Rio Grande Guardian
Abraham Guerra
- Title
- Abraham Guerra
- Runtime
- 25:48
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- El Consejo para el Progreso Económico del Sur de Texas (COSTEP) recibió recientemente a una delegación de líderes de la Agencia Nacional de Proveedores del Sector Automotriz (ANAPSA) de México. ANAPSA es una organización trinacional con sede en la Ciudad de México, cuyo objetivo principal es apoyar a los principales fabricantes de vehículos ligeros y pesados —así como a los fabricantes de autopartes de nivel 1 (T1)— de México, Estados Unidos y Canadá en la localización de sus proveedores dentro de México (sourcing); asimismo, busca conectar a las empresas y proveedores de servicios mexicanos de niveles T3, T2 y T1 con toda la cadena del sector automotriz y con los fabricantes de los tres países, fortaleciendo así el sector automotriz mexicano. Los líderes de COSTEP organizaron dos eventos para la delegación de ANAPSA: uno en Brownsville y otro en McAllen. En el evento de McAllen, Abraham Guerra, director ejecutivo de IDL International Distribution & Logistics, ofre...
- Title
- Sandra Barbosa
- Runtime
- 29:26
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- El Consejo para el Progreso Económico del Sur de Texas (COSTEP) recibió recientemente a una delegación de líderes de la Agencia Nacional de Proveedores del Sector Automotriz (ANAPSA) de México. ANAPSA es una organización trinacional con sede en la Ciudad de México, cuyo objetivo principal es apoyar a los principales fabricantes de vehículos ligeros y pesados —así como a los fabricantes de autopartes de nivel 1 (T1)— de México, Estados Unidos y Canadá en la localización de sus proveedores dentro de México (sourcing); asimismo, busca conectar a las empresas y proveedores de servicios mexicanos de niveles T3, T2 y T1 con toda la cadena del sector automotriz y con los fabricantes de los tres países, fortaleciendo así el sector automotriz mexicano. Los líderes de COSTEP organizaron dos eventos para la delegación de ANAPSA: uno en Brownsville y otro en McAllen. En el evento celebrado en McAllen, Sandra Barbosa, vicepresidenta de operaciones de la Zona Franca de McAllen, ...
- Title
- Fred Del Barrio
- Runtime
- 6:55
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Fred Del Barrio is mayor of Palmhurst, a bedroom community in western Hidalgo County. Palmhurst is incorporated but it does not impose ad valorem taxes. That makes funding for new projects, such as a new city hall, difficult. However, in an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Del Barrio said he would not have it any other way. “If we tried to impose an ad valorem tax I’d be run out of town,” he said. In the interview, Del Barrio also dismissed claims that it is difficult to start or expand a business in Palmhurst because the permitting process is bureaucratic. He said Palmhurst is welcoming and open for business.
- Title
- William Steele
- Runtime
- 22:33
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Supply Pay has changed its name to Harva, CEO and co-founder William Steele announced in a new interview with the RGG Business Journal. The Rio Grande Valley-based company, which was co-founded by Steele and Jorge Ayala, aims to modernize how perishable goods companies run their operations and access capital. In the interview, Steele explains how Harva serves fresh produce distributors with an AI-native ERP and embedded invoice financeing built specifically for the realities of the perishable goods trade.
- Title
- Mike Willis
- Runtime
- 19:20
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Mike Willis, executive director of South Texas Manufacturers Association, gave his monthly report to members at the group's March meeting. It was held at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton in McAllen. In his report, Willis discussed the current tariff situation, the review of USMCA, and the growth in the Rio Grande Valley's manufacturing sector. All the new manufacturing jobs must be giving human resource managers a headache, Willis said. Willis also congratulated McAllen EDC for bringing a top level manufacturing company to their city.
- Title
- Carl Quesinberry
- Runtime
- 55:55
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Carl Quesinberry is senior director for industrial corporate services for Avison Young. Although he is based in Cincinnati, Ohio, for the global real estate advisory company, he represents clients across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Quesinberry has been a site selector for over 35 years. He represents only corporate clients. He made his first visit to the Rio Grande Valley at the request of the Council for South Texas Economic Prosperity. In a presentation to economic development leaders from across the Valley, Quesinberry spoke about what site selectors look for at a COSTEP event held at the Cambria Hotel in McAllen. Here is his presentation.
