Business
Business news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
BusinessMcAllen Designated Film Friendly Texas Certified Community
The Texas Film Commission has designated McAllen as a Film Friendly Texas Certified Community after it completed a comprehensive training and certification process. Governor Greg Abbott congratulated the city, highlighting the importance of this designation in attracting media production investments and creating jobs. Local leaders, including Mayor Javier Villalobos and Senator Juan Hinojosa, emphasized the economic growth and tourism opportunities this certification brings. McAllen is now recognized alongside over 200 other certified communities in Texas, showcasing its commitment to creativity and culture while enhancing its reputation as a destination for film and media production.
BusinessWorkforce Solutions Jobs Update, 6-1-26
Texas Workforce Solutions is hosting several job-related events this week. On June 2, an information session for Border Patrol will take place from 9 AM to 12 PM at Workforce Solutions Edinburg, located at 2719 W. University Dr. On June 3, American Surveillance Co. will hold a hiring event from 10 AM to 2 PM at Workforce Solutions South McAllen, 2101 S. 2nd St. Finally, on June 4, the Starr County Youth Expo will be open to the public from 9 AM to 12 PM at Workforce Solutions Starr County, 5408 Brand St., Ste. 1 in Rio Grande City.
BusinessForeclosure on Pharr apartment complex leaving dozens of tenants scrambling
Tenants at the Albatross Avenue Apartment Complex in Pharr are facing eviction after the property was foreclosed. Many residents, including Faith Martinez and Angelica Garcia, recently signed leases before learning of the foreclosure. Some have already moved out, while others are uncertain about their next steps. The property shows signs of neglect, with abandoned furniture and tall grass. Star Realty, which represents the bank, confirmed that 40 families are affected and mentioned relocation assistance of up to $4,000 for tenants. A tenant rights attorney advised residents to seek legal guidance regarding their rights during this transition.
BusinessNew BCIC ‘Big Lift’ Grant Offers Funding for Small Business Upgrades
The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) has introduced the BIG LIFT Program, a grant initiative aimed at assisting small, locally owned businesses in enhancing their property exteriors. This program expands the existing BIG Program from Historic Downtown Brownsville to various commercial areas throughout the city. Eligible businesses can receive one-time reimbursement grants of up to $30,000, covering 80% of project costs for improvements such as painting, signage, and landscaping. To qualify, businesses must be independently operated, located within city limits, and have been active for at least two years. Applications will open by district starting June 1, 2026.
BusinessBrownsville PUB CEO Says Diversification Key to Water Future
Marilyn Gilbert, CEO of the Brownsville Public Utilities Board, emphasized the need for the Rio Grande Valley to diversify its water supply due to drought, population growth, and aging infrastructure. Speaking at the RGV Connect Water Forum, she noted that Brownsville is the last U.S. entity drawing water from the Rio Grande before Matamoros, presenting both opportunities and challenges. Gilbert highlighted various strategies, including desalination and reservoir expansion, supported by a $40 million state grant. She warned against complacency following temporary rainfall and stressed the importance of regional collaboration to address water reliability issues.
BusinessTexas AG Recovers Millions for Seniors Scammed in Fraudulent Loan Scheme
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a multistate settlement with GreenSky Holdings, LLC, following an investigation that revealed deceptive practices targeting seniors and disabled Texans. The settlement totals $10 million, which includes consumer restitution and civil penalties. Complaints indicated that loans were issued without consent, terms were misrepresented, and vulnerable individuals were pressured into agreements. GreenSky, known for facilitating home improvement loans, will also face new regulations to prevent future misconduct, including enhanced protections for seniors and disabled individuals, as well as annual compliance reports to the Attorney General’s office.
