Business
Business news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
BusinessZacatecas Trade Mission Builds Path for Mexican Companies in Pharr
A recent two-day trade mission in Pharr, Texas, connected business representatives from Zacatecas with U.S. customs and economic development officials. Organized by Liborio Alberto Flores Mendoza of COMCE, the event included presentations on export requirements and business opportunities in the Texas Rio Grande Valley. Attendees learned about regulatory compliance from U.S. Customs and received insights on food export regulations from the FDA. The mission aimed to prepare Mexican companies for the U.S. market, featuring a soft-landing program and plans for a binational COMCE presence in Pharr to support entrepreneurs in establishing operations.
BusinessLeah Wise Law Firm Welcomes Abraham Garcia as Chief Marketing Officer
Leah Wise Law Firm has appointed Abraham J. Garcia as its first male Chief Marketing Officer, a significant milestone for the firm, which has been operating for nearly ten years. In his new role, Garcia will manage marketing strategies, brand development, and community engagement as the firm expands in Texas and New Mexico. With ten years of experience, including leadership at the Hidalgo County Bar Association, Garcia aims to enhance the firm's connection with local communities and increase its Spanish-language outreach. His focus will be on building trust and relationships through innovative marketing campaigns.
BusinessHidden Oils Prompt Texas AG Investigation Into Avocado Oil Products
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated a broad investigation into companies that sell products labeled as containing avocado oil. This follows a UC Davis study revealing that many such products, including chips and dressings, contain undisclosed seed oils. The investigation aims to determine if companies like Primal Kitchen, Siete Foods, and Chosen Foods have violated the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act by misleading consumers. Paxton emphasized that consumers should not be misled when choosing healthier options. The investigation is ongoing, and no conclusions of wrongdoing have been established yet.
BusinessMari De León Pushes Employers to Open Doors for the Valley’s Next Workforce
Mari De León, executive director of RGV LEAD, urged Rio Grande Valley employers to provide students with workplace exposure to meet the growing demand in sectors like advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity. Speaking at a recent panel, she emphasized the need for partnerships between businesses and educational institutions to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world experience. RGV LEAD aims to connect students with industry opportunities, highlighting that many high schoolers are already exploring career paths. With over 69,000 students in their service area, De León called on employers to invest in the future workforce by opening their doors to students.
BusinessMulti-Billion-Dollar Amazon Project Signals Major Economic Growth for Austin
Governor Greg Abbott announced that Amazon will establish a new robotics manufacturing facility in Austin, representing a multi-billion-dollar investment. This project is expected to generate between 300 and 500 jobs in manufacturing and engineering. Abbott emphasized Texas as a leading hub for innovation, highlighting its favorable business environment and skilled workforce. Since 2010, Amazon has invested over $100 billion in Texas, supporting its 86,000 employees. Amazon's Vice President, Holly Sullivan, noted that Austin's talented workforce and strong community partnerships make it an ideal location for the new facility, reinforcing the company's commitment to the region.
BusinessMcCoy’s Building Supply Partners to Expand Construction Trades in the Mid-Valley
McCoy's Building Supply is supporting South Texas College (STC) with a $10,000 donation and tools to aid the South Texas Construction & Innovation Academy. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the South Texas Builders Association and Donna Independent School District, aims to introduce students to construction careers through hands-on learning. STC's Israel Medrano emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for local students. The program will eventually extend to adults, offering evening classes to develop construction skills. Efrain Gomez Jr. from Gomes 3 Construction highlighted the academy as a vital step toward establishing the Mid-Valley as a hub for construction management.
BusinessBriones Says Workforce and Infrastructure Are Driving Brownsville’s Industrial Growth
Jerry Briones, executive vice president of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, highlighted the growing demand for workforce and infrastructure in Brownsville's defense and aerospace sectors during a recent panel discussion. With major investments like Saronic Technologies' $3.2 billion project at the Port of Brownsville and SpaceX's expansion, the region must enhance its power, water, and transportation capabilities. Briones noted that workforce readiness is crucial, with local educational institutions collaborating to prepare workers. As industrial activity increases, officials are addressing infrastructure needs and recognizing the interconnected labor market across Cameron, Hidalgo, Willacy, and Starr counties, which totals around 1.3 million people.
BusinessPharr Housing Partners with PharrConnect
The Pharr Housing Authority (PHA) has partnered with the City of Pharr to enhance internet access for families through the PharrConnect broadband network. This initiative will provide around 300 households at Parkview Terrace, Sunset Terrace, and Las Canteras with affordable fiber-optic internet, funded by a $700,000 reallocation of Community Development Block Grant funds. Monthly plans range from $25 to $50, making it easier for families to manage expenses. Additionally, students can access one-gigabyte service for free through a partnership with PSJA ISD, ensuring they have the necessary resources for education and connectivity.
Business15th Annual Hiring Red, White & You Job Fair Returns to McAllen Nov. 17th
The 15th Annual Hiring Red, White & You! Job Fair will take place on November 17, 2026, at the McAllen Convention Center. Organized by the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, this free event aims to connect veterans, active military members, and their spouses with regional employers. The job fair will start at 8:30 a.m. for veterans and open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Auxiliary aids and language services will be available upon request, ensuring accessibility for all attendees.
BusinessTexas Power Grid Expands as Electricity Demand Reaches New Records
Texas is enhancing its power generation and transmission infrastructure to meet rising electricity demand driven by population growth and industrial development. Mike Hoke, from the Public Utility Commission (PUC), spoke at a Harlingen event about the importance of public engagement in energy decisions. Texas's grid, managed by ERCOT, covers 75% of the state and has recently seen record electricity demand of 90 gigawatts. The PUC has approved projects worth $3.6 billion to support this growth. Hoke emphasized the need for collaboration among regulators, utilities, and communities to effectively manage the state's complex electricity system.
