Home Blog Page 1100

LiftFund Founder Receives 2022 Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award 

TBB
-
0
LiftFund Founder Receives 2022 Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award 
Opportunity Finance Network awarded small business advocate Janie Barrera the 2022 Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award for Responsible Finance. Courtesy Image
Opportunity Finance Network awarded small business advocate Janie Barrera the 2022 Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award for Responsible Finance. Courtesy Image

Texas Border Business

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Opportunity Finance Network awarded small business advocate Janie Barrera the 2022 Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award for Responsible Finance. Presented annually by OFN, a leading network of community development financial institutions, the Gramlich Award is the CDFI industry’s highest individual honor.

Barrera accepted the Gramlich Award in New York at OFN’s annual conference, where more than 2000 industry leaders, practitioners, and partners gathered for three days of learning and networking.

During her acceptance speech, Barrera walked the audience through milestones and lessons learned though her career and almost 30 years of leading one of the nation’s largest microlender. Founded in 1994, LiftFund is a nonprofit that provides capital to enterprises of all sizes across many industries.  LiftFund has made almost a half billion dollars in loans and has a 96% repayment rate from its customers.

“I am grateful and honored to receive this award and recognition,” Barrera said. “I am reminded that our work is life-changing and life-giving. And we must continue to be of service to others.”

To celebrate the recognition and bring a little of her heritage to New York, Janie welcomed a band of mariachis on stage for a rendition of Selena’s Coma La Flor. 

LiftFund launched in San Antonio, Texas, in 1994 with three employees. Today, LiftFund has more than a hundred employees and operates in 15 states, providing a variety of loan and business support services, such as marketing and management skills training, to help clients grow their business.

“Janie has spent three decades advocating for a more just and inclusive economy. More than that, she has helped to make it so,” said Donna Gambrell, president and CEO of Appalachian Community Capital and chair of OFN’s board of directors. “Janie has worked hard to level the financial playing field for entrepreneurs who have faced considerable obstacles to finance their dreams.”

LiftFund played an outsized role in supporting and uplifting small businesses during the pandemic, leveraging technology to meet unprecedented demand. In 2020 alone, LiftFund disbursed more than $43 million in loans, more than $54 million in grants, and delivered more than 7,000 hours of business support, serving small businesses at a rate never seen before in industry history. 

“Janie is a pioneer in technology innovations that have helped expand small business and microenterprise financing, both at LiftFund and at CDFIs throughout the country,” said Beth Lipson, OFN’s chief financial officer and interim CEO. “Janie is a fearless – and extremely effective – financial justice change agent.” 

Over her career, Barrera has received local and national recognition for her service and has served on many boards. She was appointed to President Barack Obama’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability and was named to the board of directors for the Federal Reserve of Dallas’ San Antonio Branch. In 2015, Barrera was named to the San Antonio Business Hall of Fame. Most recently, Barrera was invited to join the inaugural Treasury Advisory Committee on Racial Equity. 

The award is named for Ned Gramlich, a staunch, longtime advocate for responsible finance. As former Board of Governors’ primary liaison to the Fed’s Consumer Advisory Council, Gramlich advised on community development and consumer finance policy matters. He was an outspoken voice against predatory lending and a strong defender of the Community Reinvestment Act. He served on OFN’s Board from October 2006 until his death in 2007.  

Previous Gramlich awardees include Susan Tachau (2021); Inez Long (2020); Michael Swack (2019); Nancy O. Andrews (2018); Linda Davenport and John Berdes (2017); Elsie Meeks (2016); Moises Loiza (2015); Bill Bynum (2014); Ron Phillips (2013); Juliana Evades (2012); Jeremy Nowak (2011); Sister Corinne Floret (2010); Martin Eakes (2009); Cliff Rosenthal (2008); and Ned Gramlich (2007).

Accepted Into Internal Auditing Education Program

TBB
-
0
Accepted Into Internal Auditing Education Program
 UTRGV’s Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship has been accepted into the Internal Auditing Education Partnership (IAEP) Program as an IAEP Internal Audit Foundation Program. (Archived UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)
 UTRGV’s Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship has been accepted into the Internal Auditing Education Partnership (IAEP) Program as an IAEP Internal Audit Foundation Program. (Archived UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)

Texas Border Business

By Amanda L. Alaniz



EDINBURG, TEXAS – UTRGV’s Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship has been accepted into the Internal Auditing Education Partnership (IAEP) Program as an IAEP Internal Audit Foundation Program.

