“The Texas economy is better than ever before,” said Governor Abbott. Photo: Office of The Governor
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott signed House Joint Resolution 1, House Bill 9, House Bill 346, House Bill 2464, and House Bill 5195 into law to support Texas’ small businesses while virtually attending the Houston Regional Business Coalition luncheon. Passed during the 89th Regular Legislative Session, these new laws will accelerate the process for starting a business in Texas and cut unnecessary government regulations on small businesses.
“The Texas economy is better than ever before,” said Governor Abbott. “This session, we took strategic steps to boost small businesses in Texas. Even the smallest of barriers can increase the cost of doing business. We want to make it easier and less costly for businesses in Texas, especially our small business owners.”
During his virtual remarks to the Houston Regional Business Coalition, Governor Abbott highlighted the strength of the Texas economy, noting that Houston is a big part of that success with the third most Fortune 500 headquarters in the nation and almost one million small businesses. The Governor also discussed the critical work accomplished during the 89th Regular Legislative Session to bolster Texas’ No. 1 ranking for business, including expanding business courts, codifying the business judgment rule, investing in water and grid infrastructure, and expanding career training programs. The laws signed by the Governor build on the progress started under his Small Business Freedom Council, which he launched last year to review government efficiency for Texas businesses and provide recommendations to cut unnecessary government regulations.
House Joint Resolution 1/ House Bill 9 (Meyer/Bettencourt) increases the business personal property tax exemption from $2,500 to $125,000, an almost 5,000% increase.
House Bill 346 (Harris Davila/King) allows the Secretary of State to offer expedited business filings so Texas small businesses can establish themselves quickly. This law will also make the new-veteran-owned business franchise tax exemption and business filing waiver permanent.
House Bill 2464 (Hefner/Middleton) prevents cities from imposing regulations on certain home-based businesses.
House Bill 5195 (Capriglione/Alvarado) requires state agencies to assess modernization of their internet website to make it easier to do business.
Leaders from the public and private sectors engage in a focused discussion on addressing regional workforce challenges and building the infrastructure of tomorrow during the “We Build South Texas” Workforce Roundtable in Weslaco. Courtesy image:
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We Build South Texas, a Workforce-Focused Event – TSPE RGV
Alex Meade III, Transportation Commissioner. Courtesy image
Meeting at the LRGVDC in Weslaco: Panel Albert Treviño III, Texas Workforce Commissioner, and Alex Meade III, Transportation Commissioner. The discussion centered on gathering together to discuss the workforce demands to build tomorrow’s infrastructure in the Rio Grande Valley.
Representatives from private and public sectors—including transportation, water, mechanical, architectural, commercial, and aerospace industries—attended. Participating organizations included the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Texas State Technical College (TSTC), Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Texas, American Institute of Architects (AIA), Texas APA, and South Texas Vo‑Tech.
Albert Trevińo III, Texas Workforce Commissioner. Courtesy image
Daniel Garcia, TxDOT’s Director of Construction, commented, “We had a successful ‘We Build South Texas’ Workforce Roundtable on Friday, May 30, 2025,” noting that employers outlined their workforce needs. Several action items were identified to establish programs addressing current and future labor shortages.
Texas Workforce Commissioner Trevino III delivered the opening remarks, guiding the dialogue, followed by Transportation Commissioner Meade’s contributions. Both were instrumental in steering the discussion toward actionable outcomes.
The roundtable facilitated direct engagement between employers and training institutions, generating feedback on existing certification and development pipelines. Key insights will inform new collaborative initiatives to strengthen the labor force in the Rio Grande Valley.
Organizers thanked Alex Meade, Alberto Trevino III, and other professionals for their preparatory roles. They also highly valued attendee feedback.
By addressing labor shortages and crafting an effective regional workforce strategy, participants aim to make Weslaco and the Rio Grande Valley more attractive to businesses—a move expected to drive long-term economic development and prosperity.
