Business
Business news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
BusinessBCIC Launches Applications for Final EDA-Funded ‘Startup Texas’ Cohort at eBridge Center
The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) has launched applications for the final cohort of its Startup Texas program, funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). The application period runs from June 22 to August 10, 2026, for a program that begins on August 31 and culminates in a Demo Day on December 10, 2026. This initiative targets startups in various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and green energy, offering a package worth over $200,000, which includes a year of incubation at the eBridge Center. Weekly mentorship sessions will be held on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon.
BusinessWorkforce Solutions, local organizations host HireAbility forum
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley is partnering with the Disability Chamber of Commerce – RGV, McAllen Economic Development Corporation, and the McAllen Chamber of Commerce for its 2026 Employer HireAbility Forum on Tuesday. During the forum, local leaders and businesses will explore opportunities to strengthen hiring practices for individuals with disabilities. Those in attendance will hear from employers who have successfully
BusinessPrime Day 2026: How to save big by loading your carts now
Our editors have combed through the early deals and are finding some prices so low that it would actually be a good idea to shop them early.
BusinessWorkforce solutions Job Updates, 6-22-26
Texas Workforce Solutions is hosting several job events in the coming days. On June 22, 2026, a hiring event for R&D Personnel will take place from 9 AM to 12 PM at the Workforce Solutions Edinburg Annex, located at 2719 W. University Dr., Edinburg, TX. Following this, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will hold a hiring event from June 23 to June 25, from 9 AM to 4 PM at Workforce Solutions Starr County in Rio Grande City. Additionally, a Border Patrol information session is scheduled for June 23, and a Spectrum hiring event on June 24, both at the Edinburg location. Lastly, the Texas Juvenile Justice Department will have an information session on June 25.
BusinessVaqueros BBQ Sauce to hit H-E-B shelves
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's Vaquero BBQ sauce officially launched during the grand reopening of the H-E-B on Freddy Gonzalez in Edinburg on Saturday. The sauce will hit H-E-B shelves on July 22, according to UTRGV Athletics. The man behind Jank Gourmet BBQ sauce, Lamar Jones, partnered up with
BusinessDiamond Golf International Unveils Vision for Reimagined Cimarron Country Club in Mission
Salvador Rodriguez, president of Diamond Golf International, presented plans for the redevelopment of Cimarron Country Club at Mission's CEED Building. The project aims to modernize the 47-year-old golf course while maintaining its unique identity, making it accessible for golfers of all skill levels. Rodriguez, who has worked on over 426 golf courses globally, emphasized the importance of updated infrastructure for long-term quality. The redevelopment is seen as a significant investment for Mission, with local leaders highlighting its potential to attract visitors and enhance the city’s reputation as a premier destination in the Rio Grande Valley.
BusinessDo You Know What You're Drinking? Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Dr Pepper Integrate Method to Learn About Their Ingredients
The largest American non-alcoholic beverage companies will add safety information about their ingredients to the QR code links on their packaging, giving consumers access to more information about the contents of their products. This initiative is led by the American Beverage Association (ABA), the trade group representing major beverage companies such as Keurig Dr Pepper, PepsiCo, and The Coca-Cola Co. In an unusual show of unity, these companies, which typically compete against each other, are collaborating on this effort. Participating brands include Coke, Pepsi, Dr Pepper, Celsius, Monster Energy, Polar Beverages, and Red Bull. Consumers who scan the QR codes will have the option to open GoodToKnowFacts.org, a website launched by the ABA last year, which contains information about over 140 ingredients commonly found in packaged beverages. For each ingredient, the site offers a brief description, other foods or drinks that use it, and whether it is approved by food safety regulatory agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Food Safety Authority, and Health Canada.
BusinessCity of Mission, Mission EDC sell Cimarron Country Club to group of investors
MISSION, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of Mission and the Mission Economic Development Corporation announced Friday that they have sold Cimarron Country Club to a group of investors, who have major plans to revitalize it. The city purchased Cimarron in 2025 after the golf course closed in 2021 and became an eyesore in the area.
BusinessCimarron Country Club Redevelopment Marks Major Step Forward for Mission
Mission city officials, investors, and professional golfer Abraham Ancer gathered at the CEED Building to announce the redevelopment of Cimarron Country Club. This project aims to revitalize a key destination in the Rio Grande Valley, promoting economic growth and tourism. Key investors include GDI FUSA and ARBOS Wealth, with a focus on preserving the club's legacy while modernizing its facilities. Mayor Nori Gonzalez-Garza emphasized the project's regional impact, stating it benefits not just Mission but the entire area. The redevelopment is expected to create jobs and enhance community pride, making it a significant investment for the future.
BusinessSan Benito family produces nation's first cotton bale of the year
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A San Benito family was recognized for harvesting the first bale of cotton in the United States of 2026. The Rhyner family operates Brown Tract Land & Sugar and produced a cotton bale weighing approximately 3,480 pounds. Farm owner Buck Rhyner said he and his family decided they would make a
BusinessTexas Upstream Employment Surges as Energy Demand Climbs
The Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) reported a rise in employment within the Texas oil and natural gas sector, with an increase of 4,100 jobs from April to May 2026. While extraction jobs decreased by 300, service sector jobs rose by 4,400. In May, there were over 10,400 unique job postings in the industry, a 6% increase from April. The median salary for advertised positions was $58,200, with many requiring a bachelor’s degree. Texas energy producers contributed $677 million in oil production taxes in May, significantly higher than the previous year, highlighting the sector's economic impact.
