, Edinburg 3.9, and Mission 3.7. Speakers explained that Blue Zones project communities have experienced double-digit drops in obesity, smoking, and BMI (body mass index), millions of dollars in healthcare cost savings, and measurable drops in employee absenteeism. Blue Zones focuses first on changing the human-made surroundings and systems that most influence health, rather than trying to change individual behaviors. “We take an environmental approach to improving the health and well-being of entire communities by shaping the places where people live, work, and play.” Blue Zones focuses on the ‘Life Radius’ - the area close to home where people spend 90 perce...
- Title
- City of Pharr named finalist for 2026 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (Cynthia Garza-Reyes)
- Runtime
- 6:32
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- The City of Pharr has been named a finalist for the 2026 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation's highest presidential honor recognizing organizational performance excellence. As one of only 13 organizations nationwide selected as finalists this year, the City of Pharr is the only city in the United States to earn finalist status in the 2026 award cycle. The Rio Grande Guardian interviewed Pharr Deputy City Manager Cynthia Garza-Reyes about the nomination. She said the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award is the nation's highest recognition for organizational performance excellence, honoring organizations that serve as national role models. Garza-Reyes said Pharr will showcase its popular Avocado Festival to the Baldrige judges during their assessment visit.
- Title
- Godinez discusses the work of RioPlex
- Runtime
- 7:33
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Brian Godinez, CEO of ERO Architects, is a member of RioPlex, the nonprofit set up to promote the region around the world. In this interview, Godinez explains why the group’s work is important.
- Title
- Godinez discusses the work of ERO Architects
- Runtime
- 4:43
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Brian Godinez is CEO of ERO Architects. In this interview, Godinez discusses the vision and mission statement of ERO, its expansion plans and what sets the firm apart.
- Title
- A feature on Gulf Aviation (Arlene Garza)
- Runtime
- 20:18
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Gulf Aviation, a fixed-base operator at Valley International Airport, has been in business for 47 years. David Garza and his wife Elena started it. Now, their daughter, Arlene Garza and her husband, Hector, run the company. Gulf Aviation provides services supporting aircraft and flight operations. This includes aircraft refueling, maintenance, ground support equipment maintenance, and various concierge services. In an exclusive interview with RGG Business Journal, the company’s president and owner, Arlene Garza, said their goal is “to make sure our customers’ experience is smooth, seamless, and hassle-free from arrival to departure.” She added: “In short, Gulf Aviation is an aviation support company - not an airline - that helps keep aircraft operating safely and efficiently while providing services for private, business, and charter aviation at Valley International Airport.”
- Title
- DHR Health Transplant Institute Earns Top State and National Rankings (Dr. Sridhar Allam, MD)
- Runtime
- 8:00
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- The DHR Health Transplant Institute has been recognized among the state’s and nation’s top performing kidney transplant centers, earning the no. 2 ranking in the State and no. 16 ranking in the Nation, according to the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR). The SRTR, which is maintained by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, publishes performance metrics for every transplant program in the nation twice annually, in January and July. The latest report was released on July 7, 2026. The Rio Grande Guardian interviewed Dr. Sridhar Allam, DHR Health Transplant Institute Medical Director and Nephrologist. He said the state and national accomplishment reflects the commitment the DHR Health Transplant Institute has to providing exceptional, patient-centered care as well as outstanding transplant outcomes for patients with end-stage kidney disease.
- Title
- Perez: Why Sgt. Arturo ‘Treto’ Garza deserves city recognition (Rene Perez)
- Runtime
- 13:44
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Harlingen City Commissioner Rene Perez has explained why the City of Harlingen is naming a new park in honor of Viet Nam war hero Arturo ‘Treto’ Garza. The new park is being built on the fast growing west side of Harlingen, off Stuart Place Road. He says residents living on the west side are overjoyed. The late Arturo ‘Treto’ Garza did two tours of duty as a U.S. Marine in the Viet Nam war, earning the rank of sergeant. Returning from the war he led the fight to improve the working conditions of farm workers, secure utilities for the residents of Cameron Park (the largest colonia in the United States), and fought to get Su Clinica built in Harlingen. But he is perhaps best remembered as an advocate for improved healthcare for Rio Grande Valley veterans. His weekly columns for the Rio Grande Guardian were must reads by the VA, federal and state leaders, and the Valley’s various veterans’ organizations. He died in 2012 aged 68. His wife Irene says his death was due to Agent O...