- Title
- Carl Quesinberry Interview
- Runtime
- 5:07
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Carl Quesinberry is senior director for industrial corporate services for Avison Young. Although he is based in Cincinnati, Ohio, for the global real estate advisory company, he represents clients across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Quesinberry made his first visit to the Rio Grande Valley at the request of the Council for South Texas Economic Prosperity. In a presentation to economic development leaders from across the Valley, Quesinberry spoke about what site selectors look for at a COSTEP event held at the Cambria Hotel in McAllen. Afterward, he gave an exclusive interview to the RGG Business Journal.
- Title
- Ricardo Treviño
- Runtime
- 11:08
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Ricardo Treviño, director of industry relations and outreach at Texas Southmost College, spoke about a new program his college is offering in conjunction with the Greater Chamber of Harlingen. The Small Business Leadership and Operational Growth Training Series is designed to support local employers in strengthening leadership capacity and improving business operations. Treviño said the series will provide small businesses across the Harlingen area with access to high-quality, no-cost professional development opportunities, funded through a Skills Development Grant. “This initiative is about removing barriers and opening doors,” Treviño said. “Too often, small businesses are ready to grow but lack access to affordable, high-quality training.” Treviño made his remarks in a podcast with the RGG Business Journal. He also spoke about a new training center project TSC is working on for South Padre Island.
- Title
- Ralph Garcia
- Runtime
- 3:23
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Valeo, a global leader in automotive technology, announced it will build a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in McAllen. The company is investing $225 million over the next five years for a 337,000 square-foot facility that will create up to 500 new jobs in the region. Production will begin in late 2027. Ralph Garcia, chief operating officer of the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, discussed the project at the South Texas Manufacturers Association's most recent monthly meeting. The meeting was held at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton in McAllen. Garcia explained MEDC's role in landing the project and discussed other big projects the group is working on.
- Title
- Elias Mora
- Runtime
- 4:01
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- McDonald’s on Ware Road and Pecan in McAllen will be holding a fundraiser on Good Friday, April 3, to benefit the End of Watch Relief Foundation. Funds raised will help families of law enforcement officers who’ve died in the line of duty. Any food or beverage purchased at the eatery between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. will help the charity. That is because ten percent of the purchases will go towards the foundation. It is the fourth year McDonald’s has helped EOW in this way. Here is an interview with the foundation’s founder and president, Elias Mora.
- Title
- Fred Del Barrio
- Runtime
- 4:24
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- McDonald’s on Ware Road and Pecan in McAllen will be holding a fundraiser on Good Friday, April 3, to benefit the End of Watch Relief Foundation. Funds raised will help families of law enforcement officers who’ve died in the line of duty. Any food or beverage purchased at the eatery between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. will help the charity. That is because ten percent of the purchases will go towards the foundation. It is the fourth year McDonald’s has helped EOW in this way. Here is an interview with McDonald’s owner and operator Fred Del Barrio.
- Title
- Elizabeth Suarez aborda el desarrollo económico
- Runtime
- 5:09
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- El Consejo para el Progreso Económico del Sur de Texas (COSTEP) recibió recientemente a una delegación de líderes de la Agencia Nacional de Proveedores del Sector Automotriz (ANAPSA) de México. ANAPSA es una organización trinacional con sede en la Ciudad de México, cuyo objetivo principal es apoyar a los principales fabricantes de vehículos ligeros y pesados —así como a los fabricantes de autopartes de nivel 1 (T1)— de México, Estados Unidos y Canadá en la localización de sus proveedores dentro de México (sourcing); asimismo, busca conectar a las empresas y proveedores de servicios mexicanos de niveles T3, T2 y T1 con toda la cadena del sector automotriz y con los fabricantes de los tres países, fortaleciendo así el sector automotriz mexicano. Durante un evento celebrado en el hotel Home2 Suites de McAllen, los líderes de ANAPSA asistieron a un panel de discusión sobre el desarrollo económico en el Valle del Río Grande. Los panelistas participantes fueron Jeffrey...
