Business
Business news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
BusinessSales Tax Holiday for Water-Efficient and ENERGY STAR® Products, May 23–25
From May 23 to May 25, Texans can take advantage of a sales tax holiday for water-efficient and ENERGY STAR® products. Senator Juan ‘Chuy’ Hinojosa encourages residents to invest in these items to save on utility bills and conserve resources. The tax exemption applies to a wide range of products, including air conditioners under $6,000 and refrigerators under $2,000, among others. Additionally, items with the WaterSense® label, such as irrigation hoses and rain barrels, are also eligible. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items, and no exemption certificate is needed for purchases.
BusinessTexas AG Stops Texas Grocers From Misting Organics With Pesticides
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has reached a settlement with Albertsons Safeway LLC, halting the use of synthetic pesticides on organic produce in its stores. This decision follows an investigation initiated in January 2026, which revealed that the pesticide ProduceMaxx, containing hypochlorous acid, was being used on USDA-certified organic items without consumer awareness. As part of the settlement, all Albertsons-owned grocery chains in Texas, including Randall’s and Tom Thumb, will cease using such pesticides and will implement a potable water rinse for organic produce post-treatment. Paxton praised this agreement as a significant victory for consumers seeking transparency in organic products.
BusinessBrownsville Convention and Visitors Bureau Accepting Applications For Hotel Occupancy Tax Funding
The Brownsville Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is now accepting applications for Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funding for the 2027 Fiscal Year. Local organizations aiming to promote tourism in Brownsville must submit their applications by July 6. The funding is intended to enhance tourism and the convention industry in the city, with eligible projects including advertising, historical preservation, and improvements to visitor centers. To assist applicants, the CVB will hold workshops on May 20 and June 10 at the CMD/CVB Complex, covering application guidelines and best practices. More information is available on their website.
BusinessBusinesses prepare for La Feria indoor, outdoor market
La Feria is set to host its first indoor-outdoor market on June 13 at the Parks and Recreation Dome, located at 901 Pancho Maples Drive. Local businesses, including Scratch Made Sweets owned by Cassie Escobedo, are preparing to participate. Escobedo, who has been in business for two years, will join 27 vendors offering various products. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and aims to support local businesses, with vendor fees contributing to future city events. Outdoor vendor spots start at $50, and there will be food trucks and information booths available. For vendor inquiries, contact the La Feria Indoor Recreation Center at 956-865-5806.
BusinessSettlement Over Fidelity Data Breach: How Long to File a Claim and How Much You Could Receive
A significant settlement with Fidelity Investments stemming from a data breach could result in payments of up to $5,000 for customers, but the deadline to file a claim is approaching. The $2.5 million settlement follows a lawsuit alleging that Fidelity experienced a cybersecurity incident between August 17 and 19, 2024, during which a third party accessed and obtained personal and financial records of some clients. These records included names, Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and/or driver's license information, according to the settlement administrator's website. Once approved, the settlement could pay eligible class members up to $5,000, depending on documented direct losses caused by the incident, the administrator reported. Additionally, all group members will be entitled to a smaller payment without needing to submit receipts. As the deadline approaches, here’s what you need to know. Who is included in the Fidelity settlement? According to court documents, Fidelity notified eligible group members about the settlement and the breach. Those affected received a unique ID and PIN from Fidelity to file a claim. Anyone who believes they were affected by the breach and should be included in the settlement but did not receive a PIN can request one by emailing info@fidelitydatasettlement.com with their full name and mailing address.
BusinessAmazon and Walmart Compete to Deliver Faster to Rural Areas
Walmart and Amazon are intensifying their competition to speed up online deliveries in rural areas of the United States, a market previously overlooked by major retailers. Walmart has an advantage, with about 90% of Americans living within 10 miles of a store. Analysts estimate this untapped market could be worth up to $1 trillion annually. Amazon invested $4 billion last year to enhance same-day and next-day delivery to smaller cities and rural communities. Both companies are also utilizing drones and advanced technology to improve delivery efficiency, while other retailers like Dollar General are expanding their services in these areas.
BusinessBrownsville 10-year-old boy launches 3D printing business
A 10-year-old from Brownsville, Ernesto Gael Hernandez, has turned his passion for 3D printing into a small business called Prestige 3D Labs. Initially creating keychains for classmates, he now produces a variety of items, including whistles and can openers, and has made $1,500 in profit. With three printers running, he has partnered with a local clothing store, Jungle, to sell his products. Ernesto learned to design through online tutorials and dedicates time to his business around school and football practice. His mother, Samantha Quezada, supports him, emphasizing the importance of hard work and time management as they enjoy this venture together.
BusinessSeesaw rulings on Texa smokeable hemp ban is bad for business, retailers say
Recent legal battles over Texas's ban on smokeable hemp products have created significant uncertainty for retailers. Stores like Dream Planet Smoke and Vape have had to repeatedly pull products from shelves and then restock them as court rulings fluctuate. This instability is impacting sales and leading to job losses, as smokeable hemp accounts for a large portion of profits for many shops. The Texas Hemp Business Council warns that the ongoing legal issues could have a $7.2 billion negative impact on the state's economy. Retailers are now diversifying their offerings to include hemp edibles and drinks to mitigate losses.
