Business
Business news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
BusinessOp-Ed: The True Spirit of Small Business Lives in Their Stories
During National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration celebrated local entrepreneurs for their resilience and contributions to the community. Awards were given in various categories, including Small Business Person of the Year and Woman-Owned Business. Each winner shared personal stories of struggle, support from family and employees, and the journey of turning dreams into reality. The event highlighted the importance of small businesses in driving the local economy and fostering innovation. The commitment to support these entrepreneurs continues beyond the week, ensuring they have access to necessary resources for success.
BusinessAirbnb's tech aims to prevent disruptive parties ahead of Memorial Day weekend
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Airbnb announced that it's activating anti-party technology in the U.S., including Texas, ahead of Memorial Day weekend to prevent bookings that lead to disruptive parties. According to a news release, the company uses machine learning and reservation screening technology to detect higher-risk bookings. Lauren Bouton, policy lead at Airbnb, told ValleyCentral
BusinessOrange Secures $1.175 Billion USG Facility Under Texas JETI Program
USG Corporation has announced a $1.175 billion investment in a new production facility in Orange, Texas, which will create nearly 200 jobs. Governor Greg Abbott highlighted this project as part of the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program, emphasizing Texas's favorable business environment. USG's CEO, Chris Macey, expressed gratitude for the support from state and local officials, noting that this facility will enhance the regional economy and provide quality jobs. Local leaders, including Senator Robert Nichols and Orange County Judge John Gothia, praised the investment for its potential to revitalize the community and align educational programs with workforce needs.
BusinessThese Texas Cities Are the Fastest Growing in the U.S.
Texas small cities within major metropolitan areas experienced significant population growth last year, outpacing the national trend of population decline. According to U.S. Census estimates, Celina, Princeton, Melissa, and Anna in the Dallas-Fort Worth area ranked as the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. for populations over 20,000, with growth rates between 15% and 25%. Celina alone added 12,700 residents, surpassing larger cities like Seattle and Houston. The growth is attributed to a strong job market and affordability, with Texas cities dominating the list of fastest-growing municipalities in the country.
BusinessSouth Texas Onion Committee 2026–2027 Nominations Now Open
The South Texas Onion Committee (STOC) is inviting qualified individuals from the onion industry to participate in the nomination process for the 2026–2027 season. The Committee aims to raise awareness about opportunities for growers and handlers to join and represent the industry, which spans 35 counties in South Texas. The STOC oversees federal marketing orders and consists of 13 members, including 8 producers and 5 handlers, each serving staggered two-year terms. Interested individuals are encouraged to learn more about the nomination process and eligibility requirements to contribute to the region's onion industry.
BusinessDATA: Inflation pressures reappear as Valley gas prices remain high
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — As broader inflation pressures begin showing signs of heating back up, people across the Rio Grande Valley continue seeing higher prices at the pump. New data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on Wednesday shows the Producer Price Index (PPI) jumped 6% in April compared to last year. That's the
BusinessTexas Upstream Workforce Sees Notable March Bump
The Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) reported a significant increase in employment within the state's oil and natural gas sector, with 1,800 new jobs added from February to March 2026. This includes 600 jobs in extraction and 1,200 in support activities. In March, Texas saw 9,110 unique job postings, a 7% rise from February. Houston led the cities with the most postings. The median salary for advertised positions was $51,600, with 36% requiring a bachelor's degree. Additionally, oil production taxes generated $567 million in April, contributing to state services.
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.