by Legislative Media | Mar 9, 2016 | Politics
Featured, from left: Precinct 1 Hidalgo County Commissioner A.C. Cuellar, Jr. of Weslaco; Hidalgo County Judge Ramón García; Mayor Richard García; Councilmember J.R. Betancourt; and Mayor Pro Tem Richard Molina. This image was taken on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 in the Council Chamber of Edinburg City Hall.
Photograph By MARK MONTEMAYOR
The Mayor and Edinburg City Council on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, gave their initial approval to provide a maximum of $30 million – to be spread out over up to 30 years and without raising the city property tax rate – to help in the construction of a $150 million Hidalgo County Courthouse, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation has announced. If all goes as planned by the county, construction on the courthouse may begin near the end of this year, if weather permits. The county anticipates a completion date of October 2018. The action took place following a 2 p.m. joint work session with the Hidalgo County Judge and Hidalgo County Commissioners Court, held in the Council Chamber of Edinburg City Hall, and sets into motion a plan that will eventually lead to the construction of a state-of-the-art judicial center, which will be located in downtown Edinburg, next to the current county courthouse complex.
•••••• (more…)
by Legislative Media | Jul 6, 2015 | Politics
Featured, from left: Karen K. Pittman, Branch Manager, International Bancshares Corporation (IBC); Dina Araguz, Area Sales Manager, International Bancshares Corporation (IBC); Letty González, President, Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, and Harvey Rodríguez, Treasurer, Board of Directors, Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, on Wednesday, May 27, at the Edinburg Municipal Auditorium.
Photograph By RONNIE LARRALDE
Edinburg’s unemployment rate for May 2015 was 4.8 percent, representing the fourth consecutive month that the city posted a monthly figure under five percent, with McAllen, at 4.6 percent, being the only other major Valley city to come under five percent, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation has announced. The EEDC is the jobs-creation arm of the Edinburg Mayor and Edinburg City Council. Edinburg’s unemployment rate, as calculated by the Texas Workforce Commission, was the best showing for the city for that month since May 2008, when it was reported at 4.6 percent by the state agency. Edinburg’s May 2015 unemployment rate of 4.8 percent remained close to the Texas statewide average, which was 4.1 percent for May 2015, four percent for April 2015, 4.2 percent for March 2015, 4.3 percent for February 2015, and 4.6 percent for January 2015, according to Texas Workforce Commission figures. The city’s latest performance also was better than the U.S. unemployment rate for May 2015, which was 5.5 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. The data represents an increase of 482 jobs in Edinburg when comparing the employment figures for May 2015 and May 2014. In May 2015, there were 35,912 persons employed in Edinburg, compared with 35,430 in May 2014. The May 2015 unemployment rate of 4.8 percent for Edinburg is also better than the annual unemployment rate in Edinburg for 2014, which was 5.8 percent – and that yearly rate was the best 12-month average from January through December since 2005. The unemployment rate is a key indicator of the strength of the local economy. The unemployment rate is the number of persons unemployed, expressed as a percentage of the civilian labor force, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. The civilian labor force is that portion of the population age 16 and older employed or unemployed. To be considered unemployed, a person has to be not working but willing and able to work and actively seeking work. All cities combined in Hidalgo County averaged a 7.2 percent unemployment rate in May 2015, representing improvements from 7.3 percent in April 2015, 7.6 percent in March 2015, 7.7 percent in February 2015 and 8.3 percent in January 2015. All cities combined in Cameron County averaged a 6.6 percent unemployment rate in May 2015, representing improvements from 6.7 percent unemployment rate in April 2015, 7.1 percent in March 2015, 7.2 percent in February 2015 and 7.8 percent in January 2015. Also for May 2015, there were 310,967 individuals employed in Hidalgo County, while 154,484 persons were employed in Cameron County. The Texas Workforce Commission data on all entities in the state, including cities and counties, is available online at: http://www.tracer2.com/cgi/dataanalysis/AreaSelection.asp?tableName=Labforce
•••••• (more…)
by Legislative Media | Mar 8, 2015 | Politics
Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, D-Mercedes, outlines his vision for continued economic growth and job creation for his 15th Congressional District, which includes Hidalgo County, at the Pharr Convention Center (now Boggus Ford Events Center) on Tuesday, November 4, as his wife, Martha López Hinojosa, looks on. “When I first took office in January 1997, the unemployment rate for Hidalgo County was at 22 percent. I made it my goal to help bring this number down to single digits and we succeeded,” Hinojosa said. The latest jobs figures bear him out, according to the Texas Workforce Commission, a state agency which provides information and analysis on shifts in occupations and industries within the state, including unemployment rates and employment figures, broken down by cities, counties, and regions in Texas, on a monthly basis. All cities combined in Hidalgo County averaged an 8.3 percent unemployment rate in January 2015. Also for January 2015, there were 307,706 individuals were employed in Hidalgo County. Hinojosa’s perspectives are shared by the leadership of the Texas Workforce Commission, who were appointed by then-Gov. Rick Perry, a Republican. “The diversity of skills found in the Texas workforce has contributed greatly to the strength of the Texas economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “As jobs are added, Texas has skilled workers to fill them and resources available for workers to obtain new skills when needed. I encourage all job seekers to look for available positions through TWC’s online job-matching resource, WorkInTexas.com and to take advantage of the many services and training resources available through their local Workforce Solutions office.”
Photograph by MARK MONTEMAYOR
Edinburg’s unemployment rate for January 2015 was 5.1 percent, a significant improvement from the monthly rate in January 2014, when it came in at 6.3 percent, and better than the January 2015 U.S. unemployment rate of 5.7 percent, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation has announced. The EEDC is the jobs-creation arm of the Edinburg City Council. The unemployment rate is a key indicator of the strength of the local economy. Only McAllen had a better performance among the Valley’s major economies, coming in with a 5.0 percent unemployment rate for January 2015, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. Edinburg’s latest monthly showing also remained within striking distance of the Texas statewide average, which was 4.6 percent for January 2015, while better than the U.S. unemployment rate of 5.7 percent for the same month, the TWC reported. According to the Texas Workforce Commission, the four-county Valley’s other major communities shared in Edinburg and McAllen’s good news, continuing to boast unemployment rates in the single-digits, in the following order: Harlingen (6.3 percent); Mission (6.3 percent); Weslaco (7.2 percent); Pharr (7.5 percent); and Brownsville (7.8 percent). The January 2015 data, released by the Texas Workforce Commission on Friday, March 5, also showed an increase of 636 jobs in Edinburg when comparing the employment figures for January 2015 and January 2014. In January 2015, there were 35,536 persons employed in Edinburg, compared with 34,900 in January 2014. The January 2015 unemployment rate of 5.1 percent for Edinburg is also better than the annual unemployment rate in Edinburg for 2014, which was 5.8 percent, the best 12-month average from January through December in seven years, according to the Texas Workforce Commission.
•••••• (more…)
by Legislative Media | Oct 5, 2009 | Politics
René Gutiérrez, the new superintendent of the Edinburg school district, featured center, back row, on Thursday, September 24, was the keynote speaker before the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee. Gutiérrez, who was selected superintendent by the Edinburg school board in June, addressed current topics being discussed within the school district including, but not limited to, new schools being built. Gutiérrez, a recent immigrant from Mexico and former migrant, attended McAllen schools and graduated from McAllen High School and then attended Texas Southmost College at Brownsville where he received an Associate Degree in Applied Science. He received a Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA) from Pan American at Brownsville; a Master of Education Degree from the University of Texas – Pan American; and a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership. His doctoral dissertation is entitled Factors Contributing to the Academic Achievement of Mexican-Origin Immigrant High School Students. Featured, front row, from left: Robert Peña, Jr., ECISD trustee; María Luisa Guerra, ECISD assistant superintendent for instruction and support services; Elva Jackson Garza, vice-president, Edwards Abstract and Title Company; Carmen González, ECISD trustee; Ciro Treviño, ECISD trustee; Letty González, president, Edinburg Chamber of Commerce; and Cynthia G. Bocanegra, incoming chairwoman, Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. Back row, from left: Johnny Rodríguez, owner, Austin Personnel Services; David Torres, ECISD trustee; Dr. Gutiérrez; Rigoberto Abrego, ECISD assistant superintendent for finance/operations; and Mario Salinas, ECISD assistant superintendent for district administration.
