Despite facing challenges like inflation, worker shortages, and supply chain disruptions, small business owners feel generally good about the health of their business right now. Image for illustration purposes
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By Lindsay Cates Manager, Communications and Strategy
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Despite facing challenges like inflation, worker shortages, and supply chain disruptions, small business owners feel generally good about the health of their business right now, according to the latest MetLife and U.S. Chamber Small Business Index survey.
A full 89% of small businesses said their business is in average, good, or very good health in Q4 of 2022. Of those, 64% say their business is good or very good.
However, in a stunning example of “second-hand pessimism” despite small business owners reporting their own business as healthy, they are seeing a weak economy.
When asked about their feelings on the overall economy, just 27% of small business owners feel the U.S. economy is in good health. Furthermore, a majority (54%) said the economy is somewhat or very poor.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has described this mismatch of sentiment as “second-hand pessimism:” Individuals and businesses report feeling bad about the economy, but they are still spending and making new investments. There is a divide between how consumers and businesses say they feel about the economy (bad) and how they’re acting (still spending).
Border Patrol agents from the Laredo Sector Marine Unit rescued an individual in the Rio Grande in Laredo, Texas. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – Border Patrol agents from the Laredo Sector Marine Unit rescued an individual in the Rio Grande in Laredo, Texas.
On Feb. 19, while working their assigned duties on the Rio Grande, agents encountered several individuals attempting to cross near the south area of the city. The agents were able to apprehend two individuals on the U.S. side of the riverbanks while three others attempted to swim back to Mexico.
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One of the individuals appeared to be struggling with the current and in danger of being dragged downriver. Laredo Sector Marine Agents quickly responded and were able to rescue the individual. Agents proceeded to place him onto the boat and brought to safety,
The individual did not require further medical assistance.
The individuals were turned over to Border Patrol for processing. Record checks revealed that the subjects were in the country illegally and from Mexico.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol while remaining anonymous by calling 1-800-343-1994.
The Texas Military Department held its annual Legislative Day, Feb. 3, 2023, offering state legislators a firsthand look at the state’s military capabilities. Courtesy Image
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AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Military Department held its annual Legislative Day, Feb. 3, 2023, offering state legislators a firsthand look at the state’s military capabilities.
The day kicked off with an address from Maj. Gen. Win Burkett, commanding general of the 36th Infantry Division, Texas Army National Guard. The guests were allowed to see training simulators and exhibits from the Texas Army National Guard, Texas State Guard, Texas Air National Guard, Counterdrug Task Force, and Special Operations Detachment-Africa, all headquartered in and around Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas.
Johnathan Silva, chief of staff for Representative Richard Hayes was on hand for Legislator Day. “One of the biggest takeaways was how Guardsmen are utilized throughout the state,” Silva said. “They are some of our key personnel for Operation Lone Star and natural disasters.”
The day’s events included briefings on the capabilities of the TMD and gave the legislators and their staff an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the role the TMD plays in keeping Texas safe.
Legislators witnessed an F-16 fighter jet take off and rode in a C-130 transport plane, both flown by Texas Air National Guardsmen. Once aboard the C-130, the congressmen and women could feel the equipment in action.
“The flight was the most memorable part of the day.” said Silva. That’s not something that your average person gets to experience. Whether they are full-time or traditional, 1-weekend-a-month Guardsmen, they are expert trained personnel to fly these aircraft.”
The event aimed to showcase the department’s capabilities and give legislators a better understanding of the work the TMD does for the state of Texas.
The Texas State Guard showcased their search and rescue equipment, highlighting their commitment to providing support during times of need to the state of Texas. The exhibit included a range of equipment, from communication systems to rescue boats and vehicles.
Members of the Texas State Guard were on hand to demonstrate the equipment and share their experiences using it in real-world situations. They emphasized the importance of having the right tools and training to effectively respond to emergencies and provide aid to those in need. The display of their search and rescue equipment showcased the Texas State Guard’s commitment to serving the state and its communities and highlighted the importance of preparedness in times of crisis.
Capt. Keith Weaver, Alpha Company, 5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group was at the event to share the work that the Special Operations Detachment-Africa is doing as part of their duties in theater.
“We’re here to talk about what our elements are doing. We are privileged that we get tasked around the world,” said Weaver. “Our company was in Syria, Iraq, and the Arabian Peninsula last year. Texas is one of a handful of states that has a Special Operations component. We are unique because we could be tasked anywhere around the world.”