- Title
- Pharr International Bridge’s second span is almost completely (Luis Bazan)
- Runtime
- 8:15
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Luis Bazan, director of the Pharr International Bridge, says the bridge’s long-awaited second span is almost complete. “We're about ninety-something percent complete. Actually, we’ve got about six to eight more weeks to go to finalize construction,” Bazan told the RGG Business Journal at the conclusion of a press conference held to announce Fresh on the Border Week 2026. Bazan said once the second span is open the bridge’s capacity will double. “It's monumental, historic. I will not live through another project like this,” he said. In his interview, Bazan also spoke about how the City of Pharr will market the expanded bridge facilities in the U.S. and Mexico.
- Title
- City of Pharr announces The Gateway Forum (Yuri Gonzalez)
- Runtime
- 5:47
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- As part of Fresh on the Border Week 2026, the City of Pharr will launch The Gateway Forum. The forum is designed to attract both domestic and international investors to Pharr. Yuri Gonzalez, director of international commercial development for the City of Pharr, said the forum will include panel discussions on transportation, international relations, and economic development. Fresh on the Border Week 2026 runs Oct. 7 thru 10. The Gateway Forum will be on Oct. 7. The venue has yet to be announced.
- Title
- Peña: Reallocated CDBG Funds Help Expand 'Pharr Connect' Fiber to Public Housing Units.(Jose Pena)
- Runtime
- 9:06
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- The City of Pharr, in partnership with the Pharr Housing Development Corporation, hosted three ribbon-cutting ceremonies to celebrate the launch of the Pharr Connect service at three Pharr Housing Authority communities. The service allows residents the option of enrolling in the City of Pharr’s blazing fast municipal fiber-optic internet network. The three locations were Sunset Terrace on W. Egly Avenue, Parkview Terrace on W. Audrey Street, and Las Canteras on E. Thomas Road. “This expansion reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to increasing digital access and ensuring residents have the connectivity needed for education, employment, healthcare, and everyday communication at a low cost,” said Jose Peña, the City of Pharr’s innovation and technology director, in an exclusive interview with RGG Business Journal.
- Title
- Garza: City of Pharr creates 'monumental' partnership with Pharr Housing Development Corp. (Cynthia
- Runtime
- 10:22
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- The City of Pharr, in partnership with the Pharr Housing Development Corporation, hosted three ribbon-cutting ceremonies to celebrate the launch of the Pharr Connect service at three Pharr Housing Authority communities. The service allows residents the option of enrolling in the City of Pharr’s municipal blazing fast fiber-optic internet network. The three locations were Sunset Terrance on W. Egly Avenue, Parkview Terrace on W. Audrey Street, and Las Canteras on E. Thomas Road. “This expansion reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to increasing digital access and ensuring residents have the connectivity needed for education, employment, healthcare, and everyday communication at a low cost,” said Cynthia Garza-Reyes, deputy city manager for the City of Pharr, in an exclusive interview with RGG Business Journal.
- Title
- Contreras: Invest in the arts. It will pay big dividends (Augusto Contreras)
- Runtime
- 10:22
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- UT-Rio Grande Valley’s Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center, in partnership with the Pharr Economic Development Corporation, hosted an Art Unveiling & Creative Mixer at the Pharr Global Business Hub on June 30, 2026. The keynote speaker was Augusto Contreras, founder of Creative Arts Studio. CAS is a community of artists that aims to empower social development through fine arts. The nonprofit has centers in Hidalgo, McAllen, Mission, and San Juan. At the event's conclusion, Contreras gave an in-depth interview to the Rio Grande Guardian.
- Title
- Arrieta discusses the latest trends in foreign direct investment into Mexico (Judith Arrieta Mungia)
- Runtime
- 38:13
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- In her latest podcast with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Judith Arrieta Munguía, Mexico’s consul general in Brownsville, discussed foreign direct investment trends in her country. Arrieta said FDI reached an all-time high in 2025 and the early signs are that 2026 will be even better. “In the first quarter of 2026, Mexico received $23.59 billion, a 10.4 percent year-over-year increase,” Arrieta said. As for the key sectors of the economy, Mexico is the third largest automotive exporter worldwide, and the fourth largest exporter for medical devices. It is seventh for agribusiness, and 10th for both metal mechanics and electronics. Arrieta also spoke about digital-focused foreign direct investment, energy security, infrastructure, and developing a skilled workforce.