- Title
- COSTEP features three Hidalgo County EDCs
- Runtime
- 42:58
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- The Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP) recently hosted a delegation of leaders with the National Agency of Automotive Sector Suppliers (ANAPSA) in Mexico. ANAPSA is a tri-national organization based in Mexico City whose main objective is to support the leading light and heavy vehicle manufacturers, as well as T1 auto parts manufacturers in Mexico, the United States, and Canada, in locating their suppliers in Mexico (sourcing), and to connect Mexican T3, T2, and T1 companies and service providers with the entire automotive sector chain and manufacturers in the three countries, thereby strengthening the Mexican automotive sector. At an event at Home2 Suites in McAllen, the ANAPSA leaders heard a panel discussion about economic development in the Rio Grande Valley. The panelists featured were Jeffrey Salcedo Cantú of Edinburg EDC, Ralph Garcia of McAllen EDC, and Steve Valdez, of Weslaco EDC. The moderator was COSTEP Director Rick Carrera. Elizabeth Suarez, president of M...
- Title
- Guillermo Rico-Leal
- Runtime
- 45:26
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Guillermo Rico-Leal, director de Desarrollo de Negocios y Marketing del Puerto de Brownsville, ofreció recientemente una presentación detallada sobre los grandes proyectos que se están llevando a cabo en el puerto. Se dirigía a un grupo de visitantes provenientes de México, miembros de la Asociación Nacional de Proveedores del Sector Automotriz (ANAPSA). El evento fue organizado por el Consejo para el Progreso Económico del Sur de Texas. ANAPSA es una organización trinacional con sede en la Ciudad de México, cuyo objetivo principal es apoyar a los principales fabricantes de vehículos ligeros y pesados —así como a los fabricantes de autopartes de nivel T1— de México, Estados Unidos y Canadá en la localización de sus proveedores dentro de México (sourcing); asimismo, busca conectar a las empresas y proveedores de servicios mexicanos de niveles T3, T2 y T1 con toda la cadena del sector automotriz y con los fabricantes de los tres países, fortaleciendo de este modo al s...
- Title
- Consul General Judith Arrieta Mungia
- Runtime
- 12:42
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced a new economic development plan. It is called Plan Mexico - Strategy for Equitable and Sustainable Economic Development for Shared Prosperity. Sheinbaum called Plan Mexico a roadmap to industrial transformation by 2030. The plan has seven key objectives: developing a long-term strategy for regional development; promoting near-shoring to attract global supply chains; and boosting national and regional production through import substitution. The existing “Made in Mexico” program is also being relaunched. Mexico’s Consul General in Brownsville, Judith Arrieta Mungia explained Plan Mexico in depth on a Facebook Live event on March 25, 2026. Ahead of this Arrieta sat down for an interview with the RGG Business Journal.
- Title
- Valeo Breaks Ground on $225 Million High-Tech Plant in McAllen
- Runtime
- 37:59
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Valeo, a global leader in automotive technology, broke ground today on a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in McAllen, Texas. The company is investing $225 million over the next five years for a 337,000 square-foot facility that will create up to 500 new jobs in the region. Production will begin in late 2027. Details of the project were announced at a press conference held at the McAllen Performing Arts Center on March 24. Speakers included Jeffrey Shay, Valeo North America President, McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, and CIL Capital President Joaquin Spamer. Here is a video recording of the press conference.