The Texas Military Department serves as the state’s military branch, providing support to local communities during times of need, including natural disasters and emergencies. The department is also a crucial component of national security, providing support to military operations both domestically and abroad.
Legislators also learned of one of the lesser publicized entities of the TMD, the Joint Counterdrug Task Force. Task Force officials shared what the JCDTF provides, a professional support to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations in the state of Texas. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kevin Hagar, Drug Demand Reduction Outreach program manager, for Counterdrug was available to speak to elected officials.
“We are fighting fentanyl on two different levels,” Hagar said. “Not only on the supply piece of the problem, but we also provide education for children to reduce drug demand.”
Legislative Day was a testament to the department’s commitment to serving the state of Texas, and to providing its elected officials with a comprehensive understanding of the military’s capabilities and operations.
“As Texans, we are deeply aware of the importance of oil and natural gas in our lives,” said Representative Landgraf. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Todd Staples, President of the Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA) today issued the following statement in support of SB 1017 filed by Senator Brian Birdwell and HB 2374 filed by Representative Brooks Landgraf:
“Oil and natural gas are irreplaceable in making our modern lives not only possible, but undeniably better,” said Staples. “Misguided attempts to ban the use of particular types of engines or even specific fuel sources only serve to disrupt the lives of consumers and business owners who rely on affordable, reliable energy sources. TXOGA thanks Senator Birdwell and Representative Landgraf for filing this important legislation and we look forward to our continued work with the Legislature to protect energy choice.”
This legislation would protect energy choice by preventing political subdivisions from adopting or enforcing ordinances, orders, regulations, or similar measures which would limit access to specific fuel sources or prohibit the sale of engines based on their fuel source.
“Oil and natural gas are an essential part of meeting the energy needs of both our state and nation,” said Senator Birdwell. “California style restrictions on engines or fuel sources that limit consumers and business owners from being able to access the energy sources they need have no place in Texas.”
“As Texans, we are deeply aware of the importance of oil and natural gas in our lives,” said Representative Landgraf. “This legislation will ensure that Texans are free to make their own choices without interference from government, and I am proud to fight to protect energy choice.”
Governor Greg Abbott expanded the state’s disaster declaration to include additional counties impacted by the ice storm that began in January and continued into early February. Image for illustration purposes
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AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott expanded the state’s disaster declaration to include additional counties impacted by the ice storm that began in January and continued into early February. The counties added to the Governor’s disaster declaration are: Anderson, Bastrop, Blanco, Burleson, Burnet, Caldwell, Delta, Falls, Hopkins, Hunt, Kendall, Lamar, Lee, Leon, Red River, Robertson, and Shelby counties.
“As the scope of damages sustained during the recent ice storm becomes clearer, it is important we continue to assist and provide full support to all impacted communities,” said Governor Abbott. “The addition of these counties to our disaster declaration will ensure Texas communities have all resources available to them as they continue to recover from this storm. I thank TDEM and our emergency response partners for working to meet the needs of Texans during this recovery process.”
These counties join Denton, Hays, Henderson, Milam, Smith, Travis, and Williamson counties, which were included in the Governor’s disaster declaration on February 4. Additional counties may be added to the declaration as damage assessments are completed.
Last week, the Governor directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to request the Federal Emergency Management Agency provide personnel to certify reported damages through joint preliminary damage assessments in partnership with local and state officials. Additionally, TDEM has deployed specialized teams throughout Texas’ recovery to work with utility providers and electric cooperatives in affected areas to capture infrastructure damages and identify potential opportunities for disaster assistance.
TSTC Precision Machining Technology student Isaac Lopez uses high-speed steel to cut aluminum on a lathe machine during a recent lab session. (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)
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HARLINGEN, Texas – A technical education, such as Texas State Technical College provides, can give students the skills they need for good-paying jobs — a fact that is highlighted each February during Career and Technical Education (CTE) month.
Seth Fernandez, Mariana Hernandez and Isaac Lopez are students at TSTC’s Harlingen campus. Recently they shared how a technical education is changing their lives.
Fernandez, a Houston native who now lives in Harlingen, is studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Biomedical Equipment Technology.
“When I lived in Houston, I worked as a crew member at a medical equipment company before I moved to Harlingen,” he said. “The tasks I performed in that job motivated me to study the health care field more. My parents suggested TSTC’s Biomedical Equipment Technology program because they are familiar with the college.”
Fernandez said the program has helped his communication skills.