IAEP Program schools logo (Image Provided by: IAEP)

IAEP Program schools are colleges and universities teaching an internal auditing curriculum within a degree program endorsed by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). Schools must go through an application process and the quality of the offerings is monitored by the IIA and volunteers.

Dr. Giorgio Gotti, professor and chair of the UTRGV School of Accountancy, has had experience with the program and saw how valuable it would be for students and the university.

Gotti, along with Delia Sanchez, MAcc, School of Accountancy lecturer I, and Dr. Christian Sobngwi, School of Accountancy associate director and associate professor, partnered to reach out to the IIA Chapter in San Antonio to inquire about applying to the partnership program with the San Antonio chapter. There is not an IIA Chapter in the Rio Grande Valley.

“The acceptance is basically saying that we have a strong, robust series of classes that are giving students good knowledge about internal auditing,” Gotti said. “The Institute of Internal Auditing gives this seal of approval, seal of quality to our program because they believe the program is up to the quality level they expect.”

The School of Accountancy was accepted at the Foundation level of the program, the beginning stage of the partnership, with the possibility to move up to a Comprehensive Internal Auditing Program and a Center for Internal Auditing Excellence over the years.

This Foundation Program start will allow the UTRGV RCVCoBE School of Accountancy to pace itself as it enhances its IAEP curriculum.

Being recognized by the IAEP can potentially bring additional resources to the university and help accounting students find internships and job opportunities in the field of internal auditing, as the program is implemented.

Sobngwi said they will be focusing on the quality of their educational programs, so students can be well prepared.

“By giving students this opportunity of having access to internal auditors, we’re telling our students that beyond the regular tax auditing industry and accounting, you can do something else,” he said. “This is a very interesting program. It could lead to the possibility of having an interdisciplinary approach to how we design our programs. We want our students to be able to compete with everyone out there.” 

Gotti said there will be a student association dedicated to internal auditing, with students able to network, connect with and benefit from internal auditors, internships and experiential learning.

Sobngwi noted that, with internal auditing, there are no global differences in terms of processes and procedures. If UTRGV were to become a Center for Internal Auditing Excellence, for example, it would give the university the opportunity to educate all of South Texas and parts of Mexico, he said.

“We’re looking forward to becoming that center of excellence in this area. It would provide more educational opportunities to a broader set of people,” he said. 

Sanchez will be the IAEP coordinator for UTRGV and the contact person for all aspects of the program. Gotti and Sobngwi said they are looking forward to the benefits for UTRGV students and beyond.

“The opportunity here is to fulfill part of the mission of the school and the college, which is to help the development of the economy in the Rio Grande Valley,” Gotti said. “I think one of the possible outcomes will be to help the Valley have enough internal auditors, so the internal auditors wouldn’t need to go to a chapter somewhere else. They can stay and meet here. They can develop this area of expertise in their own community.”

For more information about the RCVCOBE School of Accountancy, visit https://www.utrgv.edu/cobe/departments/accountancy/index.htm.

CBP Officers Seize over $1 Million in Cocaine

TBB
-
0
CBP Officers Seize over $1 Million in Cocaine
Packages containing nearly 37 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Hidalgo International Bridge. USCBP Image
Packages containing nearly 37 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Hidalgo International Bridge. USCBP Image

Texas Border Business

HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo and Anzalduas International Bridges intercepted $1,097,900 in alleged cocaine in two separate incidents.

“Our trained CBP officers remain vigilant and relied on their experience and all available tools and resources to thwart these smuggling attempts,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.

On October 16, 2022, CBP officers assigned to the Anzalduas International Bridge encountered a brown Ford pickup truck arriving from Mexico. A CBP officer referred the conveyance for further inspection. After utilizing non-intrusive inspection systems (NII), CBP officers also conducted an additional (canine team) search. After physically inspecting the conveyance, officers extracted 20 packages weighing 45.59 pounds (20.68kg) of alleged cocaine concealed within the vehicle.