BusinessNext Decade Finds the Workforce It Needs in the Rio Grande Valley
Andrea Figueroa Benton, director of community relations for NextDecade, said the Rio Grande Valley has demonstrated it can provide the workforce needed for one of the region’s largest industrial projects, with more than 70% of workers at the Rio Grande LNG construction site coming from the Valley.
BusinessCheck Your Mail: State Farm Begins Sending Payments to Millions of Drivers
State Farm has begun issuing payments to millions of its insured drivers as part of a $5 billion cash distribution, the largest in the company's history. Over 49 million auto insurance customers are eligible, with notifications sent via email or letter. Customers should watch for these communications, which will include instructions for accessing the payment portal and selecting payment methods, either digital or check. Payments are expected to average around $100 per vehicle, depending on state and premiums paid. The process may take several months to complete nationwide. For more information, customers can visit sfdividend.com or call 1-888-808-9532.
BusinessContractor blames ICE raids for unfinished $156K Mercedes home
A retired couple, Ana and Jose Salgado, are frustrated after paying over $156,000 for their dream home in Mercedes, which remains unfinished after 14 months. They contracted Honora Construction in July 2025, with a completion deadline of November 2025. Key elements like cabinets, plumbing, and flooring are still missing. The contractor cited ICE raids as a reason for worker shortages. The Salgados have given the company a 30-day ultimatum to finish the work or abandon the project. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to ask critical questions before signing contracts and to withhold payments until progress is visible.
BusinessHarlingen EDC Co-Sponsors Regional Forum on Power, Water and Workforce Demands
The Harlingen Economic Development Corporation co-sponsored the "Powering Texas & Regional Growth: Infrastructure + Workforce Exchange" forum, focusing on the region's power, water, and workforce needs. Key speakers included Mike Hoke from the Public Utility Commission of Texas and various industry leaders. Discussions highlighted significant investments like Saronic Technologies' $3.2 billion project at the Port of Brownsville and SpaceX's expansion, which are increasing demand for resources. Local workforce initiatives aim to prepare residents for new industrial jobs, with organizations like RGV LEAD connecting students to career opportunities. The event emphasized collaboration among various sectors to secure future growth in the Rio Grande Valley.
BusinessWorkforce Solutions Jobs Update, 8-17-26
Texas Workforce Solutions is hosting several job events this week. On Tuesday, August 18, a hiring event will take place from 9 AM to 12 PM at Workforce Solutions South McAllen, located at 2101 S. 2nd St., McAllen, TX. Concurrently, an information session for the U.S. Border Patrol will be held at Workforce Solutions Edinburg, 2719 W. University Dr., Edinburg, TX. A job fair in Mercedes is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, from 9 AM to 12 PM at the Mercedes Dome Shelter, 1202 N. Vermont Ave., Mercedes, TX. Another hiring event by ReadyMen Staffing Services will be on Thursday, August 20, at the same McAllen location, and a CAPA hiring event is set for Friday, August 21, from 9 AM to 1 PM at Workforce Solutions Mission, 901 Travis St., Ste. 7, Mission, TX.
BusinessLone Star National Bank Named Inaugural Title Sponsor of Mission Small Business Expo
Lone Star National Bank has been named the inaugural title sponsor of the Mission Small Business Expo, as announced by the Mission Economic Development Corporation. The expo is set for September 16 at the Mission Event Center and aims to connect local entrepreneurs with customers and resources. Admission is free, and around 60 small businesses will showcase their offerings. The event will feature workshops, food trucks, and a pitch competition, with keynote speaker Andrew Davis, an expert in artificial intelligence and small business. The bank, headquartered in McAllen, supports local businesses and has expanded throughout South Texas since its establishment in 1983.
BusinessAvocado pickers in Mexico welcome restart of exports to US, but security fears remain
Avocado pickers in Michoacán, Mexico, are relieved as U.S. authorities lifted a security alert that had halted avocado exports. Francisco Isidro, a picker, quickly returned to work, filling boxes for the U.S. market after several days of uncertainty. The alert was triggered by security concerns related to local cartels. With over 200,000 workers affected, the resumption of exports is crucial for the industry, which sends nearly 4,800 tons of avocados daily to the U.S. Despite increased military presence aimed at improving safety, many remain cautious about potential violence and extortion in the region.
Business'You don’t get those back': Avocado industry feels impact of inspection shutdown
PHARR, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Avocado inspections in Michoacán, Mexico, have resumed after the U.S. temporarily halted them over security concerns, disrupting operations for importers in the Rio Grande Valley. The U.S. Department of Agriculture paused inspections last week, preventing companies from harvesting, packing and shipping avocados without USDA inspectors on site. For Villita Avocados in
BusinessThis is what the first 'smartphone' in history looked like, created by Nokia 30 years ago
Exactly 30 years ago, the Finnish technology company Nokia released one of its most iconic mobile devices, the Nokia 9000 Communicator, a groundbreaking high-end device for its time that many consider the first 'smartphone' in history. The Communicator was unveiled in March 1996 at the CeBIT technology fair in Hannover, Germany, and went on sale five months later, on August 15, eleven years before the American giant Apple would definitively transform the mobile phone market with the launch of its first iPhone. Designed as a cell phone for executives, it was four centimeters thick, weighed almost 400 grams—double that of a modern smartphone—and cost the same as a mid-range personal computer, around $2,550. It was marketed by Nokia with the slogan 'the office in your back pocket' because it allowed users to send faxes and emails, connect to the internet via an integrated modem, and work with applications similar to those on a personal computer, such as spreadsheets, electronic calendars, and word processors.