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STC board chair, associate professor among those named ‘Women of Distinction’

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STC board chair, associate professor among those named ‘Women of Distinction’
Left to right, South Texas College President Dr. Ricardo J. Solis, District 4 Trustee Dalinda Gonzalez-Alcantar, Board Chair Rose Benavidez, Associate Professor of Manufacturing Technology Dr. Esmeralda Adame, Vice Chair Dr. Alejo Salinas and Trustee Rene Guajardo. Benavidez and Adame were honored as "Women of Distinction" by the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.  Courtesy Image
Left to right, South Texas College President Dr. Ricardo J. Solis, District 4 Trustee Dalinda Gonzalez-Alcantar, Board Chair Rose Benavidez, Associate Professor of Manufacturing Technology Dr. Esmeralda Adame, Vice Chair Dr. Alejo Salinas and Trustee Rene Guajardo. Benavidez and Adame were honored as “Women of Distinction” by the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.  Courtesy Image

Texas Border Business

By Amanda Sotelo

McALLEN, Texas – In a momentous event hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, South Texas College Board of Trustee Chair Rose Benavidez and Associate Professor of Manufacturing Technology Esmeralda Adame, Ph.D., were honored as Women of Distinction for their work in education and their communities.

The RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce promotes economic development & assists businesses with access to the Hispanic market through networking, promoting education and nurturing leadership and annually recognizes women who have excelled throughout their careers, while also being involved in community building. 

Benavidez and Adame are part of the group of nine women recognized this year during a dinner hosted by the RGV Hispanic Chamber and represent the government and education sectors, respectively.

Both women agree that this honor confirms the work they do is having a meaningful impact in the communities they serve. 

“It’s acknowledgements like these that validate the work we do,” said Benavidez. “It’s an honor joining an elite group of women who have received and will receive this award.”

Since her election to the STC Board of Trustees in 2009, Benavidez, who is also the first female president of the Starr County Industrial Foundation, has been instrumental in the expansion of innovative programming including dual enrollment, early college high schools and industry-driven baccalaureate degrees that have created a cost-saving college-going culture in the region.

She has dedicated her professional career to developing the local economy and has improved access to education and creating job opportunities.

“My never-ending goal is to ensure that everyone who wants an education has access to it,” she said. “Education transforms lives, leads to gainful employment and wages that can support a family. Everyone deserves a chance, and I will never stop fighting for that.”  

Benavidez is also an elected chair of the Executive Committee for the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), where she has successfully participated in advocating for increased federal funds for higher education, alignment of skills training with meaningful wage employment and the promotion of student success across the United States, Canada, Europe and the Pacific Islands.

For her contributions and work, Benavidez has also been inducted into the Rio Grande Valley Walk of Fame and has received the “State of Texas Women of Distinction Award” from the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC).

Adame, a distinguished professor and alumna of STC, shares the same sentiment and said that it’s not only an honor being given this recognition, but it’s an honor that the recognition is for serving STC and its students, an ongoing commitment to education she started nearly 18 years ago. 

“This distinction not only belongs to me; it’s an honor I share with colleagues who also serve and dedicate themselves to our students,” said Adame. “It’s been a privilege to touch so many hearts and hopefully serve as a role model for my students. This is my passion and it’s humbling being recognized for it.”

Adame added she understands the struggle of her students. She was only 8 years old when her mom brought her to the United States from Mexico knowing little to no English. She said like many of her students, she knows what it’s like not having a car, or having a car but not having money for gas and relying on friends to get her to school. 

“I’ve been where many of these students are at, and I can relate closely to them,” she said. “STC jump-started my career and as a faculty member, I know I have the responsibility of being my students’ biggest mentor and I hope if they take away anything, it’s my ‘si se puede’ mentality.” 

Adame has also received the STC 2019 Faculty of the Year Award and a recognition from the Texas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as a female business owner.   

STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., said it’s amazing to see STC faculty and his colleagues being recognized for their dedication not only to the college, but to their students and communities they serve. 

“Everyone at STC works so hard to make the college successful and to ensure our students are successful,” he said. “Madam Chair Rose Benavidez and Dr. Adame deserve this recognition and I’m so happy for them. They represent us well and represent what our faculty and staff are all about. Congratulations to them, and to everyone who was honored with this distinction.”