On October 20, 2022, CBP officers assigned to the Hidalgo International Bridge encountered a red Chevrolet SUV arriving from Mexico. A CBP officer referred the conveyance for further inspection, which included the use of non-intrusive inspection systems (NII). After physically inspecting the conveyance, officers extracted 15 packages weighing 36.64 pounds (16.62kg) of alleged cocaine concealed within the vehicle.

CBP OFO seized the narcotics, both vehicles and both cases remain under investigation by agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI).

More Than 79,000 Have Died on Texas Roads

TBB
-
0
More Than 79,000 Have Died on Texas Roads
Andrea’s Corvette was in pieces, scattered everywhere. The only part of the car that remained intact was flattened. Her father Speaks of the accident that took his daughter's life in the video in the story below. Courtesy Images
Andrea’s Corvette was in pieces, scattered everywhere. The only part of the car that remained intact was flattened. Her father Speaks of the accident that took his daughter’s life in the video in the story below. Courtesy Images

Texas Border Business

PHARR, Texas – The cell phone video from Easter Sunday shows the convertible Chevy Corvette going 110 mph on Dumas Highway in Amarillo.

TxDOT Video

“Joey! Chill, bro!” is what the passenger, Dyego Mendoza, shouted over the roaring engine. But it was too late. The car flipped and rolled for several hundred feet before it flew across a highway below, slammed into the side of an overpass and slid down the embankment. 

In the video just before the horrific crash, David Elizalde’s 17-year-old daughter, Andrea, can be seen sitting on the center console between the two front seats. She was not wearing a seatbelt. 

The crash scene along Dumas Highway was gruesome. Andrea’s Corvette was in pieces, scattered everywhere. The only part of the car that remained intact was flattened. 

TxDOT Video

“We pulled up to a car that was unrecognizable,” said Amarillo Firefighter Brenton Goerend. “You couldn’t tell what it was. It was horrible. We couldn’t find the third person, so we started looking underneath the car.”

Mendoza and the driver survived. Andrea died at the scene, making her one of more than 79,000 people who have died on Texas roads since Nov. 7, 2000. 

“It’s not OK to drink and drive,” Elizalde said. “It’s not OK as a father to go through the death of your daughter at the hands of people who are drinking and driving.”

The wreckage of Andrea’s car will provide the backdrop for Elizalde who will be a guest speaker during an  #EndTheStreakTX press event in Amarillo on Nov. 16. 

Watch the video of Andrea’s father speaking: 

https://txdot.app.box.com/s/2pcw8jpf7uvuh9ptet07sjkv8m5otaos

Background

This Nov. 7, Texas marks 22 years of daily deaths on our roadways with more than 79,000 innocent lives lost to preventable fatal crashes. For the past several years, about 10 people have died every day in crashes across the state. 

For the first time in the agency’s history of analyzing fatal crashes, experts spoke with a psychology professor to dig deeper into the driver behavior. In an interview, Dr. Art Markman from the University of Texas, alluded to an erosion of community that can be a cause for an increase in traffic fatalities. 

“We have to remind people that they are part of a community,” Markman said. “We have to start considering everyone as part of our community. If we don’t do that, there are going to be all sorts of negative consequences, and those are going to include negative consequences on the road.”

Texas Transportation Commissioner Laura Ryan, a champion for road safety and TxDOT’s #EndTheStreakTX campaign, said every Texan must do their part. And while the goal of ending the deadly streak is ambitious, Ryan said, it is far from impossible, but we must start to care about others around us. 

“With the knowledge that, since the pandemic, people don’t seem to view others around them as part of a community, and, that they care less about those around them, we are starting to identify the problem,” said Ryan. “If we know there is a problem and we can identify that a big part of the problem is a lack of caring or apathy, then we also know the solution – we must care more about those around us.” 

Solutions

Drivers have the power to protect themselves, their passengers and fellow community members because most crashes and fatalities are preventable and caused by things such as speeding, drunk driving and distracted driving. That’s why the approach to reaching zero deaths must be through what TxDOT calls the 3 E’s: engineering, education and enforcement. We all have a responsibility to keep our roads and fellow drivers safe. 

TxDOT is asking all Texans to do any or all the following to raise awareness:    

  • Make the best and safest decisions behind the wheel, don’t drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs; always obey traffic laws; always wear your seatbelt.
  • Post pictures on social media with this downloadable sign displaying the hashtag #EndTheStreakTX.
  • Share personal stories on social media of loved ones who have been lost in a crash and use the hashtag #EndTheStreakTX.
  • Follow @txdot social media pages and share the content we post.