BusinessTexas Jobs Climb to Historic 14.4 Million in May
In May, Texas reached a historic milestone with 14.4 million nonfarm jobs, according to Governor Greg Abbott. The state added 17,800 jobs in May alone, contributing to a total increase of 98,000 jobs over the past year, surpassing the national growth rate. The Texas labor force now stands at 15.9 million, with 15.2 million employed, including self-employed individuals. Under Abbott's leadership since January 2015, Texas has gained over 2.6 million nonfarm jobs. Additionally, Abbott announced over $7 million in grants for workforce training programs across the state, highlighting Texas's commitment to economic growth and job creation.
BusinessMission EDC Team Leads Business Development and Economic Growth Efforts in Mission
The Mission Economic Development Corporation (Mission EDC) is dedicated to fostering business growth and economic development in Mission, Texas. Led by CEO Teclo Garcia, the team focuses on supporting local businesses, attracting investments, and providing resources for entrepreneurs. Key personnel include COO Belén Guerrero-Aguirre, Financial Officer Joe Salazar, and Business Development Director Stephanie Mendiola. The organization also offers mentorship and funding programs to help companies thrive. Operating from 801 N. Bryan Road, Mission EDC collaborates with community leaders and educational institutions to enhance economic opportunities in the Rio Grande Valley.
BusinessNo One is Hiring: Frustrated Teens Searching for Summer Jobs
Jaelyn Chester will serve you at your table or restock your shelves. She will wash your dishes or clean your toilets. If only someone would give this 17-year-old a chance. "I’ve looked everywhere," says Chester, an honor student, high school basketball star, and aspiring engineer who has flooded her community with dozens of applications. "I’m not unemployed because I’m incompetent. I’m unemployed because no one is hiring." Summer jobs, a rite of passage for generations of American teens, are not so easy to come by. Federal data shows that nearly a third of young people aged 16 to 19 in the U.S. worked last summer, down from a peak of around 60% in the late 1970s. Pessimistic forecasts from experts combined with reports of frustrated and unemployed youth across the country create a seasonal outlook that is far from positive. "Opportunities for workers taking their first steps into the professional world have started to dwindle," notes Nicole Bachaud, an economist at ZipRecruiter, pointing out that teens are among the "most marginalized groups" in the labor market. Without a job, Chester worries her summer will be wasted. She wonders how she will fill her gas tank and what she will do if she wants to go to a concert. A trip to visit colleges in North Carolina with some friends would be doomed to cancellation. So her search continues. Chester keeps copies of her resume in the car and has memorized a 30-second pitch for when she decides to walk into a restaurant or store and try to speak with a manager. She and her friends help each other get ready when they go job hunting, swapping advice and professional-looking clothes from their closets. Positions that once sounded terrible, like washing dishes, don’t seem so bad anymore. "At this point," says the Lake Mary, Florida teen, "it would be hard to say no to anything." After analyzing data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas found that the number of jobs secured by teens fell by 25% last summer compared to the previous year. The firm argues that inflation, oil prices, and caution in hiring will likely result in even fewer jobs this year, which would mark the lowest total of summer hiring for teens since the federal government began collecting that data in 1948.
BusinessCafecito’s Espresso Bar Expands Presence in Downtown McAllen
Cafecito’s Espresso Bar, owned by Derek Andrew Galvan, has been serving customers in downtown McAllen for six months, located at 200 South 10th Street, Suite 102, inside the Chase Bank Building. Galvan started the business in 2023 as a mobile coffee operation before transitioning to a permanent café. The menu features a variety of espresso-based drinks, house-made syrups, and bakery items, with food options like sandwiches and paninis added based on customer requests. Cafecito’s is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to the bank's closing and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
BusinessGovernor Boosts Texas Chip Supply Chain with $3.9M Grant to Schunk Xycarb
Governor Greg Abbott announced a $3.9 million grant from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) to Schunk Xycarb Technology Inc. for expanding their facility in Georgetown. This project is expected to create 25 new jobs and involves over $42 million in capital investment. Abbott emphasized that this expansion will enhance Texas's semiconductor supply chain and create high-skilled jobs. Xycarb, part of the Schunk Xycarb Group, specializes in manufacturing components for semiconductor wafer processing. The funding aims to strengthen Texas's position in the semiconductor industry and support local economic growth.
BusinessVantage Bank Appoints Alejandro Martinez as Brownsville Market President
Vantage Bank has appointed Alejandro "Alex" Martinez as the new Market President for Brownsville. With over 24 years of experience in commercial banking, Martinez aims to provide tailored financial solutions and comprehensive treasury management to local businesses. He previously served in Cameron County and is known for his strong community involvement, having been the chairman of the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce. Martinez holds a degree in International Marketing from Universidad de Monterrey and is fluent in Spanish, which will help him build relationships in the diverse business community. Vantage Bank is a $4.8 billion institution focused on innovative banking solutions.
BusinessCameron County tax break for Saronic Technologies linked to job creation
Cameron County commissioners have approved a 95% tax incentive for Saronic Technologies, which plans to construct military and commercial vessels at the Port of Brownsville. The company is expected to invest $3.2 billion and generate over 10,000 jobs in the next decade through its Port Alpha Shipyard project, focusing on AI-driven autonomous ships. However, the tax break is contingent on Saronic meeting its job creation targets; failure to do so could reduce the incentive. The agreement mandates a 35% local hire rate and collaboration with local educational institutions. Opinions on the deal are divided among community members.
BusinessMassive SpaceX tank causes traffic delays
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — If you were caught up in traffic Wednesday morning between Brownsville and any city heading north, there’s a reason for it. A Texas Department of Transportation spokesman said SpaceX is moving a massive tank from the Port of Brownsville to McGregor, Texas. The plan was to move the tank on Saturday