Break bulk commodities such as steel and wind energy components saw a 10 percent increase in 2022 with more than 4.7 million tons of cargo moving through the port, up from 2021’s 4.3 million tons. Image Courtesy of the Port of Brownsville.
Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Since its establishment in 1936, the Port of Brownsville has maintained its commitment to serve as the leading maritime port for the Rio Grande Valley and Northern Mexico.
Throughout 2022, more than 15.2 million tons of diverse cargo moved through the port supporting various industries with efficient and reliable logistical services according to unaudited cargo volume reports. This forecast represents a 10.2 percent increase from the 13.8 million tons of cargo recorded in 2021, a new record for the Port of Brownsville.
In 2022, McAllen International Airport welcomed 875,899 passengers, exceeding the prior year’s all-time high- a momentous achievement for the Rio Grande Valley’s preferred airport. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – In 2022, McAllen International Airport welcomed 875,899 passengers, exceeding the prior year’s all-time high- a momentous achievement for the Rio Grande Valley’s preferred airport. “We congratulate the McAllen International Airport for going above and beyond to serve a record number of travelers in 2022,” said Mayor Javier Villalobos. “McAllen is quickly becoming a top destination for leisure, commerce and so much more. McAllen International Airport continues to lead the region in connecting our community with the world.”
As one of the top ten busiest airports in Texas, McAllen International Airport’s commercial airline traffic has steadily grown. In 2022, McAllen International Airport led the region with 45% of the RGV’s commercial air service market share. McAllen International Airport’s leading market share fostered new opportunities for travelers in 2022, starting with becoming the South Texas Airport of the Dallas Cowboys- the first partnership of its kind in the United States.
“The McAllen International Airport team goes above and beyond to connect travelers with world-class destinations and first-class travel amenities. Thanks to over 34 million dollars in multi-year improvement projects and unique partnerships, McAllen International Airport’s travelers will enjoy all of these amenities for years to come,” said City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E.
“Travelers matter at McAllen International Airport. Whether you’re coming back to the place you love, or taking the trip of a lifetime, we are here to make sure your journey goes above and beyond,” said McAllen International Airport Director of Aviation Elizabeth Suarez.
McAllen International Airport partners with American Airlines, United, Allegiant and Aeromar to serve seven nonstop destinations including Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Nashville, Mexico City, and seasonal service to Orlando and Los Angeles. Travelers are encouraged to visit the airport’s social media sites to explore the many ways McAllen International Airport can take you above and beyond.
The lawsuit will challenge the Biden Administration’s new rule listing the Lesser Prairie-Chicken (“LPC”) as “threatened” in the northern part of its range and “endangered” in the southern part of its range, both of which cover expansive regions within Texas. Image Sources: The lawsuit will challenge the Biden Administration’s new rule listing the Lesser Prairie-Chicken (“LPC”) as “threatened” in the northern part of its range and “endangered” in the southern part of its range, both of which cover expansive regions within Texas; Texas.gov
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Attorney General Paxton has issued a required Notice of Intent (“NOI”) to the Biden Administration to begin the process of suing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (“Service”) and the U.S. Department of the Interior (“Interior”).
The lawsuit will challenge the Biden Administration’s new rule listing the Lesser Prairie-Chicken (“LPC”) as “threatened” in the northern part of its range and “endangered” in the southern part of its range, both of which cover expansive regions within Texas. These classification changes, which burden Texas property owners with onerous new regulations wherever LPCs are present, were done with inadequate consideration of ongoing conservation measures and in violation of several federal laws.
The Endangered Species Act requires the Service to consider certain factors before a species can be classified as “endangered” or “threatened.” Similarly, if the federal agencies’ actions will significantly affect the quality of the human environment, as they would here, the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”) requires the agencies to conduct an impact analysis. These federal requirements were not met in this case. Additionally, the new rule puts at risk the considerable conservation efforts that the State of Texas, other states, industry groups, private landowners, and conservation organizations have already implemented to protect LPCs.
Combining this disregard for federal law, the overly vague nature of the rule, and the failure to abide by the legally required notice of proposed rulemaking, the new rule constitutes yet another example of the Biden Administration’s willingness to prioritize executive overreach over state-directed management and conservation of wildlife and natural resources.
