Wedothisbyfocusingon: Career-alignededucation&training Comprehensivewraparoundsupport Jobplacementandlong-term careersuccess OurMission EmpoweringRioGrandeValleyresidentsto achieveeconomicprosperitythrough market-driventraining,resources,and careerpathways. OurVision ARioGrandeValleywhereeveryresident thrivesthrougheducation,career opportunity,andeconomicindependence. EDUCATINGONELIFEAT ATIMESINCE1995 Realpeople. Realsupport. Realcareeroutcomes. VIDAisalocalnon-profitorganization servingtheRioGrandeValleysince1995. Wehelpresidentsovercomefinancialand personalbarrierstoeducationwhile preparingthemforcareersalignedwith regionalworkforceneeds. WhoWeAre WhatWeDo CareerPathways VIDAsupportsparticipantspursuing high-demandcareerssuchas Accounting/Finance/Economics,Allied Health,Education,SkilledTrades, SocialServices,STEMinpartnership withregionalcollegesandemployers. WraparoundSupportServices Participantsreceiveindividualizedsupport includingtuitionassistance,textbooks, uniforms,childcare,emergency assistance,academicadvising,andcareer counseling,ensuringpersistenceand programcompletion. 8,000+ Graduates 1995 Founded 96% Participant persistencerate 800+ Individualsserved annually STARTYOURJOURNEYTODAY 956-903-1900 vidacareers.org Texas Border Business ◆ July 2026 2 JULY ◆ 2026 4Publisher’s Word– A Recipe for Changing Lives 5McAllen Housing Commission Awards Scholarships to 19 Students 6BIG Story– Axiom Space Establishes Legal Headquarters in Texas 7Port of Brownsville Marks Completion of Major Ship Channel Expansion 8McAllen Public Library Honors Winners of First Art Pathways Contest 10Edinburg EDC Leads Launch of Second Year of Bank On INT Internship Program 12Jorge Torres of Interlink Delivers USMCA Review as Automotive Supply Chains Take Center Stage in McAllen 12McAllen Heritage Center Hosts “Veterans: Then & Now”, July 11th 13Governor Abbott Appoints Laura Nassri Warren to Texas Finance Commission 13Ryan Peterson Discusses RGV Growth and Economic Expansion 14Senator Hinojosa Highlights Texas A& M Corpus Christi Research Growth after Meeting with Pres. Kelly Miller 16Pharr EDC Foundation Awards 50 Scholarships at 2026 Ceremony 18Exclusive– Santa Fe Steakhouse Wine Classic Continues Scholarship Mission Through Sold-Out Tango at Quinta Mazatlán 20Pharr Breaks Ground on Landmark Multi-Use Facility Under Leadership of Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez 21McAllen Citizens League Focuses on Growth and Civic Engagement Under New Leadership 22Myssie Cardenas-Barajas Appointed to Nat’l Assoc. of REALTORS® Data Center Work Group 23Cimarron Country Club Sale Marks New Beginning for Mission Landmark 24STC CDL Program Rolls out OSHA 10, Hazmat Training This Summer, By Joey Gomez 26Vantage Bank Appoints Alejandro Martinez as Brownsville Market President 30RGV Partnership Leads Record Washington Delegation to Advance Regional Priorities and Economic Growth 31STC Celebrates Reaccreditation of Its Powerful Dual Credit Program, By Amanda Sotelo 32Pharr EDC Launches Trade and Tech Initiative with Restaurant Technology Roundtable 32 TonyAguirreReflectsonYouth Baseball and Community as McAllen Prepares for International Tournament 33Vantage Bank Leader Jeff Sinnott Claims No. 1 Spot on National Innovation List 34TSC Auto Body Repair Technology Program Helps Graduate Find Purpose TBB EDITORIAL GROUP (956) 928-1255 Office 614 S. 12 th St., McAllen, TX 78501 www.TexasBorderBusiness.com Roberto Hugo González -Publisher Beatriz González- Editor in Chief Pauline Mangum-Comptroller Gloria Mangum- Admin. Assist Jennifer Tovar- Graphic Design Walter Bartlick- Graphic Design Noah Mangum- Support Staff Roberto H. Gonzalez Sales Director - 956-451-4585 South Texas Circulation - Circulation 15,000 Copies Distributed to 800+ Locations Valley-wide Texas Border Business is a publication of Buena Aventura LLC. COPYRIGHT © 2024 All Rights Reserved; This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written permission of Texas Border Business. 3 JULY ◆ 2026 For Sales Info Call: (956) 451-4585 4 Sony Rego Photo by Noah Mangum Gonzalez A Recipe for Changing Lives: Sony Rego’s Passion for Hospitality Has Become a Legacy of Education S ome entrepreneurs build successful businesses. A select few build opportunities that transform lives. Sony Rego belongs to that rare group of visionaries whose commitment to excellence extends far beyond the hospitality industry. Through decades of leadership, generosity, and community service, she has become one of the Rio Grande Valley’s most respected philanthropic figures, quietly investing in the future of students who aspire to build careers in the culinary arts and hospitality. For years, Rego has championed educational initiatives that have opened doors for countless students at South Texas College. What