BusinessInflation jumps again, hitting Valley wallets
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) – Inflation rose again this month, and many across the Rio Grande Valley are feeling it, especially at the pump. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis released the Personal Consumption Expenditures price index for April on Thursday. The data shows prices rose 3.8% in April compared to a year ago. That is
Business7 Brew Coffee Cuts Ribbon in Rio Grande City
7 Brew Coffee celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4550 E. U.S. Highway 83 in Rio Grande City. The drive-thru coffee chain aims to engage with the community and donated $2,000 to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hidalgo and Starr Counties. David Paxton, the director of training and development, expressed excitement about serving the local area. The center's executive director, Nadia Ochoa, highlighted the partnership's importance for local children and families. The new location will create 50 jobs and offer over 20,000 drink combinations, with a Swag Day event scheduled for May 30, where customers can receive a free t-shirt.
BusinessNew Jersey-based corporation looking to expand manufacturing operation to Brownsville
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A New Jersey-based corporation with manufacturing locations in the U.S. and Mexico is planning to expand to Brownsville. Kearfott Corporation's motion systems facility in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, has been operating for decades. The Mexico facility is part of the company's North Carolina Motion Systems Division, which operates motion and actuation systems for
BusinessTXOGA Safety Group Distributes $1.65 Million in Dividends to Texas Operators
The Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA) Workers’ Compensation Safety Group has announced that its member companies will receive a total of $1.65 million in dividends from Texas Mutual Insurance Company. This payout reflects the group's commitment to workplace safety and maintaining a low loss ratio. TXOGA President Todd Staples emphasized the industry's dedication to safety, which benefits both workers and energy production. Members of the Safety Group enjoy premium discounts, free training, and tailored support from Texas Mutual. Since 2001, the group has received over $50 million in safety dividends, contributing to a total of $5.1 billion distributed by Texas Mutual since 1999.
BusinessVeterans and Small Businesses Gain Federal Contracting Insight at Pharr Global Business Hub
The Pharr Economic Development Corporation, in collaboration with the UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center, the APEX Accelerator, and the U.S. Small Business Administration, launched a three-part Government Contracting Series at the Pharr Global Business Hub. The first session aimed to educate veterans and small business owners on federal contracting opportunities and certification programs. Presenters included Marivel Mata from UTRGV and Marcus Villagran from the SBA, who discussed the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program and federal procurement strategies. Future sessions will continue to support veterans and entrepreneurs in navigating government contracting processes.
BusinessUTRGV, SBA meet with Valley veterans on federal contract programs
Veteran small business owners in the Rio Grande Valley are being presented with new opportunities to secure federal contracts. On Wednesday, the UTRGV APEX Accelerator and the Lower Rio Grande Small Business Administration held a meeting with veterans to discuss two programs aimed at facilitating access to these contracts. They covered the challenges, requirements, and eligibility criteria for both initiatives. Officials emphasized that assistance is available for completing applications. The Small Business Administration notes that the Department of Veteran Affairs allocates at least 7% of its contracts annually for certified veteran-owned small businesses. Veterans seeking more information can reach out to the Veterans Business Outreach Center at UTRGV’s Edinburg campus.
BusinessMcAllen Public Utility Secures Top Texas Honors
McAllen Public Utility (MPU) received three prestigious awards at the Texas Water 2026 conference held in San Antonio, a significant event in the water industry. The conference, which attracted over 7,000 participants, recognized MPU for its leadership, workforce development, and excellence in wastewater treatment. Notable awards included the Community Connection Award for David Garza, the Dennis R. Laskowski Recruitment Award for MPU's recruitment initiatives, and the Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant of the Year Award for the McAllen North Wastewater Treatment Plant, which demonstrated exceptional operational performance. This recognition highlights MPU's commitment to the water sector in Texas.
BusinessEdinburg Resident Wins One Million Dollar Scratch-Off Prize
The Texas Lottery announced that a resident of Edinburg claimed the top prize in the scratch-off game 'Premier Play.' The winning ticket was purchased at the TXB 82 store located on Carter Street in Asherton. According to the Texas Lottery, this prize represents the fourth of ten one million dollar top prizes available in the 'Premier Play' game. The establishment that sold the ticket could receive a bonus of up to $10,000 as part of the Texas Lottery's retailer incentive program. The scratch-off offers over $137 million in total prizes and has overall odds of winning of one in 3.55. The identity of the winner has not been publicly disclosed yet.
