Texas Border Business
U.S. House District 34 Special Election Forum
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Live streamed Tuesday at 7:00 pm
U.S. House District 34 Special Election
Early Voting: May 31 – June 7, 2022
Election Day: June 14, 2022
Hear the Candidates’ views, then VOTE.
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Prosperous Career at Area Luxury Dealership
Texas Border Business
HARLINGEN, Texas – Texas State Technical College alumnus Marcos Anzaldua, of Weslaco, grew up with a knack for tinkering in the family’s mechanic shop. Years later, observations of his father’s repair work enhanced that automotive knowledge.
That would guide Anzaldua toward a rewarding automotive career.
Anzaldua earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology from TSTC’s Harlingen campus in 2021.
He accepted a job as a lube technician apprentice at the luxury automotive dealership Audi San Juan — the first dealership he has worked for.
“I worked as an apprentice for nine months until I completed Audi’s fast-track certification training,” Anzaldua said. “The program is designed to train lube technician apprentices to perform a variety of tasks such as oil changes, transmission flushes and specific diagnostics. Every apprentice is given a basic tool kit specific to Audi vehicles at the conclusion of each training.”
Anzaldua was then promoted to a certified lube technician, a position he has held for one month.
“My duties consist of basic oil changes and other maintenance services,” he said. “I was recently tasked to remove a support bracket from a radiator. The end result was a success.”
Anzaldua added that the work was his most fulfilling project to date at the dealership — especially since the customer has not returned with any concerns.
“I am very pleased with the working culture at Audi San Juan,” he said. “The management takes care of their employees.”
Ira Garcia, service director for Audi San Juan, said Anzaldua has a strong desire to thrive.
“The knowledge he gained from TSTC really helped him understand the complicated systems of European vehicles,” Garcia said. “It allowed him to shine and become a full-time technician.”
Anzaldua will reach the one-year mark of working at Audi San Juan in June.
He credits his career success to the Automotive Technology instructors at TSTC.
“Their industry experience is top notch,” he said. “They offer an understanding of how the industry works and what to expect.”
Bruce Schmitt, a TSTC Automotive Technology instructor in Harlingen, said that Anzaldua was always a self-driven student.
“I was very impressed with his ability to understand and retain the content he was taught,” Schmitt said. “Anzaldua’s determination to advance himself in his career has made him successful at Audi San Juan.”
Anzaldua offers some advice for prospective students interested in pursuing Automotive Technology at TSTC.
“Absorb all of the information that TSTC’s automotive instructors provide,” he said. “In the industry, listen to any advice your fellow technicians will offer.”
Anzaldua’s future plans include moving up the ladder in his career, hopefully as an Audi high-voltage technician and expert.
TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology and an Automotive Technician certificate of completion at the Harlingen, Sweetwater and Waco campuses. Several other certificates, including Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair, Chrysler Specialization, Tesla START Technician, Toyota T-TEN Specialization — and a Basic Automotive occupational skills award — are also available depending on campus location.
The need for qualified automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to grow in Texas over the next several years. According to onetonline.org, Texas employs more than 60,000 of these technicians around the state, and that number is forecast to top 65,000 by 2028. The average annual salary for a technician in the state is $46,680.
Registration for the fall semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.
Welcome Chick-fil-A
Texas Border Business
Laredo, Texas — The City of Laredo and Laredo International Airport hosted a grand opening ceremony for Chick-fil-A Marketplace on Tuesday, May 31st on the first-floor passenger terminal. The amenity is now open to the public and is located on what was previously occupied by Hertz-Rent-A Car. During the ceremony, City leaders including Mayor Pete Saenz and Council Members Alberto Torres, Jr. and Ruben Gutierrez, Jr. praised the airport and Chick-fil-A’s staff for their endeavors in creating better experiences for travelers who pass by the terminal. Others who participated in the ceremony included Interim Airport Director, Gilberto Sanchez, and Chick-fil-A Restaurant Operator, Marty Speer. The ceremony concluded by having a ribbon-cutting celebrating the airport’s latest milestone.
