Official podcast for the Rio Grande Guardian, the first online newspaper to launch on the South Texas border, starting out in July, 2005. The Rio Grande Guardian has an excellent reputation for accurate and thorough news reporting, with a specialty for border business, legislative, political, healthcare, environment, and education issues.
…
continue reading
1
Stanton: US can grow its trade with Mexico exponentially
4:25
4:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
4:25
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton of Phoenix, Arizona, says this is an incredibly important moment in U.S.-Mexico relations. And the reason it is important is the nearshoring phenomenon. Stanton, was a panelist at the Mexico Institute’s 10th Annual Building a Competitive U.S.-Mexico Border Conference, held recently in Washington, D.C. The p…
…
continue reading
1
Cuellar: Line up all the trucks that pass through Laredo each year and they would go round the world 3.4 times
6:04
6:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:04
WASHINGTON, Texas - U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar says that if all the trucks that cross the border each year at the Laredo port of entry were lined up they would go around the world 3.4 times. Cuellar, who hails from Laredo, Texas, was a panelist at the Mexico Institute’s 10th Annual Building a Competitive U.S.-Mexico Border Conference, held recently in…
…
continue reading
1
Correa: US attitude to Mexico. Mexico attitude to US. That is the elephant in the room.
7:41
7:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:41
WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Rep. Lou Correa of California says the elephant in the room that no one talks about is the United States’ attitude towards Mexico and Mexico’s attitude to the U.S. Correa was a panelist at the Mexico Institute’s 10th Annual Building a Competitive U.S.-Mexico Border Conference, held recently in Washington, D.C. The panel was ti…
…
continue reading
1
Everything Garry Mauro said at a Celebration of Life event for Tejano Democrats leader Juan Maldonado
6:52
6:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:52
When I ran the Bob Krueger campaign, I was his campaign manager, San Juan had just elected a majority of city councilmen who were Hispanic. Because, let's face it, the white Anglo political establishment was running everything down here. And when Bob Krueger put his campaign together, he put Juan front and center. And when they wanted to have a cam…
…
continue reading
1
Everything Harlingen EDC's Orlando Campos said to investors from India
19:16
19:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:16
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Orlando Campos, executive director of Harlingen Economic Development Corporation, made a pitch to potential investors from India. Campos made his pitch at an event hosted by the Council for South Texas Economic Progress that was held at the Port of Brownsville. Here is an audio recording of Campos’ remarks. To read the new stor…
…
continue reading
1
Everything Jason Wolfe of NovaLink said to investors from India
16:24
16:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:24
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Jason Wolfe, president and CEO of NovaLink, recently made a sales pitch to potential economic development investors from India. He made his remarks at the Port of Brownsville at an event hosted by the Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP). Also making a pitch to the potential investors were Brownsville Navigation D…
…
continue reading
1
Everything CODEM's René Xavier González said to investors from India
19:26
19:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:26
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Businessman René Xavier González recently gave a presentation on the work of CODEM to investors from India. CODEM is a privately run economic development corporation based in Matamoros. Gonzalez’s company, SIDEE Construction is a member of the group. González made his remarks at the Port of Brownsville at an event hosted by the…
…
continue reading
1
Fallek: Why I support the new RioPlex marketing initiative
5:10
5:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
5:10
MCALLEN, Texas - McAllen businessman Michael Fallek says he fully supports the new RioPlex marketing initiative started by the Prosperity Task Force’s CEO Group. Fallek was attended a recent meeting at the McAllen Country Club where the name RioPlex was adopted. The Rioplex region encompasses the Rio Grande Valley and Northern Tamaulipas. Here is a…
…
continue reading
1
Gonzalez: Why I support the new RioPlex marketing initiative
6:19
6:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:19
MCALLEN, Texas - Adam Gonzalez, CEO of COSTEP, says he fully supports the new RioPlex marketing initiative started by the Prosperity Task Force’s CEO Group. COSTEP stands for the Council for South Texas Economic Progress. Gonzalez was attended a recent meeting at the McAllen Country Club where the name RioPlex was adopted. The Rioplex region encomp…
…
continue reading
1
An interview with Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp on the day he announces his retirement
17:36
17:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:36