Social media posts from TxDOT’s Pharr District and other local agencies confirmed attendance and highlighted the event’s focus on infrastructure workforce needs.
The Weslaco roundtable marked a proactive collaboration among public agencies, industry stakeholders, and educational partners. With concrete action items identified, the Rio Grande Valley is positioned to strengthen its workforce and support future growth.
The “We Build South Texas” Workforce Roundtable was held in May 2025, in Weslaco, Texas. The Rio Grande Valley Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers hosted the event at the U.S. LRGVDC building on Railroad Street.
The full BFS dataset with all 12 series (four application and eight formation) is released monthly with statistics for the nation, region and states. Image for illustration purposes
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US Census Bureau
The U.S. Census Bureau released new Business Formation Statistics (BFS) for May 2025. The BFS provide timely and high frequency information on new business applications and formations in the United States. The BFS are a standard data product of the Census Bureau, developed in research collaboration with economists affiliated with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, the University of Maryland, and the University of Notre Dame.
The full BFS dataset with all 12 series (four application and eight formation) is released monthly with statistics for the nation, region and states. This data product includes seasonally and nonseasonally adjusted data.
CBP seized methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $6,740,100. USCBP image
Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility intercepted alleged methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $6,740,100, concealed in a shipment manifested as tomatillos, June 10.
“The cargo environment continues to be a top choice for trafficking organizations but our CBP officers along with our tools and technology are a force to be reckoned with,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.
CBP officers assigned to the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility encountered a tractor-trailer making entry from Mexico. A CBP officer referred the vehicle for further inspection, which included utilizing non-intrusive inspection equipment and a canine team. Physical inspection resulted in officers extracting 166 packages of alleged methamphetamine weighing 753.98 pounds concealed in the shipment.
CBP OFO seized the narcotics and vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations special agents initiated a criminal investigation.
The City of El Paso is proud to announce the appointments of Randy Garcia as Director of the Streets and Maintenance Department and Sasho Andonoski as Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Courtesy images. Bgd for illustration purposes
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EL PASO, Texas – The City of El Paso is proud to announce the appointments of Randy Garcia as Director of the Streets and Maintenance Department and Sasho Andonoski as Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
The two experienced leaders, who officially begin their new roles on June 15, 2025, bring decades of public service, operational insight, and commitment to excellence that will strengthen the City’s infrastructure and financial stability.
“Randy and Sasho have both demonstrated a deep commitment to serving our community through innovation, accountability, and collaboration,” said City Manager Dionne Mack. “Their leadership will help us continue to deliver high-quality services while advancing the City’s long-term strategic vision.”
Randy Garcia, Streets and Maintenance Director
Randy Garcia, a fifth-generation El Paso native, brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in local government and nonprofit management. He has built a reputation for delivering results through data-driven strategies and operational reforms that improve core services for residents.
Randy joined the City of El Paso in 2012 as an Administrative Analyst for the Streets and Maintenance Leadership Team. He was promoted to Administrative Services Manager in 2017, where he oversaw a departmental budget of more than $100 million and implemented performance-focused financial and operational systems.
In 2022, he was named Assistant Director of the department. In this role, Randy led the successful restructuring of the Traffic Engineering and Fleet Maintenance Divisions—modernizing internal processes, boosting responsiveness, and aligning resources to meet long-term infrastructure goals. His ability to break down silos, streamline operations, and build cross-functional collaboration has made him a highly effective leader within the organization.
Randy earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from The University of Texas at El Paso in 2004. His strong ties to the community, combined with his results-oriented approach, make him well-positioned to lead one of the City’s largest and most visible departments.
Sasho Andonoski, Office of Management and Budget Director
Sasho Andonoski brings more than 20 years of experience in fiscal administration, budgeting, and strategic planning. Since joining the City of El Paso in 2014, Sasho has been instrumental in strengthening the City’s financial framework.