- Title
- Cónsul General Judith Arrieta Mungia
- Runtime
- 11:22
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- La presidenta de México, Claudia Sheinbaum, ha anunciado un nuevo plan de desarrollo económico. Se denomina Plan México: Estrategia para un Desarrollo Económico Equitativo y Sostenible para una Prosperidad Compartida. La mandataria lo ha calificado como una hoja de ruta hacia la transformación industrial para el año 2030. El plan consta de siete objetivos clave, entre los que se incluyen el desarrollo de una estrategia a largo plazo para el desarrollo regional; la promoción del *nearshoring* para atraer cadenas de suministro globales; y el impulso a la producción nacional y regional mediante la sustitución de importaciones. Asimismo, se está relanzando el programa existente «Hecho en México». La Cónsul General de México en Brownsville, Judith Arrieta Mungia, explicará el Plan México en detalle durante un evento en vivo a través de Facebook Live, que tendrá lugar en la tarde del 25 de marzo de 2026. Arrieta ofreció al *RGG Business Journal* un adelanto exclusivo del ...
- Title
- What is a Foreign Trade Zone
- Runtime
- 2:43
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Mark Garcia, executive director of McAllen Foreign Trade Zone, gave an update on his organization's work when he spoke at a McAllen Economic Development Corporation Quarterly Stakeholders Committee meeting. It was held at the offices of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. Garcia spoke about what a foreign trade zone does, pointing out that McAllen FTZ can assist companies throughout Hidalgo County, not just those located in the organization's campus in south McAllen. He said McAllen Foreign Trade Zone - also known as Foreign Trade Zone No. 12 - is in talks to provide an FTZ in Willacy County. And he spoke in-depth about data centers. Here is a video he played which explains what an FTZ does.
- Title
- Gilberto Salinas
- Runtime
- 23:17
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Gilberto Salinas, president and CEO of Greater Brownsville Economic Development Corporation, recently spoke at a meeting of economic development leaders in Weslaco. Hidalgo County's Economic Development department hosted the event. It was held at UT-Rio Grande Valley's Center for Innovation & Commercialization. In his presentation, Salinas discussed the big projects currently underway in the Brownsville area, including SpaceX and Rio Grande LNG. He also spoke about the big projects his department is working on. If GBEDC lands them all it would mean more than 23,000 new jobs and billions in inward investment. He said Brownsville cannot provide enough workers for the incoming projects and asked for the help of other EDCs around the Valley.
- Title
- Ana Gonzalez
- Runtime
- 16:27
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Teach for America celebrates 35 years in the Rio Grande Valley with an Honor Roll dinner at Mission Event Center on Saturday, March 28, starting at 6:30 p.m. As in previous years, TFA-RGV will present three awards. The Education Champion award will go to UT-Rio Grande Valley President Guy Bailey. The Institutional Catalyst award will go to Harlingen CISD. And the Alumni Leadership award will go to every Alumni over the past 35 years - and there are 1,600-plus!!! To preview the Honor Roll and to discuss TFA's 35 years in the Valley, the Rio Grande Guardian met up with the group's executive director, Ana Gonzalez.
- Title
- Michael Fallek
- Runtime
- 7:07
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- Castle Hospitality, led by Michael Fallek, will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the eagerly-anticipated 13.66-acre mixed-use McAllen City Center development. This property, on the northwest corner of I-2 and 10th Street in McAllen, has sat idle for the past several years. It used to house the McAllen Civic Center. “It will be a wonderful mixed use development. It's 13.66 acres of prime location right along the expressway, right across from La Plaza Mall, close to downtown, close to the McAllen airport, and really super accessible,” Fallek said. With Castle Hospitality based in McAllen, Fallek says McAllen City Center will likely be the company’s “legacy project.”
- Title
- Ricardo Rubiano
- Runtime
- 9:22
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- Ricardo ‘Ric’ Rubiano, president of Rubiano Capital Investment, has given the RGG Business Journal an overview of the current state of the construction industry in the Rio Grande Valley. He says President Trump’s tariffs policy has led some medium-sized manufacturing companies in Mexico to consider relocating to the Valley. He also speaks about a new industrial park his company is building in south Pharr. And he discusses another business he is involved in, OpenEB5, which helps foreign investors move to the United States.
- Title
- Victor Perez
- Runtime
- 3:24
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- Victor Perez, president of the Pharr Economic Development Corporation, updated the RGG Business Journal on his group's work. Fresh from the success of the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony for a huge cold storage facility for CIL Fresh and Robinson Fresh in south Pharr, Perez says the EDC will soon announce another light manufacturing company for south Pharr. Perez said the company will employ 300 to 400 workers. Perez said there is significant excitement surrounding the opening of a second span at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge. And he said he is working on a major retail development at Nolana and Sugar Road in north Pharr.
