Business
Business news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
BusinessTexas Tops Nation in June Job Growth, Adding 43,400 Nonfarm Jobs
In June, Texas added 43,400 nonfarm jobs, leading the nation in job growth, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state now has a total of 14,469,600 nonfarm jobs, marking a significant increase over the past year with 177,900 jobs added. Governor Abbott highlighted the skilled workforce and favorable business environment as key factors for this growth. The Texas labor force has also expanded, reaching 15,904,900, with an increase of 29,700 individuals over the last year. Since January 2015, Texas has created over 2.6 million jobs under Abbott's administration.
BusinessVillalobos says $6 million federal grant will expand opportunity across the Rio Grande Valley
McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos announced a $6 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce aimed at expanding the city's 47-acre industrial park. During an event with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Rep. Monica De La Cruz, Villalobos emphasized that this funding will benefit the entire Rio Grande Valley, not just McAllen. The grant will support infrastructure improvements necessary for future manufacturing investments, with expectations of creating at least 500 jobs. De La Cruz highlighted the grant's potential to enhance economic opportunities, housing growth, and small business support throughout South Texas.
BusinessCommerce Department awards $6 million to expand McAllen industrial park
The U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded a $6 million grant to McAllen to expand its industrial park, facilitating future manufacturing and investment in the Rio Grande Valley. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick announced the funding during a visit to GE Aerospace, emphasizing its role in building necessary infrastructure like roads and utilities. Local leaders have secured $34 million in private investments linked to the project, which aims to create approximately 500 jobs. Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz and McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos highlighted the grant's potential regional impact, benefiting not just McAllen but the entire valley.
BusinessFew Days Left to Claim Your Payment from the Amazon Settlement
Amazon Prime customers may be eligible for compensation from a $2.5 billion antitrust settlement, but the deadline is approaching. In September, Amazon agreed to pay customers after being accused of pressuring them to enroll in Prime subscriptions and complicating cancellations. Some users may have already received payments last year. To claim the second payment, eligible customers must submit a claim by July 27, 2026. Requirements include being a U.S. consumer who unintentionally enrolled in Prime or attempted to cancel without success. Approved claims could receive up to $51, with payments expected by September.
BusinessTxDOT hosts event to collaborate with small business owners
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Transportation Pharr District welcomed a group of local business owners during its annual outreach event on Monday. The annual event was geared towards small business owners, offering a chance to connect with local TxDOT engineers, prime contractors and representatives from other small businesses. Rex Costley, Deputy Engineer
BusinessBrownsville restaurant credits World Cup watch parties for jump in sales
Ramses Tacos & Tequilas in Brownsville has reported a significant increase in summer sales, attributing this boost to the World Cup festivities. The restaurant hosted viewing parties for all 48 matches, drawing larger crowds, especially during games featuring popular teams like Mexico and the U.S. To accommodate the influx of customers, the restaurant expanded its staff from 20-25 to around 40-50 employees. Manager Gabriel Exinia noted a 30% rise in sales compared to May, highlighting the success of the season. Patrons, like Ashok Nair, expressed that the lively atmosphere enhanced their viewing experience compared to watching at home.
BusinessPharr EDC Launches Digital Facade Initiative to Help Local Businesses Strengthen Their Online Presence
The Pharr Economic Development Corporation (Pharr EDC) has launched the Digital Facade Initiative to assist local businesses in enhancing their online visibility. This program aims to ensure that businesses are easily searchable and accurately represented on platforms like Google. Pharr EDC staff will conduct visits to local companies to review their digital storefronts, including Google Business Profiles and essential information for customers. Leticia Adame, Economic & Workforce Director, emphasizes the importance of a strong digital presence for customer trust. Businesses interested in this initiative can reach out to Pharr EDC for support.
BusinessWorkforce Solutions Jobs Update, 7-20-26
Texas Workforce Solutions is hosting several job events this week. An information session for Border Patrol will take place on Tuesday, July 21, from 9 AM to 12 PM at Workforce Solutions in Mission. On Wednesday, July 22, two hiring events are scheduled: one from 8 AM to 12 PM at Rio Plex Safety Council in McAllen and another from 9 AM to 12 PM at Workforce Solutions in Mission. Additionally, a Skilled Trades Job Fair will be held on Thursday, July 23, from 9 AM to 12 PM at the Edinburg Activity Center. More details can be found at workintexas.com.
BusinessFairlife Halts Production in the U.S. After Cyberattack
Fairlife, the milk brand owned by Coca-Cola, has halted its production in the United States following a ransomware cyberattack that compromised parts of its systems. The company announced on Thursday that it detected unauthorized access, prompting a temporary shutdown of operations. Coca-Cola stated that product quality and safety remain unaffected, and operations in Canada continue as normal. The full extent of the attack is still unclear, but Coca-Cola is cooperating with authorities and cybersecurity experts to investigate and recover. Fairlife, based in Chicago, boasts over $3 billion in annual retail sales and offers a range of lactose-free products.