- Title
- RGV Desal LLC provides update on its big seawater desalination project
- Runtime
- 42:10
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted a Regional Water Infrastructure Forum at the Embassy Suites in McAllen on June 24, 2026. The group invited leaders with RGV Desal to give an update on their proposed seawater desalination project for South Padre Island. RGV Desal, LLC, part of US Desalination, is an initiative to secure a sustainable water future for the Valley. By turning seawater into clean, reliable water, RGV Desal, plans to ensure water independence for families, farmers, and businesses across the region. The two leaders who spoke at the forum were Doug Allison, board member and regulatory counsel for US Desalination and Albert Escobedo, South Texas Government Affairs director for RGV Desal LLC.
- Title
- RioPlex hires its first operations manager (David Martinez)
- Runtime
- 7:02
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- RioPlex has a new operations manager and member services lead. He is 25-year-old David Martinez. Born in Monterrey, Mexico, and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, Martinez previously ran his own construction company in Austin, Texas. Martinez will report to RioPlex Executive Director Mario Reyna. Martinez gave his first interview to the RGG Business Journal at a RioPlex mixer event held at Plains Capital Bank in McAllen. In the interview, Martinez explained RioPlex’s mission statement, how he plans to ensure RioPlex members receive value for their investment, and how the group can help market the region globally. He also previewed a major trade mission RioPlex is hosting in Mexico City in September.
- Title
- AT&T expands fiber infrastructure in San Juan
- Runtime
- 16:37
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- More than 1,200 residential and business locations in San Juan are now enjoying high speed fiber thanks to AT&T. More than 2,000 additional locations expected to come online throughout the remainder of the year, officials say. The company held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at San Juan City Hall on June 25, 2026, to celebrate. Among those who speak at the event were J.D. Salinas, vice president for external and legislative affairs at AT&T, state Rep. Armando Martinez, Cynthia Sakulenzki, president and CEO of the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Jorge J. Garcia, executive director of San Juan Economic Development Corporation. Salinas praised San Juan for being a business-friendly city.
- Title
- Arrieta analiza las últimas tendencias de la inversión extranjera directa en México (Judith Arrie
- Runtime
- 11:37
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- En su más reciente pódcast con el Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Judith Arrieta Munguía, cónsul general de México en Brownsville, habló sobre las tendencias de la inversión extranjera directa en su país. Arrieta señaló que la inversión extranjera directa alcanzó una cifra récord en 2025 y que los primeros indicios apuntan a que 2026 será aún mejor. "En el primer trimestre de 2026, México recibió 23.590 millones de dólares, lo que representa un aumento interanual del 10,4 por ciento", afirmó Arrieta. En cuanto a los sectores clave de la economía, México es el tercer mayor exportador de automóviles a nivel mundial y el cuarto mayor exportador de dispositivos médicos. Ocupa el séptimo lugar en el sector agroindustrial y el décimo tanto en metalmecánica como en electrónica. Arrieta también abordó temas como la inversión extranjera directa orientada al ámbito digital, la seguridad energética, la infraestructura y el desarrollo de una fuerza l...
- Title
- COSTEP hosts workshop on its industrial data system (Rick Carrera)
- Runtime
- 7:49
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- The most convenient place to invest in, if you are in the manufacturing industry, is the Rio South Texas region. This is the view of the Council for South Texas Economic Progress. The group defines Rio South Texas as the Rio Grande Valley and Laredo. COSTEP has created a new database with details of all the manufacturing activity in the region. Rick Carrera, the group’s economic development director, held a workshop on June 17, 2026, to explain how the database works. He gave his presentation at the offices of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Corporation. After the workshop had concluded, Carrera gave an in-depth interview to the RGG Business Journal about the database and other projects he is working on. Here is the interview.
