Business
Business news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
BusinessFriend-Shoring Emerges as a New Approach to Cross-Border Business
During a recent business meeting in McAllen, Texas, Ricardo Pérez Castillo of Indutérmica introduced the concept of 'friend-shoring' as a relationship-driven approach to cross-border business. This term was presented at a gathering involving Mexican automotive companies and local economic development officials from the Rio South Texas region. Pérez Castillo emphasized that personal relationships, alongside infrastructure, play a crucial role in investment decisions. The meeting, hosted by COSTEP, aimed to foster connections between San Luis Potosí and the Rio South Texas area, highlighting the region's advantages for business relocation and development.
BusinessCensus data shows Hidalgo County poverty rate drops by four percent
Hidalgo County's poverty rate has decreased to 24.2% in 2024, down from 28.8% in 2021, reflecting a drop of over four percentage points in three years. County Judge Richard Cortez emphasized that while progress is being made, there is still much work ahead. Factors contributing to this decline include the creation of more jobs and increased wages. Cortez noted the importance of agencies like the Community Service Agency and VIDA in supporting those in need. However, challenges such as transportation and rising living costs continue to pose significant obstacles for the community.
BusinessIf You Live Paycheck to Paycheck, These Tips Can Help You Make Your Money Go Further
Inflation has forced many to rethink their finances. AARP has compiled a list of 99 tips to help people maximize their money. Among the advice shared by Gilberto Cabrera, AARP spokesperson, is the use of artificial intelligence. 'When you're planning your meals, you can go to your favorite AI search engine and ask it to fill out a whole week with budget-friendly dinner or lunch menus for your family, and it will design it according to your budget.' Other grocery shopping tips from the organization include: Challenge yourself to spend less. Once or twice a year, take inventory of your pantry. Create recipes with what you already have and plan to spend no more than $20 a week on what you need. Use cash for groceries. One way to stay within your budget is to go out with a fixed amount of cash and avoid using your credit cards. Look for manager's specials. Fresh foods nearing their sell-by date often receive discounts of up to 70%. Use them to prepare a last-minute meal or freeze them for later. Learn when a deal is truly worth it. Keep a price list of frequently purchased items at your grocery store on your phone or in a notebook. This way, you can compare current prices with what you usually pay. Stock up when it makes sense; avoid doing so when it's just a trick to attract buyers. The tips for saving money cover various aspects of daily family life, including health, food purchases, cars, computers, travel, and more. For the complete list, you can click here.
BusinessMexican Automotive Suppliers See Rio South Texas as a Gateway for Expansion
On June 11, 2026, leaders from the San Luis Potosí automotive sector met in McAllen to explore opportunities for cross-border operations in the Rio South Texas region. The meeting, hosted by COSTEP, aimed to enhance collaboration and investment in manufacturing and supply chains. Representatives from various companies discussed the potential for industrial growth and the benefits of establishing operations in the area. Notable attendees included Mauricio Galindo, who highlighted his company's success in Texas, and Ricardo Jiménez, who shared insights on industrial engineering. COSTEP emphasized the region as a vital economic corridor linking Texas and northern Mexico.
BusinessWeslaco road project cuts sales at coffee shop; city admits not properly notifying businesses
A coffee shop owner in Weslaco, Mina Reyes, reports significant customer loss due to road construction on Sugarcane Drive. Reyes claims sales have dropped by 80 to 90 percent since the project began two weeks ago, forcing her to cancel cultural events. She was unaware of the construction until she arrived at work, having not received any prior notification from the city. The city acknowledges that businesses were not properly informed about the $520,000 street improvement project, which started on July 6. City officials are now working to enhance their notification processes for future projects.
BusinessProposed East Texas AI Data Center Withdrawn Amid Tougher State Guidelines
Diode has decided to withdraw its proposal for a data center near Cedar Creek Lake in Henderson County, citing non-compliance with state guidelines and community standards. Texas Governor Greg Abbott emphasized that data centers must adhere to specific requirements, including minimizing impacts on local residents and ensuring sustainable resource use. The governor's directive outlines expectations for data centers to lower residential electricity costs, cover their infrastructure expenses, and implement water-efficient technologies. Abbott plans to pursue legislation to formalize these standards and ensure that data center developments prioritize the well-being of Texas families and communities.
