Survey conducted by GoBankingRates.com Once again, McAllen receives another accolade for the benefits it provides its residents; this time, those on a budget. According to the folks at GoBankingRates.com, McAllen ranks number one for anyone planning to retire on Social Security alone.  The financial website conducted the survey and found that half of the list includes cities in Texas, with other cities from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas. “This is such good news for many in our community who are on a fixed government income, including the elderly and others who will rely on Social Security for their retirement,” said McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. “While we hope to elevate the opportunities for our younger generations, with higher-paying jobs and more educational opportunities, having affordable housing and other amenities for those who live on their Social Security check alone is important to us, as well.” McAllen has the lowest average rent — $613…

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The program offers 0% interest loans to growing small businesses and startups The City of McAllen and nonprofit small business lender LiftFund are aiming to help small business owners seeking to grow or begin a new business by offering interest-free funding. The program offers zero percent interest loans to small business owners who do not have access to acquire loans through more traditional sources. Loan amounts will vary based on the size and need of the business and the funds may be used for working capital, payroll, equipment, inventory, and other business-related purposes. “The City of McAllen and LiftFund have a long-standing partnership in support of the small business community,” said Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E., McAllen City Manager. “Our Zero Percent Loan program is a great opportunity to support small businesses with access to funding during these tumultuous times.” The City of McAllen and LiftFund launched the zero percent loan…

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For 26 years, VIDA has helped over 6,000 economically-disadvantaged valley residents achieve a college education and workforce success through long-term career training. In 2021, VIDA assisted 464 participants pursue careers in target demand occupations and prepare them to enter the workforce earning family-sustaining wages. Our persistence rate was 93% and best of all, the average annual salary upon their graduation was $45,614! This is a true representation of human capital investment and aligning workforce skills with local industry demand. Join us on September 29, 2022, for VIDA’s 2nd annual Gala – A Golden Affair at the Doubletree Suites by Hilton in McAllen. Contact Christi Cantu at Ccantu@vidacareers.org.

Cambium Learning® Group, a leading provider of award-winning education technology and services for PreK-12 markets, today announced the winners of its second annual Essential Educators Awards. During ongoing uncertainty caused by the pandemic, the Essential Educator Awards recognize teachers who surpassed expectations in their commitment to helping students and their communities. The award program aligns with Cambium’s purpose of helping all teachers and students feel seen, valued, and supported. The winning teachers were selected based on written nominations from invited school districts and partners across the country. As part of the awards, Cambium is donating $1,000 in each winner’s honor to the Kids In Need Foundation, which empowers under-resourced teachers and students by providing the supplies they need to succeed. An official from Cambium Learning Group will be in McAllen to present Ms. Veronica Balli with an award at 9:45 am on Thursday, April 14 at the Fields Elementary Library located…

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Quinta Mazatlan was honored as the BEST Outdoor Venue, Upper Valley Venue, and Photoshoot Location.  The VALLEY WEDDING PAGES presented the award to Commissioner Pepe Cabeza de Vaca, Commissioner Victor “Seby” Haddad, and Quinta Mazatlan Events Coordinator Victoria Gomez. Follow Quinta Mazatlan on social media and visit the beautiful urban sanctuary for a walk in the woods and/or to book your special event. https://www.instagram.com/quintamazatlan/ https://www.facebook.com/McAllenQuintaMazatlan  

March 22, 2022, | Austin, Texas | Appointment Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Mario Lizcano and reappointed Kim Lemaux to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) for terms set to expire on August 30, 2027. The commission establishes and enforces standards to ensure that the people of Texas are served by highly trained and ethical law enforcement, corrections, and telecommunications personnel.Mario Lizcano of Pharr is an administrator of corporate affairs at DHR Health. He is certified as a volunteer firefighter with the State Firefighters’ & Fire Marshals’ Association and has served as a basic emergency medical technician with the Texas Health and Human Services for a combined 20 years. Additionally, he is Chairman of the board of the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce, Vice Chairman of the Pharr Economic Development Authority, incoming President of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, and Board President of Pharr Housing Authority. Lizcano received a…

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Starting on March 1, Nine Lives Thrift Store will be closed on Monday, and Tuesday through Sunday, it will be open from 11 AM – 7 PM. Visit them at 2901 N 10th St. Suite M, McAllen, or contact them at 956-800-4656.

All Creatures Family Vet Hospital is now hiring very enthusiastic pet lovers that are willing to learn and to have excellent customer care. Experience is not necessary but this could be a plus. We are looking for vet tech assistance and receptionists. Our hours of operation are from Tuesday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturdays from 8:00 am to 12 pm. Salary is based on experience starting at $11.00 an hour. We also, Offer 401K and other benefits. Please send your résumé at: allcreaturesfamilyvet@gmail.com. Attention Dr. Garcia-Camacho

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The state-wide campaign aims to top $5.8 million raised to date for pediatric cancer programs. (Dallas, Texas) September 1, 2021 – Stripes® Stores at 7-Eleven, Inc. kicks off its seventh annual MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital instore fundraising campaign today in locations across Texas. Benefiting The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, the campaign will run in more than 570 stores across Texas and Louisiana from September 1 through September 30 as part of Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. “We’ve dedicated September as Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month in our stores to raise funds for children with cancer in our local communities. Since 2014, we have collaborated with MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital to help make a difference in pediatric cancer patients’ lives through emerging treatments. With the help of our passionate team members and generous customers, we can continue to support pediatric cancer research and fund camps and educational programs in the hospital,” said…

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MCALLEN, Texas – UT-Rio Grande Valley is to purchase 38 acres of land in McAllen in order to double the size of its medical school. The land, part of the 495 Commerce Center development just south of Pecan Boulevard between Jackson and McColl, will be home to UTRGV’s planned McAllen Academic Medical Campus. News of the purchase was announced by Dr. Parwinder Grewal, executive vice president of research, innovation, and new program development at UTRGV, in his monthly report to the McAllen Economic Development Corporation. Interviewed after the meeting, Grewal told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service: “Mainly I wanted to share that UTRGV plans to buy 38 acres of land to double the size of its medical school. That will be in the City of McAllen. That land will be on the south side of Pecan Boulevard, between Jackson and McColl. We will complete the acquisition of that land…

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