BusinessBrownsville 10-year-old launches 3D printing business
A 10-year-old from Brownsville, Ernesto Gael Hernandez, has turned his hobby of making keychains into a thriving 3D printing business named Prestige 3D Labs. Starting with a single 3D printer he purchased with $500 of his chore money, Ernesto designs various products, including keychains and custom items, for customers across the Rio Grande Valley. He has already made a profit of $1,500 and has partnered with a local clothing store, Jungle, to sell his creations. With three printers running, Ernesto enjoys the process alongside his mother, who emphasizes the hard work and dedication behind their success. He dreams of investing in a home for them in the future.
BusinessSee where Valley shoppers spent money in April
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Sales tax allocation numbers from the Texas Comptrollers Office for the month of April have been released. The numbers show a snapshot of where consumer spending was the strongest across the Rio Grande Valley last month. The allocations are based on sales taxes collected by businesses and may help indicate present
BusinessStarbucks to Lay Off 300 Workers in the U.S.
Starbucks announced on Friday that it will lay off 300 corporate employees and close some offices in the United States as part of its ongoing recovery process. The company stated that no café employees will be affected. The cuts will impact workers in support areas such as marketing, human resources, and supply chain management. For now, international employees will not be affected, but Starbucks indicated that it is also reviewing its corporate structure outside the United States. Additionally, Starbucks will close underutilized offices in Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, and other cities. The Seattle-based company recently announced plans to open a corporate office in Nashville, Tennessee, which will employ up to 2,000 people over the next five years. Starbucks expects these measures to result in $400 million in restructuring charges, including $120 million in employee severance benefits.
BusinessBreeze Airlines Launches Direct Flights Between Brownsville and Orlando
Breeze Airways has launched direct flights between Brownsville and Orlando, aiming to provide more accessible travel options for the region. The new route will operate twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays, with one-way fares starting at $74. Flights will depart from Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport to Orlando, Florida. Breeze Airways currently operates over 300 seasonal and permanent routes to 88 cities across the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
BusinessSmall cities in big Texas metro areas lead as the fastest growing municipalities in the US
Small cities in major Texas metro areas are leading the nation in growth, according to recent U.S. Census Bureau data. Celina, Princeton, Melissa, and Anna, all in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, ranked as the fastest-growing cities with populations over 20,000 from mid-2024 to mid-2025, with growth rates between 15% and 25%. Fulshear, near Houston, was the second fastest. Celina, with a population of 64,000, added 12,700 residents, surpassing larger cities like Seattle and Houston. Overall, the South saw significant population gains due to a strong job market and affordability, with Texas cities dominating the top spots.
BusinessOp-Ed: The True Spirit of Small Business Lives in Their Stories
During National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration celebrated local entrepreneurs for their resilience and contributions to the community. Awards were given in various categories, including Small Business Person of the Year and Woman-Owned Business. Each winner shared personal stories of struggle, support from family and employees, and the journey of turning dreams into reality. The event highlighted the importance of small businesses in driving the local economy and fostering innovation. The commitment to support these entrepreneurs continues beyond the week, ensuring they have access to necessary resources for success.
BusinessAirbnb's tech aims to prevent disruptive parties ahead of Memorial Day weekend
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Airbnb announced that it's activating anti-party technology in the U.S., including Texas, ahead of Memorial Day weekend to prevent bookings that lead to disruptive parties. According to a news release, the company uses machine learning and reservation screening technology to detect higher-risk bookings. Lauren Bouton, policy lead at Airbnb, told ValleyCentral
BusinessOrange Secures $1.175 Billion USG Facility Under Texas JETI Program
USG Corporation has announced a $1.175 billion investment in a new production facility in Orange, Texas, which will create nearly 200 jobs. Governor Greg Abbott highlighted this project as part of the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program, emphasizing Texas's favorable business environment. USG's CEO, Chris Macey, expressed gratitude for the support from state and local officials, noting that this facility will enhance the regional economy and provide quality jobs. Local leaders, including Senator Robert Nichols and Orange County Judge John Gothia, praised the investment for its potential to revitalize the community and align educational programs with workforce needs.
BusinessThese Texas Cities Are the Fastest Growing in the U.S.
Texas small cities within major metropolitan areas experienced significant population growth last year, outpacing the national trend of population decline. According to U.S. Census estimates, Celina, Princeton, Melissa, and Anna in the Dallas-Fort Worth area ranked as the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. for populations over 20,000, with growth rates between 15% and 25%. Celina alone added 12,700 residents, surpassing larger cities like Seattle and Houston. The growth is attributed to a strong job market and affordability, with Texas cities dominating the list of fastest-growing municipalities in the country.
BusinessSouth Texas Onion Committee 2026–2027 Nominations Now Open
The South Texas Onion Committee (STOC) is inviting qualified individuals from the onion industry to participate in the nomination process for the 2026–2027 season. The Committee aims to raise awareness about opportunities for growers and handlers to join and represent the industry, which spans 35 counties in South Texas. The STOC oversees federal marketing orders and consists of 13 members, including 8 producers and 5 handlers, each serving staggered two-year terms. Interested individuals are encouraged to learn more about the nomination process and eligibility requirements to contribute to the region's onion industry.
BusinessDATA: Inflation pressures reappear as Valley gas prices remain high
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — As broader inflation pressures begin showing signs of heating back up, people across the Rio Grande Valley continue seeing higher prices at the pump. New data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on Wednesday shows the Producer Price Index (PPI) jumped 6% in April compared to last year. That's the