BusinessSouth Padre Island business owners prepare for summer crowd
Business owners on South Padre Island are gearing up for the summer season, which kicks off with Memorial Day weekend. Visitors, including families from as far as Illinois, flocked to the beach to relax and enjoy the holiday. Local establishments, like Meatball Cafe, are preparing for increased traffic, having hired 14 additional staff members to accommodate the anticipated influx. Manager Rumaldo Ramirez noted that the crowds began arriving on Thursday, coinciding with a SpaceX launch. The cafe expects a 20% increase in sales this summer compared to previous years, indicating a promising season ahead.
BusinessHome with a Taste of Korean Pancake: This is the New Oreo Cookie Inspired by BTS
Oreo has partnered with K-pop supergroup BTS for a marketing boost that taps into the growing consumer interest in global flavors. Mondelez, Oreo's parent company, announced on Tuesday that the BTS-themed Oreos will be available online starting June 1 and in stores on June 8. The cookies feature purple wafers as a nod to the band's signature color and will be sold in over 80 markets worldwide, making this collaboration the largest for the brand to date. The band also designed 13 imprints for the wafers, including the names of the seven members and the outline of the 'light sticks' fans hold at BTS concerts. The white and beige cream filling of the sandwich cookies is formulated to taste like hotteok, a warm pancake filled with brown sugar that is a popular Korean street food. 'For Oreo to be the first global snack brand we collaborate with is a great honor. We ate them as kids, we eat them in the studio, and now Oreo is helping us share a taste of home with the world,' BTS said in a statement. The BTS Oreos will be available for a limited time. Mondelez, based in Chicago, did not disclose how many packages will be produced. Martin Renaud, Mondelez's marketing and sales director, explained that the BTS cookies strike a balance between staying true to Korean culture and cuisine while remaining consistent with the Oreo brand and flavor profile. 'You want to be authentic, you want to stand out, and you want to create an experience. But when you’re Oreo, you need to appeal to a large group of people,' Renaud told The Associated Press. 'You can’t create something that only 20% of the population likes, because that would alienate some of our customers.' Renaud mentioned that Oreo spent about two years developing the BTS cookie and ultimately narrowed down the potential flavors to three before settling on hotteok. 'I think Korean food is an incredible cuisine. I'm French, maybe I shouldn't say that, but I believe it,' Renaud joked.
BusinessRGV LEAD Prepares for Next Chapter Following the Departure of Mary Garcia
RGV LEAD has announced the departure of Mary Garcia, who has served as Project Coordinator and will now join the Governor’s Economic Development and Tourism Office. During her time at RGV LEAD, Garcia significantly advanced the organization’s mission by enhancing programs for students and educators across the Rio Grande Valley. Eloy Garza, Board President, praised her commitment and impact, noting her professionalism and passion for education. Executive Director Maricela De León also highlighted her contributions to career and technical education initiatives. RGV LEAD expresses gratitude for her service and wishes her success in her new role.
BusinessRainy Memorial Day weekend slows down business at South Padre Island
The rainy weather over Memorial Day weekend at South Padre Island has affected local businesses and visitor plans. Despite the conditions, many families, like the Lira family from Houston, still visited the beach, enjoying the cooler temperatures. Others, such as the Perdomo family from Dallas, have taken their vacation day by day due to the unpredictable weather. Osprey Cruises reported a 30% drop in bookings compared to previous years, attributing it to the stormy conditions. The company, which relies heavily on the holiday season, hopes for better weather to boost business before the weekend concludes.
BusinessMcAllen Bridges Expansion Signals New Phase for Trade and Cargo Operations
The McAllen Citizens League recently held its final program of the season, focusing on the impact of the city's international bridges on trade and economic activity. Juan Olaguibel, assistant city manager, presented on the McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge, which has been operational since 1926 and sees about 250,000 vehicles and 120,000 pedestrians monthly. He highlighted an $85 million cargo expansion project at the Anzalduas International Bridge, set to enhance customs processing and efficiency. The project, nearing completion, will allow Mexican customs operations on the U.S. side, aiming to make this bridge the fastest in the nation for certified cargo.