“I’m currently in the third semester, and my communication has improved as I have gained confidence,” he said. “I speak more effectively with people, and (that will) ensure there is consistency when working on medical equipment. This education motivates me to do something positive with my life.”
Hernandez, who is a second-semester student in TSTC’s Building Construction Technology program, said she was introduced to construction by her father.
“(He) owned his own company since I was young,” she said of her dad. “Years later, I had an opportunity to learn building construction through dual enrollment at Harlingen High School. I’ve always wanted to work in building construction. You start with the idea of creating a blueprint and transition in the form of constructing homes.”
The Harlingen resident said she is glad that she chose technical education.
“I have enjoyed what’s involved in the thought process, using mathematics and other items,” she said. “Another aspect has been learning about job opportunities in different categories of construction. I’m happy that I chose TSTC because I’m learning about a field that I love.”
Lopez, of Mission, is working on a certificate of completion in Machining. He developed an understanding of computer numerical control (CNC) machining through his uncle.
“I became intrigued by the process of how he would make parts with aluminum and steel using a CNC machine,” he said.
Lopez’s high school counselor suggested TSTC’s Precision Machining program as an elective class.
“I chose it because I would be able to cut parts with the CNC machines,” Lopez said. “As time passed, an instructor from TSTC visited to recruit students for TSTC’s Precision Machining Technology program. I was impressed by the presentation of (instructor) Isaac (Gonzalez). I knew I wanted to pursue it in college.”
Kadie Svrcek, TSTC’s statewide dual enrollment executive director, said CTE programs provide students with real-world learning experiences to prepare them for jobs in the Texas workforce.
“Students in CTE programs have a higher success rate of completing a high school or postsecondary degree than their non-CTE peers, and they learn valuable skills like problem-solving, time management, and critical-thinking skills,” she said. “Since TSTC’s mission is ‘placing more Texans in high-paying jobs,’ students enjoy the ability to take courses that lead them into a career directly after graduation without incurring higher amounts of debt.”
Career and Technical Education Month is a public awareness campaign hosted by the Association for Career and Technical Education and sponsored by National Association of Home Builders. It celebrates CTE, the accomplishments of CTE programs, and the importance of CTE for all students of all ages. For more information, visit https://www.acteonline.org/.
Student Andrea Rodriguez traveled to the nation’s capitol and was recognized last week by the Congresswoman in Washington, D.C. Ms. De La Cruz read Rodriguez’ essay in Congress. Courtesy Image
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Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz visited McAllen ISD’s Sanchez Elementary (2901 Incarnate Word Ave.) on Friday, Feb. 17 and presented a Challenge Coin to a 3rd grade student who recently won a national essay contest. The visit was from 8-8:30 am. After the presentation, Ms. De La Cruz visited two Dual Language classrooms at the campus.
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Student Andrea Rodriguez traveled to the nation’s capitol and was recognized last week by the Congresswoman in Washington, D.C. Ms. De La Cruz read Rodriguez’ essay in Congress.
Rodriguez took first place in the Elementary School Level for the National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE) 2023 Being Bilingual Essay Competition earlier this school year. She will read her essay in both English and Spanish at the NABE 2023 Awards Luncheon, February 24, in Portland, Oregon.
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Students in a dual language class, learn to read, write and speak in two languages – English and Spanish. In McAllen ISD, students can take dual language at the elementary, middle school and high school level. Fifth graders can even earn high school Spanish credit. One of Sanchez’ teachers, Ms. Michelle Cavazos, won the state Bilingual Education Teacher of the Year award in 2022 (presented by Texas Association for Bilingual Education).
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De La Cruz represents Congressional District 15. Sanchez’ Principal is Ms. Veronica
In a career that includes service as a U.S. Naval Officer, military instructor, and multiple leadership posts in the Texas State Guard, Brig. Gen. Joe Cave of Bastrop now has been named Deputy Commanding General (DCG) of the nation’s premier State Guard force. Photo: Texas Military Department
Texas Border Business
By David Brown, 1st Lt., Texas State Guard
AUSTIN (Camp Mabry), Texas – In a career that includes service as a U.S. Naval Officer, military instructor, and multiple leadership posts in the Texas State Guard, Brig. Gen. Joe Cave of Bastrop now has been named Deputy Commanding General (DCG) of the nation’s premier State Guard force.