New City Attorney

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New City Attorney
The City of Laredo has appointed Doanh T. “Zone” Nguyen as the new City Attorney during Tuesday’s City Council Meeting. Courtesy Image
The City of Laredo has appointed Doanh T. “Zone” Nguyen as the new City Attorney during Tuesday’s City Council Meeting. Courtesy Image

Texas Border Business

LAREDO, Texas – The City of Laredo has appointed Doanh T. “Zone” Nguyen as the new City Attorney during Tuesday’s City Council Meeting. After Interim City Manager, Samuel Keith Selman, presented his recommendation, Members of the Council voted to support it and appointed Mr. Nguyen to the position. He will promptly be joining the City’s organization.

“We are very excited to bring on board such an experienced lawyer,” said Laredo’s Interim City Manager Keith Selman. “I saw the need for the City to have a permanent City Attorney and am thankful for the City Council’s affirmative action. Mr. Nguyen’s background will be of exceptional value to our organization.”

Mr. Nguyen has been employed previously with the City of Laredo as Assistant City Attorney in the Legal Department from 2012 to 2016. He also performed as Acting City Secretary for approximately 5 months before his resignation. 

City Attorney Doanh “Zone” T. Nguyen

Doanh “Zone” T. Nguyen is a litigation and employment attorney with over 28 years of experience in the administrative, trial, and appellate levels of various types of cases including employment law, personal injury, business disputes, family law, bankruptcy, and wills & probate. His experience includes general counsel for military organizations.

Mr. Nguyen has been certified for Labor & Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2002. He is a Senior Certified Professional at the Society for Human Resources since 2014. AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®AV® Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rating (top 5% of attorneys ranked by legal ability and ethical standards), since 2007.

Some of his recognitions include:

  • Named to the list of “Texas Super Lawyers” for 2019, 2020, and 2021 by Texas Monthly Magazine as the only lawyer in Webb County. 
  • Named to the list of “Texas Rising Stars” for 2007-2010 by Texas Monthly Magazine, as well. 
  • Named to the list of “Texas Top Rated Lawyers” for 2014-2017 by Legal Leaders. 
  • Named to the list of “America’s Most Honored Lawyers” for 2022 by the American Registry.

Among Mr. Nguyen’s litigation experience, he has been a first-chair trial before federal and state courts across Texas with amounts in controversy up to $12 million. He has argued before the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Texas First, Fourth, and Fourteenth Circuit Courts of Appeals.

Regarding his educational background, in the year 1991, Mr. Nguyen received a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from the University of Houston. In 1993, he received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Texas, School of Law. By the year 2005, he received his Masters of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Houston and he is expecting to achieve his Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Florida by August of the present year.

Mr. “Zone” Nguyen is a retired Major (Staff Judge Advocate) in the United States Army Reserve, a member of the Rotary Club of Laredo since 2006, a former instructor at Texas A&M International University, among many other interests. 

Lane Expansion at Anzaldua LPOE to Reduce Wait Times

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Lane Expansion at Anzaldua LPOE to Reduce Wait Times
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Anzalduas International Bridge Board (AIBB) are pleased to announce the completion of a roadway expansion project at the Anzalduas Land Port of Entry (LPOE) that is designed to reduce wait times at the port.  Image Source: google maps for illustration purposes
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Anzalduas International Bridge Board (AIBB) are pleased to announce the completion of a roadway expansion project at the Anzalduas Land Port of Entry (LPOE) that is designed to reduce wait times at the port.  Image Source: google maps for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

McAllen, Texas – The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Anzalduas International Bridge Board (AIBB) are pleased to announce the completion of a roadway expansion project at the Anzalduas Land Port of Entry (LPOE) that is designed to reduce wait times at the port.  

“Public-private partnership opportunities like this help optimize GSA’s value within local communities,” said GSA PBS Regional Commissioner Giancarlo Brizzi.  “By aligning our operational goals and strategic plans with the economic development goals of local communities, we are able to create a positive economic catalyst in the communities we serve and the U.S. economy as a whole.”  

“We are grateful for the opportunity to pursue public-private partnerships with local entities, such as the Anzalduas International Bridge Board. Having an additional lane and improvements like these have a significant positive impact in our ability to expedite processing times for passengers and also strengthen our ports of entry and the surrounding communities” said Pete Flores, CBP Executive Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Field Operations. 