“I will not tolerate the Biden Administration’s efforts to run roughshod over the property rights of Texans and to stop our conservation efforts aimed at protecting Texas wildlife,” said Attorney General Paxton. “This rule was a targeted attempt to implement an unlawful, top-down federal approach aimed at advancing a radical environmentalist agenda, which would crush the type of economic development that aids in providing funds for conservation. This isn’t going to fly in Texas.”
FemCity RGV will have as its guest speaker Marsh Terry on Tuesday, February 14, 2023. The meeting will be held at Maria Cruz Restaurant& Bar, Downtown McAllen, 314 S 16th St. The dress color theme israspberry blush. Courtesy image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – FemCity RGV will have as its guest speaker Marsh Terry on Tuesday, February 14, 2023. The meeting will be held at Maria Cruz Restaurant& Bar, Downtown McAllen, 314 S 16th St. The dress color theme israspberry blush.
Marsha Terry is a coach, speaker, author, and registered nurse with a passion for mindset transformation. She specializes in empowering men and women to reclaim their voice and walk in purpose. She’s the creator of Masterful Mornings-a powerful framework for designing the ultimate morning routine. She has a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Leadership and Management and is co-author of Remarkable Business: Spotlights on Top Professionals and Business Owners and Voices: Words of Wisdom, Inspiration, Courage, and Soul.
We invite every woman to come and hear about their Inner Goddess. You don’t want to miss this one. Let’s look in the mirror & discover who SHE is.
Every second Tuesday of the month, FemCity RGV host local business programs for diverse groups of women and entrepreneurs who are looking to make strategic connections to strengthen their business and social circles. FemCity RGV is a powerhouse community of over 70 businesswomen, who come together each month for our signature FemCity Collective Series – a blend of business, education, mastermind, and networking, crafted with a diverse pro-women environment and filled with positivity and gratitude.
Women are invited to attend this workshop. Registration for member is required. Space is limited to 40. Register for your free 30-day membership at www.femcity.com/rio-grande-valley. The cost for the meal and workshop is $45.
Each state agency will have until February 15, 2023 to implement its own policy to enforce this statewide plan. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
AUSTN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott today announced a statewide model security plan for Texas state agencies to address vulnerabilities presented by the use of TikTok and other software on personal and state-issued devices. Following the Governor’s directive, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Department of Information Resources developed this model plan to guide state agencies on managing personal and state-issued devices used to conduct state business. Each state agency will have until February 15, 2023 to implement its own policy to enforce this statewide plan.
“The security risks associated with the use of TikTok on devices used to conduct the important business of our state must not be underestimated or ignored,” said Governor Abbott. “Owned by a Chinese company that employs Chinese Communist Party members, TikTok harvests significant amounts of data from a user’s device, including details about a user’s internet activity. Other prohibited technologies listed in the statewide model plan also produce a similar threat to the security of Texans. It is critical that state agencies and employees are protected from the vulnerabilities presented by the use of this app and other prohibited technologies as they work on behalf of their fellow Texans. I thank the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Department of Information Resources for their hard work helping safeguard the state’s sensitive information and critical infrastructure from potential threats posed by hostile foreign actors.”
To protect Texas’ sensitive information and critical infrastructure from potential threats, the model plan outlines the following objectives for each agency:
Ban and prevent the download or use of TikTok and prohibited technologies on any state-issued device identified in the statewide plan. This includes all state-issued cell phones, laptops, tablets, desktop computers, and other devices of capable of internet connectivity. Each agency’s IT department must strictly enforce this ban.
Prohibit employees or contractors from conducting state business on prohibited technology-enabled personal devices.
Identify sensitive locations, meetings, or personnel within an agency that could be exposed to prohibited technology-enabled personal devices. Prohibited technology-enabled personal devices will be denied entry or use in these sensitive areas.
Implement network-based restrictions to prevent the use of prohibited technologies on agency networks by any device.
Work with information security professionals to continuously update the list of prohibited technologies.
In December 2022, Governor Abbott directed state agency leaders to immediately ban employees from downloading or using TikTok on any government-issued devices. The Governor also informed Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Dade Phelan that the Executive Branch is ready to assist in codifying and implementing any necessary cybersecurity reforms passed during the current legislative session, including passing legislation to make permanent the Governor’s directive to state agencies.
