TAB's Glenn Hamer discusses Texas Leads Trade

Rio Grande Guardian's Podcast

#Business #News #Government #Mario Muñoz #Rio Grande Guardians #Rio Grande Valley #RGV

18:09

HR is no longer just about managing people—it’s about shaping the future of work. Jens Baier, BCG’s HR transformation expert, discusses how AI and shifting employee expectations are forcing companies to rethink talent strategies. From re-recruiting to upskilling employees, HR must adapt to a rapidly changing landscape. Learn More: Jens Baier: https://on.bcg.com/41ca7Gv BCG on People Strategy: https://on.bcg.com/3QtAjro Decoding Global Talent: https://on.bcg.com/4gUC4IT…

acum un an 15:24

MP3•Pagina episodului

The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service broke the story through an exclusive telephone interview with TAB President Glenn Hamer.

“We’re trading more than ever with Mexico and Canada. The Texas economy is at the strongest point it has ever been and is gaining strength is that we’re far and away the country’s top export leader,” Hamer said.

Hamer pointed out that with over $800 billion in annual trade, the Texas-Mexico border is a lifeline of the Texas economy. As discussions around USMCA heat up, Hamer said TAB will bring together business leaders, policymakers, and trade experts to protect and expand North American commerce.

Hamer provided the Guardian with some of the latest key trade statistics:

Texas exports totaled over $444.6 billion in 2023, accounting for nearly 22% of all U.S. exports.
In 2021, exports from Texas and American owned companies supported an estimated 1 million jobs.
In 2023, Texas trade totaled $272 billion with Mexico and $71 billion with Canada, our top two trading partners.
The Texas-Mexico border is the busiest trade gateway in North America, handling 68% of all trade between the United States and Mexico. This critical corridor facilitates $24 million in trade every hour.
Texas ports of entry facilitated nearly $799 billion of US trade with Mexico in 2023.

Here is an audio recording of the Guardian’s interview with Hamer.

Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.

1019 episoade

TAB's Glenn Hamer discusses Texas Leads Trade

Rio Grande Guardian's Podcast

published acum un an

Distribuie

MP3•Pagina episodului

The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service broke the story through an exclusive telephone interview with TAB President Glenn Hamer.

Hamer provided the Guardian with some of the latest key trade statistics:

Texas exports totaled over $444.6 billion in 2023, accounting for nearly 22% of all U.S. exports.
In 2021, exports from Texas and American owned companies supported an estimated 1 million jobs.
In 2023, Texas trade totaled $272 billion with Mexico and $71 billion with Canada, our top two trading partners.
The Texas-Mexico border is the busiest trade gateway in North America, handling 68% of all trade between the United States and Mexico. This critical corridor facilitates $24 million in trade every hour.
Texas ports of entry facilitated nearly $799 billion of US trade with Mexico in 2023.

Here is an audio recording of the Guardian’s interview with Hamer.

Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.

1019 episoade

#Business #News #Government #Mario Muñoz #Rio Grande Guardians #Rio Grande Valley #RGV

Усі епізоди

Rio Grande Guardian's Podcast

1
TIPA President Dante Galeazzi speaks at RGV Legislative Tour event 9:04

acum 13 zile9:04

9:04

MISSION, Texas - Many of the state lawmakers that participate in next week’s Texas Water Day at the Capitol will likely know about the dire water crisis facing the Rio Grande Valley. Certainly those that traveled the region as part of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership’s recent 2025 RGV Legislative Tour will be aware. That is because they heard twice from Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association. He spoke once during a panel discussion that focused on water availability challenges. That was held at the Center for Education & Economic Development in Mission. He also gave a speech at the Wonderful Citrus warehouse, also in Mission. At both events Galeazzi was blunt. The Valley has a “water crisis” on its hands, he said. “We've got a series of challenges that are driving the water situation here in South Texas,” Galeazzi said. Of our two international reservoirs, Falcon Dam is at 14% capacity. It’s never been that low. And Amistad Dam is at 26%.” Galeazzi pointed out that only 58 percent of the water in those dams can be used in the Valley. “Ninety percent of our fresh water here in the Valley comes from the river,” Galeazzi said, And Mexico owes more than a million acre feet (of water) under an international treaty.” Galeazzi continued: “Talking about all of the inflows, every bit of water that's supposed to be coming to the Rio Grande Valley, or into the Rio Grande River, is down over the last 30 years. It's trending 30% down and more. So we have a dire situation.” Galeazzi said more than 50% of the 1.3 million citizens that live in the Valley reside in unincorporated towns. As a result, he said, they depend on water districts to get their water. “The water districts don't have water. Those guys aren't going to be able to turn on water and get it out of the faucets.” Although the 1944 U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty is a federal issue, there are things the State of Texas can do to help the Valley, Galeazzi said. “We're here at a very difficult time. I don’t want to understate it. It is doom and gloom time,” Galeazzi said. “We are in a position where we have got to figure something out and the time to act is now. We can't postpone things until the next session. We can't kick this ball down the road.” Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story. Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.…

