HARLINGEN, Texas - While there were a few surprising omissions in her 2024 State of the City Address, Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda did cover a lot of ground in her one-hour presentation.Sepulveda did not mention the work of the Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce, Texas State Technical College, the Port of Harlingen, and Los Indios International Bridge. But she did feature UT-Rio Grande Valley’s growing presence in the city and the accomplishments of Valley International Airport, calling av...

MCALLEN, Texas - South Texas Manufacturers Association members heard about apprenticeship programs at their most recent monthly meeting, held at the Doubletree Suites by Hilton in McAllen. The presentation was made by Dr. Carlos Margo, associate dean in the Office of Industry Training & Economic Development at South Texas College.Margo gave an overview apprenticeship programs, including: · What is apprenticeship?· Components of...

MCALLEN, Texas - Adrian Villarreal, president and CEO of IBC Bank-McAllen, says the North American Free Trade Agreement - now known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement - has transformed Deep South Texas. Villarreal spoke about his bank’s heavy involvement in NAFTA and USMCA while participating in a bankers panel at the City of McAllen’s recent 2024 MxLAN International Economic Summit. The discussion was titled “Future of Banking.” In his remarks, Villarreal pointed out that...

PHARR, Texas - South Texas College President Ricardo Solis says his college would be in a much stronger position to help the Rio Grande Valley grow if it was also operating in Cameron County. Currently, STC is limited by statute to Hidalgo and Starr counties. But maybe one day that might change, Solis said. “South Texas College by the way, we are just limited to Hidalgo and Starr counties. One of the days maybe Cameron County. Then we would be in a really big position (to help...

How can you grow your community with just volunteers? How can economic development be accomplished with very limited to no government support,  funding or paid staff? Well, let us tell you how we did it! Find out how the Parkland Ukrainian Family Fund assisted over 200 people (67 families) in less than two years to move to the community of Dauphin solely through business and volunteer support. Join me as I speak to Pam Iwanchysko, Settlement & Fund-raising Coordinator, for PUFF as she provides

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, Jr., won many plaudits for his first ever State of the City Address. “Epic is an understatement when your mayor, John Cowen, rocks the 2024 State of the City,” said Brownsville City Manager Helen Ramirez.The event was held at Texas Southmost College’s Performing Arts Center. TSC had never staged such an event before.In his closing remarks, Cowen praised TSC and UT-Rio Grande Valley students for joining him for the address.“Thank you to a...

As the Institute of Digital Ag and Advanced Analytics (ID3A) leaders, Dr. Brain McCornack and Dr. Ignacio Ciampitti join the Inside Ag podcast to share more about their new initiative. ID3A brings together researchers from across the campus to develop new technologies that help solve regional agricultural production problems. The two Kansas State University researchers are passionate about connecting with producers and solving their issues. Learn more about ID3A at Institute for Digital

Why is housing so cheap & still there is lots of opportunity in Hazlet?  Why invest in this region? Why move here? Why immigrate here? So many questions yet the answers can be found in this podcast! Lindsay Alban loves rural life and living in her hometown, Hazlet,  but she wants to share this all with you! Did you know Hazlet is home for many international students from around the world, join us as she speaks about the Chinook International Program.  Alban will also let us in on the fact that

There is no one I have met yet that could provide better advice than what it is like to not only live and work on the Prairies but now to retire here too. Join me as I chat with Ms. Frances Stewart about her very successful life living in a rural town. What she says may just surprise you, as it is not who you know but what you, as a person has to offer,  could make all the difference. Her daughter, Carol Stewart, also joins us to discuss what it was like to immigrate at the age of 8, be raised in a

In this episode we speak to Anna Bright, CEO of Sustainability West Midlands. Sustainability West Midlands is the sustainability champion for the West Midlands. They are a not-for-profit company that works with our members in the private, public and third sectors. Anna has been working with organisations to improve their sustainability for over 20 years and has a private sector background in water, waste and wastewater management. As Chief Executive at Sustainability West Midlands she has worked

Dennis McKinney, State Executive Director, joins the Inside Ag podcast to share about different Farm Service Agencies (FSA) programs available for Kansas farmers and ranchers. He provides in-depth information on the Conservation Reserve Program, Environmental Livestock Assistance Program and Emergency Relief Program. Dennis has a wealth of knowledge about these programs and their impact. Learn more about FSA programs: USDA Farm Service Agency Home Page

Amie Brunkow owns Alta Vista Meat Company in Alta Vista, Kansas. She joins the Inside Ag podcast to share her passion for business and meat sciences. Amie gives a glimpse into her life as a business owner, discloses the unique features she provides local ranchers and showcases the many benefits of a traditional meat locker.Find Alta Vista Meat Company at Alta Vista Meat Co

There are some exciting opportunities available for Kansas Farm Bureau members to get involved in their communities and strengthen their voice for agriculture. Mike and Ashley Beying join the Inside Ag podcast to share their experience in the Communications, Media and Spokesperson Training. This training is designed to develop the skills to craft key messages within agriculture. Learn more about CMS training by visiting Communications, Media and Spokesperson Training (kfb.org) Next, Brenden Wirth

In this episode, we speak to Robin Carruthers, Operation Manager at Central Mailing Services, a business based in Birmingham. Robin Carruthers shares their sustainability journey, which aims to become carbon neutral by 2028. He highlights some of the projects and initiatives they have undertaken or planned, such as solar panels, electric vehicles, waste segregation, ISO standards, staff engagement and local partnerships. Useful links: Register for an energy audit (West Midlands