began as a passion for fine dining, exceptional wines, and unforgettable experiences evolved into a mission to create scholarships and expand educational opportunities for young people determined to pursue their dreams. Her belief that education is one of the greatest investments a community can make continues to inspire meaningful change across South Texas. At the center of that mission is the Santa Fe Steakhouse Wine Classic, an event that has become much more than one of the region’s premier culinary celebrations. Behind every elegant evening, every carefully selected wine, and every memorable theme lies a greater purpose: raising funds to help students overcome financial barriers and prepare for rewarding careers. The event has become a remarkable example of how business leadership, community partnerships, and philanthropy can work together to create lasting impact. In this exclusive interview with Texas Border Business, Sony Rego shares the story behind the Wine Classic’s remarkable evolution, the inspiration that continues to drive her philanthropic work, and the rewarding moments that remind her why giving back matters. She reflects on the partnerships that have made the event a success, the students whose lives have been changed through scholarships, and the enduring importance of investing in the next generation of culinary and hospitality professionals. This is more than the story of a successful fundraiser—it is the story of purpose, compassion, and leadership. Readers will discover how one woman’s vision has strengthened an entire community while creating opportunities for future chefs, restaurateurs, and hospitality leaders. Don’t miss this inspiring feature in the July 2026 edition of Texas Border Business and learn why Sony Rego’s legacy is measured not only by the businesses she helped build, but by the lives she continues to enrich.TBB JULY ◆ 2026 5 McAllen Housing Commission Awards Scholarships to 19 Students During Annual Banquet By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business T he McAllen Housing Commission (McHC) recognized 19 graduating seniors during its 2026 Scholarship Banquet on June 18 at the Verta Hotel in McAllen, bringing together students, families, educators, elected officials, community partners, and sponsors to celebrate academic achievement and future educational goals. The scholarships are funded through the annual Robert “Bobby” Calvillo Home Is Where the Heart Is 5K fundraiser. According to McHC Executive Director Rodolfo “Rudy” Ramirez, the program has awarded scholarships to 78 students and distributed more than $103,000 over the past five years. This year, McHC awarded $23,000 to graduating seniors pursuing higher education. Ramirez said the organization’s mission extends beyond housing assistance. “When we invest in young people, we invest in the future of our community,” he said. During his remarks, Ramirez encouraged students to pursue higher education, build professional networks, and take advantage of opportunities available to them. He also shared his own experience as a lifelong learner, telling students he earned his master’s degree at age 60. “Never stop learning,” he said. McAllen Mayor Pro-Tem and District 6 Commissioner Pepe Cabeza de Vaca congratulated the scholarship recipients and praised their dedication. The evening concluded with the presentation of scholarship certificates to students representing McAllen High School, Memorial High School, Nikki Rowe High School, IDEA McAllen, IDEA Los Encinos, and PSJA North High School. The banquet celebrated not only academic achievement but also the community partnerships and support that continue to expand educational opportunities for local students. TBB Scan QR Code to read full story McAllen Amateur Golf Championship Celebrates 24 Years Title SponsorTexas Regional Bankexpandsopportunities for young golfers M cALLEN, Texas - For the past two decades, the McAllen Amateur Golf Championship has brought golfers together from across the Rio Grande Valley and grown into one of the City’s signature recreational events. This year,Texas Regional Bank (TRB) serves as title sponsor of the 24thannualtournament, held at Champion Lakes Golf Course. The championship continues to unite players from across the region while showcasing McAllen’s investment in quality parks and programs. McAllen Parks & Recreation also celebrated youth golfers receiving scholarships through its Golf Program, which builds skills and supports academic growth. Over the past two years, 42 scholarships have been awarded, expanding access to instruction and competitive play for local youth. List of Scholarship Recipients: • Christian Sanchez • Emma Sanchez • Gavin Rodriguez • Zayne Anthony Sanchez • Dante Alejandro Sevilla • Rowan Solis • Aksel Andre