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1
Businessman Alonzo Cantu addresses the RGV Broadband Coalition 2:53

acum 14 zile2:53

2:53

WESLACO, Texas - Famed businessman Alonzo Cantu has thrown his support behind the work of the Rio Grande Valley Broadband Coalition. The RGVBC unveiled its RGV Broadband and Digital Opportunity Plan at the offices of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council. The coalition noted that the Valley still lacks reliable internet access, holding the region back in a world that increasingly depends on digital tools. The coalition says its plan is a “bold initiative to ensure every home, business, and community anchor institution in the region has access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet.” Cantu, president and CEO of Cantu Construction and Development, had a front row seat for the coalition’s presentation. He was seated next to Sergio Contreras, CEO of Atlas, Hall & Rodriguez, LLP., Both Cantu and Contreras are members of the Texas Broadband Development Office’s Board of Advisors. To advance digital development in the region, the RGV Broadband and Digital Opportunity Plan focuses on: Expanding broadband infrastructure to connect unserved and underserved communities Increasing digital skills training to help residents navigate online education, work, and services Preparing a local workforce for in-demand, high-wage technology jobs Enhancing tele-health access to improve healthcare outcomes and lower costs Supporting small businesses in adopting digital tools to grow, compete, and better serve their customers Jordana Barton-Garcia, director of the RGV Broadband Coalition, said the plan has been developed through a multi-sector partnership of local governments, internet providers, schools, healthcare institutions, small businesses, and nonprofits. She said the plan addresses long-standing connectivity gaps that have limited education, jobs, healthcare access, and economic growth across the region. “Broadband is the foundation for opportunity in today’s economy,” Barton-Garcia said. “This plan represents a turning point, ensuring that all residents — no matter who they are or where in the Rio Grande Valley they live — can access the connectivity they need to thrive.” At the conclusion of the, Barton-Garcia thanked all the stakeholders that had come together to agree on a plan of action. She said the coalition is already working to implement some of the plan’s activities and is actively seeking partners and funding opportunities to put the full plan into action and accelerate digital opportunity efforts. It was at this point that Cantu asked if he could speak. Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian's website to read the full story. Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.…

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McAllen mayor discusses trade, international bridges 5:47

acum 24 zile5:47

5:47

MCALLEN, Texas - During his 2025 State of the City Address, McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos said he is often asked why he spends so much time in Mexico. “Simple,” Villalobos said, answering the question. “Mexico believes in McAllen. Mexico embraces McAllen. Mexico invests in McAllen. Quiero que sepan mis amigos Mexicanos. Que McAllen entra alla a Mexico. And we depend on each other for trade and commerce, and tourism. And many times, we are just family. A todos mis amigos Mexicanos. To all my Mexican friends, please stand and be recognized.” In his remarks, Villalobos spoke about the networking opportunities presented at McAllen’s annual MxLAN Summit. He said the 2024 event welcomed over 40 businesses and 90 participants from Mexican states such as Aguascalientes, Chihuahua, Durango, Jalisco, Tamaulipas and more. “The summit helped build more than 37 emerging business partnerships and new opportunities for McAllen,” he said. Villalobos also pointed to McAllen’s decision to set up a Department of International Relations. “It has had an immediate impact,” the mayor said, running through some of the cities and countries that have sent representatives to McAllen thanks to the outreach of the new department. He said diplomats from Ireland and France have visited the city, along with the governor of San Luis Potosí, and sister city delegations from Apodaca, Puerto Vallarta, Reynosa and Monterey. He said they also welcomed delegations from the departments of state in Aguascalientes, Chihuahua, Durango, Oaxaca, Puebla, Quintana Rio, Tabasco, Veracruz, and Zacatecas. “In Mexico City we hosted McAllen Day, and in Monterrey we secured agreements with World Trade Center Monterrey, with the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo León, and with COMCE Noreste, the Mexican council for foreign aid,” Villalobos said. “And we just signed a trade agreement with a state of San Luis Potosi and a reaffirmation of sister city agreements with San Luis capital. And McAllen’s first friendship partnership agreement with Tampico. “McAllen’s agreements will push economic growth, help develop new businesses, build cultural connections, and bring our nation and people closer.” Editor's Note: The attached audio also includes Mayor Villalobos' remarks on the Anzalduas International Bridge. For the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News website. Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.…