BusinessGovernor Abbott Announces Over $114 Million In Housing Tax Credits
Governor Greg Abbott has announced the allocation of over $114 million in housing tax credits aimed at financing the development or rehabilitation of 70 rental properties across Texas. This initiative, managed by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), is expected to create or renovate more than 4,400 affordable rental units. Abbott emphasized the importance of providing affordable housing options for Texans as the state continues to grow. The funding is part of a broader effort to ensure that hardworking families have access to quality housing, fostering a more prosperous Texas for future generations.
BusinessSan Luis Potosí Automotive Sector Seeks Cross-Border Growth with Rio South Texas
On June 11, leaders from the San Luis Potosí Automotive Cluster met with economic development representatives in McAllen, Texas, to explore cross-border business opportunities. The forum, organized by the Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP), highlighted Mexico's position as a key player in the automotive industry, ranking seventh globally with 4.09 million vehicles produced in 2025. San Luis Potosí was noted for producing 366,012 vehicles, contributing 9.62% to national output. The meeting concluded with a memorandum of understanding to enhance collaboration between the two regions, focusing on manufacturing and workforce development.
BusinessConsumer Reports: Best rotisserie chicken
Consumer Reports has evaluated rotisserie chickens from ten retailers, including Costco, Sam’s Club, and Walmart, to determine the best options for consumers. Sam’s Club emerged as the top choice for flavor, offering consistently moist and flavorful chicken. Other notable mentions include Costco and Whole Foods. The report also examined chemical exposure from packaging, finding phthalates in most brands but no concerning levels of PFAS. For food safety, it’s advised to consume the chicken within two hours of purchase and store leftovers properly. Following these guidelines can enhance the convenience of this popular meal option.
BusinessGasoline, Food, and School Supplies: How Rising Oil Prices Could Impact Your Wallet
NEW YORK — Consumers, already feeling pressure since the onset of the war with Iran, may face a greater impact on their wallets after oil prices surpassed $100 per barrel on Thursday, amid renewed fighting and military attacks that have left global crude supplies stranded in the Middle East. This increase marks a shift from the lower oil prices briefly recorded when hostilities between the U.S. and Iran decreased in June. Brent crude, the international benchmark, last reached $100 per barrel in May. Companies that produce and sell fresh food, school supplies, and any products reliant on fuel transportation have already reported rising costs following the previous spike in energy prices after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran. They are likely to continue passing some of those increased expenses onto consumers. "In general, when costs rise, companies quickly raise prices," said Miguel Gómez, director of the Food Industry Management Program at Cornell University. However, he added that "it takes longer to lower prices when costs decrease." This is how the rise in oil prices could continue to affect consumers' wallets.
BusinessBCIC and AFP Texas Partner for Upcoming Fundraising Workshop, Aug. 6th
The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) and the Association of Fundraising Professionals Texas Coastal Bend Chapter are organizing a workshop titled "Reimagining Event Sponsorship: A New Approach for Fundraisers" on August 6, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization. This Lunch & Learn aims to assist nonprofit professionals in aligning sponsorship goals with their organization’s mission and community impact. Amy Canterbury from the American Heart Association will lead the session, providing strategies for creating effective sponsorship packages. Registration is required, and lunch will be provided for in-person attendees.
BusinessSan Luis Potosí Automotive Delegation Explores Business Opportunities in Rio South Texas
On June 11, 2026, a delegation from the San Luis Potosí Automotive Cluster met with economic development leaders in McAllen to explore business opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, energy, and automotive supply chains. The event, hosted by the Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP) at the Cambria Hotel, featured discussions on collaboration and investment between the two regions. Luis Alberto González Olvera, director of the cluster, emphasized the importance of the meeting, which included representatives from companies like Indutérmica and Logistik Industrial Park. A memorandum of understanding was signed to formalize their commitment to economic development in the area.
