The costs of the tort system are skyrocketing, increasing costs for businesses and consumers. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
By US Chamber of Commerce
A study from the Chamber’s Institute for Legal Reform finds the U.S. tort system cost $443 billion–2.1% of GDP and $3,621 per household—in 2020.
Why it matters: The costs of the tort system are skyrocketing, increasing costs for businesses and consumers.
And: Despite the high price tag, only 53 cents of every dollar go to plaintiffs. The rest covers litigation costs and other expenses
Our take: “Our lawsuit system is expensive and broken,” explained Institute for Legal Reform President Harold Kim. “Every household in the U.S. is footing the bill—through higher prices on everything from household products, services, and insurance costs—for a system that serves them poorly, if at all.”
Texas State Guardsmen receive online training to help further their careers. Photo: Texas Military Department
Texas Border Business
By David Brown, 1LT, Texas State Guard
AUSTIN (Camp Mabry), Texas – Although many soldiers in the Texas State Guard will tell you that serving their fellow Texans is a reward unto itself, a new program offered to all service members underscores the range of benefits available to those who wear the uniform. Starting this year, members of the Texas State Guard are eligible for free professional development and training from one of the top companies in online education.
This summer, every member of the Texas State Guard received (via email) a log-in and password to take advantage of the SkillSets Online Training Center, which allows participants to earn a certification in new skills (or a refresher on existing skills). Some 7,000 courses and real-world simulations are now available to service members without charge, including Six Sigma Yellow, Green, and Black Belt certification, lessons in project development and organization, team leadership, managing budgets, predictive modeling, communicating with stakeholders, and much more. Many of the offerings are centered on computer technology, ranging from user-focused training all the way up to advanced programming, network security, and the management of highly specialized systems.
“The certification and training opportunities available to members of the State Guard through SkillSets Online are a significant benefit,” says Col. Darren Fitz Gerald, Chief of Staff for the Texas State Guard. “At no cost to the individual servicemember, they can pursue self-paced professional development and, in some cases, training and coursework for nationally recognized certifications. Regardless of whether their time spent with SkillSets Online is aimed toward advancement in their civilian career or strengthening specific skills and abilities needed in the Guard, the end result is a capable and confident servicemember ready and able to serve their fellow Texan.”
Pvt. Luke Turner of Flower Mound, a recent recruit, wasted no time taking advantage of the new benefit.
“I saw that my Master Sgt. had 18 classes, so I just wanted to one-up him,” Turner says.
Turner’s ambition was inspiring. In his T6 (signals) section at Texas State Guard Headquarters, a “challenge” issued by the Officer-in-Charge resulted in Turner chalking up some 96 certifications by the October drill.
You can guess who won the challenge.
“At first I started working on classes involving employee-employer relations, how to manage large groups, how to manage a conference, that sort of thing,” Turner says. “I focused on those classes because when I was younger, I volunteered at a church camp, and I’d be responsible for 12 kids–and had to learn how to handle disputes between the campers.” As Turner’s course completions mounted, he shifted his educational focus to IT (Information Technology) studies, helping him get more acquainted with some of the high-tech systems used in the T6.
Experts say online development courses provide a more flexible, convenient, and efficient way to grow and strengthen professional skills compared to in-person and other more traditional coursework options. That is an important advantage for Texas State Guard members, many of whom have busy jobs in the civilian world, to say nothing of family and community commitments. One key advantage to the SkillSets approach is that most subjects include a ‘pre-test’ option, enabling students who pass to receive credit and certification without having to sit through an entire course session (most of which are 1-2 hours long).
“I reviewed the SkillSets certifications available and did an analysis of what this would cost service members if they were to try to obtain this training in the private sector, and found we were saving soldiers tens of thousands of dollars,” says Master Sgt. James “Damon” Williams, who serves in the T6 section of Headquarters Company. “We thought not only would SkillSets be a major bonus for those already serving, but it’s also a great tool for recruitment as an extremely valuable new benefit of membership in the Texas State Guard.”
“The training is great for anyone with a job in the civilian world, someone possibly looking for a new job, or boosting your resume with credentials,” Turner says, adding, “I think you’d really be missing out if you didn’t take the opportunity to get those certifications–it’s truly a wonderful thing.”
But the Texas State Guard – and the people it serves – gain from this new benefit as well.