He began as a Project Manager and later served as an Executive Budget Advisor at OMB, where he led several key initiatives including the City’s first in-house Multi-Year Financial Outlook, a structured salary increase plan, and a new citywide budgeting software system.
In 2022, Sasho transitioned to Sun Metro as Administrative Services Manager, where he implemented performance-based budgeting that generated significant savings despite rising costs. He also led the development of internal financial tools to enhance accountability and ensure long-term financial stability, helping the department maintain a healthy fund balance of over $120 million.
Sasho holds a Master of Arts in Nonprofit Studies and a Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Management from Arizona State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Economics (Finance and Financial Management) from Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in the Republic of Macedonia.
MERCEDES – Madalynn Martinez, a student from South Texas Independent School District (STISD) Science Academy in Mercedes, has been selected for the prestigious STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) summer internship to be held at The University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Space Research.
Madalynn Martinez. Image courtesy if South Texas ISD
Students will work with scientists and engineers to conduct authentic research from data received from NASA’s earth observing satellites as well as designing Mars habitats, Lunar Exploration, and analysis of images from the International Space Station. This nationally competitive program, funded by NASA, selects students who will increase their knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and math through earth and space education.
SEES is a collaborative effort of The University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Space Research and NASA. Students apply for SEES and are selected competitively. The internships are organized around an aerospace or space science theme drawn from NASA’s diverse engineering and scientific research programs. The program combines the strengths of collaborators to enrich teaching and learning of STEM.
Nearly 3000 applications were received for the coveted 80 on-site internship positions. Students work remotely with their project scientist prior to the on-site internship, complete an Earth and Space Science course, and complete a Python coding course. During the two weeks the students will work at UT/CSR, they will conduct hands-on activities, field investigations, collaborate with NASA-funded scientists and engineers, and work on various NASA missions.
Earth is a complex, dynamic system we do not yet fully understand. The Earth system, like the human body, comprises diverse components that interact in complex ways. We strive to understand the Earth’s atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere as a single connected system. Our planet is changing on all spatial and temporal scales. The purpose of NASA’s Earth science program is to develop a scientific understanding of Earth’s system and its response to natural or human-induced changes, and to improve prediction of climate, weather, and natural hazards.
Students selected will come together July 6 in Austin, Texas to conduct experiments, tour facilities, network with other students, and conduct research while being mentored by NASA subject matter experts at The University of Texas at Austin.
The SEES internship proves that the excitement students feel about space science is a critical step in enriching science, math, engineering, and technology. The internship will provide students the rare – and for most, unique opportunity to spend two weeks working with professional scientists and engineers at the cutting edge of space exploration.
SEES is funded through NASA’s Cooperative Agreement Notice NNH15ZDA004C.
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This nationally competitive, educational training for students is sponsored by The University of Texas Center for Space Research and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Mayor Javier Villalobos, City of McAllen; Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr., City of Edinburg; Mayor John Cowen, City of Brownsville; Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza, City of Mission; Mayor Victor D. Treviño, City of Laredo; Mayor Adrian Gonzalez, City of Weslaco; Mayor Ron Nirenberg, City of San Antonio; Mayor Norma Sepulveda, City of Harlingen. Courtesy images and Facebook
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – The South Texas Alliance of Cities is aware of the ongoing immigration enforcement operations being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in various parts of our region. We have heard from local business owners and community members who are understandably concerned about the disruptions to their daily lives and livelihoods.
We want to respectfully clarify that our local law enforcement agencies are not involved in these federal operations and are not engaged in the enforcement of federal immigration policies. These actions are being carried out solely by federal authorities, and our municipal governments were neither informed of nor consulted about these operations in advance.
As mayors, we remain committed to the well-being, safety, and economic stability of our communities. The current lack of communication and transparency has led to confusion, concern, and operational disruptions, particularly for small businesses that are the backbone of our local economies.
We are actively working to gather accurate information to better understand the scope and purpose of these federal efforts. Our responsibility is to advocate for the residents and businesses of our cities and ensure their voices are represented. We respectfully urge our federal partners to enhance coordination and communication with local leadership so we may continue to lead effectively and clearly.