- Title
- Mayor Gilberto Falcon and Congressman Henry Cuellar
- Runtime
- 8:50
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- A recent storm caused severe damage to Rio Grande City. The city’s mayor, Gilberto Falcon, met with U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar to see what help the federal government could provide. Cuellar said a lot of help could be provided if an official disaster declaration was made by the State of Texas. The two elected officials also spoke about ways to secure non-disaster funding from the federal government. For example, Congressman Cuellar could look for funding to help Rio Grande City establish a rodeo. Falcon said a number of ranch owners have expressed an interest in such a venture.
- Title
- Wolfram Federico Schaffler
- Runtime
- 29:25
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- El Dr. Wolfram Federico Schaffler es investigador en la Oficina de Asuntos Globales de la Universidad Internacional Texas A&M en Laredo. Es doctor en Políticas Públicas (2014) por el Tecnológico de Monterrey, posee una maestría en Estudios Internacionales (1993) por la Universidad Internacional Texas A&M (Sociología, Historia y Ciencias Políticas) y una licenciatura en Ciencias de la Comunicación por la Universidad Valle del Bravo (1983) en Nuevo Laredo. Ha publicado 33 libros: 10 colecciones de sus propios relatos de ciencia ficción; 14 obras de no ficción (investigación histórica y sobre comercio internacional; ensayos y crónicas) y ha editado 9 antologías de relatos mexicanos de ciencia ficción. Entre 1990 y 1991, fue miembro del prestigioso Centro Mexicano de Escritores, siendo el único escritor del estado de Tamaulipas en los más de 50 años de historia de dicha institución. Recientemente, Schaffler ofreció una presentación en un evento del Consejo para el Progr...
- Title
- Javier Herrera García
- Runtime
- 4:26
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- Javier Herrera García is CEO of Monterrey-based Aerus, a regional airline established in 2022. Herrera was at McAllen International; Airpot on March 12 to announce new daily nonstop flights between Monterrey and McAllen. He said the introductory fare would start at $185 one way, including taxes. “This new route represents far more than a simply new fight. It represents a bridge between two communities that have long been closely connected, economically, culturally and socially,” Herrera said.
- Title
- Daniel P. King
- Runtime
- 8:34
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- Pharr Economic Development Corporation is contributing $189,000 to support 45 aspiring teachers who live or work in Pharr over the next two years. Daniel P. King, executive director of Region One Education Service Center, applauds Pharr EDC for this investment and hopes other EDCs around the Rio Grande Valley will make similar investments. King spoke about the importance of hiring certified teachers when appearing at a Pharr EDC press conference.
- Title
- Seby Haddad
- Runtime
- 6:08
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- McAllen Mayor Pro-Tem Seby Haddad says his city is ready to embrace the Blue Zones project. Blue Zones are locations where residents have particularly healthy and long lives. They include Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California. Haddad recently spoke at a Blue Zones event, co-hosted by Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas and held at the McAllen Convention Center. “With the Blue Zones project, McAllen is positioned to create measurable, sustainable improvements that benefit every resident. We are ready to lead and make history together. Choose McAllen. We are organized, committed and prepared to maximize your purpose and mission,” Haddad said.
- Title
- Ranulfo Marquez
- Runtime
- 13:36
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- ALL Means ALL: How PSJA Is Raising the Bar from Pre-K & Beyond. This was the title of an in-depth conversation the Rio Grande Guardian recently secured with Ranulfo Marquez, assistant superintendent of academics, at Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD. During the conversation, Marquez pointed out that PSJA is leading the region in Kinder Readiness and offers free Pre-Ke 3 and 4 at every elementary campus. He also spoke about the specialized early childhood campuses, otherwise known as PSJA’s Building Blocks Academies. PSJA has partnerships with 40-plus childcare centers, Marquez said. For adults, PSJA offers continuing education for parents through the PSJA Ballew Learning Center, in partnership with South Texas College. Marquez also spoke about PSJA’s iLearn Virtual Learning Program, which offers opportunities for families who prefer online education.
