The SBA’s Lower Rio Grande Valley District honored the 2020 District Small Business Week awardees for six small business categories. The virtual ceremony is part of National Small Business Week going on now through Sept. 24. Michelle and Danny Quiroz of Reserva Coffee Roasters were named the district’s Small Business Persons of the Year. Both previously had successful careers working for large companies. However, Michelle’s passion for coffee drove their hand-crafted coffee business to a new level. Within three years, their commitment to quality and vision grew their business from then one employee to now 10. “We are honored to be recognized among millions of small businesses throughout the country,” Michelle Quiroz said. “We hope to set a strong example in the power of a dream and the impact small businesses have in elevating their communities.” The Quirozes are LiftFund clients since 2017. Their award nomination comes from LiftFund Business Development Officer…

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  The City of McAllen and Commissioner Veronica Vela-Whitacre are looking for residents who haven’t responded to the 2020 Census! Get a free chicken plate and school supplies for responding! Saturday, September 19 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Palmer Pavilion 301 E. Jackson, McAllen Be Counted and let your voice be heard!

Social media has become the platform for bullies. I know there was great hope that social media would bring people together, and there would be greater understanding and dialogue. Unfortunately, what I have seen is greater silos and more vitriol responses to people and opinions. Social media has become the platform for bullies, and it is having an impact on our society. So, what are the key characteristics of a bully? How do you know if you are dealing with a bully? There are seven signs of bullying. Here is my list: Bullies are egomaniacs. They want to be the center of attention. They have an unquenchable desire to appear superior to everyone else. They put people down and demean and belittle people. The bully wants it to be all about himself/herself.  Bullies want weak people around them. The bully does not want to be challenged. The bully wants weak…

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Students have an opportunity to receive a scholarship for their efforts to increase local participation in the 2020 Census! The RGV needs your help to get more classroom technology, healthcare, after-school programs, and food & nutrition programs. For more information, visit www.rgvcensuscholarship.org or contact Sarah Hammond at 956-862-9628.

Today, 120 high school seniors will receive their IB pin, emblematic of completing the two-year IB diploma programme.  This will be a drive-through event.  Students and their families will be in their vehicles, and they will drive from the east side parking lot to the semicircle area between the Convention Center entrance on the south side and the reflecting pool. –       Each senior and their family will line up in their vehicle in the Convention Center east side parking lot (1 car per senior/family) –       Senior vehicles will drive through the Convention Center traffic circle and stop at the photographer station in front of the main entrance (see map, click here) –       Only the IB Lamar Academy senior will be allowed outside of their vehicle to pick up a small gift and take a photo with a photographer. –       Social distancing guidelines will be in place! The staff will be wearing masks. Students may choose whether or not to…

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The U.S. Census Bureau, in coordination with federal, state, and local health officials, will begin to drop off 2020 Census questionnaire packets at the front doors of households in the four counties of the Rio Grande Valley beginning Tuesday, May 26, 2020. This is done in areas where the majority of households do not receive mail at their physical address. The Census Bureau began hand-delivering census materials on March 15 but suspended all fieldwork for this operation on March 18 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Temporary field staff has been trained to observe all social distancing protocols and will wear official government-provided personal protective equipment for their safety and the safety of the public. This operation is contactless and follows the most current federal health and safety guidelines. The health and safety of Census Bureau staff and the public is always a top priority. The Census Bureau will deliver 2020 Census…

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Hospitals currently seeking plasma donations from recovered COVID-19 individuals to potentially help critically ill patients McAllen, TX, May 14, 2020 – Rio Grande Regional Hospital is participating in a national study to determine if plasma from convalescent, or recovered, COVID-19 patients may benefit individuals currently hospitalized with severe or life-threatening cases of the virus. As part of the effort, hospitals are seeking eligible volunteers to donate plasma to help current patients in need. “Rio Grande Regional Hospital is excited to take part in such an important and revolutionizing study.  I would like to ask the community to help spread awareness about plasma donation for patients facing COVID-19 not only in McAllen or South Texas but also around the world,” said Cris Rivera, Chief Executive Officer at Rio Grande Regional Hospital. To date, there is no proven therapy for individuals who are diagnosed with COVID-19, but there is a long history…

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