Business
Business news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
BusinessNational Small Business Week Celebrated in Weslaco
Weslaco celebrated National Small Business Week with an event hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership and the U.S. Small Business Administration at Knapp Medical Center. Mayor Adrian Gonzalez emphasized the vital role of small businesses in the local economy, stating they create jobs and strengthen communities. He declared May 3-9 as National Small Business Week in Weslaco. The event honored various local entrepreneurs and financial institutions, including Lone Star National Bank, which received the 7(a) Lender of the Year Award. Nine local businesses were also recognized for their contributions to the economy.
BusinessNatural Grocers Announces Expansion into McAllen
Natural Grocers, an organic grocery chain from Colorado, is set to open a new store in McAllen at the former trampoline park site on South 10th Street and Houston Avenue. This location, once home to Anthony’s Department Store, will undergo renovations with a projected completion date of August 28, 2026. Known for its commitment to organic products and nutrition education, Natural Grocers aims to provide a wellness-focused shopping experience in the Rio Grande Valley. The company has over 170 stores across 21 states and emphasizes affordable access to healthy foods as part of its mission.
BusinessEdinburg to Get New Hotel with Million-Dollar Investment
The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) announced an investment of between $18 and $20 million for the development of a new full-service hotel complex in the city. Construction could begin in September 2026 or earlier, with an estimated completion date in March 2028. The project, led by Binning Hospitality LLC, will involve the complete renovation of the properties currently located at 4001 S. Closner Blvd., where a Comfort Inn and a MainStay Suites currently operate. The transformation will pave the way for two IHG brand hotels within the same development: a four-story Staybridge Suites with between 95 and 100 rooms, and a three-story Holiday Inn with 53 rooms. In addition to accommodations, the complex will feature amenities such as a full-service restaurant, bar, meeting rooms, a basketball court, outdoor areas with grills and a patio, as well as a spa, services that will be available to both guests and the general public. The development is expected to generate around $5.6 million in annual revenue and create 47 full-time jobs.
BusinessEdinburg EDC Announces Landmark $18M–$20M Dual-Brand Hotel Project
The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation has announced a significant $18–$20 million investment for a dual-brand hotel project by Binning Hospitality LLC. This development will transform the existing Comfort Inn and MainStay Suites at 4001 S. Closner Blvd. into a Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suites, marking Edinburg's first full-service hotel. The project will create 47 full-time jobs and is expected to generate about $5.6 million in annual revenue. Construction is slated to start in September 2026, with completion anticipated by March 2028, enhancing the city's hospitality sector and economic growth.
BusinessAs gas prices rise, more people in the Valley are turning to public transportation
WESLACO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — High gas prices have people around the country trying to save money, and in the Rio Grande Valley, more people are turning to public transportation to do that. The Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council provides low-fare public transportation through its Valley Metro system. They say that year to date, they've
Business'You need tomato on everything': Valley residents feel impact of shortage
MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Tomatoes, a staple ingredient in many dishes, salsas and sauces, are becoming harder to find at some grocery stores across the Rio Grande Valley as a nationwide shortage continues to impact supply chains. Shoppers across the Valley say they have noticed fewer tomatoes on store shelves and higher prices when they are
BusinessU.S. Added 115,000 Jobs in April as Economy Feels Impact of War with Iran
In April, the U.S. economy added 115,000 jobs, reflecting resilience despite the global energy shock caused by the war with Iran. The unemployment rate remained steady at 4.3%, aligning with economists' expectations of 55,000 new jobs. Notable revisions were made to previous months' data, with February's employment figures adjusted down by 23,000 to a loss of 156,000 jobs, while March saw an increase of 7,000 jobs to 178,000. The healthcare sector led job growth with 37,000 new positions, while transportation and retail also saw gains. However, part-time employment due to economic reasons rose by 445,000, indicating challenges in the labor market.
BusinessCheck out the latest at SpaceX with LabPadre: May 7
STARBASE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Checking things out over at the production facility, Booster 20 is nearing closeout on its primary structures, with the final sections of the propellant tanks and other major elements being moved into Mega Bay 1 for installation. The landing tank installation stand was taken into Mega Bay 1 on Wednesday. Right
BusinessTexas Republicans have a data center problem
Texas Republicans are facing internal conflict over the rapid expansion of data centers, particularly with the $500 billion Stargate project by OpenAI. Rena Schroeder, a long-time GOP supporter, recently became disillusioned after discovering a data center planned near her property. At a GOP meeting, her proposal to ban data centers was met with hostility, leading her to leave the party. As 82 data centers are proposed in districts that voted for Trump, many constituents express concerns over their impact on rural communities. Lawmakers are divided on how to regulate these developments, with some calling for more local authority while others prefer state-level guidelines.
BusinessWorld Cup hotel bookings short of expectations in Texas amid anti-U. S. sentiment abroad
Hotel bookings for the upcoming World Cup in Texas are falling short of expectations, particularly in Houston and Dallas, where 16 matches will be held. Despite an anticipated economic boost of $3.5 billion, a survey revealed that hotel reservations are lagging as the tournament approaches. Factors such as high ticket prices, visa issues, and negative sentiments towards the U.S. may be affecting international travel. While local officials remain optimistic about ticket sales, the demand appears to be primarily domestic. Short-term rentals are seeing a rise, potentially offsetting lower hotel bookings as the event nears.
