Business
Business news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
BusinessTexas county pauses data center construction in rural areas for a year
Hill County, Texas, has enacted a one-year moratorium on new data center construction in unincorporated areas, following a 3-2 vote by county commissioners. The decision, driven by public health and safety concerns, particularly regarding a proposed 300-acre development by Provident Data Centers, aims to address issues like noise pollution and resource consumption. Commissioner Jim Holcomb emphasized the need for research before proceeding with such projects. Local data center developers opposed the moratorium, arguing it could hinder economic benefits for the county. This pause reflects a growing trend in Texas as other counties also consider similar measures amid rapid development.
BusinessCompanies moving their legal homes to Texas is good PR, but dont expect many new jobs
Dell Technologies has announced its decision to change its legal incorporation from Delaware to Texas, a move celebrated by state officials, including Governor Greg Abbott. This shift means Dell will now be subject to Texas laws and taxes, although it does not indicate a physical relocation or new job creation. Similarly, ExxonMobil has made a comparable move from New Jersey to Texas. Experts suggest that while these changes enhance Texas's appeal for corporations, they are unlikely to generate significant new jobs or investments, as both companies already have a strong presence in the state. Texas aims to position itself as a hub for financial services amid competition with Delaware.
BusinessMX Consul General: $3M traded every minute in North America
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In a recent presentation, Mexico's Consul General in Brownsville, Judith Arrieta Mungia, broke down 2025 trade data from the U.S. Census Bureau. "The news [is] amazing; they couldn't be better," Mungia said while describing the data. "They show the reality in the midst of negotiations that are taking place for the review
BusinessFood Prices See Largest Increase in Nearly Four Years in April
After weeks of warnings that the war in Iran would drive up food prices in the U.S., the figures are finally in: according to data released Tuesday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the category labeled 'food at home,' also known as the grocery bill, rose by 0.7% in April. This increase marked the largest monthly rise in grocery prices in nearly four years. Overall, supermarket prices have increased by 2.9% over the past year, a widespread rise that continues to pressure Americans. However, that pressure intensified significantly in recent weeks. In March, food prices at home actually fell by 0.2%, making the strong rebound in April even more notable. Contributing to this increase were substantial rises in items like fresh vegetables. On an annualized basis, fresh vegetable prices are now over 44% higher than three months ago. Other staples like bread and milk have seen more moderate increases of 8% and 5%, respectively, during the same period.
Business$14M Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund Grant Awarded to USA Rare Earth
Governor Greg Abbott has announced a grant of $14,177,600 from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund to USA Rare Earth, Inc. (USARE) to boost rare earth mineral production at their Round Top Mountain project in Hudspeth County. This initiative is expected to create 260 jobs and represents over $1.4 billion in capital investment. The Round Top site contains an estimated one billion tons of material and 15 of the 17 rare earth elements, which are crucial for national security and advanced technologies. Local leaders emphasize the importance of this investment for Texas' economic and energy independence.
BusinessBrownsville HR and Chief People Officer Honored with Top Awards
The City of Brownsville's Organizational Development and Human Resources Department, led by Chief People Officer Perla Cepeda, received the Human Resources Impact Award from the Texas Municipal Human Resources Association during their annual conference on May 6, 2026. This award recognizes HR departments in cities with populations over 25,000 for their innovative leadership. Cepeda also earned the Human Resources Professional of the Year Award. Under her guidance, the department has implemented initiatives like One City University, enhancing employee engagement and retention. The department's efforts have resulted in significant improvements in workplace culture and employee satisfaction.
BusinessCosta Messa’s Weslaco Location, Marking Continued Growth in the RGV
Costa Messa celebrated its one-month anniversary on May 2, 2026, after opening its first Weslaco location, marking its third restaurant in the Rio Grande Valley. The 12,012-square-foot establishment features a restaurant and bar occupying 7,000 square feet. Co-owner Marsha Acosta reported strong sales and positive community feedback, attributing success to the brand's reputation and support from the Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco. The Acostas plan to foster local growth, with additional businesses under construction nearby, including a coffee shop and a pilates studio. Costa Messa aims to be a key dining destination in Weslaco.