The South Texas Alliance of Cities stands united in our commitment to the rule of law, public safety, economic strength, and the trust of our communities. We welcome the opportunity for dialogue rooted in mutual respect and transparency to better serve our community.
— The Coalition of Mayors South Texas Alliance of Cities
South Texas Alliance of Cities (STAC). The coalition of mayors that make up the STAC has issued a joint statement regarding the recent federal immigration enforcement operations taking place in our region. This collective response reflects the shared concerns and priorities of local leaders across South Texas.
The statement is supported by the following mayors:
Mayor Javier Villalobos, City of McAllen
Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza, City of Mission
Mayor Norma Sepulveda, City of Harlingen
Mayor John Cowen, City of Brownsville
Mayor Victor D. Treviño, City of Laredo
Mayor Ron Nirenberg, City of San Antonio
Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr., City of Edinburg
Mayor Adrian Gonzalez, City of Weslaco
Information source: South Texas Alliance of cities via The City of Edinburg
Dr. Subhash C. Chauhan (left), professor at the UTRGV School of Medicine and director of the South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research; Dr. Murali M. Yallapu (center), associate professor and principal investigator; and Dr. Everardo Cobos (right), interim dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine, are pictured at the South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research in McAllen. The team is leading efforts to establish the Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine Core, supported by a $2.8 million grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. (Photo by Jesús Alférez/ UTRGV)
Texas Border Business
By Maria Gonzalez / UTRGV
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has received a $2.8 million grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) to launch the Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine Core (DDNC), a specialized research facility focused on advancing cancer research, education and care through nanotechnology.
The new core, which began operations June 1, is located within the university’s South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research (ST-CECR) in McAllen. It is the first facility of its kind within a 250-mile radius and does not duplicate any other existing core facility in Texas.
“This facility will directly address one of the greatest health needs of our region – cancer,” said Dr. Can Saygin, UTRGV senior vice president for research and dean of the Graduate College. “It will bring advanced resources and clinical partnerships to the Valley, strengthen our research capacity and give our faculty and students access to groundbreaking tools in drug delivery and nanomedicine.”
The Bert Ogden Buick-GMC team gathers to celebrate their 2024 Dealer of the Year award with Mr. and Mrs. Vackar, CEO Natasha del Barrio, General Manager Billy Kelley, and General Motors executives Steve Burns, Regional Director for Buick and GMC, Shawn Garret, Zone Manager, and Shane Eddie district manager, along with dedicated staff from across the Bert Ogden Auto Group. Image by Noah H. Mangum González
Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
The Bert Ogden Auto Group proudly announced that its Buick-GMC dealership, led by Robert C. Vackar and Janet Ogden Vackar, has been named Dealer of the Year 2024 by the Buick and GMC divisions of General Motors. Mr. Vackar serves as Chairman of the Board and Chief Performance Officer. Mrs. Vackar is Co-Chairwoman and President of Marketing for the largest family-owned auto group in the Rio Grande Valley.
CEO Natasha del Barrio opened the celebration: “Thank you all so much for being here. Such an amazing team surrounds us. Someone told me this morning, ‘There have been so many celebrations for you this year,’ and I said, ‘These aren’t for me—they’re for this team.’
Janet Ogden Vackar and Robert C. Vackar proudly hold one of the two 2024 Dealer of the Year awards during a special celebration honoring their leadership and the continued excellence of the Bert Ogden Buick-GMC team. Image by Noah H. Mangum González
The only thing I’ve ever done right is choosing the incredible people I’ve worked alongside. You are the reason we’re standing here today. Your talent, commitment, and passion make this team so special. Year after year, you accomplish what very few dealerships can.”
