Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo North Station arrested a gang member with an extensive criminal history. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo North Station arrested a gang member with an extensive criminal history.
On April 19, Border Patrol agents while working their assigned duties at the I-35 checkpoint apprehended one subject determined to be in the country illegally. The subject, a 26-year-old Mexican national, Heriberto Bustos-Bautista, was identified as a member of the Latin Kings gang.
Bustos-Bautista had previously been convicted of aggravated battery and use of a deadly weapon and served 8 years in prison, he has also been previously deported.
Bustos-Bautista will be held pending processing for felony Re-Entry.
Room for More announced the opening of Phase 3, which adds 46,236 gross square feet to the facility, including 251 new storage units and 18 additional office spaces. Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
Laredo, Texas – Room for More announced the opening of Phase 3, which adds 46,236 gross square feet to the facility, including 251 new storage units and 18 additional office spaces. This expansion meets the growing demand for storage and office space in the area.
“We are excited to open the newest addition of Phase 3 to the Laredo community. We have had a lot of interest in the additional units we will be offering,” said Luis Garcia, General Manager for Room for More. “The mini office suites are ideal for small businesses or startup companies, and the new storage units will provide additional space for our customers’ belongings.”
Courtesy Image
The mini office suites are similar to the existing units on Shiloh and are 360-720 square feet in size. They are situated facing Loop 20 with excellent visibility, making them perfect for small businesses looking for an alternative to larger brick-and-mortar spaces.
Room for More is conveniently located on the corner of Shiloh and Kirby Drive, just five minutes north of Texas A&M International University. The facility offers a wide selection of storage units at competitive prices, including standard and climate-controlled units that are easily accessible.
For more information on office space and storage rooms, please contact our friendly staff at 956-718-3134 or email info@RFMstorage.com.
Room for More plans to announce the grand opening ceremony for Phase 3 soon.
About Room for More
Room for More is owned and managed by Killam Companies of Laredo, TX. Room for More offers a wide selection of storage units and mini office suites at competitive prices. Our units are easily accessible on the ground floor, with standard and climate-controlled units also available. For additional information, visit www.rfmstorage.com
The Harlingen Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) has partnered with PeopleFund to launch a revolving loan fund that will provide $2 million in loan capital for eligible small businesses located within the Harlingen city limits. Image Courtesy of Harlingen EDC
Texas Border Business
HARLINGEN, Texas – The Harlingen Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) has partnered with PeopleFund to launch a revolving loan fund that will provide $2 million in loan capital for eligible small businesses located within the Harlingen city limits.
As part of the program, the HEDC will grant $500,000 to PeopleFund. PeopleFund will match that amount with $1.5 million, bringing the total amount of capital in the revolving loan to $2 million.
“This is a great opportunity, and we are honored to partner with PeopleFund,” HEDC Board President, Eric Ziehe, said.
“Small business owners can use these funds to expand their business, create more jobs if needed, and create a positive economic impact in our community.”
PeopleFund is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that creates economic opportunities for underserved communities by providing capital, resources, and tools necessary to build and grow a successful business. PeopleFund will originate and service the loans to eligible Harlingen small businesses.
“PeopleFund is excited about creating this revolving loan fund with HEDC. Harlingen’s location and diverse economy have a strategic importance.” Said Gustavo Lasala, CEO of PeopleFund.
“By helping small businesses in the area with affordable capital and free business coaching this fund will support the growth of a healthy vibrant economy that will benefit both Texas and the country.”
All applications will be submitted and reviewed by PeopleFund, which has locations throughout the state, including in the Rio Grande Valley. Local loan officers will be available to guide loan applicants and recipients through the process.
“Loan recipients can use these funds to grow their business and create jobs,” said Beverly Loftus, HEDC Interim CEO.
“As the loans are deployed, we expect to see approximately 150 jobs retained/created over the course of 5 years. Investing in a revolving loan fund has the greatest impact in the long term because as loans are repaid, the capital would be re-deployed in the area.”