- Title
- Jeremy Santoscoy
- Runtime
- 6:13
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- McAllen International Airport is expanding international travel with a new daily nonstop service to Monterrey, Nuevo León, beginning March 27, 2026. The airline is Aerus. And through Aerus’ partnership with Viva Aerobus, passengers can also connect to manymore destinations across Mexico via Monterrey. The announcement was made a press conference at the airport on March 12, 2026. At the conclusion of the conference, RGG Business Journal secured an interview with Jeremy A. Santoscoy, director of aviation for the City of McAllen. Santoscoy said travelers will soon enjoy a fast and convenient connection between two vibrant cities with strong ties in business, tourism, and culture. He also spoke about an impact study which showed the economic value of McAllen International Airport to the Rio Grande Valley. He also spoke about expansion plans for McAllen International Airport.
- Title
- U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar
- Runtime
- 3:40
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar says he has given the benefit of the doubt to President Trump over his attack on Iran and will judge him in 30 days.Cuellar said he did not support a resolution in Congress that was critical of the president’s actions in the Middle East. “I voted no on this resolution that we had, because I wanted to give 30 days. I look at the military operation realities, and you can't stop everything. You can't tell a pilot, turn around in the middle and stop the funding and all that. I give it 30 days. So we filed legislation, along with some other folks, more moderate Democrats, and at the end of 30 days, Congress will come in and say, we play a role under Article One.”
- Title
- Dan Buettner, Jr.
- Runtime
- 1:04:09
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- Dan Buettner, Jr., is chief development officer of Blue Zones. Blue Zones has chronicled the best practices of communities around the world that have the longest life expectancy levels. In such communities, it is not uncommon to find five people living to be 100 years of age for every 1,000 population. In the United States, the figure is inverse - one person lives to be 100 for every 5,000 population. Buettner has been visiting Hidalgo County frequently in recent months to see if some of its communities would like to embrace the best practices for living long and happy lives that Blue Zones has chronicled around the world. Blue Zones is looking in particular at Edinburg, McAllen, Mission, and Pharr. If they take on such a project they would be working with their partners, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas. The attached video shows a presentation Buettner recently gave in Edinburg, Texas.
- Title
- Edward P. Meza
- Runtime
- 7:49
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- Edward P. Meza is director of the South Texas Ecotourism Center in Laguna Vista. Recently, the center hosted an event titled 'Ocelot Conservation Day'. Hundreds of people attended to learn more about ocelots and the efforts underway to preserve the species. Slightly smaller than a bobcat, the ocelot is a highly endangered wild cat in South Texas. The Rio Grande Guardian interviewed Meza about Ocelot Conservation Day and the South Texas Ecotourism Center.
- Title
- Rolando Vela
- Runtime
- 20:51
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- Rolando Vela is chairman of the Cameron County Small Cities Coalition. The group held a meeting at the Greater Harlingen Chamber on March 5 and much of the conversation centered on water and irrigation projects. A special guest at the meeting was the new president and CEO of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, Paco Sanchez. After the meeting had ended, Vela gave the Rio Grande Guardian an exclusive interview. He spoke about the importance of the coalition. And its top priorities. Vela is also general manager of Cameron County Drainage District No. 5. The Guardian spoke to him about this group also, including CCDD5’s efforts to advance levee certification efforts in Cameron County.
- Title
- Mario Reyna
- Runtime
- 9:16
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- RioPlex, the nonprofit group that seeks to market the Rio Grande Valley and northern Tamaulipas globally, held a seminar on deal structuring in Harlingen on March 11, 2026. Among the speakers were: RioPlex Board Member Morgan LaMantia; Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda; Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez; RioPlex Chairman Joaquin Spamer; Texas National Bank's Rey Garcia, who spoke about new market tax credits; Randy Perez, Hidalgo County's economic development director, who spoke about property tax abatements; Albert Perez, Mercedes City Manager, who spoke about tax increment reinvestment zones; Eric Naranjo, associate director of the North American Development Bank, who spoke about environmental infrastructure finance; and Mario Reyna, executive director of RioPlex. At the conclusion of the event, the RGG Business Journal secured an interview with Reyna.