BusinessValleyCentral Weekend Report: Campaign visits and new tech coming to RGV
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — On this week’s edition of ValleyCentral Weekend Report, Weekend Anchor Brian Svendsen breaks down all the biggest stories from the week. Starting with the biggest stories of the week, in case you missed them. In a massive announcement this week, Seronic Technologies announced they will begin building a massive $3.2 billion facility at the Port of Brownsville. In another
BusinessConsumer Reports: Home gym for cheap
Creating a home gym can be a cost-effective way to stay fit without a gym membership. Consumer Reports highlights essential equipment for home workouts, emphasizing adjustable dumbbells as a smart investment. These allow users to easily change weights, saving both money and space. Top-rated options include the NordicTrack 55-pound and Core Home Fitness 50-pound dumbbells, both priced under $400. Resistance bands are another affordable choice, effective for strength training and suitable for various fitness levels, with Whatafit bands recommended at about $28 for five. Additionally, workout headphones like Apple AirPods Pro and Beats Fit Pro are suggested for an enhanced experience, while cautioning against certain HomeProGym bands that may be unsafe.
BusinessCity of Alamo offering grants up to $15, 000 for new, local businesses
The City of Alamo is providing financial assistance to support the launch of new local businesses. There are two funding options: a start-up grant and a revolving loan fund, both available exclusively to Alamo residents. This season, the Alamo Economic Development Corporation will award five grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000 for businesses that have a commercial property. To receive reimbursement, qualifying businesses must submit an invoice. Mayor J.R. Garza emphasized the importance of generating sales tax and noted that applications will be reviewed by the EDC's board of directors.
BusinessMendez Avenue repaving project set to begin in Roma
The city of Roma is set to begin repaving Mendez Avenue, a crucial route for heavy trucks at the port of entry. The existing asphalt is deteriorating due to the increased traffic, which Congressman Henry Cuellar noted has surged by 600%. The city is investing $150,000 and utilizing a nearly $500,000 grant for the project. Cuellar emphasized that the rise in truck traffic correlates with job creation and economic growth. The repaving work is expected to commence within three months and will take approximately six to eight months to finish.
BusinessTexas Hits Record 14.46 Million Nonfarm Jobs After June Surge
Texas achieved a record high of 14,469,600 nonfarm jobs in June, adding 43,400 jobs and surpassing the national growth rate. The state's labor force now totals 15,904,900, with 15,203,600 individuals employed, including self-employed workers. Governor Abbott highlighted Texas as a hub for innovation and prosperity, emphasizing its favorable business climate. Additionally, Saronic Technologies, Inc. plans to build Port Alpha, a massive shipyard at the Port of Brownsville, with a $3.25 billion investment that will create 10,000 jobs. This growth reflects Texas's ongoing economic expansion and job creation efforts.
BusinessTexas Upstream Energy Sector Posts June Job Gains
The Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) reported a 400-job increase in the state's upstream oil and natural gas sector from May to June 2026, despite a loss of 900 jobs in extraction. The service sector gained 1,300 jobs, totaling 135,800. In June, Texas had 10,978 unique job postings in the industry, with Houston leading at 2,770 postings. The median salary for advertised positions was $54,100, with 37% requiring a bachelor's degree. Texas oil producers paid $948 million in production taxes, including $736 million in oil taxes, marking a record monthly collection.
BusinessBrownsville vendors react to new $50 fee for monthly First Friday event
Vendors at Brownsville's monthly First Friday event will now face a $50 fee for their spots. City Commissioner Pedro Cardenas explained that rising production costs necessitated this change to support city staff and promote the event. Reactions among vendors vary; Leticia Gonzalez, a mother of six, expressed concerns about the added expense, stating it could be unmanageable given her current costs. In contrast, Aldo Banuelos, a newer vendor, feels the fee won't significantly impact his business. Cardenas mentioned that they are considering lower-cost options for some vendors to ease the financial burden.
BusinessSaronic Technologies moving forward with $3. 2 billion shipyard project at Port of Brownsville
Saronic Technologies is set to establish the largest shipyard in the U.S. at the Port of Brownsville, with a $3.2 billion investment expected to generate 10,000 jobs in South Texas. Governor Greg Abbott announced the project, named Port Alpha, which will focus on AI-driven autonomous vessels for potential military use. Saronic aims to enhance the industrial capacity and workforce necessary for American maritime leadership. The company will collaborate with local educational institutions for workforce training. Cameron County has approved a 95% tax break for the project, which is anticipated to significantly boost the local economy and create new opportunities for families.
BusinessBrownsville lands $3. 2B AI drone tech company. Community members question the impact it. could bring
Brownsville has secured a significant investment from Saronic Technologies, an AI drone manufacturer, which plans to build a $3.2 billion shipyard at the Port of Brownsville. This project is expected to create 10,000 jobs over the next decade and generate a $160 billion economic impact for Cameron County. While city leaders view this as a vital step toward reducing local poverty, critics express concerns about potential environmental damage and socioeconomic disparities. The poverty rate in Brownsville remains around 24%, more than double the national average. Construction is set to begin this year, with operations starting in 2028.
BusinessLocal, state officials react to Saronic coming to the Port of Brownsville
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Local and state officials are reacting to the announcement that Saronic Technologies, an Austin-based maritime defense company, is coming to the Port of Brownsville. Gov. Greg Abbott and Saronic Technologies on Thursday announced that the $3.2 billion investment will be built on 800 acres and will expand to over 4,000 acres