To be “Equal to the Task” (per the motto of the Texas State Guard) and mission-ready when asked to assist during emergencies statewide, continual training and learning are a must. On top of professional and personal development, Texas State Guard service members are constantly engaged in military training and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) studies.
The Texas State Guard is one of three branches of the Texas Military Department, along with the Texas Army National Guard and the Texas Air National Guard. Other benefits of service in the Texas State Guard include state tuition assistance, a daily stipend for state active duty, and much more. A full list of benefits can be found online at tmd.texas.gov under the State Guard tab.
The Winter Reading Club is for readers age 3 and up, children through adults, and runs through December 29. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
EL PASO, Texas – The City of El Paso Public Library has started its Winter Reading Club Challenge that’s part of the WinterFest season.
The Winter Reading Club is for readers age 3 and up, children through adults, and runs through December 29. The public library program aims to keep reading skills strong when students are out of school over the holidays.
“Whether you’re looking for something to keep children engaged at home or just want something to lift your spirits, the Public Library suggest a good book,” said El Paso Public Library Director Norma Martinez. “Encouraging children to read builds confidence and motivation to keep learning.”
The Winter Reading Club is easy, simply register and download the Beanstack app at www.elpasolibrary.beanstack.org. Participants will then be asked to read five books or more to complete the program. Through the app, readers are able to keep track and post reviews of their favorite books as well as keep up with what their peers are reading. Everyone who registers will receive one new free book (while supplies last).
For more information on the Winter Reading Club Challenge visit any public library branch or visit www.elpasolibrary.beanstack.org. To find out about all events happening during WinterFest, visit www.epwinterfest.com.
Photo caption: TSTC Surgical Technology student Stephanie Rojas (left) accepts a holiday meal kit from a member of the TSTC Advocacy and Resource Center team at the Harlingen campus. (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)
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HARLINGEN, Texas – The Advocacy and Resource Center at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus recently provided either meal kits or restaurant gift cards for some students to help them have an enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday.
“This is the second time our department has offered this,” said Lisa Garza, TSTC’s Advocacy and Resource coordinator. “We reached out to some students that we know who need it or were referred to us. They do not have the funds to afford a Thanksgiving meal or the resources available to prepare that meal. Those students had the option to pick up a holiday meal kit or a Luby’s restaurant gift card at our office.”
The meal kits included turkey, cornbread, vegetables, and pumpkin pie.
TSTC alumna Susie Sierra was one of the people whose donations made the meals possible.
“The college helped me with the assistance I needed for my education in the Building Construction Technology program,” she said. “It has always been a part of my heart to help others. I have a career now, and I was able to contribute $250.”
U.S. Navy veteran Antonio Hernandez, of Harlingen, is studying for a certificate of completion in Building Construction – Craftsman.
He was appreciative of the offer.
“It’s great to know what they have done for me and other students,” he said. “I’m looking forward to preparing this meal with my wife and celebrating Thanksgiving.”
Stephanie Rojas, of Brownsville, is studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology.
“I’m very grateful to receive this because I’m a single parent,” she said. “I’m not working because the Surgical Technology program is just like a full-time job. The Advocacy and Resource Center has previously helped me with books from the Lending Library and other items needed for my courses.”
Garza said this occasion is special because her department gets to help students beyond academics.
“This is a holiday family experience that we helped create because they wouldn’t have been able to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal,” she said. “Whenever they come to us, they are grateful to receive something as simple as a meal. That impact makes a difference in their life.”
Registration for TSTC’s spring semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.
Avoid these big mistakes to save money and get the coverage you need. Image for illustration purposes
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Texas Department of Insurance
Avoid these big mistakes to save money and get the coverage you need.
Setting your deductible too high or too low
In general, the higher the deductible, the lower the cost for the policy. When choosing a deductible, think about how much you can afford to pay if your property is damaged. Remember filing small claims may affect how much you pay for insurance later.
Talk to your agent to find a good balance between premium and deductible amounts.
Not having enough home or auto insurance
If your house or car is damaged and you don’t have enough coverage, you’ll pay more of the repair costs.
Also think about how much you need to replace the contents of your house, your jewelry, and other valuables. You can buy more coverage if you need it.