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - On the day he announced his retirement as chancellor of Texas A&M University - effective a year from now - John Sharp was happy to recall his love for South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley. In an audio interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Sharp recalled that back when he was running for office and he was in a bad mood, his s…
…
continue reading
1
Everything McAllen EDC's Ralph Garcia said to investors from India
16:51
16:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:51
MCALLEN, Texas - Various economic development organizations from across the Rio Grande Valley recently made a pitch to three investors from India. McAllen Economic Development Corporation had an advantage: it could point to a successful collaboration with an Indian firm. McAllen EDC Vice President Ralph Garcia told the story of how Zoho, a billion-…
…
continue reading
1
Everything Weslaco EDC's Steve Valdez said to investors from India
17:35
17:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:35
WESLACO, Texas - The Council for South Texas Economic Progress is working on an agreement with Startup Runway, a Frisco-based company that brings manufacturing and tech companies across from India. COSTEP CEO Adam Gonzalez said his organization will make sure any potential companies are well-vetted. Then, he or his colleague Rick Carrera, the group…
…
continue reading
1
The case against LNG export terminals at the Port of Brownsville
26:29
26:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:29
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The Rio Grande Guardian has posted a number of stories featuring support for liquefied natural gas export terminals at the Port of Brownsville. Here are the links to a couple of stories featuring such support for the Texas LNG project: https://riograndeguardian.com/serna-projected-revenues-from-texas-lng-to-cameron-county-over-…
…
continue reading
1
Business Joaquin Spamer, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, make case for Rioplex
32:53
32:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:53
MCALLEN, Texas - The CEO Group, which comprises business leaders, entrepreneurs and bankers from across the Rio Grande Valley and North Tamaulipas, has confirmed its brand name for the region - Rioplex. The announcement was made at a meeting at McAllen Country Club on Wednesday, June 19, with white T-shirts bearing the brand being distributed to ev…
…
continue reading
1
Everything said at the ribbon-cutting for CBP's secondary inspection station as Las Americas Roma
36:10
36:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:10
ROMA, TEXAS - Adam Gonzalez, CEO of the COSTEP, the Rio Grande Valley’s regional economic development organization, has praised everyone involved in developing Las Americas Roma Logistics and Industrial Park. Gonzalez attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a secondary Customs and Border Protection inspection station at the new park on June 18. Gonz…
…
continue reading
1
Everything NextDecade's David Keane said about his company's Brownsville LNG project at public hearing
9:42
9:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:42
Judge Treviño, commissioners, thank you very much for allowing me the time to be here this morning. I know I don't have very much time so I'm going to jump right into this. The first thing that I wanted to start off with was safety. Safety is our number one concern with regards to community, with regards to our employees, and with regards to the en…
…
continue reading
1
Everything Cameron County Deputy Administrator Dan Serna said about NextDecade at public hearing
7:05
7:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:05
Just to refresh everybody's memory. Rio Grande LNG leased a 984-acre site from the Port of Brownsville. The project will consist of five LNG trains. The estimated investment on the project is $18 billion with $12 billion of that being for phase one alone, with trains one to three. At the peak there will be over 5,000 construction jobs or five to se…
…
continue reading
1
Everything Edinburg EDC's Carlos Garza said to investors from India
10:10
10:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:10
EDINBURG, Texas - Growth, growth, and more growth. That was the message Carlos Garza, project manager for Edinburg Economic Development Organization, made a pitch to investors from India. The event was hosted by the Council for South Texas Economic Progress and was held at the Casa De Palmas in McAllen. “One of the things that we boast here is that…
…
continue reading
1
Everything Mission EDC's Belén Guerrero said to investors from India
13:44
13:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:44
MCALLEN, Texas - Belén Guerrero, Mission Economic Development Corporation’s chief operating officer, recently spoke to investors that are keen to bring manufacturing and high-tech companies from India to the Rio Grande Valley. The event was hosted by the Council for South Texas Economic Progress and was held at the Casa De Palmas in McAllen. Guerre…
…
continue reading
1
Volunteers pick up tons of trash on beach and at Port Mansfield Cut
1:42
1:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:42
PORT MANSFIELD, Texas - Several tons of trash was collected during the annual Port Mansfield Cut & Beach Cleanup. Hundreds of volunteers participated in the event Miller and Kathie Bassler began organizing 15 years ago with the idea of keeping the area clean of debris and trash from across the harbor all the way to the cut. Dozens of boats owned by…