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Brian Godinez previews Building the Valley - Uniting for RGV Regional Growth event 5:34

acum 28 zile5:34

5:34

MCALLEN, TEXAS - The Institute for Leadership in Capital Projects (I-LinCP) is partnering with the Rio Grande Valley Partnership to present its inaugural program in the Rio Grande Valley. Building the Valley - Uniting for RGV Regional Growth will highlight the significant of organizations like the RGV Partnership and UT-Rio Grande Valley in shaping the region’s future. The program will also explore the opportunities in the region for AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) and allied professionals. The event takes place Thursday, Feb. 13, between 11:00 and 2:30 p.m. at the Embassy Suites by Hilton McAllen Convention Center. The target audience is AEC and allied professionals, public sector leaders, developers, financiers, and investors, community leaders and stakeholders. One of the speakers at the event will be I-LinCP founder Carol Warkoczewski The mission statement of I-LinCP is to “evolve the capital projects industry though sharing of knowledge for optimized leadership, delivery and performance.” Warkoczewski believes attendees will gain insights into upcoming projects, selection processes, and project delivery methods, as well as foster partnerships that drive RGV engagement and economic growth. A past president for I-LinCP is Shea Johnson, senior vice president for development at South Texas Facility Partnership. STFP is title sponsor of the event. Johnson’s colleague at STFP, Brian Godinez, gave the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service a preview of what to expect at Building the Valley - Uniting for RGV Regional Growth. “Strong partnerships lead to lasting growth. Join I-LinCP, the RGV Partnership, UTRGV, and other industry leaders as we explore the critical role of partnerships and best practices in driving success in the Rio Grande Valley,” Godinez said. “Discover the opportunities, challenges, and impactful initiatives shaping the future of the RGV.” Here is an audio recording of an interview the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service secured with Godinez about the event: Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.…

Rio Grande Guardian's Podcast

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Hinojosa thanks Sharp for his initiatives for South Texas 4:40

acum 4 weeks4:40

4:40

AUSTIN, Texas - State Sen. Juan Hinojosa has given a shoutout to retiring Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp for his critically-acclaimed Bordering the Future report. Sharp published “Bordering the Future: Challenge and Opportunity in the Texas Border Region” in 1998 whilst he was Texas State Comptroller. The report gave an in-depth assessment of the economic, political, and social condition of the Texas border counties. The report showed that if the 43-county region stretching from El Paso to Brownsville were a state unto itself, it would rank first in the nation in poverty, first in unemployment, and first in the percentage of residents without a high school diploma. “One of the biggest impacts you had, besides statewide and all the different programs pushing A&M to a much higher level, was in the Rio Grande Valley,” Hinojosa told Sharp. “You will recall, in 1999 you released a report about the challenges and opportunities that the border area offered to the state. And from that report you suggested and recommended certain initiatives. And we implemented those initiatives. They have made such a difference in taking the Valley out of poverty, making it into an economic success.” Hinojosa made his comments during a Senate Committee on Finance hearing at the state Capitol. Sharp was there to testify on Texas A&M’s funding requests for the next biennium. “People don't realize the impact that Chancellor Sharp has had throughout our state and the nation, and for that, we are very grateful and thankful for what he did,” Hinojosa said. Sharp penned a guest column about Bordering the Future for Texas Monthly in September 1999, after he had left the Comptroller’s Office. He said: “As a son of South Texas—I was born and raised in Victoria—I confess to a certain bias. I think the challenges of the border region demand our attention now, not later. I think the future of our state, even those areas that are far removed from the international boundary itself, will increasingly be subject to the ups and downs of the border. “The Texas workforce of the future will be drawn largely from this region, where a huge and growing population of young people gives us a comparative advantage envied by other states. If we continue to shirk our responsibility to provide them with the best possible education, those young people will be a liability large enough to drag down the rest of us. But if we offer them the educational and training opportunities they deserve, they will drive a future prosperity so strong that it will make the books of the past look like a barn dance.” Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read the full story. Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.…