••••••
The McAllen Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to participate in the 26th Annual Heart of the Valley Health Fair, set for Sunday, November 22, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the McAllen Convention Center. Through this yearly event, area residents are educated about the latest treatments, procedures, services and technology available in the Rio Grande Valley. Exhibitors at the health fair will offer free health screenings in cholesterol, diabetes, blood pressure, vision/glaucoma, dental, chiropractic and bone density as well as educational information. More than 6,000 Rio Grande Valley residents and Winter Texans usually participate in the services offered at the health fair. The health fair will also feature a children’s section, which promotes health and wellness in children. Contests will be held with door prizes being awarded to the best coloring contest participant in three different age categories and to the child who makes a Hole-In-One at the Miniature Golf contest. Entertainment will provided for children as well as health and safety education. The health fair is one of the largest health fairs in South Texas, and represents excellent opportunity for the region’s health care providers to promote their business. For complete details about the health fair, sponsorships or for booth reservation information, contact Luis Cantú or Laura Robles at 682-2871. Organizers for the upcoming event are featured, from left, sitting: Lisa Garza; Luis Cantú; Brenda Greagrey; and Lizette Montoya. Standing, from left: Hari Namboodiri; Yvonne Olivarez; Jessica Eckbledt; Brenda Lee; Nancy Alaniz; Laura Galván; and Joel Davila.
••••••
Chris McGill, featured right, who is president of The Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT), and Charley Wilkison, featured left, CLEAT’s public affairs director, on Friday, October 2, presented Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville, with the organization’s Visionary Leader Award for his legislative work on behalf of Texas peace officers. The honor was bestowed during that organization’s convention, held in Laredo. The award was part of a ceremonial bill signing by Gov. Rick Perry of Lucio’s Senate Bill 872, which was approved by lawmakers last spring. SB 872 allows survivor families of law enforcement officers who are killed on duty to remain eligible for health insurance and at affordable rates. Rep. José Menéndez, D-San Antonio, was the House sponsor of that legislation. See story later in this posting.
••••••
Roberto Hugo González, featured left, publisher of Texas Border Business and Mega Metropolis Health & Fitness, and Jonah Golberg, Director of Communications for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers NBA Development League, have signed a co-branding agreement beginning this season. In general, co-branding is defined as when two companies form an alliance to work together, creating marketing synergy. Soon, area sports fans will notice caps, T-shirts and more promoting this co-branding partnership. González and Golberg are inviting the Rio Grande Valley and northern Mexico to attend and witness the Vipers’ first home game on Friday, December 4 at 7:30 p.m. against the Tulsa 66ers at Dodge Arena. “It’s huge to be partners with businesses in the community,” said Golberg. “It helps to show our commitment to the Rio Grande Valley and theirs to having quality, family-affordable fun entertainment in the Valley.” See story later in this posting.
••••••
Houston Mayor Bill White, featured in this campaign portrait, is bringing his campaign for U.S. Senate to Edinburg on Friday, October 9, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Fine Arts Auditorium at the University of Texas-Pan American. The event is free and open to the public. White, a Democrat, is one of a growing number of candidates seeking to replace U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, who is expected to resign her federal post in the coming weeks in order to file for the March 2010 Republican Party primary for governor. Former Texas Comptroller John Sharp, a Democrat, and Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael L. Williams, a Republican, are among the other high-profile candidates also seeking to succeed Hutchison. No date has been set for the election to replace Hutchison if she leaves her Senate seat later this fall, but Hutchison must decide by January 1, 2010 whether she will file for reelection to the U.S. Senate or file for governor.