Governor Abbott has taken significant action to combat threats to Texas’ cybersecurity, including signing the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act in 2021 to fortify certain physical infrastructure against threats that include hostile foreign actors.
Anahid Petrosian, Ph.D. has served South Texas College in many capacities, but her most recent appointment as Vice President for Academic Affairs has her ready to lead the division into a new era of innovation. STC image; Bgd, googlemaps for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
By Amanda Sotelo
Anahid Petrosian, Ph.D. has served South Texas College in many capacities, but her most recent appointment as Vice President for Academic Affairs has her ready to lead the division into a new era of innovation.
Petrosian’s goal of changing the landscape of higher education comes at the cusp of the college’s 30-year anniversary.
“It has been an honor to serve STC for more than two decades,” said Petrosian. “I have a heartfelt commitment and dedication to this college and its students. My vision is to promote innovation to expand educational opportunities.”
As Vice President, she leads more than 1,000 faculty members, in addition to several hundred full-time and part-time classified and professional staff, and is responsible for a budget of approximately $90 million.
In addition, she leads the STC academic divisions, curriculum development, professional development, distance learning, dual enrollment programs, continuing education and academic excellence programs such as STC’s Honors Program, Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and Valley Scholars Program.
STC President Ricardo J. Solis said he is proud to announce her formal appointment as vice president especially as the college continues to further develop opportunities to improve academic and workforce programs.
“Throughout the years, Dr. Petrosian has served STC admirably in her vice presidency and leading the Division of Academic Affairs,” said Solis. “I have full confidence that she is the best fit to lead our academic programs, including the anticipated development of additional baccalaureate degrees, expansion of our partnerships with local school districts and preparation for the upcoming five-year accreditation review. I look forward to our continued work in leading STC through this exciting transition.”
Petrosian’s vision includes increasing educational opportunities for underserved populations that lead to regional prosperity by expanding non-credit to credit program pathways; growing partnerships with industry and higher educational institutions to continue developing articulation agreements, increasing apprenticeships and recognition of STC’s academic transfer programs; developing new programs, branding STC as a comprehensive college and ensuring successful accreditation.
“STC has always been ahead of the curve, it’s in our DNA,” said Petrosian. “We have extraordinary faculty that are immersed in our college-going culture. We lead the country in many areas such as dual credit programs, competency-based learning and micro credentials. STC has the building blocks to continue growing its collaborations. We’re headed into a new era and it’s exciting to be a part of that.”
Over the last 25 years of Petrosian’s career at STC, she has served as faculty member and chair of the Public Service Administration and Business Administration programs and as the Assistant Vice President for Academic Advancement.
In the last two decades, she has also served in many leadership positions in the community and presented in numerous state and national conferences, including serving as a board member for the Texas Community College Instructional Administrators, for the Texas Association of College Technical Educators, the South Texas Higher Education Regional Council, Texas Association of Chief Academic Officers and Texas Leadership Alliance.
Petrosian said she is taking the opportunity she has been given to lead during a crucial time of growth and transition.
“I’m excited to see the many ways that STC will continue to change lives,” she said. “We’re in times of change and innovation and we’re embracing it. This is all for our students and the community. We’re here to support them and to meet their needs. We want them to know that STC is here for their success.”
STC, for the 19th consecutive year, was recently awarded with a GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its 2021 fiscal year Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. STC Image
Texas Border Business
By Amanda Sotelo
Surveying and Geospatial Technology is a career with a demand on the rise, and a new program at South Texas College to provide the training, certifications and degree needed for a success in the field.
The program, set to open this month, will be the only one of its kind offered in the Rio Grande Valley, with the only other closest program being 313 miles away, and comes as a response to industry partners’ requests for more highly trained surveyors and geospatial technicians.
“This program has been a at least two years in the making,” said STC Architectural and Engineering Design Technology (AEDT) and Associate Professor Laura Salas. “There was a lot of research that went into ensuring that this program would be viable and that our graduates would be afforded a positive career outlook, and what we found is that there’s a huge interest and a growing demand.”