Knowing when to drop your car’s comprehensive or gap coverage
If your car is older and paid off, you can probably drop collision and comprehensive coverages. Comprehensive pays if your car is stolen or damaged by something other than an accident. Ask your agent if paying for the coverages is in your best interest.
Gap insurance helps pay the difference between your car’s value and the amount you owe. You don’t need gap insurance if you owe less than what your car is worth.
Not knowing about health care networks and referrals
Many health plans use networks of doctors and hospitals. Except in emergencies, your plan will want you to only see these doctors and might not pay if you don’t. Some plans let you see other doctors, but you might have to pay more.
Also know if you need a referral from your primary doctor to see a specialist or need a pre-approval from your plan for treatments. Getting referrals and approvals can help you avoid big bills.
Not telling your family about your life insurance
If you have a policy, tell your family and give them a copy. They’ll need to know the company name and policy number to file a claim.
Small Business Saturday has become a great way to support small business owners in neighborhoods across the country every year—but there are many reasons to continue to support local businesses the entire holiday season and year-round. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
US Chamber of Commerce
By Lindsay Cates
Manager, Communications and Strategy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Small Business Saturday has become a great way to support small business owners in neighborhoods across the country every year—but there are many reasons to continue to support local businesses the entire holiday season and year-round.
It’s even more meaningful to support small businesses now as many still face challenges from the pandemic like soaring inflation, worker shortages and supply chain disruptions. A recent QuickBooks survey found 80% of small businesses say the 2022 holiday season is more important to their overall financial health than last year.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is encouraging consumers to shop small every day to support small businesses and fuel the economy during the holiday season. Here are five reasons you should make shopping small a priority during the holidays—and beyond:
1. Shopping small is investing in your local economy.
When you support a local business, you’re also supporting your town, city, and neighborhood by way of paying sales tax. The sales tax money is used to support public schools, parks, roads, and sidewalks, as well as fund public service workers, like firefighters.
“It may be hard to see sometimes, but your local dollar comes back to you in a variety of ways,” says Victoria Kidd, owner of Hideaway Café in Winchester, Virginia.
This year 30% of Americans said they are willing to pay more at small businesses and 30% are willing to wait longer at small businesses versus major retailers or chain stores, according to a NerdWallet survey.
2. Small businesses are essential to the U.S. economy.
America’s 33.2 million small businesses account for more than 99% of all U.S. companies and employ just under 47% of private sector employees. Consumers plan to spend 40% of their total holiday budget at small businesses this year, according to the QuickBooks survey, with the potential to fuel more than $88 billion in holiday spending.
Facing economic uncertainty and high inflation, many small businesses are feeling the pressure to have a strong quarter before the colder, slower months of winter to come. It is even more important this year to support small businesses and fuel a strong economy.
3. Small businesses give back to their community.
According to new data from the MetLife and U.S. Chamber Small Business Index to be released in December, 70% of small business owners have encouraged their own employees to shop at other small businesses in the community.
Nearly all small businesses owners agree that community engagement is important for their business—and are actively engaged in giving back in several ways—including hosting or sponsoring community events, donating to local charities, and forming partnerships with other local businesses.
4. Many small businesses are now online, too.
Shopping small is now easier than ever as many small businesses have bulked up their online presence during the pandemic. With the growth of the digital economy, more and more entrepreneurs are starting or moving their businesses online. A recent report by the U.S. Chamber highlights the importance of technology for small business.
“During the pandemic, it was so critical to have a different channel to generate business as people weren’t able to access traditional brick and mortar stores,” said Hrag Kalebjian of Henry’s House of Coffee. “We saw our business triple during this time, and I am happy to say that we have retained most of that new business even though things have opened back up.”
5. You can find one-of-a-kind items and customized service.
The items found in small businesses are often made by hand in small batches, resulting in one-of-a-kind pieces. Local stores may also be able to offer customized products, hands-on service, and other personal touches that big box stores cannot. In fact, 37% of Americans say they purchase from small businesses to receive a more personal experience, according to a recent NerdWallet survey.
Many small businesses consider their employees and customers like family. During a tough year of ongoing pandemic impacts and economic uncertainty, it’s the perfect time to visit your favorite local businesses and thank them for all they do for the community.
Successfully mastering the customer experience can make a business of any size stand out amongst its competitors. Image for illustration purposes
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US Chamber of Commerce
Successfully mastering the customer experience can make a business of any size stand out amongst its competitors. As more businesses look to create the best customer experience possible, consumers have come to expect an elevated level of service and won’t settle for less.