After 16 years of service in the U.S. Navy, Cave joined the State Guard in 2007, entering as a Commander in the Texas Maritime Regiment (formerly known as “TMAR”, and recently consolidated into the current brigade command structure). Promoted to Captain in 2011, Rear Admiral in 2018, and Brigadier General in 2019, Cave has distinguished himself as Officer-in-Charge of Operation Border Star/Drawbridge, as commander of Marine Rescue Operations during Hurricane Harvey, and as the leader of the 6th Brigade until his recent promotion to DCG.
“(During Hurricane Harvey,) when the Governor said, ‘put in all ships and get everybody out there’, I mean, we were putting everybody out there,” Cave recalls. “That was our first boat type of rescue, but we had trained for it and our troops were extremely professional. Our folks were working around the clock; we were the only ones operating at night, going out and saving people. We were there to serve, and that was quite evident.”
Not only was the bravery and commitment of Texas State Guard troops on full display during Hurricane Harvey, but Cave’s emphasis on military training and education has returned multiple dividends for the people of the State of Texas served by the Guard.
Cave’s approach is “service members first,” says Brigadier General Roger Sheridan, Commander of the 6th Brigade, Texas State Guard. “He gives you the leeway to explore new ideas and be innovative. He’s not overbearing, not over-commanding, but he provides the direction you need to get where you’re going.”
“(Brig. Gen. Cave) is very direct, he’s assertive, and he leads from the front. But there’s also a quiet gentleness about everything he does,” says Master Sgt. Joy Evans, who currently serves as Cave’s aide-de-camp. “You’re not afraid of saying what you really think with him.” Evans says candor and respect are keystones of Cave’s leadership style.
Cave didn’t expect a life in the military. He didn’t even come from a ‘military family’, Cave says. Though he knew his father had been in the Army, it wasn’t until two years ago that he discovered that his dad previously served in the Texas Defense Guard (the predecessor to the Texas State Guard).
Cave smiles as he reflects on his military career, and a moment growing up in Amarillo that changed his life. “I was an underachiever (in school),” Cave says. He recalls a teacher calling him out one day, declaring, “you know what the problem with you is? You’re either going to be an axe murderer, or President of the United States!”
“As I thought about it,”, Cave adds, “what she was truly saying was, ‘you know, you can be as low as you want, or you can be as high as you desire to be’.” It was the seed of a self-improvement mindset that would lead Cave to pursue a BASc in Wildlife Management from West Texas State (now West Texas A&M), and later, an MA in Education Administration.
With few civilian jobs at the time open to people with Cave’s credentials, “it turned out the Navy had a lot of wildlife that needed to be managed,” he says with his characteristically dry wit.
That sense of humor served him well during multiple ‘at seas’ that would take Cave around the world, and occasionally into hairy situations. Cave recalls being off the coast of Lebanon as ballistic splashes peppered the waters around his ship, and being reminded by the petty officer 2nd class manning the gun director that only a quarter inch of aluminum stood between him and – grim. Later, on a mission thru the Straits of Hormuz during a time when enemy ‘suicide attack boats’ were taking runs at American ships, “they would come out and make a run for you, and we’d all have weapons to bear,” he says. “I remember saying, ‘wow, this is going to get very real, very quick!’, but fortunately, they decided to veer off.”
After 16 years in the U.S. Navy, Cave retired at the rank of Commander, and moved into education, working as Senior Naval Science Instructor with the Navy’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC). He was assigned to various schools running leadership courses and camps before being asked to join the State Guard.
These days, as the first officer from the top in the Texas State Guard command chain, there’s much more on his plate, notes Evans, his aide-de-camp. “Now I do sometimes want to put a bell on him – where’s my boss?!” jokes Evans.
No worries. Cave isn’t one to lose sight of what’s important.
“As our world continues to change, the demands upon our federal soldiers are going to increase, the world is continuing to become, in my opinion, an increasingly dangerous place. Well, if all the ‘what ifs’ come into play, we are going to be asked to step up,” Cave notes. While members of the Texas State Guard are often called by local civil officials to aid in search-and-rescue and other emergency missions statewide, its additional duties include assisting Texas (Army and Air) National Guard forces as needed and providing additional security on the home front.
“Our political leadership definitely sees the worth in the Texas State Guard, as many times this year we’ve been called down to the capitol to provide information. They ask the right questions, and sometimes they get kind of tickled when we answer the question, “Well, how much did y’all get paid?”
While Texas State Guard soldiers do receive a stipend for State Active Duty missions in addition to a range of benefits, troops commit to attend drills and undergo constant military training without pay. Most Guard members will tell you they chose to join the Texas State Guard out of a love of public service, and a love of Texas.