Development for the program that will be open to new and experienced students in the field with a desire to upskill, began in 2020 and to see it become a reality is a dream come true for Salas’ team, including Margarita Vanguelova, STC AEDT associate professor and newly appointed Surveying and Geospatial Technology program coordinator.
“We’re so excited to finally see this program come to fruition,” said Vanguelova. “This comes from the endless support we have received from STC administration and the Board of Trustees. There has been great encouragement to see this dream realized and we’re ready to fill a skills gap.”
The program will offer a certificate and associate degree with a pathway that will qualify graduates to take the Survey in Training certifying exam which allows a graduate time to obtain additional licenses and/or experience in the field as they move toward a licensure as a Registered Professional Land Surveyor.
“This is a long-standing profession that can lead to high-paying jobs, advancement in the field and even business ownership,” said Salas. “So, to graduate from our program and to obtain a certificate can open many doors of opportunity. This program is going to fuel success for many.”
Students who enroll in the Surveying and Geospatial Technology program can expect their two-semester to five-semester training to include introduction to surveying, surveying – legal principles, engineering design surveying and mapping, in addition to basic computer-aided drafting and computer-aided mapping.
The associate degree pathway also includes a cooperative education course, which will place students in the workforce to provide real-world learning and experience.
“By the time our students graduate, they will be ready to hit the ground running,” said Salas. “This is important to meeting industry demand, especially with an aging workforce that’s near retirement. The more skilled surveyors we can provide, the better. We have industry partners already asking for them.”
Graduates from this program can expect to find employment as surveying technicians who can work for firms that provide engineering, surveying and mapping services, including construction, land development and water supply companies.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage nationally for a surveying technician in 2021 was $46,000, depending on location, and employment is expected to grow 4% over the course of the next few years, which is above average for all occupations with projected 7,800 openings.
“Our students will be learning the latest technologies and advancements in the field of surveying,” said Vanguelova. “We’re giving them space they need to grow, and we’re excited to see their success and the success of our program. We can’t wait to see how this program is going to add value to many lives.”
For more information on STC’s new Surveying and Geospatial Technology program, call 956-872-6228 or 956-872-6178.
Earlier this Congress, Sen. Cruz reintroduced a bill that prohibits the Washington, D.C. government from using federal funds to allow non-citizens to vote in local elections. Image Source: U.S. Senate Photographic Studio, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced a joint resolution pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (CRA) this week to fight a measure passed by the D.C. Council that would allow illegal aliens to vote in local D.C. elections. The legislation is co-sponsored by Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Todd Young (R-Ind.), John N. Kennedy (R-La.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Ted Budd (R-N.C.).
Earlier this Congress, Sen. Cruz reintroduced a bill that prohibits the Washington, D.C. government from using federal funds to allow non-citizens to vote in local elections.
About the CRA joint resolution, Sen. Cruz said:
“One of our cherished freedoms as Americans is our ability to exercise our right to vote. It is imperative that we not diminish the magnitude of this responsibility and undermine our national security by opening up our elections to foreign influence. Voters are tasked with deciding how our country will be led and who will lead it. This duty is not to be taken lightly and under no circumstances should our government fund the perversion of this distinct right and privilege.”
Support for the legislation:
RJ Hauman, head of government relations and communications at the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR):
“Two and a half centuries ago, our nation was founded on the principle that sovereign people should determine their own destinies. Last month, the city council of our Nation’s capital fundamentally violated that founding principle in an effort to empower noncitizens – including illegal aliens and employees at embassies of governments that are openly hostile to the United States – to determine the outcome of local elections. The right to vote is at the very core of the principle of self-determination and what it means to be a citizen. The actions of the D.C. city council and a mayor who is unlikely to veto are the next and most damaging steps in an ongoing effort to erase any distinction between American citizens and noncitizens. We applaud Senator Cruz for stepping up to the plate in an effort to pre-emptively address this radical measure.”
Rosemary Jenks, director of government relations, NumbersUSA:
“The D.C. Council’s move to allow noncitizens to vote in D.C. elections defies both common sense and good governance. Beyond the absurdity of the leaders in Washington, D.C. begging for Federal assistance with their recent ‘surge’ of 8,200 illegal aliens while simultaneously offering them the right to vote if they come, it is totally unconscionable that the district that serves as the seat of our Federal government would actively work to dilute the votes of American citizens with the votes of all resident foreign nationals, including the embassy staff who live and work in D.C. on behalf of governments like Russia and China. We applaud Senator Cruz for working to stop this absurd policy and protect the voting rights of all Americans in the District of Columbia.”