During a Start. Run. Grow. session hosted by CO— by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, industry leaders discussed what an innovative customer experience looks like. Roy Rivera, the CEO of Crom Rehabilitation, Barry Moltz, a small business expert at Shafran Moltz Group LLC, and Saeju Jeong, the CEO and Co-Founder of Noom, discussed how they are elevating their customers’ experiences.
Watch the Video:
US Chamber of Commerce Video
Create an Emotional Experience for Your Clients
Rivera started his outpatient physical therapy practice, which prides itself on creating a positive customer experience, after leaving his job within a large hospital system — taking with him notes on the ideal customer experience.
“A great customer experience is from the moment of engagement … all the way to the very end,” Rivera said. “Having a consistent flow and follow-through throughout all of the cogs in your system is going to be critical to having a good customer service experience.”
Rivera explained his practice, which recently won the 2022 Dream Big LGBTQ-Owned Business Achievement Award, goes above and beyond for each client to ensure they feel like they matter – rather than being just another transaction.
“Whether you play a role that is custodial, administrative, or clinical, there’s an opportunity to engage with the client beyond just the basic … business interaction,” Rivera said. “If it’s just a transaction, that’s where you lose your customers or clients because they can go somewhere else.”
Personalize Each Customer’s Experience to Establish Long-Standing Relationships With Clients
While oftentimes larger businesses have the upper hand, Moltz sees the advantages available to small businesses.
“If you can form a personal relationship with the customer, then you’re going to be able to retain them,” Moltz said.
Small businesses have the opportunity to individualize their service to retain customers in a way larger businesses can’t. With technological help, Moltz believes businesses can benefit from integrating customer relationship management (CRM) software into their workflow.
“Technology is there to … put your notes in about what the last contact with the customer was, and then also to automatically send texts or emails so you stay in touch with them,” he explained. “Too many people are so focused on getting new customers in the front door that they forget about their existing customers, [who] escape through the back door.”
However, he warns a CRM is only beneficial to small business owners who choose one based on their size and needs.
“If you spend a small amount of time setting up the processes within your business, it’s going to pay off in the long run,” Moltz said.
Guide Your Customers and Be Willing to Learn From Them
Jeong has taken time to understand his clients and improve the customer experience — becoming customer-obsessed in the process. As a leader in the weight management industry, Noom found its distinguished value by guiding customers and changing behaviors through the four pillars of lifestyle: diet, exercise, stress management, and sleep.
“We guide our users to learn about ‘why,’ and we provide ‘how,’” Jeong said. “To get there, we provide psychology, behavior change approach, … a lot of technology, … [and] passionate, empathetic human coaches right there to guide our end users.”
However, the path to success hasn’t been easy for Noom — Jeong and his team dealt with much trial and error. However, by understanding that things don’t always work out, he has gained insight from his customers’ feedback and learned from their interactions — making improvements to and changing his product as necessary.
“If the customer contacts us … they are so charged with emotion,” Jeong said. “Either they’re happy or unhappy, and they have a lot to say about our product experience. Whether good or bad … it is an excellent opportunity [to] learn from our user.”
MHP organizers unveiled the latest celebrity to join the roster of stars appearing in the parade, announced details of the free, family-friendly annual Christmas festival, as well as the day-long free park & ride shuttle that is being provided by Metro McAllen on parade day. Image courtesy of the City of McAllen
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MHP organizers unveiled the latest celebrity to join the roster of stars appearing in the parade, announced details of the free, family-friendly annual Christmas festival, as well as the day-long free park & ride shuttle that is being provided by Metro McAllen on parade day.
City of Mcallen Video
“This is going to be one heck of a presentation of the largest illuminated holiday and helium balloon parade in Texas, THE McAllen Holiday Parade, presented by H-E-B and powered by Bert Ogden Auto Group,” said City of McAllen Dist. 5 Comm. Victor “Seby” Haddad. “This next star is definitely an international sensation and to the thousands of fans of futbal, or soccer, as we Americans call it, fans found here in the Rio Grande Valley, I’m sure we will be seeing his jersey, or the famous Tri, at our McAllen Holiday Parade this year. Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to say we will be bringing former Mexican soccer star Vicente Matias Vuoso to be a part of the parade.”