The revolving loan fund program will begin on April 1, 2023, and end on March 31, 2028. PeopleFund will continue to revolve and originate the loans and provide free technical assistance to eligible loan recipients beyond the end date.
Eligibility for the program includes the following:
Businesses with an existing loan with PeopleFund and an established physical address in the City of Harlingen
Businesses that do not have a loan with PeopleFund but have an established physical address in the City of Harlingen.
At least 60% of the loan proceeds shall be allocated to minority-owned businesses and at least 60% to low and moderate-income business owners.
PeopleFund loan interest rates typically range from 7% to 15% with 60 months average term. The maximum loan amount disbursed under this fund will be $350,000. At least 25% of the fund will be allocated to $50,000 and under loans.
“Small businesses draw people from all over to Harlingen; these small businesses are the foundation of communities,” Mayor Norma Sepulveda said. “We want to support their growth, which will, in turn, produce economic opportunities for our community.
The National Federation of the Blind of Texas, an affiliate of the transformative membership organization of blind Americans, is pleased to welcome the annual National Federation of the Blind National Convention. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
Houston, Texas – The National Federation of the Blind of Texas, an affiliate of the transformative membership organization of blind Americans, is pleased to welcome the annual National Federation of the Blind National Convention. The event will take place July 1-6, 2023. This convention will be the largest gathering of blind people anywhere in the world this year.
Norma Crosby, President of the National Federation of the Blind of Texas and treasurer of the national organization, expressed her excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome the blind of the nation to Houston for what promises to be the best convention ever. This event will highlight one of the most dynamic cities in the country as well as the unique character and culture of the Lone Star State. More importantly, it will provide an opportunity for thousands of blind individuals, as well as our families, friends, and allies, to come together. We promise an unforgettable experience that will inspire and empower blind people of all ages to live the lives they want.”
The convention will feature a variety of activities including a career fair; a Braille book fair and other activities for blind children and youth; exhibits featuring new technology and services to enhance the lives of blind people; the presentation of scholarships and other awards; updates on the advocacy efforts and programs of the National Federation of the Blind; and much more. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and network with other blind individuals, as well as learn about the latest advances in technology, education, training, employment, and policies affecting the blind and low-vision community.
The Hilton Americas-Houston will serve as the headquarters hotel for the convention. The hotel is located in the heart of downtown Houston and is easily accessible by public transportation, allowing local residents and media to come and experience the convention while providing all attendees access to Houston’s vibrant business district.
For more information about the 2023 National Federation of the Blind convention, including online registration and hotel reservations, please visit www.nfb.org/convention.
Members of the media wishing to attend all or part of the convention are asked to complete the media credential application.
About the National Federation of the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), headquartered in Baltimore, defends the rights of blind people of all ages and provides information and support to families with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more. Founded in 1940, the NFB is the transformative membership and advocacy organization of blind Americans with affiliates, chapters, and divisions in the fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. We believe in the hopes and dreams of blind people and work together to transform them into reality. Learn more about our many programs and initiatives at nfb.org.
The Texas Regulatory Consistency Act would ensure small business owners are better suited to comply with laws regulating their business by following one set of rules statewide. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Following the passage of the Texas Regulatory Consistency Act (HB 2127 / SB 814), introduced by Rep. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) and Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Flower Mound), local job creators are applauding the House for standing up for small businesses and urging the Senate to support the bill. The Texas Regulatory Consistency Act would ensure small business owners are better suited to comply with laws regulating their business by following one set of rules statewide.
After the House’s vote, NFIB State Director Annie Spilman said:
NFIB State Director Annie Spilman Image Source: LinkedIn
“Our small businesses’ entrepreneurial spirit and resiliency has provided good-paying jobs for Texas families and hardworking men and women across our state. But the current patchwork of regulations threatens to undermine our economic might. Mandates – no matter how well intended – make it harder to do business in our state. The Texas Regulatory Consistency Act maintains local officials’ authority to address their constituents’ concerns while providing greater regulatory certainty for small business owners. Our job creators are grateful to Chairman Burrows and Senator Creighton for their efforts on this legislation. A recession on the horizon and inflation’s pressure on prices have made this bill all the more important, which is why we’re asking lawmakers to send it to Governor Abbott’s desk for signature as quickly as possible.”