BusinessBrownsville evaluating permit for proposed data center
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — What was once a Walmart and later a shelter for undocumented migrant children could now possibly turn into a data center. An unidentified company has filed a permit request with the City of Brownsville to develop a data center at 7480 Padre Island Hwy, which is a 32-acre plot of land
BusinessMcAllen Partners with UTRGV to Support Local Entrepreneurs
The City of McAllen has teamed up with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to introduce the UTRGV Market Lab at the McAllen Main Library. This initiative aims to provide local entrepreneurs and small business owners with free resources for business development. The six-week program will accept its first 30 businesses, offering personalized coaching, market research, and strategic planning at no cost. Participants will also collaborate with UTRGV student consulting teams. Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort are currently open, and interested entrepreneurs can find more information on the city’s website.
BusinessPharr EDC Set to Break Ground on New Commercial Project Along Nolana Loop, July 31st
The Pharr Economic Development Corporation, in collaboration with Impulso Developments and NAI STX, will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for a new commercial retail project on July 31, 2026, at 11:30 AM. The event will take place at 705 W. Nolana Loop, strategically located near Highway 69C and adjacent to Dollar Tree and Monarch Apartments. This development aims to enhance the growth of Pharr by attracting more customers and boosting daily traffic in a bustling commercial area. Victor Perez, President/CEO of the Pharr EDC, emphasized the importance of such projects for local economic development and community services.
BusinessYou Can Use Your Vehicle to Power Your Home, Check Here How
The multi-day freeze that hit Texas in February 2021 and impacted the electrical grid has been on Kenneth Kovar's mind ever since. Although the New Braunfels resident, northeast of San Antonio, did not lose power at that time, he was unable to operate his septic tank because it is independent of local systems. He had to fill the toilets with water from his pool. So, when Kovar, 64, bought a Ford F-150 last fall, his hope was to be better prepared for any new crisis. 'I wanted to try to find some kind of backup power,' Kovar said. Now, Kovar has a Ford setup that allows drivers of certain F-150 models to plug their vehicle directly into their electric meter to power parts of their home during a blackout. This is the latest example of how automakers are adapting their electrification technologies to the home energy business, especially as demand on the grid increases and electric vehicle sales slow down. Automakers are looking to leverage their multi-billion dollar investments in electric vehicles to enter a promising market of vehicle, home, and grid technology, both for backup power and to support grid resilience. 'They are trying to look for other businesses they could sell to,' said Parth Vaishnav, an assistant professor of sustainable systems at the University of Michigan. Drivers of hybrid F-150 PowerBoost and electric F-150 Lightning trucks can now plug a 30-inch adapter into a 240-volt outlet onboard. This adapter—manufactured by Ford in partnership with Global Power Products—makes the vehicle compatible for connecting to a longer, separate cable that connects to a transfer switch installed directly on the home's electric meter. Through this adapter and cable series, homeowners can essentially connect their vehicle directly to their home's breaker box. The owner simply turns on and off the circuit breakers they want, depending on which devices they wish to power. 'The way we think about it, especially for customers who already have a compatible vehicle, is that they already own the power source; it's in their vehicle,' said Amanda Roraff, Ford's network and energy services business lead. The Lightning could supply power for two to three days, depending on which household devices are being used, while the PowerBoost Hybrid could last up to five days on a single tank of gas. The manufacturer claims that its solution is a less expensive way to provide backup power. Conventional portable generators, powered by diesel, and whole-house backup systems require costly installation, often running into several thousand dollars. This solution, which also requires professional installation at the meter, starts at around $1,100. The setup currently applies only to about 200,000 vehicles and is exclusively for blackouts. Ford also offers its Home Integration System for bidirectionality, sending power both from the vehicle to the home and from the home to the vehicle, with the possibility of feeding the grid. Other manufacturers are enhancing their energy solutions. Estimates indicate that more than 630,000 vehicles in the United States already have this functionality, and manufacturers are rapidly expanding their available