- Title
- Sanchez: RGV-to-DC was a big success (Paco Sanchez)
- Runtime
- 14:00
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Paco Sanchez is president and CEO of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, the Valley’s regional chamber of commerce. Recently, RGVP held its annual RGV-to-DC trip. The group took a large delegation of business, community, health and education leaders to Washington to advocate for the Valley. In an in-depth interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Sanchez said the trip was an outstanding success. He said the delegation had meaningful meetings with agency heads and members of Congress on issues such as workforce development, water, infrastructure, and transportation. In the interview, Sanchez also spoke about RGVP’s work to craft a legislative agenda ahead of the next of the next legislative session in Austin, and efforts to secure a united Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) for the Valley.
- Title
- Garcia discusses McAllen's recent automotive success story (Ralph Garcia)
- Runtime
- 4:22
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- On June 10, 2026, the Council for South Texas Economic Progress held an “Automotive Cluster Presentation and Panel Discussion” for representatives from the auto manufacturing industry in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. The event was held at the Cambria Hotel in McAllen. Ralph Garcia, chief operating officer for the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, was in the audience for a panel discussion about economic development in South Texas. Moderator Rick Carrera, economic development director for COSTEP, asked Garcia to say a few words. He spoke about a recent automotive success story for McAllen: Valeo's decision to invest $225 million in a manufacturing plant. It is currently being built on Ware Road in McAllen. The French company plans to hire 500 workers for the plant. "It's important that we continue telling our story and showcasing the momentum our binational region is experiencing as companies look to strengthen and expand their North American supply chains," Garcia said.
- Title
- Rotary International announces binational project to engage young people in mental health issues (D
- Runtime
- 4:16
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Rotary International leaders along the South Texas-Mexico border are exploring ways to engage with young people on mental health issues. The project would be binational in nature. Dr. Luis Torres-Hostos, founding dean of the school of social work at UT-Rio Grande Valley, is involved the project. He is a member of Rotary. Torres-Hostos said the idea came about after Alma Garcia Betancourt, governor of Rotary International's District 4130 in Matamoros, reported on a webinar she attended that included many youth across Mexico who were interested in mental health. “Alma would like to expand our (Rotary’s) mental health work in general and give it a binational focus, to have youth from this side of the border and youth from that side of the border get together and learn about mental health issues and bring awareness of mental health; to work together to identify resources and make sure that folks in need get the services that they need,” Torres-Hostos said.
- Title
- Luis Alberto González Olvera in Brownsville
- Runtime
- 18:37
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Luis Alberto González Olvera es el Director General del Clúster Automotriz de San Luis Potosí. Recientemente, una delegación del clúster fue invitada por el Consejo de Desarrollo Económico del Sur de Texas (COSTEP) a recorrer la región del Valle del Río Grande. Además de visitar las instalaciones de SpaceX y diversos parques industriales, la delegación participó en dos foros de desarrollo económico: uno en Brownsville y otro en McAllen. Este video presenta los momentos más destacados de la intervención de González en el centro de Brownsville. El evento tuvo lugar en "The Gallery". A continuación, se presentan los puntos clave de la presentación de González:
- Title
- Director general del Clúster Automotriz de San Luis Potosí realiza presentación (Luis Alberto Go
- Runtime
- 12:39
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Luis Alberto González Olvera es director general del Clúster Automotriz de San Luis Potosí. Una delegación de este clúster fue invitada recientemente por el Consejo para el Progreso Económico del Sur de Texas a recorrer el Valle del Río Grande. Además de visitar SpaceX y parques industriales, la delegación participó en dos foros de desarrollo económico, uno en Brownsville y otro en McAllen. Este video contiene los aspectos más destacados de la presentación de González en McAllen. El evento se llevó a cabo en el Hotel Cambria.
- Title
- Una delegación de fabricantes y proveedores de autopartes de San Luis Potosí conoce Workforce...
- Runtime
- 22:01
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Brenda Martinez es representante sénior de relaciones empresariales de Workforce Solutions Lower Rio. Recientemente, Martinez presentó una actualización sobre la labor de su agencia en un evento organizado por el Council for South Texas Economic Progress (Consejo para el Progreso Económico del Sur de Texas). El evento, celebrado en el hotel Cambria de McAllen, tuvo como objetivo fortalecer los vínculos con una delegación del sector de fabricación automotriz de San Luis Potosí. La presentación de Martinez se realizó en español. Aquí la tiene.
