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Texas Wins Governor’s Cup For 14th Year In A Row

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Texas Wins Governor’s Cup For 14th Year In A Row
Texas has been recognized as the nation’s top-performing state 14 years in a row and 22 years in total. Photo: Office of The Governor
Texas has been recognized as the nation’s top-performing state 14 years in a row and 22 years in total. Photo: Office of The Governor

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AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott announced Texas has won Site Selection magazine’s Governor’s Cup for attracting the most job-creating business location and expansion projects during a press conference at the Governor’s Mansion in Austin. Texas has been recognized as the nation’s top-performing state 14 years in a row and 22 years in total.

“There is no state that is better-designed or better-positioned economically now and going forward,” said Governor Abbott. ”When we have so many of those robust local economic development teams working alongside the State of Texas, that is wind at our back to ensure that we will be leading in projects now and going forward. You can see that we are on a trajectory to ensure our economic diversification is going to inoculate us in good times, as well as bad times, to ensure our economy is still going to grow, still create new jobs, prosperity, and opportunities for Texans going forward.”

“It is time to start talking about the State of Texas as a dynasty in economic development,” said Site Selection Executive Vice President Ron Starner. “Texas did not just win the Governor’s cup this time, it obliterated the record book. Congratulations Governor Abbott – you and your team have earned the Site Selection Governor’s Cup. The dynasty continues.”

Texas was recognized as the No. 1 state for attracting more than 1,400 business location and expansion projects in 2025, representing more than $75 billion in capital investment and creating more than 42,000 new jobs. Texas attracted more than twice the total number of projects of the second-ranked state.

Governor Abbott was joined for the announcement by Site Selection Executive Vice President Ron Starner, Secretary of State Jane Nelson, Texas Economic Development & Tourism Executive Director Adriana Cruz, and business, economic development, and community leaders from across Texas.

Watch the Governor’s full press conference here.

The Governor’s Cup is awarded annually by Site Selection, an award-winning magazine recognized as the leading publication in corporate real estate, facility planning, location analysis, and foreign direct investment.

Texas AG Warns Therapists of Licensing Risks in Youth Transition Cases

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Texas AG Warns Therapists of Licensing Risks in Youth Transition Cases
The opinion notes that the Council’s licensees constitute health care providers under the law, which makes clear that they are governed by state law barring funds going to those who facilitate the prohibited “transition” procedures. Image for illustration purposes
The opinion notes that the Council’s licensees constitute health care providers under the law, which makes clear that they are governed by state law barring funds going to those who facilitate the prohibited “transition” procedures. Image for illustration purposes

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Image: X

AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton has issued a legal opinion declaring that the prohibitions under S.B. 14 making it illegal for health care providers to “transition” kids does apply to “mental health care providers” licensed by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council.

The opinion notes that the Council’s licensees constitute health care providers under the law, which makes clear that they are governed by state law barring funds going to those who facilitate the prohibited “transition” procedures. Licensees are defined as “health care providers” in this sense for good reason, as the path to kids being “transitioned” often starts with unethical indoctrination by activists providing mental “health care” designed to confuse children about their gender.

Thus, the Legislature’s prohibition on those unlawfully “transitioning” our kids—which covers not only any person or entity who “provides” medical interventions, but also an individual or entity who “facilitates” medical interventions—certainly applies to licensed mental health care providers.

“Any radical facilitating the ‘transitioning’ of our kids is committing child abuse,” said Attorney General Paxton. “The law is clear that these radical procedures are illegal and in no world should Texans’ tax dollars be used to permanently harm children. This opinion should send a clear warning there will be consequences for any medical professional, whether a doctor or a therapist, who is illegally ‘transitioning’ Texas kids.”

The opinion’s summary states: “Any licensee that facilitates the provision of unlawful procedures or treatments that aim to transition a child’s sex are thus forbidden from receiving public money in support of those efforts and, separately, risk revocation of their licenses to practice.”

To read the opinion, click here.