••••••
South Texas College’s History Department and The University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Mexican American Studies have joined forces to produce a landmark symposium, “The Old Valley/New Valley: Analyzing the Past, Present, and Future of the Lower Rio Grande Valley.” The event brings scholars and experts from across the United States and Mexico to talk about Valley history, economics, culture, education, medicine and more. The symposium kicks off with a reception on the evening of Wednesday, November 4, with full days of panel discussions from Thursday, November 5 through Saturday, November 7. All activities take place at STC’s Pecan Campus Cooper Center, located at 3201 West Pecan Boulevard. in McAllen. Admission to all symposium events is free and open to the public. See story later in this posting.
(more…)
by Legislative Media | Jun 23, 2009 | Politics
Every year, Texas Monthly publishes much-anticipated reviews of some of the state’s best medical, legal, and community leaders, based on a strict and independent research process that identifies Texans who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Dr. Larry Balli, one of the area’s most influential dentists, has long enjoyed a stellar reputation in Edinburg. Late last year, he was bestowed the coveted honor of "Super Dentist" by Texas Monthly, a major statewide magazine with a national following. Now comes news that his professional and civic contributions to the region have earned him praise from Gov. Rick Perry and the Texas Legislature, which have approved a legislative resolution publicly recognizing him for his efforts in the Lone Star State. See lead story later in this posting.
••••••
As the veto period came to a close on Sunday, June 21, Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, featured here during a McAllen Chamber of Commerce legislative update on Wednesday, June 17, announced final approval of 59 measures that he authored or sponsored. Hinojosa’s legislative package includes bills on transportation, natural resources, criminal justice, infrastructure, and health care issues, benefitting South Texas and the entire state. See story later in this posting.
••••••
SOCIALIFE News Magazine, the five-year-old creation of South Texas entrepreneur Pepe Cabeza de Vaca, featured here with Rep. Verónica Gonzáles, D-McAllen, has been honored by the Texas House of Representatives for its vital role of promoting a positive image of the Rio Grande Valley and by helping charitable organizations in the state and nation. The honor, contained in House Resolution 2283 filed by Rep. Verónica Gonzáles, D-McAllen, was unanimously approved by House of Representatives on May 25. See story later in this posting.
••••••
The laboratories at McAllen Heart Hospital and McAllen Medical Center were accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) after site inspections on April 1 and May 1. Both laboratories received complimentary remarks by CAP inspectors on the quality of patient testing, documentation and organization. The laboratories also received exemplary marks on their standard of laboratory practices. Featured here are some of the employees of McAllen Medical Center and McAllen Heart Hospital who are instrumental to the quality of care and services the laboratories provide. From left, first row: Dr. Feliberto Cavazos, pathologist; Sobie Treviño, system assistant director; Grace Garza, system lab director; and Robert Tamez, hospital administrator. Second row, from left: Dr. José Luis Valencia, pathologist; Norma Rodríguez; and Lester Alvarado. Third row, from left: Denisha Niño; Aida Galván; Diana Villarreal; Janice Milford; and Jennifer Ríos. Four row, from left: Elisa Díaz; Mylene Trasmonte; Becky Flores; and Sylvia Aguinaga. Fifth row, from left: Virgil Zuñiga; Robert Hockaday; Alejo Romero; Andy Romero; and Aydee García. See story later in this posting.
••••••
Hundreds of future South Texas College graduates, such as these featuring during this spring’s commencement exercise, will benefit from a major grant, to be dispersed over the next three years, for expanded development education programs. On Monday, June 22, STC leaders announced that the college has been named as one of 15 national recipients – and only four in Texas – of a new grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and MDC, Inc. Together the groups are giving $16.5 million to community colleges across the nation, $743,000 of which will come directly to South Texas College. “At STC we are so happy to receive the funds because it will help us institute a change to the respective course contents in our developmental programs to create learning connections for students among the three developmental education disciplines through contextualization of the curriculum,” said Dr. Ali Esmaeili, dean of developmental studies for STC. “We plan to implement a robust case management student support framework to ensure a consistent and reliable contact experience for all of our developmental students.” See story later in this posting.
•••••
(more…)