2021 FBI Texas Border Crime Statistics

TBB
-
0
2021 FBI Texas Border Crime Statistics
U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) released FBI crime statistics from 2021, demonstrating that border communities are safer than non-border major cities in the United States. Image for illustration purposes
U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) released FBI crime statistics from 2021, demonstrating that border communities are safer than non-border major cities in the United States. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

WASHINGTON, D.C. —  U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) released FBI crime statistics from 2021, demonstrating that border communities are safer than non-border major cities in the United States.

“As someone who lives and raises their family on the border, I have found the rhetoric about our southern border offers little resemblance to what is on the ground,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Year after year, FBI statistics show that crime rates are lower on the border than non-border major cities.”

Courtesy Image

Congressman Cuellar continued: “The reality of our border communities is simple: our crime rates are low, and our residents feel safe because of the efforts of our local, state, and federal law enforcement. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fund programs that support our law enforcement and protect our communities. I would like to thank the dedicated law enforcement officers and local leaders at our southern border who keep our communities safe.” 

Courtesy Image

In 2021, Dayton, Ohio’s murder rate was 21.5 for every 100,000 residents, according to the FBI’s annual Crime in the United States report; meanwhile in border communities like Laredo and El Paso, Texas, it is less than 5. In addition, Tulsa, Oklahoma, had 1,106.7 violent crimes for every 100,000 residents. Comparatively, Rio Grande City, Texas, had 248.3 violent crimes for every 100,000 residents.

Chick-fil-A in Rio Grande City Officially Open

TBB
-
0
Chick-fil-A in Rio Grande City Officially Open
Chick-fil-A Rio Grande City restaurant officially opened for business Oct. 20th! Courtesy Images
Chick-fil-A Rio Grande City restaurant officially opened for business Oct. 20th! Courtesy Images

Texas Border Business

Chick-fil-A Rio Grande City restaurant officially opened for business Oct. 20th! David Alcocer, the local franchise owner, is looking forward to continuing to serve the community. The restaurant is hiring 120 full- and part-time employees. 

To thank the community for their support, participating restaurants in the Rio Grande Valley are offering a free 4-count Chick-fil-A Chick-n-Minis entrée to guests via the Chick-fil-A App from Monday, Oct. 17 through Sat., Oct. 29. 

In place of the traditional Chick-fil-A First 100® Grand Opening celebration, Chick-fil-A Rio Grande City will be surprising 100 local heroes making an impact in Rio Grande City with free Chick-fil-A for a year. Additionally, in honor of the new restaurant opening, Chick-fil-A will donate $25,000 to Feeding America. The funds will be distributed to partners within the Rio Grande Valley to aid in the fight against hunger.

Anchor Tenant for Mid Valley International Industrial Park

TBB
-
0
Anchor Tenant for Mid Valley International Industrial Park
From left to right: Pablo Garza, Jr. L&G Concrete; Sam Maldonado, SAMES Engineering; Joe Olivarez, Weslaco EDC Board Member; Sonjia De La Fuente, EDC Board Member; Fred Perez, EDC Board Member; Jerry Gonzalez, EDC Board Secretary; Sandra Charlton, EDC Board Treasurer; Stephen Charlton, Former EDC Board Member; Juan J. “JJ” Serrano, EDC Board Vice President; J.P. Rodriguez, Weslaco City Commissioner; Benita R. Valadez, EDC Board President; Leo Muñoz, Weslaco City Commissioner; Letty Lopez, Weslaco City Commissioner; David Suarez, Mayor of Weslaco; Adrian Farias, Weslaco City Commissioner; Louise Bentsen, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez’ Office; Matt Swilling, Glazer’s Beer & Beverage; Will Herrin, Glazer’s Beer & Beverage; Steven Valdez, Executive Director, Weslaco EDC. Courtesy Image
From left to right: Pablo Garza, Jr. L&G Concrete; Sam Maldonado, SAMES Engineering; Joe Olivarez, Weslaco EDC Board Member; Sonjia De La Fuente, EDC Board Member; Fred Perez, EDC Board Member; Jerry Gonzalez, EDC Board Secretary; Sandra Charlton, EDC Board Treasurer; Stephen Charlton, Former EDC Board Member; Juan J. “JJ” Serrano, EDC Board Vice President; J.P. Rodriguez, Weslaco City Commissioner; Benita R. Valadez, EDC Board President; Leo Muñoz, Weslaco City Commissioner; Letty Lopez, Weslaco City Commissioner; David Suarez, Mayor of Weslaco; Adrian Farias, Weslaco City Commissioner; Louise Bentsen, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez’ Office; Matt Swilling, Glazer’s Beer & Beverage; Will Herrin, Glazer’s Beer & Beverage; Steven Valdez, Executive Director, Weslaco EDC. Courtesy Image