Mission EDC Receives 2025 Economic Excellence Recognition Award from TEDC

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Mission EDC Receives 2025 Economic Excellence Recognition Award from TEDC
“A sincere thank you to the Mission EDC Board for its continued support and vision, and strong recognition to the Mission EDC team for their extraordinary work, creative thinking, and collaborative approach,” said Mission EDC CEO Teclo Garcia. “This award is for everyone.” Image courtesy of MEDC
“A sincere thank you to the Mission EDC Board for its continued support and vision, and strong recognition to the Mission EDC team for their extraordinary work, creative thinking, and collaborative approach,” said Mission EDC CEO Teclo Garcia. “This award is for everyone.” Image courtesy of MEDC

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MISSION, TEXAS – The Mission Economic Development Corporation (Mission EDC) has been recognized as a recipient of the 2025 Economic Excellence Recognition (EER) Award by the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC).

Mission EDC is one of 85 economic development organizations statewide to receive this distinction. The EER program recognizes organizations that meet a high threshold of professionalism, with qualifications based on governing board development, staff certifications, continuing education, professional memberships, and overall organizational effectiveness.

Courtesy image

“The TEDC’s Economic Excellence Recognition program honors the outstanding commitment to excellence demonstrated by communities, leaders, and economic development professionals across Texas,” said Carlton Schwab, President and CEO of TEDC.

“A sincere thank you to the Mission EDC Board for its continued support and vision, and strong recognition to the Mission EDC team for their extraordinary work, creative thinking, and collaborative approach,” said Mission EDC CEO Teclo Garcia. “This award is for everyone.”

Established in 1961, the Texas Economic Development Council is a statewide nonprofit professional association dedicated to advancing economic and employment opportunities across Texas.

For more information about TEDC, visit: https://texasedc.org/

Tax returns will be higher thanks to the “big, beautiful bill,” as Americans plan to pay down debt

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Tax returns will be higher thanks to the “big, beautiful bill,” as Americans plan to pay down debt
According to reporting by CBS News, Wall Street analysts estimate the average refund could be about 30% higher than last year, or roughly $1,000 more, bringing the typical refund to about $4,000. Image fro illustration purposes
According to reporting by CBS News, Wall Street analysts estimate the average refund could be about 30% higher than last year, or roughly $1,000 more, bringing the typical refund to about $4,000. Image fro illustration purposes

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Texas Border Business

A survey conducted this month by Bank of America Global Research found that 36% of Americans plan to use their 2026 tax refunds to pay down debt, as refunds are projected to increase significantly. According to reporting by CBS News, Wall Street analysts estimate the average refund could be about 30% higher than last year, or roughly $1,000 more, bringing the typical refund to about $4,000. Internal Revenue Service data cited by CBS News shows refunds are currently about 14% higher than at the same point last year. Refund amounts typically rise as the filing season progresses because higher-income households, which often receive larger refunds, tend to file closer to the April 15 deadline, according to CBS News.

The Bank of America survey found that paying down debt is the most common planned use of refunds. About 10% of respondents said they would use the money for a major purchase or to cover everyday expenses, while roughly 13% plan to put it into savings. The survey also found that 32% of respondents do not expect to receive a refund.

According to CBS News, household debt in the United States has reached record levels in recent months, with Americans relying more heavily on credit cards for daily spending and taking out larger loans as car and home prices have risen. Matt Schulz, chief consumer finance analyst at LendingTree, told CBS News that this year’s plans mirror past patterns. During the 2025 tax season, about 34% of consumers told LendingTree they intended to use their refunds to reduce debt, he said. “Going all the way back to the pandemic, when so many Americans used their government stimulus to pay down their debts, we’ve seen that people tend to do the right thing when they get a windfall,” Schulz told CBS News.

A Feb. 11 report from the Bank of America Institute found that from 2023 to 2025, low- and middle-income households tended to keep a portion of their refund money in their bank accounts for at least six months. According to CBS News, analysts say the larger refunds projected for 2026 could strengthen financial stability for many households, even as a significant share of taxpayers expect no refund.

Tactical Team at Hidalgo Port Carries Out Four Operations Resulting in Five Detentions

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Tactical Team at Hidalgo Port Carries Out Four Operations Resulting in Five Detentions
CBP officers and SRT operators apprehend an illegal alien from Honduras in an enforcement action in the Rio Grande Valley area. USCBP image
CBP officers and SRT operators apprehend an illegal alien from Honduras in an enforcement action in the Rio Grande Valley area. USCBP image

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HIDALGO, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers assigned to the Hidalgo Port of Entry, including Special Response Team operators apprehended five illegal aliens unlawfully present in the U.S. in four separate enforcement actions in a 24-hour period. 