On May 2, 2022, the Laredo City Council passed a motion for the City to execute a Food Service Agreement between the Laredo International Airport and Chick-fil-A Marketplace to provide prepared lunch food items and non-branded drinks. It will be open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM for all travelers. Previously, the airport only provided food and drinks through vending machines. The lease term will last one year with an option to renew.
With an objective to enhance travelers’ experience, the Laredo International Airport is continuously working on its Terminal Improvement Program, which involves a building expansion and reconfiguration on the north side of the facility. This project will include the relocation and expansion of the TSA Security Screening Checkpoint (SSCP), modernization of the existing passenger terminal, remodeled and expanded restrooms, a dedicated meet and greet area, a nursing mothers’ room, and an adult changing room as well as an improved concession space with new restaurants. The grand opening of Chick-fil-A is considered a preview of what is to come at the Laredo International Airport.
Expediting State And Local Resources Providing Assistance to Uvalde
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott today announced a state of disaster has been declared in the City of Uvalde following the shooting on May 24 at Robb Elementary School. The disaster declaration will accelerate all available state and local resources to assist the Uvalde community, as well as suspend regulations that would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with the aftermath of the tragic shooting.
“The community of Uvalde has been left devastated by last week’s senseless act of violence at Robb Elementary School and should not have to encounter any difficulty in receiving the support needed to heal,” said Governor Abbott. “This disaster declaration frees up the many resources available through the State of Texas and local jurisdictions to continue providing much needed support to all who were impacted and work in the community unencumbered by regulations unnecessary to respond to this tragedy. All of Texas stands with Uvalde, and we are prepared to provide support through all available means.”
The disaster declaration in Uvalde allows state agencies such as the Texas Division of Emergency Management to continue making readily available all resources to respond to the disaster, including providing a temporary facility to be used as a family resource center serving members of the Uvalde community seeking mental health services and other resources.The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is working with the local mental health authority and the numerous entities offering support to the Uvalde community to provide a single access point for mental health services. Members of the Uvalde community seeking state mental health services can receive help through a single 24/7 hotline: 888-690-0799.
Robert C. Vackar Awarded the 2021 GMC Dealer of The Year!
Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
It didn’t take long to figure out why two high-ranking representatives from Buick GMC were present at the celebration of the 2021 GMC Dealer of the Year Award given to Robert C. Vackar. The Bert Ogden Auto Group principals, Bob and Janet Vackar, were recognized with this award; few dealerships in the nation get it.
Greg Ross, the regional director for Buick GMC General Motors of the south-central region, took part in this important event. He is a seasoned veteran in the auto industry with 31 years in the field. His territory spans from South Dakota down to the tip of Texas; it is a total of 13 states.
It was a big celebration because, like Ross said, “Every year we award the top one percent of the most prestigious of our dealers.” He continued, “Bob hit all the metrics required to hit, including sales targets that are above and beyond, and taking care of his customers was the most important.”
“Bob exceeded all his peers in his group. That is why he won the 2021 Dealer of the Year.”
Ross continued, “There are a little over 2000 GMC dealers in the nation; out of 500 dealers in my region, there were only four winners.”
He noted that even during pandemic times, with the stringiest of CDC protocols, the Bert Ogden Auto Group was able to come out ahead to win this prestigious national recognition.
“That’s the leadership of this team. Then the team members that worked while everybody else was at home, wondering what to do, they came to work, masked up under the safety protocols in place and were able to take care of everyone who had needs in the marketplace.”
Ross told Texas Border Business that 2021 was a challenging year to win, showing that Bert Ogden’s team was able to pivot when maybe other dealers around the country couldn’t shift as fast.