- Title
- Julio Johnson
- Runtime
- 9:22
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has partnered with UT-Rio Grande Valley's Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization to provide unique mentorship opportunities for students. Their first event occurred on March 10 at the Chamber's offices in McAllen. Julio Johnson, an electronics engineer, is one of the mentors. He explains the value of the program.
- Title
- Cynthia Sakulenzki
- Runtime
- 4:46
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has partnered with UT-Rio Grande Valley's Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization to provide unique mentorship opportunities for students. Their first event occurred on March 10 at the Chamber's offices in McAllen. Cynthia Sakulenzki, president and CEO of RGVHCC, explains how the program originated and why it is important.
- Title
- Skyler Howell
- Runtime
- 10:14
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has partnered with UT-Rio Grande Valley's Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization to provide unique mentorship opportunities for students. Their first event occurred on March 10 at the Chamber's offices in McAllen. Skyler Howell, president of UTRGV CEO, explains how the program originated and why it is important.
- Title
- U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar
- Runtime
- 5:56
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar says the reason U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) released the Gámez-Cuéllar family from detention was pressure from the general public. Rio Grande Valley residents were outraged that ICE detained the family after they had followed the correct channels to seek legal status in the country. The family comprises three talented musicians who play in McAllen ISD's award-winning Mariachi Oro. Caleb (14) and Joshua (12), were taken to the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas, along with their parents. Antonio (18) was taken to the El Valle Detention Facility in Raymondville, Texas. Rep. Cuellar pushed for their release. In an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, he said they should never have been detained.
- Title
- Dr. Manish Singh, MD
- Runtime
- 4:00
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- On March 5, DHR Health held a dedication ceremony and preview of its new Starr County medical campus. The campus is designed to alleviate healthcare service and professional gaps, expand access to primary and specialty healthcare services, advance clinical research, and train the next generation of physicians through the establishment of a clinic and training space for Starr County’s first ever family medicine physician residency graduate medical education program. At the conclusion of the event, the Rio Grande Guardian interviewed DHR Health CEO Dr. Manish Singh.
- Title
- Jim Darling
- Runtime
- 6:31
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- Former McAllen Mayor Jim Darling believes it is time to look again at the Rio Grande Valley having one Metropolitan Statistical Area, not two as it has at the moment. Darling believes there are enough people that live in one of the Valley's MSAs but work in the other to warrant further investigation with the U.S. Department of Commerce. Darling gave his thoughts in an interview with the RGG Business Journal at a recent COSTEP event. Darling is chairman of COSTEP, which stands for the Council for South Texas Economic Progress.
- Title
- Guillermo Rico-Leal
- Runtime
- 38:47
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- Guillermo Rico-Leal es director de desarrollo comercial y marketing del Puerto de Brownsville. Recientemente, presentó una presentación en PowerPoint sobre el crecimiento del puerto en un evento organizado por el Consejo para el Progreso Económico del Sur de Texas. La audiencia estuvo compuesta principalmente por miembros de Index, la asociación comercial de la industria maquiladora en México. Después de su presentación, Rico-Leal respondió preguntas del público. La presentación se realizó en español.
- Title
- Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez
- Runtime
- 5:31
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez discussed regional cooperation at a meeting his economic development department held at UT-Rio Grande Valley's Center for Innovation & Commercialization in Weslaco. EDCs from across the Valley were in attendance. Here are his wrap-up remarks.
- Title
- Nate Sheets
- Runtime
- 7:53
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- Nate Sheets is a veteran, agriculture entrepreneur, and self-proclaimed “Trump Conservative.” He is running to be the next Agriculture Commissioner of Texas. In the Republican Primary he defeated three-term incumbent Commissioner Sid Miller. He now faces Democrat Clayton Tucker in the general election in November. Sheets’ second to last campaign event before the election was in Harlingen, where he appeared on stage with Gov. Greg Abbott. Here are his remarks from that event.
