RGV Business Journal

Real estate investment in the Rio Grande Valley is shifting — as outside capital, major projects like SpaceX, and regional growth reshape how the market operates.In this episode of the Rio Grande Valley Business Journal Podcast, Naxiely Lopez-Puente sits down with Daniel Galvan, a broker at Coldwell Banker Commercial, to discuss what’s driving demand, where deals are happening, and how the market is evolving.Galvan explains how national and international attention on the region — particularly around Brownsville — is bringing new investors into the Valley, while local buyers continue to reinvest in their communities.He also breaks down what defines a “good deal” today, how pricing has stabilized after the pandemic surge, and why rising costs like insurance and operations are making investors more cautious.The conversation explores industrial demand, limited supply coming online, retail expansion, regional growth beyond McAllen, and where capital is flowing across the market.Topics covered:• Real estate investment trends in the Rio Grande Valley• Outside vs. local capital• Impact of SpaceX and regional growth• Industrial, retail, and commercial pricing• Supply and demand in industrial space• Investor concerns: insurance, costs, and risk• Where capital is flowing in today’s market👉 Subscribe to the Rio Grande Valley Business Journal for more reporting on business, trade, real estate, and economic development across South Texas and northern Mexico.

n this episode of the Rio Grande Valley Business Journal Podcast, reporter Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza sits down with Dr. James Li and Dr. Ahmed Bendaouia of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing to discuss how the region can compete for the next generation of manufacturing investment.Advanced manufacturing is changing what economic growth could look like in the Rio Grande Valley — from AI-powered factories and robotics to workforce training, supply chains, and major industrial projects.Li explains why manufacturing remains a major engine for innovation, job creation, and regional prosperity — and why the Valley may have a narrow window to attract new industrial operations.Bendaouia breaks down how AI, digital twins, robotics, and data are being used in manufacturing, and why these tools are meant to support workers rather than replace them.The conversation also explores SpaceX, Saronic, LNG, rare earth minerals, supply chain gaps, workforce development, and what it would take for the Rio Grande Valley to become a stronger industrial hub.Topics covered:• Advanced manufacturing in the Rio Grande Valley• AI, robotics, and digital twins in industry• Workforce training and high-tech jobs• SpaceX, Saronic, LNG, and anchor companies• Rare earth minerals and supply chain security• UTRGV’s role in regional economic development👉 Subscribe to the Rio Grande Valley Business Journal podcast for more reporting on business, trade, manufacturing, and economic development across South Texas and northern Mexico.

🏈 Emmitt Smith is heading to the Rio Grande Valley — and Ronnie Larralde of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce tells us exactly how it happened (spoiler: it's all about your network).In this episode of the RGV Business Journal Podcast, we explore the business boom happening right now in Edinburg and across the Rio Grande Valley — from 127 new housing subdivisions to the game-day economic ripple effect of UTRGV Vaqueros football.📌 TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Intro02:00 — Edinburg's 100-year chamber milestone05:00 — Population growth: 77K to 108K+08:30 — UTRGV football & the game-day business impact14:00 — Business Playbook Conference: what to expect18:30 — Emmitt Smith: how they booked him22:00 — Sessions: marketing, law, franchises & resources27:00 — Free micro-internship program31:00 — UTRGV economic impact numbers reveal35:00 — Edinburg as a destination & festival city📅 Business Playbook Conference — April 23🎟 Tickets at edinburg.com | Members $50 · Non-members $75🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode of the RGV Business Journal Podcast.#RGVBusiness #EdinburgTX #EmmittSmith #UTRGVFootball #RioGrandeValley #BusinessPodcast #RGV #TexasBusiness

First Brands Group’s bankruptcy is still rippling across the U.S.–Mexico border — triggering layoffs, severance disputes, and raising new questions about how labor laws work on both sides.In this episode of the Rio Grande Valley Business Journal Podcast, Editor Naxiely Lopez-Puente sits down with attorney Francisco Peña, a partner at Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton, to break down what happens when a U.S. company fails — and thousands of workers in Mexico are left waiting to be paid.Peña explains why laid-off workers in Mexico are legally entitled to severance, why those payments can take years to resolve, and how unions, asset seizures, and cross-border corporate structures complicate the process.The conversation also explores how tariffs and supply chain disruptions contributed to the collapse, what bankruptcy means for maquiladora operations, and how differences between U.S. and Mexican labor law shape outcomes for workers and companies.Looking ahead, Peña outlines what to watch as the USMCA enters review — and how shifting trade policy could impact manufacturing, investment, and jobs across the Rio Grande Valley.Topics covered: • First Brands bankruptcy and layoffs in Mexico and the U.S. • Severance laws and worker protections in Mexico • Cross-border business structures and legal challenges • Tariffs, supply chains, and manufacturing risk • USMCA review and what comes next for trade👉 Subscribe to the Rio Grande Valley Business Journal for more reporting on business, trade, and economic development across South Texas and northern Mexico.