Texas Border Business

WESLACO, Texas – The EDC of Weslaco’s groundbreaking ceremony event was met with a surprising announcement as Glazer’s Beer & Beverage representatives revealed their company plans to move its entire operation to the new Mid Valley International Industrial Park, the city’s largest expansion acquisition in over 15 years.

Left to right: Adrian Leal, Vice President/General Manager, Glazer’s Beer & Beverage – McAllen; Steven Valdez, Executive Director-Weslaco EDC; Matt Swilling, Vice President of Sales / Operations and Business Strategy, Glazer’s Beer & Beverage; Will Herrin, Vice President of Operations, Glazer’s Beer & Beverage

Glazer’s Beer & Beverage (GBB), a wholesale alcoholic beverage distribution company with seven locations in Texas, two in Arkansas, and one in Louisiana, formally announced its company plans to build a 250,000 sq. ft. temperature-controlled distribution center in Weslaco and bring with them nearly 200 jobs. EDC officials say the company’s move to Weslaco secures a promising future for the region’s newest centrally located industrial park.

“If this were about catching a big fish,” says Steven Valdez, Executive Director for the EDC in Weslaco, “we just landed a whale!” Valdez served as emcee for the event and made the comment immediately after Glazer’s surprise announcement during Mayor David Suarez’ welcome speech to over 140 event guests.

The company will have the largest footprint within the 122 buildable acre site taking up 25 acres or roughly 20 percent of the entire development.

From Left to Right: Louise Bentsen, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez’ Office; Matt Swilling, Vice President of Sales / Operations and Business Strategy, Glazer’s Beer & Beverage; Will Herrin, Vice President of Operations, Glazer’s Beer & Beverage; Steven Valdez, Executive Director-Weslaco EDC. Courtesy Image

“This is monumental for us.” says EDCW Board President, Benita R. Valadez, “The opening of our new industrial park with Glazer’s as our anchor tenant is putting our city in the best possible position to compete in this global economy.”

Valadez and EDCW Vice President, Juan J. “J.J.” Serrano were guest speakers at the event on Friday.

“Weslaco is now being noticed as a strategic location to offer services and/or distribute product in our Region,” says Serrano. “We have amazing organizations already here in Weslaco such as the Border Patrol, Texas DPS, Texas National Guard, CiL, Kapal, Johnson Controls, Image First, CASTICO, Clever Foods, several cold storage companies like ColiMex and Robinson Fresh, the H-E-B Distribution Center, and many others that have made Weslaco their home. The Mid Valley International Industrial Park will allow many others to do the same. We aren’t just creating jobs here…we’re creating CAREERS.”

The EDC of Weslaco (EDCW) set-up for the groundbreaking. Courtesy Image

The EDC of Weslaco (EDCW) also reports a second international distribution company currently under contract bringing an estimated 140 jobs and investing over $10M in site improvements on another 10-acre tract in the park. The EDCW is not at liberty to announce the name of the company yet, but says the brand is globally recognized. Both companies highlighted in blue in the related picture plan to start construction by the end of this year 2022. Areas highlighted in yellow represent letters of intent submitted to the EDCW from companies asking that spaces be reserved for their business plans.

EDCW executive director says that the timing of Weslaco’s second industrial park is relative to a “reshoring mindset” where companies are coming back to the United States and investing in the “Made in America” model rather than supporting the global political disruptions. “I also see our region growing as a whole,” says Valdez, “and a centralized location means companies can service their customers more efficiently and effectively.”