“Our frontline CBP officers and SRT operators formed a tactical team and successfully apprehended five illegal aliens discovered to be residing in the U.S. in four separate enforcement actions,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo Port of Entry. “These enforcement actions away from the port highlight the versatility of our CBP officers (enforcement), our SRT operators and their tactical skill to apprehend illegal aliens unlawfully present in the U.S. and process them for various immigration law violations.”

Abbott and Trump Spotlight Texas’ Expanding Energy Sector in Corpus Christi

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Abbott and Trump Spotlight Texas’ Expanding Energy Sector in Corpus Christi
Governor Greg Abbott and President Donald J. Trump highlighted the strength of Texas' booming economy at the Port of Corpus Christi. Photo: Office of The Governor
Governor Greg Abbott and President Donald J. Trump highlighted the strength of Texas’ booming economy at the Port of Corpus Christi. Photo: Office of The Governor

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CORPUS CHRISTI — Governor Greg Abbott and President Donald J. Trump highlighted the strength of Texas’ booming economy at the Port of Corpus Christi.

“America is once again a premier power across the entire globe, as Donald Trump has restored common sense back to the United States of America,” said Governor Abbott. “A common sense principle is getting rid of the Green New Deal and getting back to world energy dominance here in the state of Texas. Because of Corpus Christi, this year Texas will become No. 1 for LNG shipments across the globe. The economy is booming, with Texas ranking  No. 1 for the most new jobs added and headquarters moving to our state. By making products in America, business and families can continue to thrive and keep Texas, Texas.”

See the gallery below for MOr Images: Photos: Office of The Governor:

 “With the men and women here today, we’re unleashing America’s potential, strengthening our security, increasing our prosperity, cementing America’s status as the number one energy superpower,” said President Trump. “I approved vital federal funding to deepen the channel and fully modernize the Port of Corpus Christi. Since that personal investment, companies have flocked here, creating tens of thousands of jobs, and generating billions and billions of dollars in revenue for your community. We are witnessing a historic American energy boom like we’ve never seen and this port is right at the center of the action.” At the event, Governor Abbott touted that Texas continues to be America’s No. 1 job creator because of the state’s strong pro-business and pro-job policies. The Governor thanked President Trump for his leadership and his initiatives to restore American jobs. President Trump noted that Texas fosters an environment where free enterprise can flourish, and investments in workforce development, infrastructure, and technology make it easier and less costly for businesses to succeed in Texas.  Additionally, Governor Abbott and President Trump championed Texas as a national leader in affordable energy, noting that the Port of Corpus Christi is one of the largest ports in the United States that supplies America’s energy. The pair noted that together they will unleash American energy dominance and end reliance on foreign adversaries.  

Workforce Solutions Jobs Updates, 3-2-26

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Workforce Solutions Jobs Updates, 3-2-26
Texas Workforce Solutions has the job you are looking for. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Workforce Solutions has the job you are looking for. Image for illustration purposes

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Below you will find our Hot Jobs for this week, all these jobs and many more are available on www.workintexas.com.

U.S. Border Patrol Information Session 

Courtesy image

Monday, March 2, 2026

9 am – 12 pm

Workforce Solutions Weslaco 2290 W. Pike Blvd., Ste. 100 Weslaco, TX 78596

https://www.facebook.com/share/172z2exgKJ

Texas Juvenile Justice Department Hiring Event 

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Wednesday, March 4, 2026

9 am – 12 pm

Workforce Solutions Mission 901 Travis St., Ste. 7 Mission, TX 78572 

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FEDCoUrhe

Edinburg and Hidalgo Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers Hiring Event 