Acuña • Mason Reyes • Addison Tapia • Noah Ryan Garza • Omar Rodriguez Leonel • Dominguez Mendo • Amy Hernandez • Hailey Stella Fernuik • Nolan James Ramey • Lauren Lopez • Michaela Garcia • John Ross • Emma de Leon • Rhett Bazan “Golf teaches discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship,qualities that extend far beyond the course,” said McAllen City Manager Isaac J. Tawil. “These scholarships create opportunities for young golfers to continue developing their skills and pursuing their goals.”The championship and scholarship program continue to build on that momentum, strengthening McAllen’s commitment to growing the game, supporting youth development, and creating lasting opportunities for local athletes on and off the course. Watch a video from the event below from the City of McAllen: https://youtu.be/GQGBaIWNtS0 TBB JULY ◆ 2026 6 BIG Story Axiom Space Establishes Legal Headquarters in Texas Company cites Texas support for innovation and space industry growth and deliberately, that it wants innovative companies to thrive here, and has built the policy and regulatory framework to back that up,” Dr. Cirtain said. “For Axiom Space, establishing Texas as both our operational and legal home puts us squarely in a state that understands our mission, supports our industry, and shares in what we are working to achieve.” Axiom Space, headquartered in Houston, is a commercial human spaceflight company. According to the company, its first four private astronaut missions to the International Space Station carried 14 astronauts from 11 Governor Greg Abbott meets with Axiom Space CEO Dr. Jonathan Cirtain in Austin following the company’s decision to establish its legal headquarters in Texas. State officials said the move reinforces Texas’ position as a leading hub for aerospace innovation, commercial spaceflight, and high-skilled technology jobs. (PHOTO: Office Of The Governor, 6/22/2026) Texas Border Business A xiom Space has redomiciled its legal headquarters to Texas, according to an announcement from Governor Greg Abbott. “Texas has been the launchpad of spaceflight since its inception,” Governor Abbott said. “We welcome Axiom Space’s decision to make Texas its legal residence and look forward to the progress they will achieve in our state. Those who reach for the stars do so from the great state of Texas.” The announcement follows a meeting between Governor Abbott and Axiom Space leadership. According to the Governor’s Office, Abbott discussed Texas’ position as a leader in space-sector employment. The state is home to more than 150,000 aerospace workers, and NASA’s Johnson Space Center generates more than $9.8 billion in annual economic output. Dr. Jonathan Cirtain, CEO and President of Axiom Space, said the company’s decision reflects Texas’ business environment and support for innovation. “Texas has demonstrated, consistently countries and supported more than 160 scientific experiments, along with dozens of outreach activities conducted in orbit. The company is also developing Axiom Station, a planned commercial space station intended to succeed the International Space Station. According to Axiom Space, the platform is designed to support research, technology development, and participation by additional countries in space-based activities.TBB JULY ◆ 2026 stronger economic engine for South Texas.” The Port of Brownsville served as the project’s non-federal sponsor, while NextDecade participated as the private partner. Segment A was privately funded, while Segment B received joint funding from USACE and the Port of Brownsville. Construction began in 2024 and concluded this year. According to Dietrich, the deeper channel will significantly improve the port’s competitiveness by accommodating larger, fully loaded vessels and increasing cargo efficiency. Skeik added that the improvements will also support the long-term development of the Rio Grande LNG project while strengthening U.S. liquefied natural gas exports and the Rio Grande Valley’s role in global energy markets. Authorized under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act of 2016, the project carries an estimated cost of $295.2 million. As the only deep- water seaport located directly on the U.S.