- Title
- Carlos Margo
- Runtime
- 3:50
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- The entities behind a Skills for Sustainability (S4S) project are hoping it can be just as successful in the Rio Grande Valley as it has been in the El Paso/Ciudad Juárez metropolitan region. The Trust for the Americas developed the S4S project, which the North American Development Bank funded. South Texas College will primarily conduct training in Level 1 Wastewater Operations and Heavy Equipment Operations in the Rio Grande Valley. To date, S4S has graduated 431 participants from the El Paso/Ciudad Juárez metropolitan region, and 90% of those graduates secured full-time employment or are pursuing higher education. Here is an interview with Carlos Margo, dean of advanced training and apprenticeships at South Texas College.
- Title
- Paco Sanchez
- Runtime
- 6:03
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- The entities behind a Skills for Sustainability (S4S) project are hoping it can be just as successful in the Rio Grande Valley as it has been in the El Paso/Ciudad Juárez metropolitan region. The Trust for the Americas developed the S4S project, which the North American Development Bank funded. South Texas College will primarily conduct training in Level 1 Wastewater Operations and Heavy Equipment Operations in the Rio Grande Valley. To date, S4S has graduated 431 participants from the El Paso/Ciudad Juárez metropolitan region, and 90% of those graduates secured full-time employment or are pursuing higher education. Here is an interview with Rio Grande Valley Partnership President & CEO Paco Sanchez.
- Title
- Julian Alvarez
- Runtime
- 13:17
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- The entities behind a Skills for Sustainability (S4S) project are hoping it can be just as successful in the Rio Grande Valley as it has been in the El Paso/Ciudad Juárez metropolitan region. The Trust for the Americas developed the S4S project, which the North American Development Bank funded. South Texas College will primarily conduct training in Level 1 Wastewater Operations and Heavy Equipment Operations in the Rio Grande Valley. To date, S4S has graduated 431 participants from the El Paso/Ciudad Juárez metropolitan region, and 90% of those graduates secured full-time employment or are pursuing higher education. Here is a video of Lone Star National Bank's Julian Alvarez previewing the project.
- Title
- Carlos Margo
- Runtime
- 7:50
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- Carlos Margo is dean of advanced training and apprenticeships at South Texas College. In a recent interview with the RGG Business Journal, Margo said that, as amazing as it sounds, not enough high school students in the Rio Grande Valley know about the college’s career and technical education division. “Specifically in our workforce training division. It’s unfortunate but we still have way too many high school students that have no idea the amount of workforce training certifications and credentialing programs at South Texas College has to offer,” Margo confirmed. In this in-depth interview, Margo explains how this can be rectified.
- Title
- Adam Gonzalez
- Runtime
- 8:31
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- The Council for South Texas Economic Progress held a meeting at South Texas College in McAllen to unveil new data about the manufacturing industry in the Rio Grande Valley and Laredo (which COSTEP calls the Rio South Texas region) and northern Tamaulipas. The data explained where different manufacturing centers are concentrated, how key sectors are evolving, and why the region is emerging as a strategic location for scalable investment. Adam Gonzalez, CEO of COSTEP, unveiled the data through a power-point presentation. At the end of the event he gave a video interview to the RGG Business Journal.
- Title
- Jaime Wesolowski
- Runtime
- 7:16
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- Methodist Healthcare Ministries recently held four Blue Zones Ignite Community Keynote Events in the Rio Grande Valley. They were held in McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, and Pharr. The idea was to see if any or all of those cities want to participate in a readiness assessment to determine if Blue Zones are right for them. “Methodist Healthcare Ministries is bringing together civic and community leaders to work with Blue Zones to make healthy choices easier and more accessible for all who live in and visit Rio Grande Valley,” the nonprofit stated. “Through community well-being enhancements, we are working to help the region’s citizens thrive and reach their full potential for health and for life. MHM added: “Blue Zones is the proven innovator for improving the well-being of large populations, with remarkable success in cities, businesses, and states across America.” Here is an interview with Jaime Wesolowski is president and CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries.
