Dr. Carlos Cardenas, interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who spoke first at the podium celebrating this important day said. “An important day in Texas history was made about ten years ago that improved the access to care in the Rio Grande Valley and the state of Texas.”

As Hidalgo County leaders prepare for the inevitable expansion or construction of a new courthouse in downtown Edinburg, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation has begun a regional market survey to determine the demand for a privately-funded Class ‘A’ office tower as part of the city’s ambitious downtown revitalization goals.

The Edinburg CISD Board of Trustees has been selected the Texas Outstanding School Board of the Year for 2013 at the 53rd annual TASA/TASB Convention in Dallas. The Texas Association of School Administrators annual School Board Awards Program recognizes outstanding Texas school boards for their commitment to their students and their communities.

Mercedes Texas again is capturing headlines. When the Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlet Stores first opened, Mercedes became one of the most popular shopping experiences for Valley and Mexico residents. Today, Hernan Gonzalez the Director of Mercedes Economic Development Corporation is adding adventure to the experience.

When the Embassy Suites hotel was built back in the eighties, it became the number one full service hotel for McAllen and the region. The ability of a hotel to offer suites larger than a regular hotel room was not even known in this market at that time. The idea was good; consequently it became the perfect way for doing business.

South Texas is experiencing a positive atmosphere for business. The announcement of the university merger and the medical school are at the top of what is coming and already transforming South Texas, but these are not the only events. Duke Energy Renewables will construct a major Wind Farm in Starr County that will consist of two phases, with a total of 200 wind turbines generating 400 megawatts of electricity, with hiring beginning in December 2013.

City, county, school district officials, and representatives along with local businessmen crowded into the Social Club in Edinburg on Thursday to lunch and learn about Light Emitting Diodes or L.E.D.s. The event, sponsored by a new Rio Grande Valley company, Enviro-Lite Solutions LLC, was attended by those representing governmental entities from Brownsville to Mission.

McAllen, Texas – The Hidalgo County Historical Commission, McAllen Historic Preservation Council and the City of McAllen hosted a dedication ceremony honoring the Paris Gum Factory with a Texas Historical Marker and a City Landmark Marker, Friday October 11, 2013, at 10 am.

Edinburg, Texas –Hidalgo County Commissioners Court adopted the 2014 County Budget at its regular meeting held earlier today. The Court also set the 2013 Hidalgo County Ad Valorem Tax Rate at $0.59 per $100 of taxable value; the County has kept taxes at the same rate for over ten years.

On June 26, 2013 the South Texas College (STC) Board of Trustees voted unanimously to put a Bond and Maintenance Election in front of Hidalgo and Starr County voters for approval on November 5, 2013. The $159 million bond includes construction and equipping of college buildings at each of STC’s five campuses as well as a 3-cent additional annual tax for the maintenance and operation of STC.