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Wednesday, March 4, 2026

9 am – 1 pm

Workforce Solutions Edinburg 2719 W. University Dr. Edinburg, TX 78539 

https://www.facebook.com/share/17FVBatbLq

Insurance Sales Agent Hiring Event 

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Thursday, March 5, 2026

9 am – 12 pm

Workforce Solutions Weslaco 2290 W. Pike Blvd., Ste. 100 Weslaco, TX 78596

https://www.facebook.com/share/1DGr5xdyKJ

STC Trustee Victoria Cantu Earns Woman of the Year Award

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STC Trustee Victoria Cantu Earns Woman of the Year Award
Through her significant contributions to the communities she serves, STC Trustee Victoria Cantu was recently honored with the prestigious Premio Altruista Siglo XXI – Woman of the Year 2026-2027 Estatuilla Internacional by the CASA Arte Foundation. STC image
Through her significant contributions to the communities she serves, STC Trustee Victoria Cantu was recently honored with the prestigious Premio Altruista Siglo XXI – Woman of the Year 2026-2027 Estatuilla Internacional by the CASA Arte Foundation. STC image

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By Amanda Sotelo

Through her significant contributions to the communities she serves, STC Trustee Victoria Cantu was recently honored with the prestigious Premio Altruista Siglo XXI – Woman of the Year 2026-2027 Estatuilla Internacional by the CASA Arte Foundation.

Estatuilla Internacional celebrates women who are making meaningful contributions in business, education and community service, an initiative dear to Cantu’s heart. 

STC Trustee Victoria Cantu. STC I’m,ager

“I support and collaborate with organizations that uplift women, promote leadership and strengthen communities. I believe in the power of highlighting women’s achievements to inspire the next generation of leadership,” she said. “This award represents that purpose and I am deeply honored and incredibly grateful.” 

As a mother, business owner and community advocate, those who know Cantu, admire her efforts that are rooted in building opportunities for children and families and her way of leading with integrity, compassion and courage. 

STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., said having Trustees like Cantu, who are dedicated and committed to making RGV communities a better place, continue to help STC expand its reach and its offerings.

“Cantu has been a valuable member of our board since 2018 and largely contributed to the success of our college,” said Solis. “Her leadership has shaped some of our new outreach initiatives. We are proud of Ms. Cantu, and this distinguished honor is well deserved. On behalf of the board and STC administration, congratulations.” 

In addition to serving as an STC Trustee, Cantu is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Children’s Education Station, LLC in Peñitas, a center focused on high-quality early childhood education; active with the Fueling Potential Coalition, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating hunger and food insecurity among children and families and remains engaged with local chambers of commerce, community events and initiatives that strengthen families across Hidalgo and Starr Counties.  

Cantu said her success and efforts are made possible by the many people, especially women who have mentored, guided and encouraged her. 

“I see this award not just as a personal achievement, but as a reflection of the many people, many women, who have poured into my life, believed in me and worked alongside me in service to our community,” she said. “This recognition motivates me to continue giving back and to empower more women to step into leadership roles boldly and unapologetically.” 

RGV Partnership Launches RGV Connect Under New President Paco Sanchez

Roberto H. Gonzalez
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RGV Partnership Launches RGV Connect Under New President Paco Sanchez
Paco Sanchez. Image Texas Border Business
Paco Sanchez. Image Texas Border Business

Texas Border Business

By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business

After approximately nine months without an official leader, the Rio Grande Valley Partnership in early 2026 announced the selection of Paco Sanchez as its new President and CEO, naming a veteran legislative professional to lead the business-focused regional organization ahead of the next state legislative cycle.

Sanchez brings nearly two decades of experience in Texas state government, having served as Legislative Director for a state representative and Chief of Staff for another. He also worked as a litigation specialist in the private sector. A native of the Rio Grande Valley, he holds a law degree from the University of Houston Law Center and an undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

Soon after assuming the role, Sanchez led the Partnership’s first RGV Connect session, launching a new initiative to strengthen regional collaboration and advocacy. The meeting was organized with support from the City of Mission and Mission Economic Development Corporation.

“Good morning, everyone. I’m Paco Sanchez, President and CEO of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership,” Sanchez said. “I want to thank the City of Mission, Mission EDC, and their staff for helping us put this event together.”

Teclo Garcia, Mission EDC President and CEO, welcomed him to the position. “Paco, thank you for taking the job. We’re incredibly proud of you and glad to see someone who knows the Valley, Austin, and D.C. so well,” Garcia said.