“I have known Bob for five years and find him an amazing guy. So, if you think about it, he never looks stressed out; he is calm and cool.” Ross said, “He is running all of these manufacturers, franchises, and everything that goes into those relationships. And then pivots to a relationship with his leadership team and the people who work with him. That is amazing.”
Ross also pointed out that Bob mentioned the Bert Ogden Auto Group retailed so many cars last year. He said, “I am only here representing General Motors, but that is pretty amazing. I mean, this isn’t California, this isn’t Miami, this is Texas in the lower Rio Grande Valley, which is awesome!”
The award celebration took place at the Buick-GMC dealership in Edinburg. It was Cinco de Mayo, a special day in Mexico. However, it became more of a special day when General Motors Company recognized everyone in Bob and Janet’s team.
That day, the marketing team played a video with testimonials from employees that work at Bert Ogden Auto Group; all the messages were positive. They talked of being grateful for working with amazing people and thankful for being part of a phenomenal company, which has changed their lives for the better.
It was an afternoon of hubbub where Natasha del Barrio, CEO of Bert Ogden Auto Group, recognized the contribution of Billy Kelley, the general manager of the Buick-GMC dealership. Billy was not present; he was receiving the Chevrolet Dealer of the Year Award. Janet and Natasha organized those attending to give Billy a standing ovation.
“We are so proud of this Buick GMC dealership,” Natasha said. “They never ceased to amaze us.”
Steve Kuhl is the other high-ranking official attending the celebration; he is the zone manager from Houston. However, his zone spans the area from Austin to the Rio Grande Valley and all the way to Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Steve attributes Bob’s success to having done a great job of hiring the right people. “They put their processes in place with those people, and quite frankly, Bob runs a great organization.” He said, “Between the people and the processes they’ve become successful; it doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a long time.” He added, “This is Bob’s first GMC dealer of the year, but I think there’s many more on the horizon.”
Steve pointed out that it’s also a good feeling for the employees, knowing that they work for a very successful business.
How long have you known Bob?
“Since December of 2008,” Steve said.
As a Buick GMC rep, what is your impression of Bob?
“Bob’s a great guy. He’s very proud of what he does in the community. But he’s probably prouder of being able to develop and grow people to make them leaders in the community and at his dealerships. I think that’s what Bob’s all about,” he said.
Steve told Texas Border Business that he had given very few 50th Anniversary recognition plaques and trophies. He said, “Every one of them makes me shake a little bit because if you think about it, 50 years ago, they became a dealer, and we’re standing here today, honoring him. Many dealers don’t make it for 15 or 20 years. And he made it. So, it’s quite an honor.”
During the ceremony, you had two trophies, one large and the other small. Is the small trophy a representation of the larger award?
“The larger trophy was the Dealer of The Year. The small trophy is for a dealer to put on his desk. I know it was a joke, but I thought it was an honor to have Janet hold the big trophy and Bob hold the small one,” Steve said.
Indeed, it was an honor to hold the trophy because it recognizes as Natasha said, the ‘best of the best’. When Bob spoke, it was as if he was reflecting on the years it took to get to this level of success. Bob said, “I wanted to talk first about what a great year we had, the changes we made, and what Natasha has accomplished. Also, Billy, he is not here, but he is just like the cherry on top of the sundae. He’s done a fantastic job.”
He said that typically, one person couldn’t do it in two dealerships. “Billy has done it by putting in quite an effort and bringing leadership to these two dealerships. We appreciate you, and thank you so much for everything you’ve done,” Bob said.
Natasha also said, “We’re very blessed to have y’all truly. It’s important also that you guys know it’s not just the dealership that’s the best of the best. The dealership is comprised of people. So, if this dealership is the best of the best, that means every one of you is the ‘Best of The Best’. Stand firm and know who you are.”
