Cameron County Internet Connectivity and Broadband Project Cameron County is pleased to announce that an Internet Connectivity and Broadband Project has begun. YouTube Image
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Cameron County Internet Connectivity and Broadband Project Cameron County is pleased to announce that an Internet Connectivity and Broadband Project has begun. All Cameron County residents, both living within city or county limits, are encouraged to complete a brief survey and conduct an online speed test by scanning the QR code on the flyer or by visiting www.cameroncountytx.gov. Community response will help us identify the current connectivity range by area, and bring affordable and reliable internet our communities need and deserve.
Watch the video below for more information
We know that internet is important and essential to our daily lives including: School, Work, Telehealth and more. Individuals are encouraged to conduct the survey and speed test both at homeand at their business location (if applicable). Deadline is Friday, October 28, 2022. Your assistance in sharing the word and encouraging our communities to respond is greatly appreciated.
Small businesses are essential to fuel the economy and create good jobs. America’s 32.5 million small businesses account for more than 99% of all U.S. companies and employ just under 47% of private sector employees. Image for illustration purposes
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By Lindsay Cates Manager, Communications and Strategy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Small businesses are essential to fuel the economy and create good jobs. America’s 32.5 million small businesses account for more than 99% of all U.S. companies and employ just under 47% of private sector employees.
But small businesses have been hit hard during the pandemic—and now cite inflation, worker shortages, and supply chain issues as major challenges. Large companies have a role to play to ensure small businesses persevere and can lead the charge to help them grow and thrive.
Here are five things large companies can do right now to help small businesses realize their full potential:
1. Speed up payment processing.
Paying small businesses’ invoices faster can help them become more profitable, hire more workers, and grow more quickly. A 2016 study showed that paying firms just 15 days sooner had a huge impact on firm growth.
In 2011, the QuickPay reform accelerated the payment period from 30 days to 15 days for a subset of small business contractors in the U.S. The study found that, on average, each accelerated dollar of payment led to an almost 10 cent increase in payroll. Collectively, the new policy – which accelerated $64 billion in payments – increased annual payroll by $6 billion and created just over 75,000 jobs in the three years following the reform.
2. Include small business suppliers in your operations.
Suppliers are essential to almost every business. Large customers of a small company will likely get more attention and better service and reliability than if they were to be a small customer of a large supplier. Large companies can also consider splitting orders between two smaller firms to ensure a backup.
It’s a strategy that has worked for large companies including Boeing and Coca-Cola. Boeing suppliers, like woman-owned Wildwood Electronics based in Madison, Alabama, are responsible for making NASA rocket launches possible—and the partnership has helped Wildwood Electronics boast $7 million annual revenue with just 32 employees.
Coca-Cola uses a diverse network of nearly 70 independent bottlers that operate as a coordinated, but diverse supplier system.
3. Partner with a small business on federal, state, and local contracts.
The Federal Government is the largest consumer of goods and services in the world, spending roughly $600 billion each year. The recently passed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law gives states and local authorities hundreds of billions of dollars to rebuild our communities in the coming years.
Brian Butler, CEO of Vistra Communications and President of the Tampa Bay Chamber, says large firms should consider helping small firms gain entry into infrastructure investment opportunities.
Over $110 billion has been announced and is headed to states and local governments with over 4,300 specific projects identified for funding.
4. Help small businesses adapt technology.
A recent report from the U.S. Chamber’s Technology Engagement Center shows how America’s largest tech companies can level the playing field for small businesses. Social media accounts, accounting software, point-of-sales tools, and productivity tools have all made it easier for small businesses to expand their customer bases and increase efficiency.
Right now, the tech industry can lead the way in boosting the adoption of technology platforms as small businesses plan to continue to increase investments in their use of tech across their business in the next two to three years.
5. Participate in mentorship programs.
It takes years to gain the business experience to run a successful company. New small business owners often have the grit and ingenuity to start a great company but may lack the experience needed to ensure it grows. Leaders at large companies can act as mentors to guide small firms via formal or informal partnerships and programs.
For example, in NASA’s Mentor-Protégé Program small businesses gain opportunities to participate in NASA prime contracts and subcontracts. They gain expertise from larger corporations, while America’s space program benefits from innovation and cutting-edge creativity unique to small firms.
Learn more about how the U.S. Chamber’s small business advocacy work at uschamber.com/sb.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo West Station arrested a convicted felon in Laredo, Texas. USCBP Image
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LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo West Station arrested a convicted felon in Laredo, Texas.