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1
Gonzalez: Trump backed off tariffs because stock markets were rattled 4:23

acum 5 weeks4:23

4:23

WESLACO, Texas - President Trump said he would pause his planned 25 percent tariff duty on imported goods from Mexico due a “very friendly” telephone conversation with his Mexican counterpart, Claudia Sheinbuam. Trump said the tariffs would be put on hold for month while further discussions with the Mexican president take place. Trump’s tariffs were scheduled to take effect Tuesday, with a 25 percent duty on all imports from Mexico and most from Canada. Energy products from Canada would have had a ten percent tariff imposed. He also plans a ten percent tariff on Chinese goods. Trump explained his decision to hold off on tariffs for Mexican imports on his social media platform, Truth Social. He wrote: “I just spoke with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico. It was a very friendly conversation wherein she agreed to immediately supply 10,000 Mexican soldiers on the border separating Mexico and the United States, These soldiers will be specifically designated to stop the flow of fentanyl, and illegal migrants into our country. “We further agreed to immediately pause the anticipated tariffs for a one month period during which we will have negotiations headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent, and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and high-level representatives of Mexico. I look forward to participating in those negotiations, with President Sheinbaum, as we attempt to achieve a “deal” between our two countries.” Sheinbaum for her part said Trump has agreed to a long-standing request from Mexico to get serious about stopping illegal weapons going south into Mexico. According to the Mexican government, more than 90 percent of guns seized in Mexico come from the United States. U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez has another theory as to why Trump halted the implementation of the tariffs - stock markets around the world were tanking at the thought of trade wars between the United States and its top three trading partners - Mexico, China, and Canada. Asked to respond to reports that Trump had paused the imposition of tariffs due to a telephone conversation with Sheinbaum, Gonzalez said: “Well, I don't know what how productive a short phone call might have been, but I do think that the dropping of futures yesterday, the dropping of the stock market today, just on speculation of tariffs, had a very deep impact on the administration and what was coming. I think that woke up the president and probably the administration and economic advisers to not go through with the tariffs.” Gonzalez said the imposition of tariffs would have been “devastating” for the country. “It would have been devastating for the state of Texas more than any other state in the country, because Texas is the most reliant on trade with Mexico, and obviously in South Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley, it would have been devastating. It would have had a direct impact on our small businesses and our local economy,” Gonzalez said. Gonzalez made his comments in an exclusive interview with Ron Whitlock of Ron Whitlock Reports. Here is an audio recording of the interview: Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.…

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1
TAB's Glenn Hamer discusses Texas Leads Trade 15:24

acum 5 weeks15:24

15:24

AUSTIN, Texas - The Texas Association of Business is launching a new coalition, Texas Leads Trade, to ensure Texas businesses have a strong voice in the upcoming US-Mexico-Canada Agreement renegotiations. The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service broke the story through an exclusive telephone interview with TAB President Glenn Hamer. “We’re trading more than ever with Mexico and Canada. The Texas economy is at the strongest point it has ever been and is gaining strength is that we’re far and away the country’s top export leader,” Hamer said. Hamer pointed out that with over $800 billion in annual trade, the Texas-Mexico border is a lifeline of the Texas economy. As discussions around USMCA heat up, Hamer said TAB will bring together business leaders, policymakers, and trade experts to protect and expand North American commerce. Hamer provided the Guardian with some of the latest key trade statistics: Texas exports totaled over $444.6 billion in 2023, accounting for nearly 22% of all U.S. exports. In 2021, exports from Texas and American owned companies supported an estimated 1 million jobs. In 2023, Texas trade totaled $272 billion with Mexico and $71 billion with Canada, our top two trading partners. The Texas-Mexico border is the busiest trade gateway in North America, handling 68% of all trade between the United States and Mexico. This critical corridor facilitates $24 million in trade every hour. Texas ports of entry facilitated nearly $799 billion of US trade with Mexico in 2023. Here is an audio recording of the Guardian’s interview with Hamer. Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.…