City of McAllen Mayor and
AIBB Chairman Javier Villalobos, J.D.

“The City of McAllen and the Anzalduas International Bridge Board are proud to partner with CBP and GSA on this donation for infrastructure improvements. We are committed to continue to work with our federal partners to identify and implement innovative methods to expedite traffic and trade at our port of entry,” said City of McAllen Mayor and AIBB Chairman Javier Villalobos, J.D. “The Donations Acceptance Program provides us that venue where we come together and address specific federal needs at the local level which keeps international trade and commerce flowing swiftly and smoothly on both sides of the border. Projects like this ensure that CBP continues with its mission of facilitating legitimate trade and travel while addressing the economic growth and expansion of our city.”

Border Patrol Agents Apprehend Multiple Subjects Around Big Bend

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Border Patrol Agents Apprehend Multiple Subjects Around Big Bend
Big Bend Sector Border Patrol Agents made multiple arrests this past week. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Big Bend Sector Border Patrol Agents made multiple arrests this past week. USCBP Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

MARFA, Texas – Big Bend Sector Border Patrol Agents made multiple arrests this past week.

On June 13, Sierra Blanca Border Patrol Station Agents apprehended a known human smuggling foot guide while attempting to enter the country illegally. 

On the same day Agents from Sanderson Station apprehended a convicted sex offender attempting to enter the country illegally. 

On June 15, Van Horn Agents were able to apprehend five subjects attempting to smuggle more than 280 lbs. of marijuana into the country.

Throughout Big Bend Sector, Agents were involved in preventing seven separate failed smuggling events.  Agents apprehended more than 570 subjects throughout Big Bend Sector last week. 

All subjects were processed accordingly.

Big Bend Sector partners with many local and state law enforcement entities to keep our border communities safe. If you see something suspicious, report it by contacting our 24/7 hotline at 

1-866-581-7549. Together, we can continue to uphold national security and combat illicit activity. 

Laredo CBP Officers Seize Hard Narcotics Worth Over $2 Million at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge

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Laredo CBP Officers Seize Hard Narcotics Worth Over $2 Million at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge
Packages containing 80 pounds of methamphetamine, 18 pounds of heroin seized by CBP officers at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge. USCBP Image
Packages containing 80 pounds of methamphetamine, 18 pounds of heroin seized by CBP officers at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge. USCBP Image

Texas Border Business

LAREDO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers seized hard narcotics in one enforcement action over the weekend. 

“The South Texas border is one of the most significant drug trafficking corridors along the U.S.-Mexico border,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “CBP officers at the Laredo Port of Entry work diligently to help stop the smuggling of illicit narcotics on a daily basis, as this enforcement action clearly illustrates.”

The enforcement action occurred on June 19 at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge after CBP officers encountered a commercial bus arriving from Mexico. The 2006 Motor Coach Industries bus was referred for a canine and non-intrusive inspection system examination, resulting in the discovery of 80.02 pounds of alleged methamphetamine and 18.29 pounds of alleged heroin within the conveyance.

The narcotics combined have an estimated street value of $2,098,539.

CBP seized the narcotics and the bus. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents are investigating the seizure.

Defending Privacy and Safety of Boys, Girls in Public Schools 

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Defending Privacy and Safety of Boys, Girls in Public Schools 
Attorney General Ken Paxton filed an Indiana-led amicus brief with the Chicago-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit defending the privacy and safety of boys and girls using sex-segregated restrooms in public schools. Image for illustration purposes
Attorney General Ken Paxton filed an Indiana-led amicus brief with the Chicago-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit defending the privacy and safety of boys and girls using sex-segregated restrooms in public schools. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN, Texas – Attorney General Ken Paxton filed an Indiana-led amicus brief with the Chicago-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit defending the privacy and safety of boys and girls using sex-segregated restrooms in public schools. In this case, a federal district court barred a school district from requiring school restrooms separated by sex, concluding that the separation violated federal statutes and the U.S. Constitution. The school district appealed, and Attorney General Paxton filed his brief in support of the district, urging the Court of Appeals to reverse the lower court’s decision.  

“Both before and after the enactment of Title IX 50 years ago, schools have divided bathrooms by sex without offending that statute—or the Equal Protection Clause for that matter,” the brief reads. “Title IX expressly permits sex-segregated restrooms, and this Court and the Supreme Court have concluded, unsurprisingly, that sex-separate facilities withstand scrutiny under the Equal Protection Clause based on the privacy interests at stake.” 