On October 12, at approximately 11:40 a.m., agents encountered a group while working their assigned duties. The group was apprehended by agents and transported to the Laredo West Border Patrol Station for processing. Record checks revealed that one subject, Victor Estrada-Loza, 57, a Mexican national, was convicted for sexual assault of a child in 2003 in Dallas, Texas, and sentenced to five years confinement.
Victor Estrada-Loza was deported in 2008 in El Paso for immigration violations.
He remains in custody pending further investigation.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol while remaining anonymous by calling 1-800-343-1994.
Packages containing 44 pounds of fentanyl seized by CBP officers at Pharr International Bridge. USCBP Image
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PHARR, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Pharr International Bridges Cargo Facility intercepted $1,036,000 in alleged fentanyl.
“CBP officers intercepted this load of fentanyl, the largest thus far in port history, thanks to great teamwork and the utilization of all available tools and resources,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “It is important to remember how lethal fentanyl is, which is why our officers always work wearing personal protective equipment and use vital equipment which can identify these dangerous substances before officers handle them.”
On Thursday, October 13, 2022, CBP officers assigned to the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility encountered a commercial tractor trailer arriving from Mexico. A CBP officer referred the conveyance for further inspection, which included utilizing non-intrusive inspection (NII) equipment and screening by a (canine team). After physically inspecting the conveyance, officers discovered 19 packages of alleged fentanyl weighing 44.35 pounds (20.12kg) concealed within the tractor. CBP OFO seized the narcotics and vehicle, and the case remain under investigation by agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI).
Terracon is committed to helping future engineers reach their education goals. Courtesy Image
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Terracon is committed to helping future engineers reach their education goals. The Terracon Foundation is pleased to announce a nearly $8,000 grant to Columbus State University in Georgia for its STEM scholarships.
It will continue scholarships founded by GEC, A Terracon Company. Learn more about how the Terracon Foundation helps our employee-owners give back to their local communities: https://okt.to/edvYrp
Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents with state and local law enforcement departments interdicted seven smuggling events leading to 250 arrests. USCBP Image
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EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents with state and local law enforcement departments interdicted seven smuggling events leading to 250 arrests.
On October 12, a Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station (RGC) camera operator observed multiple subjects load into a Chevrolet pickup truck near Fronton. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers, working with RGC Bike Patrol agents, attempted to conduct a vehicle stop on the truck, but the driver led authorities on a vehicle pursuit until crashing the truck into a tree. A CBP Air and Marine helicopter helped to locate five migrants and the driver. All six were determined to be unlawfully present in the U.S. Two migrants were transported to the hospital for evaluation and treatment, DPS took custody of the Mexican national driver to face state charges and agents transported three migrants to the station.
Earlier that morning, a DPS trooper observed multiple subjects load into a Crown Victoria near the Rio Grande south of Mission. The driver led troopers and agents on a vehicle pursuit that ended near McCook when the vehicle came to a stop and the occupants bailed out. DPS took custody of the Mexican national driver to face state charges of evading arrest, smuggling of persons, and deadly conduct. Agents transported six migrants to the station.
Later that evening, McAllen Border Patrol Station agents responded to a request for assistance from the Palmview Police Department with eight subjects they encountered after a vehicle pursuit in Mission. Agents apprehended the migrants for being illegally present in the U.S. The driver was not located.
Falfurrias Border Patrol Station agents had a vehicle pursuit that ended with ranch fence damage and three apprehensions. Kingsville Border Patrol Station agents requested DPS assistance at a vehicle stop after the driver sped through the bus lane at the Javier Vega Jr. Checkpoint. DPS took custody of the female driver to charge with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).
Also on October 12, RGV agents encountered two large groups, totaling 225 migrants, near Mission and La Grulla. The groups were comprised of 102 single adults, 64 unaccompanied children, and 59 family members. The migrants were from Cuba, and various Central and South American countries.
“Transnational Criminal Organizations continue to demonstrate their callous nature placing financial gain before the sanctity of human life.” said RGV Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez. “The seamless and effective interagency cooperation that exists here in the Rio Grande Valley between federal, state and local law enforcement is vital to the prosperity and safety of our communities.”
All subjects were processed accordingly.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 1-800-863-9382.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Camino Real Bridge arrested a woman in connection with an alleged attempt to smuggle one undocumented noncitizen adult woman through the Eagle Pass Port of Entry. USCBP Image
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EAGLE PASS, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Camino Real Bridge arrested a woman in connection with an alleged attempt to smuggle one undocumented noncitizen adult woman through the Eagle Pass Port of Entry.