Marsha Green, the Vice President of Marketing for the Bert Ogden Auto Dealer Group, said, “We are celebrating Cinco de Mayo, the occasion makes it bigger than Cinco de Mayo. It’s an opportunity to celebrate Mr. and Mrs. Vackar, for winning the dealer of the year award for Buick and GMC.” She continued, “This is the first time this dealership has ever won it. We celebrated in December the Dealer of the Year for Chevrolet. Because Bob won both for the year of 2021; he’s the only Texas dealer that has won both in the same timeframe.”
Bob considers the award the most prestigious award you can receive from General Motors and had this to say, “As I said in the presentation, the GMC was Mr. Ogden’s dealership. So, the award is for him.” He said, “I tell you, if he and Dorothy were here today, I think they would be very proud and in awe of everything we’ve done.”
Janet had a lot to say but settled on saying, “Bob and I are so grateful for all those loyal people that stuck with us, that helped us, that have been with us for so many years through the good and the bad times. We really love and appreciate that about our team, what they do for us, and how loyal they are. We want to make sure everyone knows how much we care,” Janet finalized.
Smugglers Continue to Place Migrants in Danger
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents rescued 88 migrants from a tractor trailer during a migrant smuggling event and encountered 632 migrants in five groups over the weekend.
Falfurrias Border Patrol Checkpoint agents rescued 88 migrants, to include three unaccompanied children, from a sealed tractor trailer on May 28. Agents referred the vehicle to the secondary inspection area following a K-9 alert. Agents discovered the migrants hidden among pallets of onions. The temperature inside the refrigerated trailer was 64 degrees Fahrenheit. The driver, a naturalized Colombian citizen was placed under arrest. The migrants are nationals of Mexico and Central America. All subjects were found to be in good health.
On May 27, RGC agents responded to a report of a Chevrolet Trailblazer loading up suspected migrants at a park in Roma. As agents attempted to initiate an immigration inspection of the occupants, the driver failed to yield and led agents on a vehicle pursuit. The vehicle came to a stop in a neighborhood and the occupants bailed out. Agents apprehended five migrants unlawfully present in the U.S. The driver was not located.
On May 30, RGV agents responded to a unanimous tip of illicit activity at a residence in Edinburg. Agents convened at the residence and discovered four migrants who were unlawfully present in the U.S. One caretaker was identified and placed under arrest.
Over the weekend, Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station (RGC) agents encountered four large groups in Starr County. The groups were comprised of 226 family members, 177 single adults, and 137 unaccompanied children. The migrants are from various Central and South American countries, and Cuba. This morning, McAllen Border Patrol Station (MCS) agents encountered a group of 92 migrants near Havana. The group was comprised of 48 family members, 38 unaccompanied children, and 6 single adults. The migrants are also from the same countries as those encountered by RGC agents.
Border Patrol processed all subjects accordingly.
RGV Agents Keep Criminal Migrants Off the Streets
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) agents arrested four criminal migrants and four gang members.
On May 28, McAllen Border Patrol Station (MCS) agents apprehended Alvaro Ruben Picado, a Nicaraguan national. He was convicted for kidnapping in 2007 and sentenced to eight years confinement and subsequently removed from the U.S.
On May 30, Weslaco Border Patrol Station agents processed a Mexican national who is a registered sex offender convicted for rape.
On May 31, Fort Brown Border Patrol Station agents apprehended a Mexican migrant who was previously charged with second degree murder in 2014 in Louisiana. The subject was sentenced to one-year hard labor and removed from the U.S. On the same day, Falfurrias Border Patrol Station agents encountered a group of 12 non-citizens near Falfurrias. During processing, a Salvadoran migrant with a criminal history in Virginia was identified. He was sentenced to 30 days incarceration for disorderly conduct.
Additionally, over the last four days, RGV agents arrested three 18th Street and a Mara-Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang member.
All subjects were processed accordingly.
First-time Texas homebuyers need $10,000 more income to buy $229,000 house
Texas Border Business
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – (Texas Real Estate Research Center) – Rising mortgage interest rates continue to push potential buyers, particularly first-time buyers, out of the market for homeownership, says the affordable housing expert for the Texas Real Estate Research Center (TRERC) at Texas A&M University.