Vuoso began his career at Indepediente in 2000, then transferred to English club Manchester City in 2002, where he did not play in a single league match. In 2003 he played in Mexico, having two stints with Santos Laguna and Club América, as well as playing for Atlas and Chiapas. Born in Argentina, he played on Mexico’s national soccer team, making his debut in 2008 and featured for them at the 2015 Copa América.
We will be bringing former Mexican soccer star Vicente Matias Vuoso to be a part of the parade. Image courtesyy of the City of Mcallen
Additionally, details of Christmas in the Park were announced, when everyone can begin their holiday season fun by celebrating under and with the stars, starting on Friday, December 2 at 5:00 p.m. and continuing on Saturday, December 3, starting at 12:00 p.m. and continuing through 11:00 p.m. The family-friendly and free winter festival is held at Municipal Park, right next to McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium at 1921 Bicentennial Boulevard, and features a carnival, food, fun, vendors, arts & crafts, lots of games, activities and entertainment for the whole family. Attendees are encouraged to look for the helium balloon preview, the Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame Trailer & Museum, brought courtesy of Peña Eye Institute, the Budweiser Bar Trailer and H-E-B’s tamale masa spreading contest and other fun sponsor activations. Also available at the Christmas celebration will be U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drop-off box, part of the City of McAllen’s partnership with the long-standing holiday toy drive.
Part of the fun includes free concerts and Friday’s line-up features a mix of Tejano, country and norteño regional with Texas Storm, Inevitable, Lucky Joe and Grammy-award winning group Solido. The concerts continue the next evening with Gatos Locos, a musical line-up from Revista Expresión, Texas Storm, La Patrona 107.5 FM, Jay Treviño y Explosión Tejana and, the Tejas Bros., considered by many to be one of the best live musical acts in the genre.
Solido is part of the free Concert Lineup. Image Courtesy of the City of McAllenTejas Bros will also be performing for you. Image courtesy of the City of McAllen
Kick off the fun at the carnival on Thursday, December 1, starting at 5:00 p.m. with unlimited carnival rides. Good for only that night, purchase unlimited carnival ride bracelets on site for $15; every other night they are $20.
What would a celebration be without a Carnival? Well, We have that for you as well. Image courtesy of the City of McAllen
Getting the family to the parade or Christmas in the Park will not be difficult, as the City of McAllen, in partnership with South Texas College, will offer a FREE McAllen Holiday Parade Park & Ride Polar Express Shuttle from the STC campus on Pecan Boulevard and 29th St. to the Quince Avenue and 23rd Street parade Drop-Off/Pick-Up point. Starting at 12:00p.m. on Saturday, December 3, trolleys will make a continuous loop approximately every 10 minutes, from pick-off point at STC to the parade Drop-Off/Pick-Up point. The Park & Ride Polar Express Shuttle will run until 12:00 a.m. Wheelchairs, walkers and strollers are welcome, as are service dogs.
The Poloar Express will get you where you need to go hassle-free. Image courtesy of the City of McAllen
Organizers are reminding parade attendees that, to keep everyone safe, there will be multiple road closures around McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium, the site of the parade step-off, beginning at noon the day of the parade. These road closures are designed to help parade participants arrive to the staging area safely and to avoid traffic congestion or accidents as hundreds of thousands of spectators make their way to the parade viewing area.
There will be several street closures necessary to pull off an event of this magnitude. Please be aware and be safe. Image courtesy of the City of McAllen
“As the largest single day attendance event in the Rio Grande Valley, it is our priority to make sure that everyone arrives safely and on time to see the McAllen Holiday Parade,” said Joe Vera, McAllen Assistant City Manager and Executive Producer of the event. “We ask everyone to take note of the road closures, pay attention to barriers and pedestrians and to take advantage of the free Polar Express that will get everyone to the parade site quickly and safely. Thanks to the many law enforcement partners who will be assisting with traffic control and other security details, we want to make sure that everyone has a fun and safe time at the Best Parade in the World,” concluded Vera.
As a reminder, anyone wishing to be a part of this year’s parade can do so in a variety of ways, including, submitting an entry for the McAllen Holiday Shoebox Parade; or volunteering as a banner carrier or balloon handlers.