Governor Greg Abbott championed the State of Texas’ ongoing efforts to develop and train a highly skilled and educated workforce through the Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE) grant program at a press conference at Odessa College. Photo: Office of the Governor
“I am proud to be at Odessa College today as we further our partnership to ensure our state has a workforce that continues to attract businesses large and small to Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “The key to a strong economy is having a highly skilled, educated workforce. As Governor, I will make sure every Texan is prepared to excel in the economy of the 21st century by investing in education and training programs for careers in high-demand industries like technology, healthcare, and energy. Together, we are giving Texas students the ability to reach their full potential, contribute to their community, and support their family with good-paying jobs right out of college.”
Governor Abbot meeting with school and officials. Photo: Office of the GovernorGovernor Abbott streaking during the event. Photo: Office of the GovernorGovernor Abbott meeting with a student. Photo: Office of the Governor
Joined at the press conference by Odessa College President Greg Williams and welding student Marco Solis, Governor Abbott promised to continue investing in education and job training programs for high-demand careers so that every Texan has access to opportunities and resources needed to thrive in the state’s growing economy. Governor Abbott also highlighted the success of nearly 30 job training programs made possible by $15 million in TRUE grants distributed across the state last year.
Prior to the press conference, Governor Abbott received a student-led tour of the school’s welding training facility and held a roundtable discussion with Senator Kevin Sparks, Representative Brooks Landgraf, Texas Association of Community Colleges President and CEO Ray Martinez, community college students, education officials, and local business leaders.
Established through Senate Bill 1102 during the 87th Legislative Session, the TRUE grant program is building a talent-strong Texas through the creation, expansion, or redesign of workforce education and training credential programs in high-demand occupations. These credential programs are developed and provided by Texas public community colleges and technical institutions of higher education, in consultation and partnership with workforce stakeholders, and lead to certifications or workforce credentials that create pathways to employment for Texans across the state.
The City of Brownsville has named Mr. Doroteo Garcia, Jr., P.E., CFM, RAS, as the new Director of Engineering and Public Works Department. Courtesy Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The City of Brownsville has named Mr. Doroteo Garcia, Jr., P.E., CFM, RAS, as the new Director of Engineering and Public Works Department. Mr. Garcia is a dedicated employee that has been with theCity for 20- years where he has served as City Engineer for the last year and as Assistant City Engineer for more than 16-years. In the role of Director, he will provide essential and improved infrastructure, drainage, and landfill services, while leading the City Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to support the growth, safety, and quality of life for residents of the City of Brownsville.
“Mr. Garcia served as Interim Director of the Engineering and Public Works Department prior to his promotion and with his experience, resourcefulness and collaborative nature, he continues to demonstrate the skillset and leadership to takeon this level of responsibility with one of the largest departments in the City,” said Helen Ramirez, AICP, Brownsville CityManager. “He has been with the City for 20 years and I have enjoyed seeing him evolve professionally and step into the next level of his career.”
“I am grateful for this opportunity to continue to serve the City of Brownsville in this capacity,” said Mr. Garcia. “I am eager to serve my department, my employees, and the residents of Brownsville. My priorities are to continue improving the efficiency and effectiveness of services provided by our department and increasing communication of current and future projects to our citizens so that they can know what Engineering and Public Works is doing in our City. I love the City of Brownsville and I will continue to work towards increasing the overall quality of life for the people that call Brownsville home.”
During Mr. Garcia’s tenure with the City, he has contributed to numerous projects and has made extensive contributionsto improving City streets, buildings and much more. His other contributions are in the areas of Construction and Project Management, Paving and Drainage design, Commercial Site Plan review, Sidewalk Plans and project sustainability overview.
Mr. Garcia has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology from the University of Texas atBrownsville. His past volunteer experience includes President of the Rotary International, a non-profit organization. In addition to his exceptional leadership skills, he is bi-lingual in Spanish.
