Business
Business news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
BusinessSaronic Technologies picks Port of Brownsville for $3.2 billion shipyard project
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Saronic Technologies and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced during a press conference in Austin on Thursday that Port Alpha is coming to the Port of Brownsville. "We are investing more than $3 billion to build out over 800 acres at the Port of Brownsville with the opportunity to expand to over
BusinessA $3.2B Game-Changer: Saronic Technologies Selects Brownsville for Massive Expansion
Saronic Technologies has chosen Brownsville for a significant expansion, announcing a $3.2 billion investment that will create 10,000 jobs. This project is expected to generate an estimated $168.4 billion in economic impact over its lifespan, including $1.6 billion during construction and $5.6 billion annually for 30 years. Local officials, including Mayor John Cowen, emphasized the importance of this investment for the community, enhancing job opportunities and economic resilience. The Greater Brownsville EDC is also investing $10 million in workforce development to prepare residents for the new jobs. The initiative aims to strengthen Brownsville's position in advanced manufacturing and maritime innovation.
BusinessAbbott Unveils Plan That Could Cut Texas Home and Auto Insurance Costs
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced a legislative proposal on July 15 aimed at lowering home and auto insurance costs, which he noted are major concerns for Texans. Abbott highlighted that Texas has some of the highest home insurance rates due to severe weather, including hail and hurricanes. His plan includes a roof fortification grant program offering homeowners about $10,000 to strengthen roofs, potentially reducing premiums by 8% and saving over $15,000 over the roof's lifespan. Additionally, Abbott proposed changes to allow insurers to consider driving records when setting auto insurance rates, which could lower premiums by up to 30%.
BusinessHistoric Investment in Brownsville: Saronic Announces Super Shipyard
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced today that Saronic Technologies will build 'Port Alpha' at the Port of Brownsville, a $3.248 billion megaproject that will become the world's most advanced shipyard and the largest in the United States. This historic facility will focus on manufacturing next-generation autonomous vessels and is expected to generate 10,000 new jobs in the Rio Grande Valley, with an estimated annual payroll of $750 million for Texas families. 'Today we make history with the announcement of the most advanced shipyard in the entire world,' Governor Greg Abbott emphasized during the presentation. 'When this shipyard is fully constructed, it will employ nearly 10,000 people. Saronic will inject around $750 million annually in salaries for Texans. This changes the game for our population.' Founded in Austin in 2022, Saronic combines autonomy software with large-scale manufacturing to strengthen the country's commercial and defense fleets. The company chose Brownsville for its strategic location, infrastructure, and the talent of its people. Additionally, it will work closely with Cameron County, technical colleges, and local universities to create technical training programs and specialized apprenticeships, opening doors to high-paying careers for the region's youth without having to leave their community. With this announcement, Texas officially establishes itself as the undisputed new leader in the shipbuilding and maritime technology industry in the nation.
BusinessFlower Guerrero Named Marketing Director for Cano Family Companies
Flower Guerrero has been appointed as the marketing director for Cano Family Companies, which includes Grande Produce, Cano & Sons Trucking, and others. Announced on July 14, Guerrero brings over 25 years of experience in marketing and brand strategy. Her role will encompass corporate communications, public relations, and digital marketing, among other responsibilities. The Cano family, founders of Cano & Sons Trucking in 1999, has expanded their business to include over 190 trucks and various services in transportation and logistics. Guerrero aims to unify the brand strategy while maintaining each company's unique identity.
BusinessTexas Economy Poised for Continued Growth Over Next Five Years
The Texas economy is expected to experience significant growth over the next five years, despite current challenges. Projections indicate an annual increase in employment of 1.78%, potentially adding nearly 1.4 million jobs by 2030. Texas led the nation in population growth from July 2024 to July 2025, with over 391,000 new residents. The state has also won its 14th consecutive Governor’s Cup for attracting major business projects. Additionally, Texas is becoming a hub for data center developments, which are crucial for supporting the AI industry. While oil prices have surged due to global conflicts, the overall economic outlook remains positive.
BusinessTravel Now, Pay Later: JetBlue Launches New Payment Option When Booking Your Flight
JetBlue has introduced a new payment option allowing travelers to pay for their flights in installments. Announced on Wednesday, the airline partnered with ClarityPay to offer financing at checkout for eligible customers booking directly through JetBlue.com or the mobile app. This option enables travelers to split their ticket costs into manageable payments. Customers can select ClarityPay during checkout, and checking eligibility won't impact their credit score. JetBlue is also running a promotion with 0% interest on financing plans for up to 12 months, valid until August 15, 2026. TrueBlue members can still earn points while using this financing option.
BusinessTexas AG Ken Launches Investigation Into LinkedIn Over “Ghost Jobs”
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated an investigation into LinkedIn for allegedly promoting 'ghost jobs'—fake or misleading job listings that do not correspond to actual openings. LinkedIn, which boasts over one billion users globally and significant revenue from subscriptions and advertising, has been accused of misleading job seekers, particularly those in Texas who rely on the platform for legitimate employment opportunities. The investigation includes a Civil Investigative Demand for documents and data regarding LinkedIn's advertising practices. Paxton emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in job listings, asserting that consumers deserve access to genuine opportunities.
BusinessSecretary Nelson Unveils Full Rollout of Fast-Track Business Services
Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson has announced the full rollout of Texas Express, which provides same-day and next-day processing for all business filings. This service aims to enhance Texas's appeal as a business-friendly state. Launched in September 2025, Texas Express initially offered expedited processing for limited filings and expanded in April 2026. Now, all business filings are eligible for expedited service. The program has processed over 2,600 filings, reflecting strong demand. Texas Express offers three levels of expedited service, with fees ranging from $50 to $750 depending on the urgency. For more details, visit the Secretary of State's website.