Shoebox parade entries must be on a shoebox, and can include any type of arts & crafts, toys, holiday decorations, lights or countless elements to celebrate “South Pole & Beyond,” the theme of both the shoebox and the big parade. The winning shoebox float entry will be made into an actual float for the 2023 edition of the McAllen Holiday Parade.
Entries are due no later than Wednesday, November 23, 2022 by 3:00 p.m. to the City of McAllen Office of Communications, McAllen City Hall, 1300 W. Houston Ave., 3rd Floor. For more information, visit www.mcallen.net.
Balloon handler volunteers must be 18 years or over, while banner carriers must be 16 years or over. All volunteers must go through a background check and will receive gloves, t-shirt and snacks. Call 956-681-3350 for more information or sign up at pardvolunteers@mcallen.net.
The parade will step off at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 3, 2022 from the McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium, 2001 N. Bicentennial Blvd. Ticket prices start at $10, plus service fees for stadium; SPI Vuelta Zone; Skybox Fan Experience; or any of the community group chair seating for the parade and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com; at the McAllen Performing Arts Center Box Office, 801Convention Center Blvd or from any of the community groups. There is also plenty of free seating along the parade route, on a first come basis.
For the past four years, the McAllen Holiday Parade has been named the Best Parade in the World, and this year, earned the Grand Pinnacle Award from the International Festivals and Events Organization. The McAllen Holiday Parade has also been named the Best Parade in Texas for the past SIX years running now by international and state event industry organizations.
The McAllen Holiday Parade is presented by H-E-B and powered by Bert Ogden Auto Group and proudly sponsored by McAllen International Airport, South Padre Island CVB and Reliant. Other sponsors for the 2022 presentation of the McAllen Holiday Parade include Budweiser, McAllen International Bridge System; McAllen Public Utility; Metro McAllen; South Texas Vo-Tech; Matt’s Building Materials; PepsiCo.; Winfield Communities; South Texas College; McDonald’s; Valley Aids Council; Driscoll Children’s Hospital; Chick-fil-A Rio Grande Valley; American Electric Power Foundation; McAllen Public Works Recycling; Peña Eye Institute; IBC; Lacks; McAllen Chamber of Commerce; Hermes; McAllen I.S.D.; Linebarger Attorneys at Law; General Mills; PNC Bank; O’Reilly Auto Parts; University of Texas-RGV; McAllen Economic Development Corp.; Chase; Doña Lula; Tres Lagos Master Planned Community; Pollux Castor Creative; Explore McAllen; Plains Capital Bank; KSA Engineers; Cigna; Marco’s Pizza; Taco Palenque; Halff Associates; Carollo Engineers; B2Z Engineering; S&B Infrastructure; Raba Kistner Consultants, Inc.
The McAllen Crime Stoppers Annual Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway was a great success because of our partners the City of McAllen, McAllen Police Department and other community partners. YouTube Image
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The McAllen Crime Stoppers Annual Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway was a great success because of our partners the City of McAllen, McAllen Police Department and other community partners. This year, 250 families received a Thanksgiving meal.
After the turkey meal distribution, city leaders, volunteers and Crime Stoppers board members hit the streets with McAllen Police Department officers to distribute turkeys to motorists. Police officers would stop drivers and offer them a “Turkey or Ticket?”
Dozens of motorists chose the turkey meals instead of the ticket or traffic violation. McAllen Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organization that provides rewards up to $1,000 for tips to anonymous callers who provide information about crimes to the McAllen Police Department investigators.
The funds are raised by McAllen Crime Stoppers board members to pay for the turkey meals.
Packages containing nearly 119 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at World Trade Bridge. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers assigned to the World Trade Bridge seized hard narcotics that totaled over $1,500,000 in street value.
“This is an excellent seizure by our officers working at the CBP cargo facilities. It’s a perfect example of their unfailing vigilance in guarding our nation’s borders and protecting lawful trade and travel,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.
The seizure occurred on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at the World Trade Bridge, when a CBP officer referred a 2001 Freightliner tractor trailer manifesting polypropylene film for secondary inspection. Following a canine and non-intrusive inspection system examination, CBP officers discovered a total of 118.91 pounds of alleged cocaine within the trailer.
The narcotics had a combined street value of $1,587,777.
CBP seized the narcotics. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents are investigating the seizure.