options with the long-term goal of achieving full vehicle-to-grid support. The South Korean brand Kia and Wallbox, an electric vehicle charging company, have partnered so that eligible and compatible vehicle drivers can have home backup power during blackouts or periods of high demand, reducing their consumption from the utility company. They can also feed energy back to the grid. Tesla's technology is similar: it allows drivers of equipped vehicles to connect to their homes using additional Tesla hardware. The Cybertruck offers full vehicle-to-home capability, while other Tesla models can only connect and power specific devices or appliances. General Motors is also doing something similar. A recent partnership with WeaveGrid, for example, allows owners driving certain GM electric vehicles—who have the manufacturer's home system and proper interconnection with the grid—to enroll in some utility programs for grid reliability. Once a blackout is detected, GM's vehicle-to-home technology can disconnect the house from the grid and begin supplying power from their GM electric vehicle. 'The future as we move forward will be to give the customer the ability—now that we have this unique platform—to experience our system,' said Wade Sheffer, vice president of GM Energy, 'but also to have total control over the energy.' Electric vehicle sales are declining. Experts say this business is not only crucial amid increasing demand on the grid and more blackouts, but manufacturers need to pivot with a less active electric vehicle market under current U.S. federal policy. Sales of fully electric vehicles in the country have dropped 23.8% year-over-year, according to a July report from Cox Automotive on the first half of 2026. This highlights the value of owning an electric or hybrid vehicle. The technology is not without challenges. On the industry side, these systems must undergo third-party testing to ensure they meet safety standards, and the vehicle and charger must be programmed to communicate. It also requires approval from the utility company where the capacity will be used. Securing an interconnection agreement can take years. On the customer side, owners need to understand their vehicle's capabilities and how to self-manage their system. Additionally, it simply adds another power generator to the home mix. Still, experts see opportunities, especially with high interest in electric vehicle sales outside of the United States. 'We already know this has a benefit during a blackout, as it provides electricity to the home,' said Scott Samuelsen, emeritus professor of engineering at the University of California, Irvine. 'This is going to become very, very popular.' This story was translated from English by an AP editor with the help of a generative AI tool. A Telemundo Digital editor reviewed the translation.
BusinessCOSTEP Brings Regional EDC Leaders Together
On June 11, 2026, the Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP) hosted a forum in McAllen, bringing together economic leaders from Rio South Texas and representatives from the San Luis Potosí Automotive Cluster. The event focused on cross-border trade, supply chain integration, and investment opportunities. Key discussions included the importance of regional infrastructure, with presentations from various economic development officials. Notable participants included Ralph Garcia from the McAllen Economic Development Corporation and Jorge Torres from Interlink Trade Services. The meeting aimed to strengthen business relationships and highlight the industrial capabilities of both regions.
BusinessConsumer Reports: Protect your data with a guest WiFi network
Consumer Reports advises homeowners to enhance their digital security by setting up a guest WiFi network. This feature, available on most routers, allows guests to access the internet without connecting to personal devices. Establishing a guest network improves privacy, as it keeps potentially infected devices separate from your main network. It also boosts overall WiFi performance by allowing bandwidth limits and automatic disconnections for guest devices. Setting it up is straightforward: log into your router, activate the guest network, and create an easy-to-remember password. This method allows for safe sharing of WiFi with visitors while protecting your data.
BusinessDe La Cruz and Lutnick Deliver $6 Million Grant to McAllen for Industrial Expansion
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Rep. Monica De La Cruz announced a $6 million grant for McAllen to enhance its industrial park infrastructure. This funding aims to attract private investment and generate nearly 500 jobs. The grant will support the development of roads, water, and sewer systems on the 47-acre site, backed by an additional $34 million in private investment. De La Cruz emphasized the grant's significance for the entire Rio Grande Valley, while Mayor Javier Villalobos noted its potential to draw more employers and strengthen the regional economy. De La Cruz has secured over $50 million in federal funds since taking office.