Rio Grande Guardian's Podcast

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Everything said at Futuro RGV's "RGV Water Solutions Forum" 1:29:30

acum 6 weeks1:29:30

1:29:30

MCALLEN, Texas - Futuro RGV, a citizenry group dedicated to improving quality of life in the Rio Grande Valley, recently held an in-depth discussion of the region’s water crisis. The RGV Water Solutions Forum was held at Rio Bank’s corporate headquarters in McAllen. The panel discussing the water crisis consisted of former McAllen Mayor Jim Darling, former Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 2 Manager Sonny Hinojosa, and Mark Vega, general manager of McAllen Public Utility. Both Darling and Hinojosa are members of Region M Planning Group. Region M works with state agencies and local stakeholders to develop and update a Regional Water Plan, which guides the development and stewardship of the region’s water resources. The moderator of the discussion was Futuro RGV’s incoming President Mark R. Murray. Nedra Kinerk, the founder of Futuro RGV, said the forum “brought together community leaders, experts, and passionate advocates to address critical water challenges facing the Rio Grande Valley.” Here is an audio recording of the forum: Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.…

Rio Grande Guardian's Podcast

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An interview with Dante Galeazzi of Texas International Produce Association 5:15

acum 8 weeks5:15

5:15

EDINBURG, Texas - The agricultural industry of the Rio Grande Valley has great supporters in Congress but needs more help at the state level. This is the view of Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association. In an exclusive interview with Ron Whitlock Reports, Galeazzi said state leaders could help by providing half the money needed to line the Valley’s irrigation canals. “We mean we have fantastic federal support,” Galeazzi said, referencing the work of U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, along with U.S. Reps. Monica de la Cruz, Henry Cuellar, Vicente Gonzalez, and Tony Gonzales. “All six of them have been advocates, champions for us for the last 18 months. They have been wherever we need them. But what we need is the state. We need the state to step up and put skin in the game.” Galeazzi said the state of Texas should match the federal government’s investment. “We need the state to match what the federal government can do. Because it's a huge price tag just to line the 3,500 miles of canals that are responsible for moving 85 percent of the water in the Rio Grande Valley,” Galeazzi said. “It is going to cost $5 billion. That’s a huge price tag for anybody. But if we can get the state to take half and the federal government to take the other half out of the Infrastructure Bill, those monies… now you're talking about a very different figure. Now you're talking about something that can have an impact.’ Galeazzi continued: “If we were to line all those canals, that could give us anywhere between 300,000 to 900,000 acre feet of water saved every single year. That is a huge savings.” Galeazzi pointed out that the Valley’s canal system was largely developed in the 1940s. “It has largely not been updated. You've had a few pockets where you've had some improvements, but a vast majority of that 3,500 miles are still earthen canals. With this money, we can create immediate savings, and in the next two to four years, we could see a significant impact to the Valley, enough so that I believe it would get us to a point where we would we would have some savings that would allow us the time we need for big projects like salt water desalination, larger brackish water treatment, reverse osmosis.” Galeazzi added: “This has to be a multi -pronged approach, but most importantly, it has to start today. The longer we delay, the worse this issue gets, and more importantly, the more expensive correcting this issue becomes.” Here is an audio recording of the interview Dante Galeazzi gave Ron Whitlock Reports: Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.…

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Javier Guerra's introductory remarks at LRGVDC's first ever State of the COG event 4:43

acum 9 weeks4:43

4:43

WESLACO, Texas - Javier Guerra, Channel 5 News morning co-anchor, gave the introductory remarks at the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council’s first ever State of the COG. COG stands for Council of Government. LRGVDC represents Hidalgo, Cameron and Willacy counties. Guerra pointed out that the gathering represents an evolution of the LRGVDC’s annual report, a meeting traditionally held during the second week of January. “Historically, the LRGVDC would convene its board members in this very room to review the outcomes of the current year and outline performance goals for the year ahead,” Guerra said. He said it would also present the group’s fiscal budget as a testament to the sound stewardship of the finance department. “This new format elevates that tradition, fostering greater transparency and offering a platform to showcase how the LRGVDC continues to thrive, innovate and serve the Rio Grande Valley through its various programs and collaborative efforts,” Guerra said. “The LRGVDC remains steadfast in its mission to act as a conduit - a conduit between our communities and the state and federal agencies working within our region.” Guerra added: “Today marks a significant step in the strengthening of our commitment to improving the lives of Valley residents and regional development as well. This event is the first of its kind, and it serves as a springboard for the broader community engagement, not only with municipalities, but also directly with the residents of the Rio Grande Valley.” Editor’s Note: Here is an audio recording of Guerra’s introductory remarks: Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.…