- Mexico border, the Port of Brownsville remains a vital gateway for international trade. The port contributes more than $1 billion annually to the Rio Grande Valley economy, more than $12 billion statewide, and supports over 100,000 Texas jobs.TBB 7 Port of Brownsville Marks Completion of Major Ship Channel Expansion $295 Million Project Deepens Navigation Channel, Boosting Trade, Energy Exports, and Economic Growth in South Texas Texas Border Business B ROWNSVILLE, Texas — The Port of Brownsville celebrated the completion of the Brazos Island Harbor Channel Improvement Project on June 25 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the Brownsville Navigation District (BND), and NextDecade. The milestone marks the completion of one of the most significant maritime infrastructure projects in South Texas and positions the port among the deepest deep-draft ports in Texas. The project deepened the Brownsville Ship Channel by an additional 10 feet, increasing the entrance and jetty channels from 44 to 54 feet and the main channel from 42 to 52 feet. The expanded depth allows larger vessels carrying heavier cargo to access the port, improving navigation safety, reducing transit times, and strengthening the region’s role in the nation’s maritime supply chain. “Today’s completion is more than a navigation milestone—it’s a strategic investment in America’s economic strength,” said Brig. Gen. George H. Walter, commander of the USACE Southwestern Division. “This deeper, safer federal channel expands our capacity for international trade, strengthens critical energy infrastructure, and advances both economic security and U.S. energy dominance.” Federal, state, and local officials joined project partners to commemorate the achievement, including USACE Galveston District Commander Col. David W. Dake, BND Chairman Sergio Tito Lopez, Port Director and CEO William Dietrich, and NextDecade Chief Operating Officer Tarik Skeik. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez also recognized the project’s completion, noting that funding secured through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law helped make the long-awaited investment possible. “I’m thrilled to have secured funding for this project through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” Gonzalez said. “By connecting our communities more directly to global markets, we are creating opportunities for local workers and businesses while giving the region a stronger foundation for sustained economic growth.” Selected in 2019 as one of only four nationwide USACE Public-Private Partnership pilot projects—and the only navigation project chosen—the Brazos Island Harbor initiative demonstrates the impact of collaboration among federal, local, and private partners. Construction included channel deepening, dredging of berthing areas, improvements to dredged material placement sites, and updated navigation aids. The Port of Brownsville also plans to invest an additional $50 million in landside infrastructure improvements. “For generations, the Brownsville Ship Channel has connected our region to opportunity,” Lopez said. “This improvement gives the port the capacity to pursue new industries and serve as an even JULY ◆ 2026 8 McAllen Public Library Honors Winners of First Art Pathways Contest Program Combined Reading and Art While Engaging Hundreds of Young Participants By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business T he McAllen Public Library celebrated the winners of its inaugural 2026 Art Pathways Contest, a program designed to encourage reading and artistic expression among children and teens. The contest invited participants to check out and read a library book, then create a painting of their favorite scene while incorporating Marty the Library Cat, the library’s mascot. According to Library Director Kate Horan, the library distributed 500 art kits containing canvases, paint, and paintbrushes. Approximately 250 completed entries were submitted and judged. Participants represented the Main Library, Lark Branch Library, and Palm View Branch Library, with winners selected in three age categories at each location. “So tonight was a wonderful celebration of all the winners of our art pathways, um, contest, art contest,” Horan said. She explained that the project encouraged children to read a book and then “paint their favorite scene in the book,” while including Marty the Library Cat in the artwork. Horan said the contest ran for approximately six weeks from its launch until winners were notified. She noted that one of the primary goals was to bring young people into the library and encourage lifelong reading habits. “The main idea also was to get children to come into the library, our youth,” Horan said. “We want them to develop a lifelong habit of reading for pleasure.” The awards ceremony marked the conclusion of the contest and brought together participants, parents, and grandparents to celebrate reading and art. Horan described the judging process as challenging because of the quality of the submissions. “These kids are so talented,” she said. McAllen City Commissioner Rolando Rios said city officials supported the contest from its launch and promoted participation throughout the community. “We wanted to involve as many people and youths to come in and read books, check out a book, and then