South Texas is building something bigger than most people realize.In this Rio Grande Valley Business Journal podcast episode, reporter Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza sits down with Rick Carrera of the Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP) to break down how the region is positioning itself for the next wave of manufacturing and industrial growth.The conversation covers:• The Valley’s overlooked manufacturing ecosystem• How a regional “manufacturing census” is reshaping recruitment strategy• The difference between small-scale production and large industrial investment• Why companies are choosing the Rio Grande Valley for expansion• The role of workforce, education, and advanced manufacturing programs• How major projects — from automotive to energy — are changing the region• The growing importance of confidentiality in landing economic dealsCarrera explains how proximity to Mexico, a young workforce, and expanding infrastructure are putting the Rio Grande Valley on the radar for high-paying industries — while also highlighting the challenges around water, power, and regional alignment.🎧 Listen for a deeper look at how manufacturing, policy, and workforce strategy are shaping the Valley’s economic future.Subscribe for more RGV business, economic development, and industry insights.

McAllen City Manager Isaac Tawil joins host Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza to break down some of the biggest economic developments hitting the Rio Grande Valley right now.In this episode:✈️ A brand-new daily nonstop flight between McAllen and Monterrey — just 45 minutes in the air🛍️ Near-record-breaking sales tax revenues and what they mean for economic development🏙️ The $230 million Bowie mixed-use development coming near the airport🌆 McAllen City Center redevelopment — what's replacing the old civic center🚶 New pedestrian tunnels to connect parks, golf courses, and trail systems🛫 Updates on restoring the Aeromexico Mexico City route and a major terminal expansionWhether you're a business owner, investor, or just love the RGV, this episode is packed with news you need to hear.🎙️ Host: Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza👤 Guest: Isaac Tawil, City Manager of McAllenSubscribe to the Rio Grande Valley Business Journal for the latest on business and economic development in South Texas.#McAllen #RioGrandeValley #RGV #EconomicDevelopment #TexasBusiness #McAllenAirport #BusinessPodcast #RGVBusiness

How does the Rio Grande Valley advocate for its priorities at the state and federal level?In this episode of the Rio Grande Valley Business Journal Podcast, Editor Naxi Lopez-Puente interviews Paco Sanchez, the new president and CEO of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership.They discuss:• The role of the RGV Partnership in legislative advocacy• The organization’s influential RGV Legislative Tour• Workforce shortages in industries like healthcare and water infrastructure• The new RGV Connect sessions bringing stakeholders together• Economic challenges and opportunities facing the ValleyThe RGV Partnership serves as a regional voice for business and community leaders across Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy and Starr counties.Subscribe to the Rio Grande Valley Business Journal for more business and economic development coverage from South Texas.

In this episode of the Rio Grande Valley Business Journal Podcast, host Naxi Lopez sits down with contributor Matt Wilson to discuss two stories drawing attention across South Texas.Wilson explains the growing concern among farmers and ranchers about the potential return of the screwworm parasite, which devastated the cattle industry decades ago before being eradicated.The conversation also explores Wilson’s deep investigative work into thousands of newly released Epstein-related documents, which revealed a surprising connection between Jeffrey Epstein and the development of the South Padre Island Golf Club in the early 2000s.

¿Qué está pasando realmente en Matamoros tras el cierre de Tridonex?Anayancy Ulloa comparte lo que vio en el lugar — organización, incertidumbre y resiliencia en la industria maquiladora.También analizamos:• Aranceles• Fallas aduanales• Crecimiento en Reynosa• Economía binacional México-EE.UU.Suscríbete para más contenido empresarial.*********************What’s really happening in Matamoros after the Tridonex shutdown?Reporter Anayancy Ulloa shares firsthand observations from outside the plant — organized worker shifts, economic uncertainty, and the resilience of the maquiladora industry.We also discuss:• Tariff uncertainty• Customs system failures• Reynosa’s continued growth• The binational economic relationship between Mexico and the U.S.Subscribe for more business reporting from the Rio Grande Valley and northern Mexico.

Once only available in major cities, this technology is now saving lives in the Rio Grande Valley.ECMO — short for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation — is a specialized form of life support that temporarily replaces the function of the heart and lungs.In this episode of the Rio Grande Valley Business Journal podcast, host Naxi Lopez speaks with Dr. Andrew Phillips and Jennifer Tobar about how the Valley’s ECMO program was built, what it takes to operate around the clock, and the real-life stories behind this critical care breakthrough.

The Rio Grande Valley Business Journal presents highlights from its inaugural Economic Outlook Luncheon, featuring keynote economist Pia Orrenius, vice president at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.After opening remarks from publisher Ramiro Garza Jr., Orrenius breaks down Texas job trends, housing affordability, migration shifts and cross-border trade — and what those forces could mean for the Rio Grande Valley in 2026.The program wraps with audience Q&A and a regional industry panel discussing workforce development, LNG, real estate and infrastructure investment. It’s a timely conversation on where the RGV economy stands — and what’s ahead for South Texas businesses.