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An interview with Megan Rodriguez of Prairie View A&M Extension 3:50

acum 9 weeks3:50

3:50

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Area residents Daniel Garcia and Joel Tijerina have been thinking about doing business with the state government for some time. In particular, they would to sell their services and/or products to one of the Lone Star State’s biggest buyers of goods and services but don’t know how to go about. But this week, the two are among a group of 20 people attending a Business in Development Academy hosted by the Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Extension Service, held at the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization in downtown Brownsville. The academy is an eight-day course to prepare the participants to be certified in what is known as Historically Underutilized Businesses to do contracts with the government. A HUB applies to person who owns at least 51 percent of a businesses and is economically disadvantaged and/or is a member of minority group, including Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American. Women and service-disabled veterans with a service-related disability of 20 percent also fall in this category. But to do business with the government each and every one of them must be HUB certified. “Anybody with a product or a service to sell to the state qualifies,” Megan Rodriguez, the academy instructor and extension agent for Willacy and Cameron Counties, said. “The State of Texas wants you to be certified by offering this free program.” But in order to that, each participant is required to miss no more than one class and pass a sort of test to graduate. The academy covers an array of topics such as procurement threshold, tips for completing a HUB application, and an applicant requirement and checklist review, among other things. In Texas and for HUB purposes, all the counties are divided into 25 geographical highway districts. This region of South Texas falls in District 21, which includes Brooks, Cameron, Jim Hogg, Kenedy, Starr, Willacy, and Zapata. Rodriguez said no one should include a county outside District 21 if he or she is not ready to take up a bigger responsibility. For Garcia, the academy could provide him a better understanding on how to do business with the state. “I am interested in the starting a drone-type of operation,” he said, “to work in agriculture.” Tijerina, founder of Brown Rock Builders LLC, would like to do likewise. After all, there is a lot of money to be made out there. According to data provided during the academy introductory session held Tuesday, Jan. 7, of the $25 billion the government spent on goods and services in 2024, $2.9 billion was spent with HUBs. Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.…

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Everything Kathryn Lueders said at UTRGV/Dallas Fed's Vistas from Texas seminar 54:22

acum 10 weeks54:22

54:22

MCALLEN, Texas - Kathryn Lueders, general manager of Starbase says the local community means a big deal to SpaceX. Lueders gave the keynote speech at the Vistas from Texas seminar co-hosted by UT-Rio Grande Valley’s Center for Border Economic Studies and the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Her presentation was titled: “SpaceX’s presence and impact on the RGV economy.” The event was held at Rio Bank’s headquarters in McAllen. “We're vested, right? We are here to stay, and we will be looking forward to many, many launches off of Boca Chica and really understanding and being part of this community,” Lueders said. In a power-point presentation, Lueders showed what she said was one of her favorite pictures, taken from the harbor. “If you go to Starbase, none of that hardware happens without the people that are there. When I started a little bit over a year ago, less than 2,000 SpaceXers were there. We're now up to about twenty-five, twenty-six hundred.” Depending on how the company’s construction and maintenance contracts go, another 700 to 800 workers could be added, she said. “You can be a rocket scientist, an engineer from the Rio Grande Valley and stay in the Rio Grande Valley. But this is a community endeavor. We're not doing this without huge investment from the community and creating places where our people want to stay and live and continue to live… this is going to take all of us to really be able to grow this enterprise, to be able to conduct all the missions that we want to do.” Lueders continued: “So community is like a big deal for us. Sometimes you can be so focused on work. But I tell people, wear your SpaceX shirt out in the community. Now, behave yourself when you're wearing your SpaceX shirt out in the community. If you're going to go out to parties, maybe leave your shirt home for that day. But I am proud of the fact of how many people are out there and living in the community, and that we actually do a lot of things to be able to get the community to understand that we do care about the community.” Lueders ran through some of things SpaceX does to integrate its workers in the community. “We have a third Saturday, where employees… there’s a new area where we go. Marisela (Cortez) finds this place, across the whole Valley, spreads it out, because it is important for us to be able to show up and show that we do care and want to help,” Lueders said. Marisela Cortez is external affairs manager at Starbase. She was present for Lueders’ presentation at the Vistas from Texas seminar. “We also do this thing once a month where we invite employees to work with a local restaurant, and we kind of we pick their day off and so that all their revenues on that day off are from SpaceXers. And we kind of then allow the folks to be able to go experience a new restaurant, like in Harlingen or Brownsville,” Lueders said. “Sometimes when we have people from out of state… it's just getting them to that first place and feeling comfortable, and then they can start exploring the community themselves. We specifically do that type of event with our Starbasers at least once a month.” Lueders added: “We also look at, what are the other community and support organizations (we can help)? Obviously, Marisela doesn't have an unlimited budget for support, but she looks around. What are the key things that most impact communities, and how do we make sure that we are showing a presence there? Because obviously, we want people to understand we do feel like part of this community.” Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.…