“Intercepting this smuggling attempt was made possible by the great teamwork of our officers. I am proud of the vigilance and dedication to duty displayed by the men and women of the Port of Eagle Pass,” said (A)Port Director Elizabeth Garduno, Eagle Pass Port of Entry.
On Oct. 9, 2022, CBP officers assigned to the Camino Real Bridge encountered a female 42-year-old U.S. citizen accompanied by one adult female traveling from Mexico to the U.S. driving a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado. The female passenger claimed to be a U.S. citizen and presented a Texas driver license as proof of identity. During the examination, CBP officers discovered the driver license did not belong to the female passenger, she was not a U.S. citizen, and she did not possess valid entry documents.
The passenger was processed as an oral false claim to U.S. citizenship and driver was placed under arrest pending criminal proceedings.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at Eagle Pass Port of Entry recently encountered Halloween decorations that were not what they seemed; pumpkins filled with $402,196 in liquid methamphetamine. USCBP Image
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EAGLE PASS, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at Eagle Pass Port of Entry recently encountered Halloween decorations that were not what they seemed; pumpkins filled with $402,196 in liquid methamphetamine.
“Our frontline CBP officers have seen just about everything, and this Tuesday was no exception as they encountered liquid methamphetamine hidden within pumpkins,” said (Acting) Port Director Elizabeth Garduno, Eagle Pass Port of Entry. “They utilized their training, experience, interviewing skills and uncovered a rather novel narcotics smuggling method in the process.”
On Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022, CBP officers assigned to Eagle Pass Camino Real International Bridge encountered a 2012 Ford Escape arriving from Mexico. A CBP officer referred the vehicle for further inspection. After conducting a thorough secondary examination, officers seized a total of nearly 44 pounds (19.84 kg) of alleged liquid methamphetamine concealed within 136 condoms inside four pumpkins within the vehicle.
CBP OFO seized the narcotics, vehicle and turned the driver and passenger over to the custody of Maverick County Sheriff’s Office deputies for further investigation.
The United States and Mexico have announced five criminal targets operating near Rio Grande for their “Se Busca Información” initiative. USCBP Image
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RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas — The United States and Mexico have announced five criminal targets operating near Rio Grande for their “Se Busca Información” initiative.
Launched in 2016 as a joint effort between the U.S. Border Patrol and the Government of Mexico, “Se Busca Información” identifies individuals associated with transnational criminal organizations sought for crimes associated with human and drug smuggling on both sides of the border.
USCBP Image
“Transnational Criminal Organizations continue to place profit over human lives,” said Chief Patrol Agent Gloria Chavez of the Rio Grande Valley Sector. “Through the “Se Busca Información” initiative, community members on both sides of the border will be able to provide us information on individuals who place human lives at risk every day.”
The five individuals’ pictures are placed on posters, flyers, and billboards in heavily traveled locations throughout the region for public viewing. In Mexico, they are displayed on bulletins, billboards, and posters along city streets. Posters will be displayed at U.S. Border Patrol stations, immigration checkpoints, and international ports of entry in the Rio Grande Valley border region.
Those who believe they have information about these criminals can confidentially report this information to law enforcement in Rio Grande Valley by phone at U.S. 1-800-863-9382/MEX 001-880-863-9382 or by ‘WhatsApp’ at (956) 295-0887. The phone lines are open 24 hours a day to a special ‘Se Busca Información’ intelligence center.
It is important to note that an arrest or criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered evidence of guilt. Subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers working at the Bridge of the Americas Cargo Facility intercepted 128 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of $1.4 million.
“This is a large amount of cocaine that is not making it to its intended destination because of the vigilance of the CBP workforce,” said CBP El Paso Port Director Ray Provencio.
The seizure occurred on Oct. 6, at the Bridge of the Americas cargo facility when a male Mexican national truck driver arrived from Mexico in a tractor trailer and was referred for a secondary inspection of the commercial vehicle.
CBP officers conducted a non-intrusive (x-ray) inspection where they identified anomalies located within the conveyance and search by a CBP canine resulted in a positive alert. Further examination led CBP officers to the discovery of 52 bundles with a combined weight of 128 pounds of cocaine.
The narcotics and tractor trailer were seized by CBP. No arrests were immediately made. The case remains under investigation.