…
continue reading
1
Everything Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda said in her 2024 State of the City address
58:48
58:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:48
HARLINGEN, Texas - While there were a few surprising omissions in her 2024 State of the City Address, Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda did cover a lot of ground in her one-hour presentation. Sepulveda did not mention the work of the Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce, Texas State Technical College, the Port of Harlingen, and Los Indios International…
…
continue reading
1
Harlingen Mayor explains why South Texas Coalition of Mayors is important
5:41
5:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
5:41
HARLINGEN, Texas - Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda says the South Texas border region does not get fair news coverage at the national level. Too many of the stories are negatively slanted, she says, which is why the South Texas Coalition of Mayors is so important. Ron Whitlock Reports interviewed Sepulveda on a range of subjects just before she wen…
…
continue reading
1
South Texas College's Carlos Margo gives overview of apprenticeship programs
41:11
41:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:11
MCALLEN, Texas - South Texas Manufacturers Association members heard about apprenticeship programs at their most recent monthly meeting, held at the Doubletree Suites by Hilton in McAllen. The presentation was made by Dr. Carlos Margo, associate dean in the Office of Industry Training & Economic Development at South Texas College. Margo gave an ove…
…
continue reading
1
The Future of Banking: A panel discussion at the 2024 MxLAN International Economic Summit.
59:01
59:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:01
MCALLEN, Texas - Adrian Villarreal, president and CEO of IBC Bank-McAllen, says the North American Free Trade Agreement - now known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement - has transformed Deep South Texas. Villarreal spoke about his bank’s heavy involvement in NAFTA and USMCA while participating in a bankers panel at the City of McAllen’s re…
…
continue reading
1
Everything Texas A&M's Manny Vela said at IWS3
12:18
12:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:18
PHARR, Texas - Manny Vela, vice president and chief operating officer for Texas A&M McAllen, said the excitement in the room during a panel discussion about higher education at the recent IWS3 was palpable. Vela was joined on stage by South Texas College President Ricardo Solis and UT-Rio Grande Valley Associate Vice President for Workforce and Eco…
…
continue reading
1
Everything UTRGV economist Maroula Khraiche said at IWS3
10:30
10:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:30
PHARR, Texas - Maroula Khraiche, an assistant economics professor at UT-Rio Grande Valley, spoke about a range of economic topics at the recent IWS3. She concluded her remarks by saying, “the conclusion is the next five years are likely to be experiencing less globalization and more protectionism, which can damper competition.” Before that Khraiche…
…
continue reading
1
Famed RGV children's advocate Luisa Saenz praises the collaboration of Valley View ISD and UT-San Antonio
7:22
7:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:22
HIDALGO, Texas - The first cohort of students have graduated from Valley View High School with a high school diploma and a minor in Spanish from UT-San Antonio. Valley View, one of the smallest school districts in Hidalgo County, used to have a similar tie-up with UT-Pan American and then UT-Rio Grande Valley. But these days, the emphasis on helpin…
…
continue reading
1
Everything STC President Ricardo Solis said at IWS3
21:04
21:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:04
PHARR, Texas - South Texas College President Ricardo Solis says his college would be in a much stronger position to help the Rio Grande Valley grow if it was also operating in Cameron County. Currently, STC is limited by statute to Hidalgo and Starr counties. But maybe one day that might change, Solis said. “South Texas College by the way, we are j…
…
continue reading
1
McAllen EDC President Keith Patridge praises UTRGV marketing students
3:48
3:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
3:48
EDINBURG, Texas - A collaboration between McAllen Economic Development Corporation and a team of four marketing students from UT-Rio Grande Valley is already paying dividends. The Xolat marketing agency - comprising Karla Medrano, Susana Ibarra, Melanie Garza, and Regina Cerna-Matamoros - was formed within the Robert C. Vackar College of Business &…
…
continue reading
1
Commentary from RGV StartUp Week's 'Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders' panel
5:02
5:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
5:02
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The City of Harlingen and Harlingen Economic Development Corporation are working hard to make sure access to capital is not a barrier for budding entrepreneurs in the city. This was the message Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda gave when she appeared as a panelist at RGV StartUp Week. The weeklong event, held at the eBridge Cente…