Background:
The Texas Regulatory Consistency Act would give local job creators one set of rules to follow statewide while ensuring cities and counties retain their authority to address local concerns. NFIB and local job creators testified before both the House and Senate in support of the bill, with one NFIB member saying: “We need the protection of the state, when it comes to cities telling us how to run our businesses.”
Ron Nirenberg. San Antonio Mayor. Photo by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
Texas Border Business
It is rare that a mayor north of the Rio Grande officially visits the Valley. This past month, we had a visit from San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. He came to meet with the mayors of the cities of the Rio Grande Valley.
The following mayors attended the meeting that took place in a restaurant in Weslaco Texas: Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza; McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos; Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda; Mission Mayor Norie Garza, and Brownsville Mayor Trey Mendez.
The visit was to form an alliance to have a better representation of South Texas in the state and the nation. According to what was discussed, there will be more meetings, the next one to solidify the alliance. More in this issue.
On another topic, Texas Border Business brings this story to everyone’s attention, it’s about elder abuse. Elder abuse is prevalent here and everywhere, and sometimes results in gruesome deaths for the elderly. This time we talk about the book, which is already on sale, titled Robert’s Story: A Texas Cowboy’s Troubled Life and Horrifying Death.
Robert East, a cowboy belonging to Texas cowboy royalty, lived the last years of his life under brutal abuse from unscrupulous and greedy people, who stripped him of millions of dollars and his precious ranch, the San Antonio Viejo Cattle Ranch.
The book was written by Stephen G. Michaud an internationally recognized author, writer, and editor. More inside this issue and don’t forget to buy the book it is on sale on Amazon.
Congratulations! – Governor Greg Abbott appointed Alejandro “Alex” G. Meade, III and Steven D. Alvis to the Texas Transportation Commission. The Commission governs the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and is responsible for policymaking regarding the state’s highway system, developing a statewide transportation plan, assisting the development of public transportation, and adopting rules for TxDOT’s operation.
More news – Small business owners applaud the Senate’s passage of (SB 5) which would provide meaningful tax relief for local job creators. Introduced by Senator Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound), SB 5 increases the inventory tax exemption and offers a credit toward the franchise tax.
Angela Burton, district director for the SBA’s Lower Rio Grande Valley District, announced the 2023 District Small Business Week awardees for five small business categories.
Congratulations to Arely Lugo, Beautiful Beginnings Child Care Learning Center, LLC as the Lower Rio Grande Valley District’s Small Business Person of the Year.”
The SBA Small Business Person of the Year award – part of National Small Business Week April 30-May 6, 2023 – recognizes small business owners who demonstrate staying power and substantiated history as an established business with at least three years of business operation. More inside.
State news – “Texas leads the nation once again, creating more jobs last year than any other state and growing faster than the nation as a whole,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “I am proud that more Texans are working than ever before, and I thank Texas employers for their ongoing investments in the best workforce in America. Texas offers unmatched economic opportunities for hardworking Texans across this great state, but we cannot be complacent as we build the Texas of tomorrow. In this legislative session, we will continue expanding opportunity by cutting property taxes and investing in workforce development, infrastructure upgrades, and strategic economic development tools to ensure Texas remains the best state to live, work, build a business, and raise a family.”
Steve had a distinguished career spanning endowed positions at three major universities, designation as the State Demographer, and a stint as Director of the US Census Bureau. Image Source: United States Census Bureau, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Texas Border Business
Dr. M. Ray Perryman President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group
Dr. Steve Murdock, our foremost Texas demographer and my dear friend, recently passed away. Steve had a distinguished career spanning endowed positions at three major universities, designation as the State Demographer, and a stint as Director of the US Census Bureau. More important, however, he was the clarion voice proclaiming a reality that we all needed to hear.
