Business
Business news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
BusinessCrunch Fitness coming to Harlingen
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Crunch Fitness, a no-judgment gym known for its mission to make exercise fun and its variety of fitness classes, will soon be coming to Harlingen. The gym project details were registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation on Thursday. The gym will be located at the former Conn's HomePlus
BusinessEconomic developers present regional advantages for automotive investment
During a recent business forum in McAllen, economic leaders from Rio South Texas highlighted the region's advantages for automotive manufacturers from the San Luis Potosí Automotive Cluster. Key points included regional collaboration, robust transportation infrastructure, and a skilled workforce. Teclo García from Mission noted the strategic importance of the Anzalduas International Bridge, set to enhance logistics by 2026. Jaime Ortiz from Laredo emphasized the Port of Laredo's role in trade, while Daniel Garza from Edinburg pointed out the region's bilingual workforce as a competitive edge. The forum concluded with a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cross-border economic ties.
Business7 Brew Coffee Official Opening Marked by Mission Ribbon-Cutting
7 Brew Coffee celebrated its official opening in Mission, Texas, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 101 S. Shary Road. The drive-thru coffee chain donated $2,000 to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hidalgo and Starr Counties, emphasizing its commitment to community support. David Paxton, director of training and development for Tejas Brewistas, expressed excitement about expanding in Texas and partnering with local organizations. The new location will create 50 jobs and offers over 20,000 drink combinations. Customers can also participate in Swag Day on August 1, where a purchase of a large drink earns a free t-shirt.
BusinessOp ED: Fraud Prevention Starts with You, Not Just Your Bank
Michael Scaief, Chairman and CEO of Texas Regional Bank, emphasizes the importance of fraud prevention for both households and businesses. He advises Texans to never share online banking credentials and to be aware of fraud tactics that criminals use to gain access to personal information. Scaief recommends reviewing fraud protection pledges with family or employees and utilizing the bank's fraud resource page. He highlights the need for vigilance, especially when receiving unsolicited communications from anyone claiming to represent the bank. Establishing verification procedures for businesses and ongoing employee training on fraud awareness are also crucial.
BusinessSan Luis Potosí Presents Its Automotive Strength to Rio South Texas Business Leaders
On June 11, 2026, business leaders from Rio South Texas met with representatives from the San Luis Potosí Automotive Cluster at the Cambria Hotel in McAllen. The event, organized by COSTEP, focused on workforce development, logistics, and economic growth opportunities in the region. Luis Alberto González, Executive Director of the cluster, highlighted that San Luis Potosí is a key player in Mexico's automotive industry, hosting over 250 auto parts companies and employing more than 85,000 people. He noted that Mexico ranks seventh globally in light-vehicle production and is the leading exporter of auto parts to the U.S.
BusinessData center application withdrawn as Brownsville works on new policy
A proposed data center in Brownsville has been withdrawn by the applicant before any city commission vote. The company sought a special use permit to convert a former facility on Padre Island Highway into a data center, but local resident Hugo Izaguirre expressed strong opposition, citing concerns about pollution and rising utility costs. Brownsville City Commissioner Nurith Galonsky stated the city aims to establish a policy for data centers, addressing their resource needs and proximity to neighborhoods. A public workshop on the topic is scheduled for August 4 at Brownsville City Hall, encouraging community involvement in the discussion.
BusinessBrownsville data center application withdrawn
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- What once was a Walmart and later a shelter for undocumented migrant children once again remains vacant. The unidentified company that filed a permit request to develop a data center near the Port of Brownsville has withdrawn its application. The proposal was under evaluation by Brownsville city leaders, some of whom
BusinessBetter Business Bureau warns of new phone scam
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Better Business Bureau is warning that scammers are impersonating well-known retailers, government agencies, or even law enforcement to obtain personal information. According to the BBB, the call starts off with the scammer claiming to be from a well-known store or bank, then asking about a purchase the consumer did not make.
BusinessEnergy agencies want more authority over Texas data centers
Texas power grid operators are urging state lawmakers to enhance their authority over data centers following a directive from Governor Greg Abbott. Abbott's letter to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) mandates that data centers help reduce residents' energy bills and cover their electric infrastructure costs. PUCT Chairman Thomas Gleeson noted that new requirements for data centers were established in response to a 2025 law. The agencies are also developing a program to encourage energy conservation among data centers during potential energy emergencies. Future legislation may allow direct communication with data centers regarding energy usage during crises.
BusinessMission moving forward with $2 million project for new road
Mission is set to begin a $2 million project to construct a new road named Hoerner Road, which will span approximately a quarter of a mile off Business 83. This initiative includes the installation of drainage and sewer lines, aimed at facilitating future residential and commercial developments in the area. City Manager Juan Pablo 'J.P.' Terrazas emphasized that the project will enhance the value of surrounding land by providing essential infrastructure. Construction is anticipated to start within two months and will take around eight months to complete, funded through the city's tax increment reinvestment zone.
BusinessContractor says labor shortages are delaying RGV construction as builders respond to worksite enforcement operations
Xavier Vasquez, a contractor from San Juan, reports that labor shortages due to increased immigration enforcement are delaying construction projects in the Rio Grande Valley. He has implemented fencing and 'No Trespassing' signs at job sites to help workers feel secure. Vasquez noted that his crew has diminished significantly, impacting project timelines; one home that was supposed to close a month ago is still unfinished. Immigration attorney Christopher Cavazos advises contractors to check for warrants if agents arrive. The South Texas Builders Association is advocating for updated immigration policies and plans to present a petition to Congress.