BusinessCommercial Gulf Shrimp Season Opens July 15
The commercial shrimp season in the Gulf of America will reopen on July 15, 30 minutes after sunset, for both state and federal waters. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) determines the reopening date based on data from June's bag seine and trawl sampling, which assesses juvenile and adult shrimp populations. This data helps predict when shrimp will reach a target size of four inches and ensures the sustainability of the shrimp resource. Both state and federal waters will open simultaneously, as the National Marine Fisheries Service has aligned its regulations with Texas.
BusinessGovernor Announces $3.5M LITEON Expansion In McKinney
Governor Greg Abbott announced that Lite-On, Inc. (LITEON) will establish its new North American headquarters in McKinney, focusing on advanced manufacturing for AI power solutions. The project involves a $307 million investment and is expected to create 500 jobs, supported by a $3.5 million Texas Enterprise Fund grant and a $100,000 bonus for veteran-created jobs. LITEON's total investment in the facility will reach $919 million, generating over 600 jobs in total. Local leaders expressed enthusiasm for the economic boost and job creation this expansion will bring to the community.
BusinessMcAllen Named Top U.S. City for Young Homebuyers Seeking Mortgages
The McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metropolitan area has been recognized as the second-most accessible market in the U.S. for young homebuyers, according to a 2026 ConsumerAffairs analysis. The study revealed that 46.3% of home purchase loans in McAllen went to buyers under 35, the highest percentage nationwide. Additionally, the area boasts a homeownership rate of 20.1% among residents under 35, second only to Baton Rouge. With a median home sale price of $209,859, the lowest among the top 100 metros, and significant reliance on FHA loans, McAllen offers an attractive environment for young families and first-time buyers.
BusinessSouth Padre Island businesses report sales boost from Fourth of July holiday crowd
Businesses on South Padre Island experienced a significant sales increase during the Fourth of July holiday. Pineapple Ninja, a newly opened restaurant, reported selling 500 pineapples in one day, compared to their usual 200-300. Over the holiday week, they sold 4,000 pineapples, which will help sustain the business through the slower winter months and support plans for a second location. Visit South Padre Island noted that high visitor numbers benefitted all local businesses, with hotel occupancy expected to reach around 90%. However, the influx caused heavy traffic congestion, prompting residents to advise better planning for future visits.
BusinessWorkforce Solutions Jobs Update, 7-13-26
Texas Workforce Solutions is hosting several hiring events in McAllen this week. On Tuesday, July 14, from 9 AM to 12 PM, Staff Force Personnel Services will be recruiting at Workforce Solutions South McAllen, located at 2101 S. 2nd St. On Thursday, July 16, Cajun Industries, LLC will hold a hiring event from 8 AM to 12 PM at the Rio Plex Safety Council, 110 S. Col. Rowe Blvd. Finally, Teleperformance will be hiring on Saturday, July 18, from 10 AM to 2 PM at 1500 S. Jackson Rd. For more job opportunities, visit www.workintexas.com.
BusinessOlive Garden's Never-Ending Pasta Pass Returns; Here's How to Get It
Olive Garden has announced the return of its popular Never-Ending Pasta Pass after a six-year hiatus. This promotion allows customers to enjoy unlimited pasta, sauces, and proteins, along with unlimited soup or salad and breadsticks during the Never-Ending Pasta Bowl event, which runs from August 31 to November 22. The passes will be available for purchase on Thursday at 2 p.m. ET for $100, with only 10,000 passes offered. Customers can start using their passes on August 24, while others can enjoy unlimited pasta for $14.99 during the event. The pass has a loyal following, often selling out quickly.
BusinessBuyers and Renters: How the New Affordable Housing Law Will Help You
A new bipartisan housing law, the '21st Century ROAD to Housing Act,' takes effect this Saturday, aiming to increase housing supply and reduce costs amid rising living expenses. The law streamlines environmental reviews and construction processes, offers funding to local governments for housing development, and restricts corporate investors from purchasing single-family homes. It also enhances Section 8 funding for public housing and establishes a tenant assistance program through HUD for disputes with large institutional landlords. Although President Trump did not sign the bill, it will become law without his approval.
BusinessConsumer Reports: Best underwater speakers
As summer approaches, Consumer Reports highlights the best portable underwater speakers that combine sound quality with durability. Recommended models include the Sony ULT Field 5 for $198, known for its volume and bass, and the Bose Soundlink Flex for $159, which has a compact design. The JBL Flip 7 is a budget-friendly option at $100, while the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 for $150 is praised for its ability to fill larger spaces with sound. For those seeking a smaller, more affordable choice, the JBL Clip 5 at $80 is ideal for casual listening and easy portability, featuring a built-in carabiner. Most Bluetooth speakers work best within 30 feet of the music source.
BusinessMcAllen real estate market sees high home inventory
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metro area has close to nine months of inventory on the market -- a decade-high number, according to Texas A&M's Real Estate Research Center. Real estate agent Michael Jinks, a third-generation real estate agent with Winner's Circle, explains the reason behind the record number. “The reason for that is
BusinessDonna mobile home business warns of fake accounts scamming buyers online
A mobile home business in Donna, J. Webber Homes, is warning potential buyers about scammers using their name on social media. Manager Israel Webber reported that fake accounts on platforms like TikTok and Facebook are soliciting down payments for homes that the business does not sell. One customer almost fell victim to the scam, which has been ongoing for months. The Better Business Bureau has received reports of individuals losing significant amounts of money, with one case involving a $10,000 loss. Webber urges caution and advises customers to verify before making any payments, as they do not request money upfront without a home viewing.