BusinessAmazon's 30-Minute Ultra-Fast Delivery Service Expands to Several U.S. Cities
More than 20 years after redefining shipping speed, Amazon is set to raise consumer expectations once again by offering to meet urgent product needs in 30 minutes or less for an additional fee. The company, which revolutionized online shopping in 2005 with two-day deliveries for Prime members, is rapidly opening small order processing centers in dozens of cities both in the U.S. and abroad to cater to shoppers who cannot or do not want to wait for cough medicine to relieve flu symptoms or tomatoes for tonight's salad. This ultra-fast service, called Amazon Now, was first launched in India last June. Amazon claims that 30-minute deliveries are now also available in urban areas of Brazil, Mexico, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. 'We know customers love speed, and it always has been that way,' said Beryl Tomay, Amazon's transportation director, to The Associated Press on Monday. 'What we observe in customer behavior is that when we offer greater speed, they buy more on Amazon. And Amazon becomes a top-of-mind option for them, both for those types of items and others.' Where is Amazon Now available? In the U.S., the company initially tested Amazon Now in Seattle—its headquarters—and Philadelphia. Currently, most residents of Atlanta and the Dallas-Fort Worth area also have access to the service. Amazon announced that a 'rapid expansion' is underway in Houston, Denver, Minneapolis, New York City, Phoenix, Oklahoma City, Orlando, and 'dozens of other cities.'
BusinessWinning Lotto Texas ticket bought in Brownsville claimed by South Dakota trust company
A trust company from South Dakota has claimed a $78 million Lotto Texas ticket purchased in Brownsville just days before it was set to expire. The ticket, bought at Gordon's Bait & Tackle on Padre Island Highway, was part of a drawing held on November 15, 2025, marking the sixth largest jackpot in the game's history. The Jua-Ri Trust Agreement, managed by Trident Trust Company Inc. of Sioux Falls, claimed the prize on May 8, just six days before the May 14 expiration. The winner opted for the cash value, receiving $43.8 million before taxes.
BusinessTrust Claims $78 Million Lotto Texas Prize Six Days Before Ticket Expiration
TEXAS – A trust from South Dakota claimed the Lotto Texas jackpot, six days before the ticket was set to expire. The winning ticket for the estimated $78 million jackpot, paid out as an annuity, was purchased at Gordon’s Bait & Tackle in Brownsville before the drawing on November 15, 2025. The Texas Lottery reported on Monday that the Jua-Ri Trust Agreement Trident Trust Company Inc. from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, claimed the prize on May 8. State lottery officials did not disclose how many people were part of the trust or identify the winners, as Texas lottery winners can remain anonymous.
BusinessSouth Dakota-based trust company claims $78M winning ticket sold in Brownsville
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Just days before it was set to expire, a South Dakota-based trust company claimed the winning $78 million Lotto Texas Jackpot ticket sold at a Brownsville store. According to a Monday news release from the Texas Lotto, Jua-Ri Trust Agreement Trident Trust Company Inc., of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, claimed the
BusinessWorkforce Solutions Jobs Update, 5-11-26
Texas Workforce Solutions is hosting several job events in the McAllen and Mission areas. A Manpower hiring event is scheduled for May 11 from 9 AM to 12 PM at Workforce Solutions South McAllen. On May 12, a Border Patrol information session will take place at Workforce Solutions Mission from 9 AM to 12 PM. Additionally, two hiring events for Texas State Troopers and Hagihara are set for May 13 at the same location. Finally, a job fair at La Plaza Mall will occur on May 16 from 11 AM to 2 PM, in front of Starbucks. For more details, visit workintexas.com.
BusinessWinning $78 Million Lottery Prize Claimed in Brownsville
A major prize from the Texas Lottery was finally claimed just days before the winning ticket was set to expire, which was purchased in Brownsville. The Texas Lottery reported that the prize was claimed by the Jua-Ri Trust Agreement Trident Trust Company Inc., based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The winner opted for a cash payment, receiving $43,757,223 before taxes. The winning ticket was bought at Gordon’s Bait & Tackle located at 7066 Padre Island Highway and matched the six drawn numbers: 7, 17, 23, 28, 39, and 48, corresponding to the drawing on November 15, 2025. The prize was claimed on May 8, 2026, just six days before the deadline of May 14.