Over 40+ years, Steve and I undoubtedly shared hundreds of platforms and hearing rooms and many more hours of lively conversation about my native and his adopted state. We often collaborated on projects. He had a wonderful wit that was about as dry as his subject matter. Whenever I was asked to assemble a group to explore the future of Texas, he was my first call — and he invariably said “Yes!” I tried to reciprocate. Our research approaches were vastly different, but we were bound by an unwavering belief that the results we generate are neither liberal nor conservative — Republican nor Democratic. They are simply the unbiased product of careful analysis.
One of our more humorous interactions occurred as he was being named the first “State Demographer” by the legislature. I always testified supporting his requests for additional funding, but, in this instance, he asked that I prepare a brief analysis showing the value of his efforts. For decades afterwards, I called it “The Economic Impact of Steve Murdock” study. That apparently annoyed him greatly (which, after all, was the point), but I think (hope) that he secretly enjoyed it. In fact, it made its way into some of his infamously dense slide presentations.
As noted, demography is not the most scintillating of sciences. Essentially, it is the study of how many of us are born, how many die, and where we live in between. What Steve found in his tedious efforts was, however, a gripping tale of obstacles and opportunity. Texas remains in the midst of massive changes in the sheer size of its population, with seismic shifts occurring in age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and urban/suburban concentration. These movements have profound policy implications for public and higher education, workforce preparedness, healthcare access and affordability, infrastructure, water resources, rural viability, metropolitan area livability, and myriad other issues.
Through prolific writing and speaking, Steve kept these facts ever before us, reminding us that the stakes were immeasurably high. It is no exaggeration that the demographic patterns which he painstakingly chronicled simultaneously represent the greatest potential asset and the most formidable challenge facing Texas.
Steve Murdock meticulously documented the half of the equation that we don’t control. Our future prosperity — indeed, our future sustainability — depends on our response. The messenger will be sorely missed, but the message will endure and must be heeded! Stay safe!
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Dr. M. Ray Perryman is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group (www.perrymangroup.com), which has served the needs of over 3,000 clients over the past four decades.
Border Patrol agents at Laredo Sector dismantle a stash house in Laredo, Texas. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – Border Patrol agents at Laredo Sector dismantle a stash house in Laredo, Texas.
On April 17, Border Patrol agents working alongside Webb County Constables from Precinct 2 arrived at an apartment in south Laredo suspected of harboring undocumented non-citizens. After they entered the apartment, agents discovered a total of 16 people who were determined to be illegally present in the United States.
All 16 subjects were taken into Border Patrol custody. After record checks were conducted on the individuals, it was revealed they were in the country illegally from Mexico and Guatemala. All subjects were processed accordingly.
The use of xylazine, a potent animal tranquilizer, has been increasingly reported in combination with fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid responsible for an alarming number of overdose deaths in recent years. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
Rio Grande Valley, TX – The use of xylazine, a potent animal tranquilizer, has been increasingly reported in combination with fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid responsible for an alarming number of overdose deaths in recent years. According to experts, the presence of xylazine in street drugs makes them even more dangerous and unpredictable, as it can cause serious health complications and increase the risk of overdose. The DEA Laboratory System is reporting that in 2022 approximately 23% of fentanyl powder and 7% of fentanyl pills seized by the DEA contained xylazine. The Texas Department of State Health Services further explains products may go by the street names “tranq”, “tranq dope”, “sleep-cut”, “Philly dope” and “zombie drug,” but often users do not know xylazine has been added.
One of the major concerns associated with xylazine is that it is not an opioid, meaning traditional opioid reversal tools such as naloxone (Narcan®) will not work to reverse an overdose. As a result, individuals who use drugs laced with xylazine may be at a higher risk of suffering severe health consequences or even death. However, health professionals still recommend administration of naloxone in cases of suspected overdose as xylazine presence becomes more widespread.
“Xylazine is a potent and dangerous drug that can cause respiratory depression, seizures, and other adverse effects that cannot be reversed with naloxone,” warns Janese Mason, a substance use treatment counselor at Behavioral Health Solutions. “It’s imperative we educate clients and the community on the dangers of xylazine and to seek professional help if struggling with substance use or addiction.”
