Business
Business news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
BusinessHome prices outpace Valley paychecks: Data shows
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — After reporting Monday that home prices across the Rio Grande Valley have more than doubled since 2015, many of you asked us a very simple question on social media: Are paychecks keeping up? The data says, no. While household incomes across the Valley’s major metro areas have increased over the past
BusinessSouth Padre Island announces new universal electric vehicle superchargers
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The city of South Padre Island on Tuesday announced 16 new universal electric-vehicle superchargers will be installed at the Island Metro Multi-Modal Park and Ride facility. The purpose of the new superchargers is to expand access to electric vehicle charging for residents and visitors. It will allow users to recharge vehicles
BusinessValley food trucks prepare for new statewide permits
MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — On July 1, House Bill 2844, known as the Food Truck Freedom Act, will go into effect across the state of Texas, creating a statewide permit for food truck vendors. Right now, individual cities and counties have their own permitting and inspection systems. Coffee Buzz, a school bus-turned-coffee cart based in
BusinessMcAllen International Airport Announces New Air Connection
McAllen International Airport will launch a new daily non-stop flight service to Phoenix, Arizona, operated by American Airlines, starting June 4. This new route aims to enhance travel options for both residents and visitors in the region. Airport officials emphasized that the connection will link passengers to a second American Airlines hub, reinforcing McAllen's strategic position as a gateway for South Texas. They believe this addition will improve travel, business, and tourism opportunities for the area.
BusinessThe latest at Starbase with LabPadre: June 1
STARBASE, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- In the wake of Blue Origin's New Glenn mishap, the ball is in SpaceX's court to deliver a human landing system for Artemis 3 in 2027. Construction of the next round of ships and boosters is well underway, with Booster 21's methane landing tank, transfer tubes, and 6th liquid oxygen tank
BusinessVantage Bank Leader Jeff Sinnott Claims No. 1 Spot on National Innovation List
Vantage Bank's President and CEO, Jeff Sinnott, has been named the top innovator in finance by American Banker for 2026. He is recognized among 50 industry leaders for his role in advancing banking innovation and positioning Vantage Bank as a leader in modern financial services. Sinnott emphasizes the importance of technology in delivering effective solutions for clients. Rafael G. Garza, Executive Vice Chairman, praised Sinnott's leadership and the bank's commitment to innovation. The awards will be presented at the DIGITAL BANKING event in Orlando, Florida, from June 15 to June 17, 2026.
BusinessBrownsville home prices up 107% since 2015
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A new report places Brownsville and McAllen on the list of the top 10 cities in America with the most overpriced homes on the market. The report from MoneyLion ranks Brownsville and McAllen fourth and eighth, respectively, on its list of housing markets with the biggest gaps between average home value
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.