Sanchez described the Partnership as “a business-led nonprofit focused on advancing advocacy and collaboration across the four counties of the Rio Grande Valley.” He said the organization brings together business leaders, community stakeholders, and elected officials to set regional priorities and carry them to Austin and Washington, D.C., with the goal of strengthening infrastructure and competitiveness.

He said RGV Connect complements the organization’s signature RGV Legislative Tour, which brings state lawmakers and staff to the Valley to review projects and funding needs. “The RGV Legislative Tour and RGV Connect serve as key tools to facilitate community discussions, shape our regional advocacy strategy, and guide our legislative agenda,” Sanchez said.

The first session focused on trade and transportation. Sanchez called the topic “timely and critical,” emphasizing that challenges in Cameron County affect Hidalgo, Willacy, and Starr counties alike. “The Rio Grande Valley is not siloed, and our challenges are not isolated. They affect all of us,” he said.

Panelists highlighted the lack of a complete interstate corridor as an economic disadvantage and cited limited rail connectivity and overweight freight corridor links as priorities. Expansion of commercial bridge infrastructure, including the Donna-Rio Bravo Bridge project, was discussed as ready to advance but stalled by funding constraints.

Sanchez said RGV Connect is designed to build momentum for the region’s advocacy efforts in Austin and Washington as the next legislative cycle approaches.

See related stories:

Inaugural RGV Connect Forum Focuses on Transportation and Trade to Advance the Rio Grande Valley
RGV Partnership Selects Veteran Legislative Leader Paco Sanchez as President and CEO
Cameron County pushes major infrastructure plan to support Valley growth
Port of Harlingen calls for rail and corridor upgrades to support Valley trade
Donna advances bridge expansion and trade corridor plans to boost regional mobility
Donna Bridge expansion plans aim to increase capacity and improve cross-border flow
Ron Garza guides regional infrastructure dialogue at RGV Connect forum

Wishes Take Flight at McAllen International Airport with Support from Lone Star National Bank and East Ocean

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Wishes Take Flight at McAllen International Airport with Support from Lone Star National Bank and East Ocean
Pictured above are Richard, Anahi, and Elena. Courtesy image
Pictured above are Richard, Anahi, and Elena. Courtesy image

Texas Border Business

Texas Border Business

McAllen International Airport partnered with Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley and sponsors Lone Star National Bank and East Ocean to send three children facing critical illnesses and health challenges on wish vacations at a special event held on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

Wish Day at MFE brought together the children and their families for a send-off celebration before their nonstop flight to Orlando, Florida. Activities at the airport included cookies, a face-painting station, and special goodie bags for the families.

According to Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley, the three children beginning their wish journeys are 7-year-old Richard, traveling with his family of five; 5-year-old Elena, traveling with her family of five; and 7-year-old Anahi, traveling with her family of three.

Rebecca Gearhart. Courtesy image

“Today, we are deeply grateful to McAllen International Airport and our generous sponsors — Lone Star National Bank and East Ocean — for helping create a moment these families will never forget,” said Rebecca Gearhart, chief executive officer for Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley. “A wish is more than a fleeting moment — wishes restore hope, bring joy during a difficult journey, and remind families they are not alone.”

Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley is the regional chapter of Make-A-Wish, a nonprofit organization that grants wishes to children diagnosed with critical illnesses. The organization works with donors, volunteers, and community partners to provide experiences intended to bring hope and emotional support to children and their families during medical treatment.

Lone Star National Bank is a community bank headquartered in South Texas, providing personal and commercial banking services across the Rio Grande Valley and surrounding areas. East Ocean is a locally owned restaurant in the Rio Grande Valley that serves the community through its business operations and charitable involvement.

Jeremy Santoscoy. Courtesy image

“Today is a reminder of the fundamental reason for doing what we do. Our airport is more than a place for departures and arrivals, it’s where meaningful journeys begin,” said Jeremy Santoscoy, P.E., Director of Aviation for the City of McAllen. “McAllen International Airport is proud to support and deeply appreciates organizations like Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley and the impact they have on families in our community.”

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