Moreover, because xylazine is typically used as a veterinary tranquilizer and not intended for human use, there is a high risk of impurities and contaminants in street drugs containing this substance. This can make it even more challenging for medical professionals to diagnose and treat individuals who have been exposed to xylazine, further increasing the risk of harm.
Given the dangers associated with xylazine, it is crucial for individuals who use drugs to be aware of the potential risks and seek help if they experience any concerning symptoms. It is also essential for public health officials to raise awareness about the dangers of xylazine and work to prevent its spread in the community.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urges health care professionals caring for patients with OUD to monitor patients for withdrawal symptoms not managed by traditional OUD treatments, as this may indicate xylazine withdrawal. Professionals and patients can report adverse events resulting from possible xylazine exposure to their local health department, poison center, and FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program. Complete and submit MedWatch reports online at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
There is help available. Start your treatment or recovery journey today. Call or email Cynthia Barbosa at (956) 787-7111, ext. 221 or cbarbosa@bhsst.org. For more information on programs and services offered by Behavioral Health Solutions, please visit our website at www.bhsst.org. You can also join our efforts through our social media at facebook.com/bhsofsouthtexas, twitter.com/bhsst, or instagram.com/bhs_st.
Today’s practical tip can help improve your business with little, or no, investment. If you are already successful, chances are high you are already doing a Daily To Do List. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
By
Dr. Gilberto de los Santos, Professor Emeritus
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS RIO GRANDE VALLEY
Today’s practical tip can help improve your business with little, or no, investment. If you are already successful, chances are high you are already doing a Daily To Do List. Even if you are already using a Daily To Do List, you probably could improve by using these suggestions.
Charles Schwab, Chairman of highly successful Bethlehem Steel was frustrated and stressed out because he was working long hours and still was falling behind in his work. He complained to his Consultant, Ivy Lee asking Mr. Lee for his advice. Mr. Lee gave Mr. Schwab a simple plan that would greatly improve Mr. Schwab’s productivity and the productivity of every executive in Mr. Schwab’s employ. Mr. Schwab liked the plan, and asked Mr. Lee to send him an invoice for his work. Mr. Lee replied that he would not send him a bill but would accept whatever payment Mr. Schwab would send him as compensation. Several weeks later Mr. Lee received a check for $25,000. (This was in the early 19th Century, how much do you think the $25,000 would be worth in today’s dollars?)
The plan Mr. Lee recommended was for Mr. Schwab to write a To Do List every day, and for Mr. Schwab to teach his staff members to also do so. Here are the basic steps to write a To Do List.
Either first thing in the morning, or the night before, make a list of the most important things you need to accomplish during the day. These are your highest priorities.
During the day, cross out, or put a check mark when you accomplish each priority.
It is okay to change priorities during the day, if necessary.
At the end of the day, do an assessment of how well you did this day, knowing that you wanted to accomplish all of them.
The priorities that were not accomplished, should be priorities for the following day, if they are still applicable.
Writing a To Do List provides physical, emotional, and psychological rewards and punishments —both can be beneficial. If you accomplish all, or most, priorities of the day, you are going to feel good. If you did not accomplish, enough of your priorities you will not feel good, and you will want to review the day’s activities to determine what went wrong. You will probably want to correct whatever went wrong—if it is within your power to do so. In the long-run you will be more focused on accomplishing your priorities on a timely basis.
Because you shall be evaluating your performance daily, you will have an opportunity to continuously improve your performance. You might even have fun by making the To Do List a game for self, continuous improvement.
I have been using a To Do List for over 40 years, and it has been a valuable tool in improving my productivity—with minimum stress. The To Do List helps me to do the important priorities on a timely basis, thus avoiding procrastination and focusing on important matters. It has helped me meet deadlines ahead of time—and most importantly it has helped me be in control of my time by not allowing distractions to deviate me from my agenda.
I believe you shall increase the success of your business by using a To Do List—and do not be surprised if your wife is ahead of you already writing a To Do List when she goes shopping for groceries—it’s that simple.