Read the amicus brief here. 

Student Motivated by Family to Flourish At Area Utility Company

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Student Motivated by Family to Flourish At Area Utility Company
Fabian Rodriguez, a TSTC Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology student, prepares for a class assignment in the pole yard on the Harlingen campus. (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)
Fabian Rodriguez, a TSTC Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology student, prepares for a class assignment in the pole yard on the Harlingen campus. (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)

Texas Border Business

HARLINGEN, Texas – For some Texas State Technical College students, having a strong support system is their motivation for success.

For Fabian Rodriguez, of Los Fresnos, the family he has started is his inspiration to succeed in his pursuit of a certificate of completion in Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology at TSTC’s Harlingen campus.

He has also applied that commitment at his place of employment. He recently accepted a job doing lineman drop removal and testing with Spartan Utility Services in Harlingen.

“I know how far I can take my talent based on my work experience,” he said. “I love the adrenaline aspect. I used to work as a top climber (for a tree service) in New Jersey. My job was to remove debris from power lines. Now, at Spartan Utility Services, my duty is to remove old AT&T communication wires from poles.”

Gary Caraway, coordinator for business planning and hiring at Spartan Utility Services, said Rodriguez follows by example and gets his team members on board.

“I was impressed by his safety knowledge and his ability to handle any related lineman activity that Spartan has contracted to perform,” he said. “Rodriguez was ready to do the lineman work on day one. He quickly learned the laptop functions that were required to track job completions and associated items.”

Both of Rodriguez’s brothers also work for the same company and are enrolled in the same program at TSTC.

“I travel with one brother every morning, and we talk about our goals in life,” he said. “It is something I really appreciate.”

Rodriguez learned about the job opportunity with Spartan Utility Services through TSTC instructor Candelario Deanda.

“My Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology instructor invited the company to our program to conduct a presentation and recruit,” Rodriguez said. “For me, it was a great opportunity to gain extra experience.”

Now in his second semester, Rodriguez said the program provides a quality education.

“The instructors discuss their experiences in the industry and offer personal life lessons,” he said. “That is how they have elevated my knowledge. It provides peace of mind to be ready for what to expect.”

Angel Toledo, a TSTC Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology instructor, said Rodriguez is an excellent climber and student.

“Rodriguez is very dedicated to the program,” he said. “His climbing technique came naturally. It was very impressive.”

Rodriguez plans to complete his degree in December.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical power-line installers and repairers can earn an average annual salary of $63,770 in Texas. Onetonline.org projects that there will be an increase of 16% in the number of such jobs in the state by 2028.

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and a certificate of completion in Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology at its Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall and Waco campuses.

The program is part of TSTC’s Money-Back Guarantee, which refunds a graduate’s tuition if he or she has not found a job in their field within six months of graduation.

Registration for the fall semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Edinburg Chamber Recognizes Sam Saldivar as Member of the Month

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Edinburg Chamber Recognizes Sam Saldivar as Member of the Month
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Committee is pleased to announce Sam Saldivar - State Farm Insurance as its 2022 June Member of the Month. Image Courtesy of Edinburg Chamber od Commerce
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Committee is pleased to announce Sam Saldivar – State Farm Insurance as its 2022 June Member of the Month. Image Courtesy of Edinburg Chamber od Commerce

Texas Border Business

The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Committee is pleased to announce Sam Saldivar – State Farm Insurance as its 2022 June Member of the Month. 

Sam Saldivar has been a proud supporter of the Edinburg Chamber for over 45 years. The locally owned insurance agency has been in business for 54 years. Its mission is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams.

The Edinburg Chamber would like to thank Sam Saldivar for their continued commitment to the Edinburg Community.

Call 956-383-4312 or visit Sam Saldivar – State Farm Insurance, 2108 US-281 BUS, Edinburg, TX for your next insurance quote.

Follow the link below for more Information:

https://www.marketwatch.com/picks/guides/insurance-services/state-farm-home-insurance-reviews/

Working

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Working
Particularly strong growth occurred in leisure and hospitality, business and professional services, and construction. Thousands of manufacturing jobs were also added. Image for illustration purposes
Particularly strong growth occurred in leisure and hospitality, business and professional services, and construction. Thousands of manufacturing jobs were also added. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

Dr. M. Ray Perryman
President and Chief Executive Officer
of The Perryman Group

May was another solid month for the Texas job market, with the state posting by far the largest gain across the nation (+74,200), well above California (+42,900) and New York (+26,800). Texas was also near the top in percentage increase, an unusual feat for such a large state. 