BusinessSouth Texas Builders Association Calls for Workforce Solutions at Immigration Forum
The South Texas Builders Association hosted a forum in Edinburg, Texas, addressing workforce shortages, housing affordability, and immigration reform. Attendees included business leaders, elected officials, and immigration advocates, who emphasized the need for bipartisan solutions in the construction industry. STBA CEO Mario Guerrero highlighted the challenges builders face in finding a legal workforce. Representatives Vicente Gonzalez and Henry Cuellar discussed legislative efforts, including the Safe American Workforce Act and H-2B visa expansion. The event also announced the South Texas Builders Initiative, aimed at creating accredited construction training programs. Community engagement and voting were encouraged throughout the forum.
BusinessDeadline Extended for Free Brownsville Business Course Starting August 11
The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) has extended the application deadline for the eBridge Business Academy's August cohort to August 2, 2026. The program will run from August 11 to September 1, 2026, with sessions held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization. This free entrepreneurship program, based on the Kauffman FastTrac curriculum, does not require a registered business or completed business plan to apply. Interested entrepreneurs can apply at www.ebridgebusinessacademy.com. A second cohort is scheduled from September 8 to September 29, 2026, meeting in the evenings.
BusinessTerrence Howard Receives Edinburg Honor During Rio Grande Valley Visit
On July 27, 2026, actor Terrence Howard visited Edinburg, Texas, where he met with city leaders to discuss potential business ventures and share his vision for emerging technologies. During his visit, City Councilmember Jason De Leon presented Howard with a proclamation declaring the day as Terrence Howard Day. Howard expressed gratitude for the city's hospitality, noting the warmth of Edinburg's residents. He discussed innovative ideas, including drone technology for transporting heavy equipment. While no specific business projects were announced, the visit highlighted Edinburg's designation as a Film Friendly Texas community and its connection to the South Texas International Film Festival.
BusinessVisa to Reduce Workforce by About 2,600 Employees as Company Repositions for Growth
Visa is set to cut approximately 2,600 jobs, representing about 7% of its global workforce, as part of a restructuring aimed at fostering growth. The layoffs will primarily affect employees in technology and product operations. Notifications for impacted employees are expected to be sent out soon, along with transition assistance details. CEO Ryan McInerney indicated that the company is adapting to future opportunities, with artificial intelligence playing a significant role in this evolution. Visa plans to redirect investments towards key areas such as affluent consumer services and cross-border payments, while maintaining a focus on efficiency and growth.
BusinessDoorDash Prepares to Launch Drone Delivery System After FAA Approval
DoorDash is taking to the skies. The company announced on Wednesday that it has launched DoorDash Air, an internal drone delivery system. This news comes after DoorDash received certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate commercial drones in the United States. DoorDash stated that with this launch, it is developing its own aircraft and drone infrastructure at DoorDash Labs, aiming to make deliveries smoother and more scalable. 'We want drone delivery to work for any merchant, anywhere. We are building the complete solution to make it possible: from ground infrastructure to the drone itself, and the delivery and transfer systems that allow everything to work together,' said Harrison Shih, director of DoorDash Air, in the company's announcement. 'Advancements in hardware, computing power, and AI are creating extraordinary new capabilities for local commerce, and becoming a certified air carrier accelerates everything we are building.' DoorDash did not provide a timeline for when its drones would begin commercial operations as part of DoorDash Air.
BusinessDo You Have SNAP? You Can Now Use It to Pay for Your Purchases at Dollar Tree on DoorDash
Beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can now use their benefits to shop at Dollar Tree through the DoorDash app. The food and retail delivery company announced the expansion of this payment option, allowing SNAP recipients to pay for eligible items for home delivery from participating Dollar Tree stores in 48 states. SNAP is the largest nutrition assistance program in the United States, benefiting an average of over 41 million people each month, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
BusinessZERLUMA Breaks Ground on $50 Million Mission Manufacturing Facility
ZERLUMA held a groundbreaking ceremony on July 28 for a $50 million aluminum recycling and advanced manufacturing facility in Mission, Texas. This project is considered one of the largest private investments in the city's history, aimed at creating quality jobs and boosting the local economy. Key figures at the event included Mission Mayor Norie González Garza and Mission Economic Development Corporation COO Belén Guerrero-Aguirre, who emphasized the project's significance for economic growth. ZERLUMA plans to collaborate with local educational institutions to recruit talent and aims to establish a state-of-the-art facility that will enhance cross-border manufacturing opportunities.
BusinessValley Builders Warn That ICE Raids Could Drive Up Prices
ICE raids at construction sites in the Rio Grande Valley are raising concerns among builders, who report a labor shortage affecting new housing development. Industry leaders warn that the lack of workers is driving up construction costs, which may lead to higher home prices for buyers. Raúl Marquez, a local contractor, emphasized the difficulty in finding labor and the resulting increased costs, stating that consumers ultimately bear the burden. Meanwhile, the ACLU is urging employers to educate themselves about their rights during potential immigration operations, while local officials, including Cameron County's judge, are questioning the economic impact of these actions.