BusinessWork set to begin on $76 million Ware Road expansion project
The Texas Department of Transportation has announced a $76 million expansion project for Ware Road, which will increase its capacity from two to six lanes between Monte Cristo Road and Mile 5 Road. The project will be executed in two phases, with the first phase starting later this month, covering nearly three miles from Monte Cristo Road to Highway 107 at a cost of $37 million. The second phase will extend approximately 2.5 miles from Highway 107 to Mile 5 Road, costing $39 million. Improvements will also include better drainage, new sidewalks, and bike lanes. The project is expected to be completed by December 2029.
BusinessSmokeable hemp pulled from Texas shelves again as state appeals case
Smokeable hemp products, including flower buds and pre-rolled joints, are being removed from Texas store shelves again as the state appeals a recent court ruling. The state's appeal follows a temporary lift of the smokable hemp ban by a Travis County judge, which was set to last until a hearing on July 27. The Texas Hemp Business Council and other industry representatives are pushing for a reinstatement of the temporary pause on the ban. Meanwhile, the Texas Supreme Court upheld a prohibition on delta-8 THC, which could further complicate the hemp industry's legal challenges. A decision on the appeal is expected this week.
BusinessGas power leapfrogs wind for first time in 10 years in Texa grid connection queue
For the first time in a decade, natural gas power generation has surpassed wind energy in Texas' grid interconnection queue. This shift, driven by a surge in data centers, marks a significant change since January 2016. The queue now shows gas projects increasing by over 400% in three years, while wind projects have only risen by 87%. The Texas Energy Fund is facilitating this growth by providing low-interest loans for gas projects. Meanwhile, wind energy faces challenges due to saturated development areas and competition from cheaper solar energy, alongside policy uncertainties affecting financing.
BusinessUnemployment Claims Remain Low Despite Increase
Unemployment benefit claims in the United States rose last week but remain at historically low levels despite high inflation and other economic headwinds. The Labor Department reported on Thursday that the number of Americans filing for unemployment insurance in the week ending May 2 increased by 10,000 to 200,000. This figure is below the 205,000 expected by analysts surveyed by data firm FactSet. The previous week's figure, which was the lowest since 1969, was revised upward by 1,000 to 190,000. This data is considered an indirect indicator of layoffs in the U.S. and serves as a near real-time gauge of labor market health. Despite the decline in layoffs indicated by government data, the ongoing war with Iran, now in its third month, has introduced a high degree of uncertainty regarding its impact on the economies of the U.S. and the world, although there is currently a ceasefire agreement and growing optimism that the end of the war is near. U.S. financial markets have surged to near-record levels, and the price of a barrel of U.S. crude remains high at around $90 per barrel. This marks a decrease from last month's peak of $112 but is still 36% higher than before the war began. Gasoline prices have also risen significantly since the conflict started, with the American Automobile Association indicating that the national average on Thursday was $4.56 per gallon, placing a heavier burden on businesses and consumers.
Business'Really, really bad': Valley drivers feeling the impact of high gas prices
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Drivers across the Rio Grande Valley are feeling the impact of high gas prices. The average gas price in Texas is $4.09 per gallon for regular unleaded fuel, according to AAA's latest report released on Thursday. It's the first time the average gas price has hit $4 since July 2022. The
BusinessCircle K offering 40 cents off every gallon of gas on Thursday
It's tough to find cheap gas these days, but Circle K is offering a discount at the pump for customers on Thursday.
Business$13 Million Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund Grant Awarded to Texas A&M University
Governor Greg Abbott announced a $13 million grant from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) to Texas A&M University for expanding its Cyclotron Institute in College Station. This institute has been conducting high-energy heavy-ion particle testing for over 30 years. The funding aims to enhance the facility's capabilities for radiation hardness testing, crucial for developing resilient systems in challenging environments. Texas A&M's expansion will include new beam lines and a modern spectrometer, promoting advancements in nuclear science and semiconductor testing. This investment is expected to bolster national security and create high-tech jobs in the region.
BusinessGrowers Invited to Zoom Briefing on Expanding the Papaya Market, May 27th
The Papaya Board Working Group is hosting a Zoom briefing on May 27, 2026, aimed at Hawaiian papaya growers, shippers, and industry stakeholders. The session will discuss the formation of a performance-based research and promotion board for the U.S. papaya industry. Participants will learn about the market background, the role of Hawaiian producers, and strategies for promoting papayas to consumers. The event is free and encourages direct engagement with organizers. Industry leaders emphasize the need for collaboration to enhance the papaya market, similar to the successes seen with mangoes and avocados.
BusinessCircle K Offers Up to 40 Cents Off Per Gallon on Gas This Thursday
Drivers feeling the pinch from high gas prices can find some relief by fueling up at a Circle K this Thursday. The convenience store and gas station chain, which operates over 6,000 locations in the United States, announced it will offer up to 40 cents off per gallon as part of its national event 'Circle K Fuel Day.' Customers will need to plan when to fill up: the discount will only be available this Thursday, May 7, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Members of the free loyalty program Inner Circle will have early access from 12:01 a.m. to 3 p.m. by entering the phone number linked to their account at the pump.