Over the past year, Texas has added 762,400 jobs, and employment is now about 400,000 higher than prior to the pandemic (the US remains about 900,000 behind the previous peak). Not every state is as fortunate, and some continue to shed jobs. In May, employment decreased in Michigan (-14,600), Alaska (-4,400), and Wyoming (-2,800). 

Other good news in the Texas jobs numbers is that the gains were spread across both goods-producing and services industries. Particularly strong growth occurred in leisure and hospitality, business and professional services, and construction. Thousands of manufacturing jobs were also added. 

The unemployment rate also declined even as the labor force was expanding. More than 14.5 people form the Texas workforce, up nearly 322,000 in the past year. Though unemployment is slightly higher in Texas, the state is in a much healthier position from an economic perspective. In fact, the time required to integrate the influx of workers into jobs is a primary reason for the mildly elevated rate. 

The labor force is actually shrinking in places like New York, New Jersey, and Maine, a significant problem in a market where worker shortages are likely to be a long-term concern. Over the past year, for example, the New York City labor force dropped by nearly 118,000, while Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington has seen gains of approximately that amount. The other large urban centers in the state have also seen impressive workforce expansion.

Looking across Texas, most metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) are now well above their pre-pandemic employment levels. The greater Austin area is leading the way, with April employment at 108% of the February 2020 total. The Dallas area, Waco, Brownsville-Harlingen, McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, Sherman-Denison, Lubbock, Fort Worth-Arlington-Grapevine, Killeen-Temple, Amarillo, Tyler, greater San Antonio, College Station-Bryan, and Houston areas have all now exceeded pre-pandemic levels. 

Several other metro areas are close, including Abilene, El Paso, Laredo, San Angelo, Corpus Christi, Wichita Falls, Victoria, and Longview, all of which exceed 97% of pre-COVID-19 employment. Beaumont-Port Arthur is at more than 94%, with Midland and Odessa both above 90%. Most of the regions which have not yet fully recovered have strong ties to the energy sector, however, and the recent surge in activity will likely be reflected in strong monthly employment gains going forward. 

Despite headwinds such as inflation, worker shortages, supply-chain problems, and geopolitical tensions, the Texas economy continues to generate jobs at an impressive pace, and the stage is set for long-term growth. Stay safe!

_________________________________________________________

Dr. M. Ray Perryman is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group (www.perrymangroup.com), which has served the needs of over 2,500 clients over the past four decades.

SEC Climate Disclosure is Bad News for Businesses

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SEC Climate Disclosure is Bad News for Businesses
The proposed rule exceeds what is reasonable, practical, and implementable and underestimates the costly burden this will have on companies. In addition, many companies already provide climate-related disclosures to investors voluntarily. Image for illustration purposes
The proposed rule exceeds what is reasonable, practical, and implementable and underestimates the costly burden this will have on companies. In addition, many companies already provide climate-related disclosures to investors voluntarily. Image for illustration purposes

US Chamber of Commerce

Last Thursday, June 16, the Chamber’s Center for Capital Market Competitiveness (CCMC) filed comments with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on the agency’s proposed climate disclosure rules.

Why it matters: The SEC’s proposed rule requires public companies to provide detailed reporting of their climate-related emissions – not only their own emissions but also their suppliers (known as Scope 3 emissions).

  • The proposed rule exceeds what is reasonable, practical, and implementable and underestimates the costly burden this will have on companies. In addition, many companies already provide climate-related disclosures to investors voluntarily.

Be smart: Ultimately, the SEC should:

  • Develop a more streamlined approach to reporting that is principles-based, less prescriptive, and rooted in the well-established concept of materiality to investors. Disclosures should be used to protect investors and should not be used as a means to achieve policy goals outside the scope of federal securities laws.
     
  • Allow companies to disclose Scope 3 emissions on a voluntary basis as each company determines is appropriate.

Our take: The SEC’s proposed rulemaking on climate disclosures takes a far more prescriptive approach than is necessary and significantly underestimates the costs of implementation for companies.

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