Roberto H. Gonzalez

The Valley Alliance of Mentors for Opportunities and Scholarships celebrated its 30th anniversary Aug. 22, 2026, at Bert Ogden Arena, recognizing students, alumni and community supporters who have advanced its work across the Rio Grande Valley.

Bert Ogden Auto Group opened its BMW of Pharr dealership on Aug. 20, 2026, expanding the company’s presence in the Rio Grande Valley with a facility at the corner of U.S. 281 and Owassa Road.

Teclo Garcia, president and CEO of the Mission Economic Development Corporation, will retire effective Sept. 11, 2026, concluding a four-year tenure in which he says Mission attracted nearly $400 million in new investment and created about 2,000 jobs.

Jorge Torres, president and CEO of Interlink Trade Services, will participate as a moderator at the upcoming Security and Prosperity in North America: Advancing Texas-Mexico Commerce and Cooperation conference, bringing his experience in international trade and cross-border commerce to a discussion focused on the future of the Texas-Mexico economic relationship.

 At Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD, academic progress is built around a straightforward principle: invest in excellent teachers, give students opportunities to succeed, and refuse to let economic circumstances determine educational outcomes.

Mission Economic Development Corporation CEO Teclo Garcia said the experience behind The Shops at 495 is an important part of what makes the planned retail development significant for the city, pointing to Merit Commercial Real Estate’s track record in South Texas and its relationships with national retailers.

Twenty-four years ago, Pablo Ayar walked into a new restaurant preparing to open in McAllen and applied for a job as a server. Today, at 52, he is a regional manager for Lin’s Grand Buffet, helping oversee a company whose growth he has experienced from the inside.

Marissa Gerlach has drawn the No. 3 position on the ballot as she seeks to continue serving her community, returning to the same spot she held when voters elected her in a special election in December 2023.

Fifteen Mission high school and college students gained firsthand workplace experience this summer through the Mission Economic Development Corporation’s inaugural Mission Ready internship program, with some participants receiving job offers after completing their internships.

U.S. importers and customs brokers face responsibility to verify country of origin, tariff treatment and supply-chain documentation as authorities intensify efforts against illegal transshipment, according to Jorge Torres, president and founder of Interlink Trade Services.