As Deputy Commanding General of the Texas State Guard, Cave exemplifies the spirit of both.
Governor Greg Abbott will hold a press conference following a roundtable discussion with state officials and law enforcement on Texas’ ongoing strategies to secure our southern border in President Joe Biden’s absence tomorrow, Tuesday, February 21 in Weslaco. Image for illustration purposes. Bgd. googlemaps
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott will hold a press conference following a roundtable discussion with state officials and law enforcement on Texas’ ongoing strategies to secure our southern border in President Joe Biden’s absence tomorrow, Tuesday, February 21st at 2:00pm in Weslaco.
The Governor will be joined by Senator Brian Birdwell, Representative Ryan Guillen, Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw, Adjutant General of the Texas Military Department Major General Thomas Suelzer, and Border Czar Mike Banks.
Dr. Karen Lozano, professor of Mechanical Engineering and Julia Beecherl Endowed Professor, is the first UTRGV professor ever to be elected into the prestigious National Academy of Engineering (NAE). She is also one of only three Texans in this year’s cohort of electees. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)
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By Amanda A. Taylor-Uchoa
EDINBURG, Texas – Dr. Karen Lozano, UTRGV professor of Mechanical Engineering and Julia Beecherl Endowed Professor, has been elected into the prestigious National Academy of Engineering (NAE).
She is the first UTRGV professor ever to receive this honor and one of only three Texans in this year’s cohort of electees.
The academy cited her “contributions to nanofiber research and commercialization and mentoring of undergraduate students from underserved populations.”
“I feel very honored, and I am humbled,” Lozano said, “I have a lot of responsibility entering NAE, as I have many colleagues who are capable and accomplished. There are many professors at Tier 1 institutions around the country who do so much. So, it’s a big responsibility to represent NAE, and it is my honor to do it.”
The NAE is a private, independent, nonprofit institution that provides engineering leadership in service to the nation. Its mission is to “advance the welfare and prosperity of the nation by providing independent advice on matters involving engineering and technology, and by promoting a vibrant engineering profession and public appreciation of engineering,” according to its website.
Dr. Janna Arney, UTRGV executive vice president and provost, said Lozano has been a beacon for students who aspire to a career in engineering.
“Karen has had such a profound impact on so many students, planting a seed of hope in their hearts and minds,” Arney said. “Her story is exactly why we do what we do and why UTRGV’s impact has been and will continue to change the lives of so many.”
Dr. Ala Qubbaj, dean of the UTRGV College of Engineering and Computer Science, said this accolade is a tremendous achievement for everyone – Lozano, the university, UTRGV students and the Valley community, as well.
“This recognition is the culmination of many years of dedication, hard work and impact on the thousands of students she has taught, mentored and inspired,” Qubbaj said. “I am extremely proud of Dr. Lozano. From being the first Latina faculty member and full professor in engineering, to receiving a CAREER award from the National Science Foundation, and being an inventor, she is now the first from UTRGV to be elected to the NAE and to lead our first engineering PhD program in the Rio Grande Valley.”
(UTRGV Video by Mark Teiwes)
Being elected to the NAE is among the highest professional distinctions accorded an engineer, as it has more than 2,000 peer-elected members and international members, senior professionals in business, academia and government who are among the world’s most accomplished in the field.
This year, NAE has selected only 106 new members and 18 international members, bringing their U.S. membership to 2,420 and 319 international members. The organization aims to provide leadership and expertise for projects focused on the relationships between engineering, technology and quality of life.
Lozano is one of just 48 living members of NAE within the UT System, and only the seventh woman from the UT System in the academy.
Qubbaj praised Lozano’s efforts to draw Latina students to a male-dominated field.
“She is an inspiration and a role model to all students, but particularly female and Latina students,” he said.
Lozano said being a female in the engineering industry was challenging, but it pushed her to accomplish more.
“Being a female mechanical engineer, I couldn’t find a job. It was very hard to do anything, and that’s why I studied for a master’s and a PhD,” she said. “Now, being included in the NAE – it’s just a tremendous honor, and an opportunity to showcase what is possible for my students.
“I see this as a gift to my students, so they can see firsthand what is possible for them when they strive and fight for their dreams,” she said.
Lozano, along with her fellow, newly elected engineers, will be formally inducted into the NAE during the annual meeting on Oct. 1.
At UTRGV, Engineer’s Week kicked off Friday, Feb. 17. Lozano will be honored at the Engineering Week Celebration Luncheon on Friday, Feb. 24.