- Title
- Torres ofrece información actualizada sobre las negociaciones del T-MEC y los aranceles (Jorge A. T
- Runtime
- 18:43
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Jorge Torres es agente de aduanas con licencia en Estados Unidos y presidente y director ejecutivo de Interlink Trade Services, con sede en McAllen. Recientemente, ofreció una presentación sobre aranceles y el tratado comercial entre Estados Unidos, México y Canadá a líderes industriales de San Luis Potosí, México. Los industriales pertenecían al sector de autopartes. La delegación fue invitada al Valle del Río Grande por el Consejo para el Progreso Económico del Sur de Texas (COSTEP). COSTEP organizó eventos para ellos en Brownsville y McAllen. Aquí les presentamos un video de la presentación de Torres, impartida en español.
- Title
- Ortiz informa sobre los planes de expansión del Puerto Laredo (Jaime Ortiz, III)
- Runtime
- 13:26
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- El Consejo para el Progreso Económico del Sur de Texas (COSTEP) organizó una “Presentación y Mesa Redonda sobre el Sector Automotriz” para representantes de la industria automotriz en San Luis Potosí, México, el 11 de junio de 2026. El evento tuvo lugar en el Hotel Cambria de McAllen. El día anterior, COSTEP había organizado un evento similar en Brownsville. En el evento de McAllen, Jaime Ortiz III, gerente de desarrollo económico de la ciudad de Laredo, presentó una ponencia sobre las razones por las que los inversionistas deberían considerar Laredo. También habló sobre la expansión del Puerto de Laredo. Aquí está su presentación.
- Title
- COSTEP hosts Automotive Cluster Presentation for manufacturers from SLP, Part Two
- Runtime
- 44:27
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- The Council for South Texas Economic Progress held an “Automotive Cluster Presentation and Panel Discussion” for representatives from the auto manufacturing industry in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, on June 11, 2026. The event was held at the Cambria Hotel in McAllen. The day before, COSTEP had held a similar event in Brownsville. The four panelists at the McAllen event were Teclo Garcia, CEO of Mission Economic Development Corporation, Jaime Ortiz, III, economic development manager for the City of Laredo, Daniel Garza, business development manager for Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, and Daniel Rivera, executive director of Elsa Economic Development Corporation. The panel discussion was moderated by Rick Carrera, economic development director for COSTEP. The four panelists discussed the big projects their respective entities are working on. They also explained how and why suppliers to the auto manufacturing industry in San Luis Potosi could and should invest in the Rio South...
- Title
- COSTEP hosts Automotive Cluster Presentation for manufacturers from SLP
- Runtime
- 57:17
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- The Council for South Texas Economic Progress held an “Automotive Cluster Presentation and Panel Discussion” for representatives from the auto manufacturing industry in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, on June 10, 2026. The event was held at The Gallery in downtown Brownsville. The four panelists were Ramiro Aleman, economic development director for Cameron County, Beverly Ticer Loftus, chief operating officer for Harlingen Economic Development Corporation. Carlos H. Garza, business development associate for the Port of Brownsville, and Herendida Martinez, business development manager for Greater Brownsville Economic Development Corporation. The panel discussion was Rick Carrera, economic development director for COSTEP. The four panelists discussed the big projects their respective entities are working on. They also explained how and why suppliers to the auto manufacturing industry in San Luis Potosi could and should invest in the Rio South Texas region.
Most of the conversa...
- Title
- RGV Broadband Coalition Meeting
- Runtime
- 14:09
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- The Rio Grande Valley Broadband Coalition is a network of local partners working to accelerate digital connectivity and opportunity. Its mission is to expand access to affordable, high-speed internet throughout the region and ensure that all RGV families, nonprofits, and businesses can fully participate in the digital world. The group held a workshop on May 28, 2026, at the offices of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council. One of the highlights was an appearance by Jorge Cardenas, chief information officer for the City of Brownsville. In his remarks, Cardenas spoke about receiving a $22 million grant from the Texas Broadband Development Office. With these funds, Brownsville will extend its lightning-fast fiber optic broadband to 17 surrounding cities and communities. Cardenas said he would like to see even greater regional collaboration and was disappointed other cities in the Valley did not join Brownsville in bidding for more state dollars. Jordana Barton-Garcia, director o...