“As mortgage interest rates increase, the total monthly mortgage payment also increases,” said Dr. Clare Losey, assistant research economist for TRERC. “This increases the required income to qualify for a mortgage loan. In other words, as mortgage interest rates increase, purchasing power declines, and households must earn more money to purchase the same-priced home.”
At the start of 2022, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage average in the U.S. hovered around 3 percent, according to Freddie Mac. By May 19, the average rate had jumped more than 2 percentage points to 5.25 percent.
“In the first quarter, the required income to qualify for a mortgage loan at a rate of 3 percent amounted to $59,665 for the first-quartile Texas sales price of $229,000. The first-quartile sales price generally reflects the home price affordable to first-time buyers,” said Losey.
The required qualifying income increased more than $10,000 to $70,891 at a rate of 5.5 percent. She estimates only 30 percent of Texas renters—i.e., potential first-time buyers—could afford the state’s first-quartile sales price at 5.5 percent. This is a decline of nearly 10 percentage points from the estimated 38.9 percent of Texas renters who could afford the state’s first-quartile sales price at a rate of 3 percent.
For more information, see the Center’s new Texas Housing Affordability Outlook report.
Funded primarily by Texas real estate license fees, the Texas Real Estate Research Center was created by the state legislature to meet the needs of many audiences, including the real estate industry, instructors, researchers, and the public.
McAllen Chamber of Commerce Announces Josh Mejia as President and CEO.
Texas Border Business
McAllen, Texas – The McAllen Chamber of Commerce Board has named Josh Mejia as President and Chief Executive Officer effective June 29th, 2022. Ms. Cardenas, who has been serving as Interim President/CEO over the last eight months will continue her role as VP of Membership Services.
Mr. Mejia is an economic development executive with over 10 years of experience in economic development, entrepreneurship, government relations and marketing. He comes from the Brownsville Community Improvement Corp. where he served as Chief Executive Officer.
“I look forward to working with Mr. Mejia as he starts a new chapter in the history of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce,” said Annette Franz, Chairman of the Board for the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. “Mr. Mejia’s years of economic development experience and knowledge of the border’s diverse business environment will help further our mission of serving the McAllen business community. We are confident that with his leadership and management skills, he will take the Chamber to new heights. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are delighted to welcome him and his family to our beautiful McAllen community. Additionally, the Board appreciates the service of Blanca Cardenas and the Chamber staff during this period of transition.”
Mr. Mejia’s efforts for both Brownsville, Texas and other communities across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America have resulted in recognition from industry leaders such as the U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, the International Economic Development Council (“IEDC”) and the Development Counsellors International (“DCI”) for strategies that continue to drive economic development towards new frontiers. These recognitions include the 2020 Young Economic Development Professional award from IEDC and the 2021 “40 Under 40” award from DCI to name a few.
Mr. Mejia plans to relocate to McAllen soon and offered the following thoughts about joining the McAllen Chamber of Commerce as its President and CEO:
“I am beyond thankful to have been selected as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the McAllen Chamber and I look forward to working alongside stakeholders and partners to help define a new chapter in economic growth and tourism for the community.
I firmly believe in the potential McAllen can achieve through collaboration and renewed innovation to collectively achieve a new level of success for the business community. The McAllen Chamber is one of McAllen’s greatest assets, and there is nothing more exciting than seeing it become an even greater asset alongside the team I will be working with and the leadership that continues to serve the community.
My first actions upon my arrival will be to meet with each invested stakeholder to learn about their views and suggestions on how we can enhance the organization for the immediate future. I highly encourage anyone who would like to contribute to this new chapter to reach out directly by emailing me at jmejia@mcallenchamber.com. Each individual’s input is greatly appreciated as we build something truly relevant and impactful for the community together.”