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Dr. Madhavan A. Pisharodi discusses the coronavirus 22:05

acum 10 weeks22:05

22:05

BROWNSVILLE, Texas - In our latest episode on how to avoid the next coronavirus, through the lens of Dr. Madhavan A. Pisharodi, we discuss bats and rats. Pisharodi is a neurosurgeon who has been practicing in Brownsville, Texas for the last 31 years. Although a medical physician, some people might mistake him for an engineer, given the number of patents he has been issued. Outside of the medical field, he has been issued four patents for solar panels, nine for designing an energy saving and device-protecting battery charger, and two for a sub-mechanical vibration device for pain management. He has several patents pending for renewable energy systems such as wind turbine and hydroelectric projects. Dr. Pisharodi’s current focus is defeating the next coronavirus pandemic. He says this will not be done by sticking to “band aid” solutions such testing, counting, forcing lockdown, social distancing and wearing masks. He has penned a book on the subject, titled “Corona: Be Not Proud.” He has given the Rio Grande Guardian a series of in-depth interview about the book and his four and half years of research. In the latest episode, via an audio podcast, Pisharodi discusses bats and rats. “One of the chapters (in my book) is the revenge of the bats, how we invaded their housing,” Pisharodi said. “Bats and rats together form about 50 percent of the mammalians on this planet, rats and bats. And the rats are more than the bats. “But anyway, bats have the unique quality of being very resistant to the viruses, and 30 percent of their viral load is coronavirus. And so we went and irritated them by doing things, experimenting with them, and they are having a revenge on us now. So that's what one of the chapters is all about.” Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.…

Rio Grande Guardian's Podcast

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Dante Galeazzi's presentation at UTRGV's Vistas from Texas seminar 15:15

acum 10 weeks15:15

15:15

MCALLEN, Texas - Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA), worries that some of the smaller RGV cities will have their water supply rationed just like it was in Monterrey and Reynosa. And it will be for the same reason - because water that should be coming to South Texas and Tamaulipas under a 1944 international water sharing treaty is being held back by the state of Chihuahua. Galeazzi spoke in depth about the Valley’s current water supply crisis when he appeared on panel at UT-Rio Grande Valley’s Vistas from Texas seminar in October. It was held at UTRGV’s corporate headquarters inside the Rio Bank HQ in McAllen. “The water shortage is not only impacting the Rio Grande Valley, but also dramatically impacting our friends in Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon,” Galeazzi. “Look at what happened in Monterrey, Mexico, and Reynosa, Mexico, just these last two summers. They have been on severe water restrictions. It has been so bad that Reynosa this year shut off water to 260 different communities, and they basically put them on water schedules. I think was every third day that you got water, or every second day, something like that.” Galeazzi continued: “And so what was happening was, people had scheduled days they could get water. Both in Monterrey and Reynosa. You had to be ready on time, on your day, with buckets, or both days, to fill your bathtub and fill up enough water for three days for your family. That's what could happen here in the U.S. That's what's going to happen in those little cities if we don't invest in what's happening in water.” Galeazzi said there are a lot of water projects in the works in the Valley but many of them are focused on conservation. “We need to be looking at new water development. This is important. A lot of our smaller communities in our irrigation districts, specifically small towns, etc., are unable to access federal monies for water projects because it requires a 50 percent cost share,” Galeazzi said. “Our communities are not holding on to stockpiles of millions of dollars for projects.” Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website to read the full story. Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.…

Rio Grande Guardian's Podcast

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Port of Harlingen wants to expand its overweight corridor route 10:30

acum 11 weeks10:30