- Title
- RGV Broadband Coalition
- Runtime
- 17:36
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- The Rio Grande Valley Broadband Coalition held a workshop at the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council offices in Weslaco on May 28, 2026. Part of the workshop featured a discussion on what communities should ask for before allowing hyperscale data center developers to build in their area. RGV Broadband Coalition Director Jordana Barton-Garcia moderated the discussion. "Development is already happening. What we need is community, local government, employers, and anchor institutions working together to create and claim regional economic benefits and shared prosperity. "Together we are a force," Barton-Garcia said.
- Title
- Amber Arriaga-Salinas
- Runtime
- 3:47
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- La Unión del Pueblo Entero is a member of the RGV Broadband Coalition. The group's director of development, Amber Arriaga-Salinas, participated in a recent RGV Broadband Coalition workshop held at the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council offices. Arriaga-Salinas said LUPE is strongly in favor of fiber-optic broadband. "Let's get everyone connected," she said. However, LUPE has major concerns about data centers, Arriaga-Salinas said. Here are her remarks.
- Title
- Rotary organizes clean-up of the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo in Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas (Nyron McLean)
- Runtime
- 5:10
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- An initiative titled “United We Clean Up El Rio Grande/El Rio Bravo" took place last weekend in Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas. It was organized by Rotary International and took place at Laguna Benito Juárez and Laguna Independencia. Dozens of volunteers were encouraged to bring their gloves and tools. Nyron McLean, Governor for the Rotary Club of Riverside Sunrise traveled from Riverside, California to participate. He previewed the project in an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian.
- Title
- Rotary organizes clean-up of the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo in Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas (Dr. Bricia ElAwar)
- Runtime
- 4:47
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- An initiative titled “United We Clean Up El Rio Grande/El Rio Bravo" took place last weekend in Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas. It was organized by Rotary International and took place at Laguna Benito Juárez and Laguna Independencia. Dozens of volunteers were encouraged to bring their gloves and tools. Dr. Bricia ElAwar, Environmental Chair for Rotary District 5330 in Riverside, California, spearheaded the effort. She previewed the project in an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian.
- Title
- UTRGV to play much bigger role in helping Judge Cortez's Prosperity Task Force (Dr. Luis Torres-Hos
- Runtime
- 5:09
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Reducing the poverty level was one of Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez's top campaign issues. He could not do much in his first term because addressing COVID was the priority. But at the start of his second term he established the Prosperity Task Force to address the issue. The task force comprises numerous work groups that tackle different aspects of poverty, such as food insecurity, lack of public transportation, lack of affordable housing, and educational attainment. Four deans at UT-Rio Grande Valley met and decided UTRGV can and should do more to help the Prosperity Task Force. The four are Dr. Luis Torres-Hostos, founding dean of the School of Social Work; Giorgio Gotti, dean of the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship; Dr. Jose Dávila-Montes, dean of the College of Liberal Arts; and Peter Cortez, dean of Libraries. In this interview, Dr. Torres-Hostos explains how they plan to make this happen.
- Title
- Inaugural Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program: TWC’s Perspective (Albert Treviño, III)
- Runtime
- 4:34
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- DHR Health and South Texas College held a graduation ceremony for their inaugural Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program. Ten students from STC were honored. Speakers at the event said the graduation marks an historic milestone for both STC and the future of the Rio Grande Valley’s healthcare workforce. They said that through the Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program with DHR Health, students gained essential skills and hands-on experience, directly addressing the ongoing nursing shortage in Texas and across the nation. Unlike traditional nursing students who often must juggle their studies with unrelated jobs, these apprentices had the unique opportunity to earn compensation while completing their education and clinical training. In this video we hear from Albert Treviño, III, commissioner representing labor for the Texas Workforce Commission.