The EDC of Weslaco (EDCW) has the Shovels set up for the groundbreaking. Courtesy Image

The importance of timing also coincides with the expansion of the two additional commercial lanes at the Progreso Bridge to be completed by mid-year 2023 and similar plans for the Donna International Bridge. “We really are in a good place,” says the City of Weslaco’s Mayor David Suarez. “We’re growing on all four economic indicators. Our schools are growing, we see new subdivisions coming, several commercial developments along the expressway are under construction, and now our second industrial park. We are true to our motto, the ‘City on the Grow,’ so we invite businesses to come and grow with us and make Weslaco your home.”

For more information, contact the Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco at 956-969-0838. EDC staff encourages in person meetings and appointments at 275. S. Kansas Ave. in Weslaco.

$2.5M to Behavioral Health Solutions for Substance Use Treatment

TBB
-
0
$2.5M to Behavioral Health Solutions for Substance Use Treatment
Fueling Hope counselor Stephanie Villarreal, LCDC, LMFT-A, conducting intake services for a client in Weslaco. Courtesy Image
Fueling Hope counselor Stephanie Villarreal, LCDC, LMFT-A, conducting intake services for a client in Weslaco. Courtesy Image

Texas Border Business

HARLINGEN, Texas — Behavioral Health Solutions is a nonprofit organization providing behavioral health and wellness services throughout the southernmost 19 counties in Texas. With the newly acquired funding, Behavioral Health Solutions will provide substance use disorder outpatient treatment services in person and virtually to adults in Cameron and Hidalgo Counties through the Fueling Hope program. Services are currently provided in Weslaco with a Harlingen location to follow within 90 days.

The Fueling Hope program will expand substance use treatment and HIV-related services for Hispanic/Latino and other minority individuals in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas who have a history of substance use disorders and are living with or at risk for blood borne pathogens.  Specifically, the project focuses on the development of a culturally appropriate, trauma-informed, and gender-specific continuum of care to meet the treatment needs of individuals who use opiates and other substances, and are at high-risk for contracting HIV and Hepatitis-C.

The project’s overarching goals are to: (1) identify, engage, and support minority adults with substance use disorders in accessing the recovery and support services needed to successfully transition to health and wellness; and (2) solidify and augment the system of care for adults in need of substance use disorder treatment and recovery support services during these challenging transitions through the implementation of evidence-based practices.  

Individuals identified as having HIV/HCV and other medical needs will receive care through referrals and collaborative efforts with Valley Aids Council and Nuestra Clinica Del Valle. Additional partnerships have been established to connect adults receiving services through Fueling Hope to community resources to meet additional needs. To make a referral or to access these services, please contact Janese Mason at (956) 447-0223, or visit 2110 W. 6th Street in Weslaco, TX 78596.

The mission of Behavioral Health Solutions is to provide a multilevel approach inclusive of prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery to reduce substance abuse and related co-existing conditions in our communities, encourage healthier life-styles related to at-risk public health behaviors, and promote stronger families. 

For more information on programs and services offered by Behavioral Health Solutions, please visit our website at www.bhsst.org. You can also learn about our efforts through our social media at https://www.facebook.com/bhsofsouthtexas, https://twitter.com/bhsst, or instagram.com/bhs_st.

Del Rio Agents Arrest Man Convicted of Manslaughter

TBB
-
0
Del Rio Agents Arrest Man Convicted of Manslaughter
U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Del Rio Sector arrested a man convicted of manslaughter shortly after he illegally entered the United States, Oct. 17. USCBP Image
U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Del Rio Sector arrested a man convicted of manslaughter shortly after he illegally entered the United States, Oct. 17. USCBP Image

Texas Border Business

DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Del Rio Sector arrested a man convicted of manslaughter shortly after he illegally entered the United States, Oct. 17.

At approximately 12 p.m., Uvalde Station agents conducting line watch operations encountered three subjects attempting to avoid detection. All subjects were transported to the Uvalde Border Patrol Station. During processing, record checks revealed that one subject, Abraham Maldonado-Perez, 35, a Mexican national, was convicted of manslaughter, in Dallas, in 2010. He was sentenced to three years confinement and most recently removed from the United States in 2013.