…
continue reading
1
Everything Brownsville Mayor John Cowen said in his 2024 State of the City Address
1:04:48
1:04:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:48
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, Jr., won many plaudits for his first ever State of the City Address. “Epic is an understatement when your mayor, John Cowen, rocks the 2024 State of the City,” said Brownsville City Manager Helen Ramirez. The event was held at Texas Southmost College’s Performing Arts Center. TSC had never staged s…
…
continue reading
1
An interview with Weslaco EDC's Steve Valdez at a site selectors meeting in Pharr
3:27
3:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
3:27
PHARR, Texas - Steve Valdez, executive director of Weslaco Economic Development Corporation, gave a presentation recently to visiting national site selectors. The site selectors were brought to the Rio Grande Valley by the Council for South Texas Economic Progress and Pharr Economic Development Corporation. Valdez met up with the selectors at a bre…
…
continue reading
1
Everything COSTEP's Rick Carrera told visiting site selectors
19:37
19:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:37
PHARR, Texas - Rick Carrera, economic development director for the Council for South Texas Economic Progress, recently gave an in-depth presentation about the Rio South Texas region to four national site selectors. The event, held at the Forum by Regency in Pharr, was co-hosted by COSTEP and Pharr Economic Development Corporation. In his remarks, C…
…
continue reading
1
Panel discussion: Shaping the Future. Financial Services and Nearshoring Insights
37:39
37:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:39
DALLAS, Texas - Senior executives from two border-based banks were on a panel that discussed nearshoring. Michael Scaief, chairman of the board and CEO of Texas Regional Bank, and Gerald ‘Gerry’ Schwebel, executive vice president of IBC Bank, spoke at the Texas-Mexico Business Forum in Dallas. The moderator was Fernando Sepúlveda, founder and CEO o…
…
continue reading
1
McAllen EDC Vice President Ralph Garcia makes his pitch to visiting site selectors
17:54
17:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:54
MCALLEN, Texas - Ralph Garcia, vice president of international business recruitment for McAllen Economic Development Corporation, has spoken about new industrial space being created on the north side of his city. “As we continue to grow as a community, one of the challenges that we have on the south side, being close to the border, is availability …
…
continue reading
1
Everything Marv Esterly said at the groundbreaking ceremony for VIA's new air traffic control tower
7:27
7:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:27
It is with great pride and excitement that I stand before you today for this historic groundbreaking ceremony for the new air traffic control tower here at Valley International Airport. This project marks a significant milestone in our continuous efforts to enhance and expand our facilities to better serve the citizens of the Rio Grande Valley. Ove…
…
continue reading
1
Everything GBIC CEO Bret Gardella said at Brownsville Chamber's municipal development district event
10:39
10:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:39
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - Bret Gardella, executive director and CEO of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, was in the audience for a presentation about the possible creation of a Greater Brownsville Municipal Development District. The presentation was made by Brownsville City Attorney Guillermo (Will) Treviño at a breakfast event hosted by t…
…
continue reading
1
Treviño: Brownsville will eventually annex SpaceX’s Boca Chica facility
14:42
14:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:42
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - Brownsville City Attorney Guillermo (Will) Treviño says he believes SpaceX’s rocket launching facility at Boca Chica will one day be annexed by Brownsville. Treviño made his prediction at a breakfast event hosted by Brownsville Chamber of Commerce. The event was held to discuss the two propositions Brownsville residents are cur…
…
continue reading
1
Numerous Mexican dignitaries send messages of goodwill to RGC Mayor Joel Villarreal
8:42
8:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:42
RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas - It is not often a mayor in Texas runs a video during his or her state of the city address that includes messages from eight dignitaries from Mexico. Sometimes a mayor from the border region will have a video message from one or two of his counterparts in Mexico. But rarely eight. But that is what Rio Grande City Mayor Joel …
…
continue reading
1
Why UTRGV's senior vice president for research met with the South Texas Alliance of Cities
7:17
7:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:17
Dr. Can (John) Saygin says when he gets together with UT-Rio Grande Valley President Guy Bailey, the discussions are often about ways the university can create visible societal impact. Dr. Saygin is senior vice president for research and dean of the graduate college at UTRGV. “So, any any topic I bring up with him, we always get to the point and sa…
…
continue reading
1