- Title
- Inaugural Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program: TWC’s Perspective (Desi Holmes)
- Runtime
- 5:22
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- DHR Health and South Texas College held a graduation ceremony for their inaugural Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program. Ten students from STC were honored. Speakers at the event said the graduation marks an historic milestone for both STC and the future of the Rio Grande Valley’s healthcare workforce. They said that through the Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program with DHR Health, students gained essential skills and hands-on experience, directly addressing the ongoing nursing shortage in Texas and across the nation. Unlike traditional nursing students who often must juggle their studies with unrelated jobs, these apprentices had the unique opportunity to earn compensation while completing their education and clinical training. In this video we hear from Desi Holmes, state apprenticeship director for the Texas Workforce Commission.
- Title
- Inaugural Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program: STC’s Perspective (Jayson Valerio, DNP, RN)
- Runtime
- 6:32
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- DHR Health and South Texas College held a graduation ceremony for their inaugural Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program. Ten students from STC were honored. Speakers at the event said the graduation marks an historic milestone for both STC and the future of the Rio Grande Valley’s healthcare workforce. They said that through the Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program with DHR Health, students have gained essential skills and hands-on experience, thereby directly addressing the ongoing nursing shortage in Texas and across the nation. Unlike traditional nursing students who often must juggle their studies with unrelated jobs, these apprentices had the unique opportunity to earn compensation while completing their education and clinical training. In this video we hear from Jayson Valerio, Regional Healthcare Liaison for South Texas College.
- Title
- Inaugural Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program: STC’s Perspective (Dr. Rodney Rodriguez)
- Runtime
- 2:50
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- DHR Health and South Texas College held a graduation ceremony for their inaugural Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program. Ten students from STC were honored. Speakers at the event said the graduation marks an historic milestone for both STC and the future of the Rio Grande Valley’s healthcare workforce. They said that through the Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program with DHR Health, students have gained essential skills and hands-on experience, thereby directly addressing the ongoing nursing shortage in Texas and across the nation. Unlike traditional nursing students who often must juggle their studies with unrelated jobs, these apprentices had the unique opportunity to earn compensation while completing their education and clinical training. In this video we hear from Dr. Rodney Rodriguez, vice president of South Texas College.
- Title
- Inaugural Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program: DHR’s Perspective (Clarissa Cerda)
- Runtime
- 5:30
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- DHR Health and South Texas College held a graduation ceremony for their inaugural Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program. Ten students from STC were honored. Speakers at the event said the graduation marks an historic milestone for both STC and the future of the Rio Grande Valley’s healthcare workforce. They said that through the Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program with DHR Health, students gained essential skills and hands-on experience, directly addressing the ongoing nursing shortage in Texas and across the nation. Unlike traditional nursing students who often must juggle their studies with unrelated jobs, these apprentices had the unique opportunity to earn compensation while completing their education and clinical training. In this video we hear from Clarissa Cerda, MSN, RN, CRRN, assistant chief nursing officer for DHR Health.
- Title
- Inaugural Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program: DHR’s Perspective (Dr. Cardenas)
- Runtime
- 4:10
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- DHR Health and South Texas College held a graduation ceremony for their inaugural Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program. Ten students from STC were honored. Speakers at the event said the graduation marks an historic milestone for both STC and the future of the Rio Grande Valley’s healthcare workforce. They said that through the Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program with DHR Health, students have gained essential skills and hands-on experience, thereby directly addressing the ongoing nursing shortage in Texas and across the nation. Unlike traditional nursing students who often must juggle their studies with unrelated jobs, these apprentices had the unique opportunity to earn compensation while completing their education and clinical training. In this video we hear from Dr. Carlos Cardenas, MD, chairman of the board for DHR Health.
- Title
- Esmaeili: The Case for One Regional International Airport for the RGV (Dr. Ali Esmaeili)
- Runtime
- 27:50
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Dr. Ali Esmaeili is dean of the division of math, science and bachelor programs at South Texas College. In an in-depth interview with the RGG Business Journal, Esmaeili makes the case for one regional international airport in the Rio Grande Valley. If this were to happen, he predicts, airlines would offer more direct destinations from the Valley, including, for the first time, flights to South American countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Peru. The regional airport might be built north of Santa Rosa, on land straddling Hidalgo and Cameron counties, he argues, so that both counties can share income from the airport. More than five thousand employees would work at the airport, he believes. Feeding the airport would be a high-speed rail line connecting Laredo to Brownsville. Many might dismiss such ideas as unobtainable, Esmaeili acknowledges. But, he says, the region’s leaders need to have vision.