BusinessMcAllen Welcomes Third Tampico Trade Delegation to Advance Economic Partnerships
McAllen recently hosted its third trade delegation from Tampico, Tamaulipas, aimed at enhancing economic partnerships. The event brought together business leaders and government officials who explored McAllen's strategic advantages for trade and investment. During the two-day mission, participants attended a seminar focused on navigating the U.S. business landscape, with insights from regional experts. Mayor Javier Villalobos expressed gratitude to the Tampico delegation for their visit, emphasizing McAllen's readiness to support their business endeavors. This initiative builds on previous delegations, reinforcing McAllen's role as a key player in international trade and economic collaboration.
BusinessPharr EDC and UTRGV Host Small Business Week Roundtable for Entrepreneurs
The Pharr Economic Development Corporation and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley hosted a roundtable discussion for entrepreneurs as part of Small Business Week. The event, titled 'Level Up Doing Business in Pharr,' took place on May 7, 2026, and focused on essential topics such as permits, zoning, and business support. City officials, including Victor Perez and Joe Garza, emphasized the importance of verifying zoning before making property investments. The session concluded with a Q&A segment, allowing local entrepreneurs to engage with panelists and network, highlighting the city's commitment to supporting small businesses in Pharr.
BusinessPharr EDC Panel Examines Shift Toward Strategic Trade in North America
During the RGV Startup Week on April 28, 2026, a panel hosted by the Pharr Economic Development Corp. in Brownsville discussed the transition from free trade to strategic trade in North America. Moderated by Lilvette Santos, the panel featured experts including Jesus Cano from the Mexican Consulate in McAllen and State Rep. Sergio Muñoz Jr. The discussion emphasized the shift in trade priorities from cost efficiency to resilience and geopolitical alignment, highlighting the Texas-Mexico corridor's role in nearshoring and advanced manufacturing. Challenges such as infrastructure and workforce readiness were also addressed, with a consensus on the need for urgent collaboration between Texas and Mexico.
BusinessWe're Going to Buy Spirit: A Man's Viral Plan to Revive the Airline
Hunter Peterson, a 22-year-old voice actor, has launched a viral crowdfunding campaign to revive Spirit Airlines, which ceased operations on May 2. He proposes that if one-fifth of Americans contribute $45 each, they could collectively buy the airline. Peterson's idea, inspired by the community ownership model of the Green Bay Packers, has garnered $337 million in pledges from over 370,000 supporters. However, experts warn that regulatory hurdles could impede the plan. Spirit Airlines has faced financial struggles, declaring bankruptcy twice and accumulating $8.1 billion in debt by 2025. Peterson is consulting lawyers to navigate the complexities of his proposal.
BusinessKorner Market now open in downtown Brownsville
Korner Market has officially opened in downtown Brownsville, located on Elizabeth Street next to the Samano Building. This grocery store aims to provide healthy food options to the community. The Samano Building, which is part of the initiative, offers 40 fully furnished supportive housing units for individuals facing housing instability, with rent based on income. Currently, 30 tenants occupy the building, and it is expected to be fully occupied by the end of June. The project collaborates with various organizations to assist in finding residents, with funding from multiple sources to support its operations.
BusinessEdinburg set to get first full-service hotel in multi-million dollar development deal
Edinburg is set to welcome its first full-service hotel through a proposed $18 million to $20 million redevelopment project. The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation announced plans to transform the existing Comfort Inn and MainStay Suites at 4001 S. Closner Boulevard into two IHG-branded hotels: Staybridge Suites and Holiday Inn. The Staybridge Suites will feature 95 to 100 rooms in a four-story building, while the Holiday Inn will have 53 rooms in a three-story structure. Shared amenities will include a restaurant, bar, meeting space, and a spa. The project aims to create 47 jobs and generate $5.6 million in annual revenue, with construction expected to start in September 2026.