Everything BND Chairman Esteban Guerra said at recent advanced training center ribbon-cutting ceremony
3:07
3:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
3:07
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The Port of Brownsville has secured more than $1.1 million in funding from the federal government for its Port of Brownsville Vessel Suitability Analysis and Feasibility project. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen, announced the award as part of $15,622,100 in Community Project Funding for the 34th Congressional District o…
…
continue reading
1
Saygin discusses the work of the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium
4:11
4:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
4:11
EDINBURG, Texas - Dr. Can (John) Saygin, senior vice president for research and dean of the graduate college at UT-Rio Grande Valley, is going to be involved in the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium (TSIC). TSIC was formed recently by Gov. Greg Abbott and it follows the signing into law of House 5174, otherwise known as the Texas CHIPS Act.…
…
continue reading
1
Everything IBWC Commissioner Giner said about the new water treaty minute in Mercedes
36:35
36:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:35
MERCEDES, Texas - The United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) Lower Rio Grande Citizens Forum board hosted an in-person and virtual public meeting on April 2, 2024. At the event, held in Mercedes, Texas, the head of the US section of IBWC, Maria-Elena Giner gave a detailed update on the State Department’s e…
…
continue reading
1
Discussion held on how to counter the 'border is dangerous' narrative
3:50
3:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
3:50
EDINBURG, Texas - A discussion was held recently on what can be done to fight back against the narrative that the border region is dangerous. The discussion took place on a zoom hosted by Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez and the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force. Former Texas Secretary of State Rolando Pablos was invited to talk about the wor…
…
continue reading
1
Everything Gov. Abbott said at Texas A&M/Port of Brownsville ribbon-cutting ceremony
13:24
13:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:24
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Texas A&M University’s South Texas Workforce Development Project at the Port of Brownsville will “train Texans to lead the workforce of tomorrow.” This is the view of Gov. Greg Abbott, who spoke at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the $30 million advanced manufacturing training center project. Organized by the Texas A&M Engineerin…
…
continue reading
1
Olivarez discusses minimum housing standards in unincorporated areas at AltaCair event
7:32
7:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:32
MCALLEN, Texas - Public health official Eduardo 'Eddie' Olivarez says the biggest impediment to a healthy population in Hidalgo County is substandard housing in unincorporated areas. Hidalgo County's chief administrative officer for health and human services made an impassioned plea for tougher minimum housing standards at a recent AltaCair Foundat…
…
continue reading
1
Everything Regent Hernandez said at a Governor’s Small Business Summit in Weslaco
22:34
22:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:34
WESLACO, Texas - Robots were on the mind of businessman Mike Hernandez last week. The Texas A&M University System regent had two public speaking roles and on both occasions he mentioned robotics. One of his speeches was given at the Port of Brownsville. Hernandez was on the bill when Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp announced pl…
…
continue reading
1
Everything Regent Hernandez said at Texas A&M's Port of Brownsville event
4:55
4:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
4:55
WESLACO, Texas - Robots were on the mind of businessman Mike Hernandez last week. The Texas A&M University System regent had two public speaking roles and on both occasions he mentioned robotics. One of his speeches was given at the Port of Brownsville. Hernandez was on the bill when Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp announced pl…
…
continue reading
1
Saygin: Department of Education grant serves as catalyst for UTRGV's 'Target Carnegie R1' plan
8:16
8:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:16
EDINBURG, Texas - Dr. Can Saygin says a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to UT-Rio Grande Valley is a significant step towards moving the university to Carnegie R1 status. Saygin is a senior vice president for research and dean of the graduate college at UTRGV. R1 signifies that a university has “Very High Research Activity.” …
…
continue reading
1
Everything COSTEP's Gonzalez said on Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force's recent zoom call
8:13
8:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:13
EDINBURG, Texas - Recently, Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force invited Rolando Pablos, former leader of Borderplex Alliance, to participate in a zoom conversation about regional collaboration. Borderplex links the cities of El Paso, Texas, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, and Las Cruces, New Mexico and brings in hundreds of millions of dollars of invest…
…
continue reading