As a convicted felon, he faces a charge of 8 USC § 1326 – Re-entry after Deportation, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

During fiscal year 2022, Oct. 1, 2021, through Aug. 31, 2022, Del Rio Sector agents encountered more than 1,708 criminal migrants.

All subjects are processed in accordance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection policies.

To report suspicious activity, call the Del Rio Sector’s toll-free number at 1-866-511-8727.

Kapalua Marine, Fuels and Lubes Makes Harlingen Home

TBB
-
0
Kapalua Marine, Fuels and Lubes Makes Harlingen Home
As one of the largest and most comprehensive marketers and distributors of quality fuel, lubricants, and relatedsupplies in Texas and Eastern New Mexico, the Company strives to live by their motto, “We Care. You Matter. We Deliver!” Courtesy Image
As one of the largest and most comprehensive marketers and distributors of quality fuel, lubricants, and relatedsupplies in Texas and Eastern New Mexico, the Company strives to live by their motto, “We Care. You Matter. We Deliver!” Courtesy Image

Texas Border Business

HARLINGEN, Texas – Texas Enterprises, Inc. dba Kapalua Marine, Fuels & Lubes will be opening their newestlocation mid-November in Harlingen, Texas. “At Texas Enterprises, Inc. (TEI), we’re a fifth-generation family-owned and professionally operated company, but that’s not just what family means to us. For nearly 100 years, we havebeen running our entire business like it’s our family, caring for and delivering for our customers and our employees, every day.”

As one of the largest and most comprehensive marketers and distributors of quality fuel, lubricants, and relatedsupplies in Texas and Eastern New Mexico, the Company strives to live by their motto, “We Care. You Matter. We Deliver!”

Here’s how TEI delivers for their customers:

  • They offer one of the most extensive catalogs of fuels, lubricants, automotive parts, coolants, equipment,supplies, industrial cleaning solutions, and service, including being the exclusive provider of Golden West branded products, providing unrivaled coverage for a variety of needs.
  • They have developed trusted partnerships with the top brands customers want, including being the go-todistributor for ExxonMobil, Mighty Auto Parts, and over 1,000 quality brands.
  • They are committed to providing exceptional customer service, from 24/7 fuel delivery to knowledgeableand respectful customer service reps ready to resolve any challenge, delivering whatever your business needs, when and where your business needs it.
  • They are focused on maintaining long-term relationships, delivering consistent quality and service to our customers through our connected family of trusted DBAs—Hotsy Carlson, Kapalua, Golden West, UnitedOil & Grease, Allied, Mighty, and Triple S Fuels.

Joe Rutter, General Manager of Kapalua Marine, Fuels & Lubes, said he chose Harlingen because “it just makessense to be centralized so we can better serve the entire Rio Grande Valley.” He went on to say, “I love the culture here in Harlingen! Everyone from the hotel I stayed at, to the realtor that helped me find the location made me feel at home and that’s important to our business.”

“They service industrial, commercial, private fleets, small businesses, marine industry, and much more,” said Chris Hamby, a Harlingen developer, who was instrumental in helping find this location. Mayor Norma Sepulveda said, “the timing could not be more perfect for Texas Enterprises, Inc. to establish their business in Harlingen becausewe are in the beginning stages of an economic growth that will benefit our community.”

Texas Enterprises, Inc. dba Kapalua Marine, Fuels & Lubes is making a multimillion-dollar capital investment into the city of Harlingen. The 20,000 sq. ft. facility sitting on 6 acres adjacent to the

Harlingen Industrial Park will create at least 20+ jobs by the end of 2023 and help boost the local economy. Truckdrivers, warehouse distribution workers, and sales reps are some of the job positions that will need to be filled.

Eric Ziehe, Board President of the HEDC commented that, “We are so proud to have Texas Enterprises, Inc., acompany with so much business experience locate in Harlingen.” Raudel Garza, CEO of the Harlingen Economic Development Council said, “A centralized location, abundant labor force, and available buildings make Harlingenextremely attractive for both investors and employers.”

“To us, our family business means treating our customers like family, going the extra mile, every time. It means treating our employees like family, supporting them so they can do and be their best. It means treating people like, family, putting them first, everyday.

To learn more about Kapalua Marine, Fuels & Lubes, visit www.kapaluafuel.com or www.texasenterprises.com

1...1,0991,1001,101...2,441Page 1,100 of 2,441