bring it to life by creating a painting with Marty, the cat in it,” Rios said. Rios described the program as a success and said judges faced a difficult task selecting winners. “It was a very difficult job to pick the top three in each grade level,” he said. He added that the contest helped bring together families and members of the community. Rios noted that the Art Pathways Contest was the first of its kind for the library and city. “This was our very first ever pathways contest and there’s many to come, so get ready for next year,” he said. Dr. Joseph Ryan, an orthodontist and president of the McAllen Public Library Advisory Board, said his involvement with the library began through his lifelong appreciation for its programs and resources. Ryan said he frequently attends library events with his children and has served as advisory board president since his second year on the board. Daniel Klark of Clark Chevrolet and Clark Knapp Honda, sponsors of the event, said he was impressed by the participants’ work. “To actually see all the hard work from so many kids, from so many different age groups, and see how happy and proud they were,” Klark said, describing the experience as “truly beautiful.” The contest was open to young artists with a McAllen library card and encouraged original artwork reflecting creativity, innovation, and community spirit. According to the library, winning entries featuring Marty the Library Cat are displayed at their respective library locations. For more information about upcoming programs, contact the McAllen Public Library at (956) 681-3000. TBB Scan QR Code to read full story Mayor John Cowen, Jr. Joins National Mayors for Parks Coalition B ROWNSVILLE, Texas - Mayor John Cowen, Jr. has joined the Mayors for Parks Coalition, a national bipartisan coalition managed by City Parks Alliance that advocates for increased federal investment in city parks and green spaces. Created in 2013, the Mayors for Parks Coalition includes mayors from large and small cities across the country who work together to strengthen federal support for urban parks, outdoor recreation, and equitable access to green space. The Coalition recently celebrated a historic win with the passage of the EXPLORE Act, which includes the Outdoors for All Act. This legislation codifies the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program, a critical urban parks grant program that provides funding to cities for park projects in underserved communities. The program helps ensure that residents in communities across the country have access to safe, accessible, and high-quality parks and recreation opportunities. “Joining the Mayors for Parks Coalition is an important step for us, in Brownsville, as we continue investing in parks, trails, open spaces, and wellness opportunities that improve quality of life for our residents,” said Mayor Cowen. “This partnership connects Brownsville with a national network of city leaders advocating for the resources communities need to expand access to green space, support healthier lifestyles, strengthen neighborhoods, and create more vibrant public spaces for families. As our city continues to grow, partnerships like this help ensure Brownsville is positioned to pursue funding and strategies that benefit residents today and for generations to come.” The work of the Mayors for Parks Coalition aligns with Brownsville’s current Parks, Health and Wellness Master Plan, which is in the execution phase to guide long-term investments in parks, recreation, public health, and community wellness. Through this plan, Brownsville is focused on improving access to parks and recreational amenities, promoting active living, supporting healthier neighborhoods, and enhancing public spaces that contribute to the overall well-being of the community. This increases the return on investment without using federal tax dollars. The fund has supported more than 46,000 projects in communities across the country and continues to serve as a smart and effective investment in public spaces for all Americans.TBB Scan QR Code to read full story Kate HoranRolando RiosDr. Joseph Ryan Daniel Clark Pictured at the McAllen Public Library Art Pathways Contest awards celebration are Juan Olaguivel, Assistant City Manager; City Manager Isaac “Ike” Tawil; Daniel Clark of Clark Chevrolet; Dr. Joseph Ryan, President of the McAllen Public Library Advisory Board; Marty the Library Cat mascot; Library Director Kate Horan; and McAllen Commissioner Rolando Rios. The event recognized winners of the inaugural Art Pathways Contest, which combined reading and visual arts to encourage creativity and lifelong learning among local youth. Photo by Texas Border Business. Mayor John Cowen, Jr. Courtesy photo JULY ◆ 2026 Texas Border Business ◆ July 2026 9Next >