Steve Burns, Regional Director, Buick and GMC – South Central Region, praised the dealership’s exceptional achievement: “This award is the most prestigious honor a manufacturer can present for Buick, GMC, and Chevrolet dealerships. Only 22 dealers in the country receive this recognition for Buick, and another 22 for GMC, out of more than 2,000 nationwide. To win both is incredibly rare—only three dealerships in Texas received one of these awards, and just two earned both Buick and GMC. That’s absolutely phenomenal.”
Burns highlighted the numbers: “You are now a seven-time Buick and GMC award winner, with 11 total GM awards. Last year, you sold over 648 Buicks—up 46%—ranking #17 in the nation and #2 in Texas. On the GMC side, you delivered 2,389 vehicles, making you #5 in the country and #2 in Texas. Combined, that’s over 3,000 units, #5 in the U.S. and #7 in Texas. You’re currently #1 in the state for Sierra Light Duty sales. And you’re on track to exceed 3,700 units this year—a record.”
Burns also noted that the award includes service and customer satisfaction, not just sales:
“This is one of the hardest awards to earn in the industry. It reflects your entire operation. Thank you all for your outstanding work.”
Buick- GMC Zone Manager Shawn Garret zone added, “Every time we return, this room gets a little more crowded—and that says everything. It’s why Automotive News ranked you among the Top 150 Dealers in the Country to Work For. In fact, you were #49—so let’s call it what it is: one of the Top 50. That recognition reflects how well you treat your employees. That’s why your team stays. That’s why they thrive. And that’s why your customers come back.”
Billy Kelley concluded with gratitude: “I want to thank Mr. and Mrs. Vackar and Mrs. del Barrio for the opportunity to achieve what we have. I tell our managers this is like a puzzle—each person is crucial. We work long hours and face tough challenges, but that drive, and culture make us successful. We are deeply honored to be here and are filled with gratitude for our leaders, teammates, and this organization.”
Reflecting on the dealership’s early days, Bob shared: “We started with just one store—Buick-GMC. I think we sold 36 cars that first month. We were thrilled when we hit 75 in a month. And then came GM’s first low-interest program—we sold 236 cars. I still have the board from that day. We had Buick and Pontiac in the whole lineup. It’s been a phenomenal ride, and it’s because of people like Janet, who’s done an incredible job with advertising, Billy, for everything he’s done, and Natasha, who’s been phenomenal. Tasha’s really taken the reins. I sometimes joke that I’m not sure if I’m just the narrator now or even needed anymore!”
He continued, “Steven mentioned we were ranked #49 out of the top 150 dealerships in the U.S. last year. Our goal this year? Top 25. That’s what we’re aiming for.”
Bert Ogden Auto Group’s 2024 Dealer of the Year award symbolizes sales success and reflects leadership, teamwork, and deep roots in community and customer care.
Governor Greg Abbott surged Texas National Guard soldiers and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers ahead of planned anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protests across Texas over the weekend to protect innocent Texans and property. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott surged Texas National Guard soldiers and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers ahead of planned anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protests across Texas over the weekend to protect innocent Texans and property.
“Peaceful protests are part of the fabric of our nation, but Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles in response to President Donald Trump’s enforcement of immigration law,” said Governor Abbott. “Today, I deployed over 2,000 Texas DPS troopers and over 5,000 Texas National Guard soldiers across the state to assist local law enforcement response to these protests and to maintain law and order. Anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property will be arrested and held accountable to the full extent of the law. Don’t mess with Texas — and don’t mess with Texas law enforcement.”
At the direction of Governor Abbott, the following state law enforcement and military personnel and resources have been deployed to support local law enforcement in preparation for nationwide, anti-ICE protests over the weekend:
Texas Department of Public Safety: more than 2,000 DPS troopers, including Special Agents and Texas Rangers, are deployed to respond to potential criminal or violent activity at these protests and to maintain law and order across Texas, in addition to thousands of DPS troopers already stationed throughout the state.
Texas Military Department: more than 5,000 Texas National Guard soldiers are strategically positioned to bolster state and local law enforcement response to any criminal activity.