In this Rio Grande Valley Business Journal podcast episode, reporter Kristen Mossbrucker-Garza talks with Bert Guerra of Cine El Rey and James Alexander of The Flying Walrus about the growing tensions between city leadership and longtime downtown stakeholders.The conversation covers:• The original Heart of the City revitalization plan• Recent enforcement actions and power shutoffs• Zoning proposals affecting historic downtown• The role of arts and music in economic development• Why founders created the Heart of McAllen organization• What comes next for businesses, residents, and artistsGuerra and Alexander share personal stories from decades of investment in McAllen’s cultural scene — and explain why they believe downtown deserves protection, thoughtful planning, and real collaboration.🎧 Listen for a deep dive into how policy, culture, and community intersect in one of South Texas’ most important business districts.Subscribe for more RGV business, economic development, and community conversations.

In this episode of the Rio Grande Valley Business Journal podcast, Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza sits down with Mike Willis, executive director of the South Texas Manufacturers Association, to discuss tariffs, automation, supply chains and workforce challenges shaping manufacturing today.Willis explains why jobs didn’t “disappear,” how consumer choices fueled globalization, and what companies really need to invest in U.S. production. The conversation also explores SpaceX’s game-changing impact on Brownsville, the Valley’s role in binational manufacturing, and why workforce shortages remain one of the biggest barriers to growth.“Manufacturing isn’t about jobs being stolen — it’s about efficiency, automation and competitiveness.”— Mike Willis

Brownsville is experiencing a historic economic shift — and for the first time in modern history, more people are moving into the city than leaving.In this episode of the Rio Grande Valley Business Journal podcast, Gilberto Salinas, president and CEO of the Greater Brownsville EDC, breaks down what’s driving that transformation. From SpaceX’s Starbase operation to major LNG projects near the Port of Brownsville, Salinas explains how long-term economic development efforts are reversing decades of brain drain and reshaping the regional economy.Topics discussed include:• Why Brownsville now ranks among the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.• How SpaceX has triggered a wave of suppliers and global manufacturers• The job and housing impacts of LNG and energy investment• Workforce, infrastructure, and housing challenges tied to rapid growth• Renewed cross-border collaboration with Matamoros, Mexico• What Brownsville could look like over the next 5–10 yearsThis conversation offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how major industrial projects translate into real jobs, rising incomes, and long-term opportunity for South Texas.🔔 Subscribe for more coverage of the Rio Grande Valley economy, development, and cross-border trade.

Federal officials, SpaceX defense contracts and AI data centers are transforming the Rio Grande Valley.In this episode of the Rio Grande Valley Business Journal podcast, our reporters break down border security policy, ICE enforcement, SpaceX’s expanding role as a defense contractor, and the rise of AI-powered data centers in Cameron and Willacy counties.

On this episode of the Rio Grande Valley Business Journal podcast, host Naxi Lopez-Puente speaks with Jonathan “Johnny” Vasquez, executive officer of the Rio Grande Valley Builders Association (RGVBA), about the state of residential construction in the Rio Grande Valley.Vasquez discusses why the market has slowed, what affordability pressures look like (tariffs, regulation, land costs), how inventory is shaping buyer behavior, and why builders are pushing for a permanent workforce solution — including support for the bipartisan Dignity Act and expanded legal work pathways.What we cover• RGV construction slowdown: what’s driving it• Inventory + rates: why it’s a buyer’s market• Affordability: tariffs, regulation, and cost pressures• Land prices and growth trends• Workforce impacts and policy solutions• What the Dignity Act would change

Rio Grande Valley Business Journal host Naxi Lopez-Puente speaks with Mario Guerrero, CEO of the South Texas Builders Association, about what builders and contractors say they’re seeing on construction sites across the Rio Grande Valley — and how worksite enforcement activity can ripple into project delays, construction loans, timelines, and the broader local economy.Guerrero also discusses how the South Texas Builders Association formed during COVID-era disruption, what builders learned from supply-price spikes, and why workforce availability is now one of the biggest constraints in the local housing pipeline.🎧 Watch, share, and subscribe for more RGV business reporting and interviews.Topics covered• Worksite enforcement and construction delays• The “mid-pour” example and direct jobsite cost impacts• Construction loans, banking risk, and inventory pressures• Workforce gaps and the skilled trades pipeline• Tariffs, interest rates, and affordability headwinds• How the association formed and what’s next

Rising construction costs, higher land prices and changing buyer demand are reshaping the Rio Grande Valley housing market.In this interview, a local builder and real estate broker walks through what affordable new construction looks like today in Pharr, how labor and material costs have changed over the past decade, and why incentives are becoming more common in a buyer’s market.The conversation covers inventory levels, land prices, labor shortages, financing realities, and what buyers and sellers should understand before making their next move in the Valley real estate market.📍 Highlights include:• Affordable housing in the RGV• New construction costs• Buyer vs. seller market dynamics• Labor and land price trends• What today’s buyers are asking for

In this episode of the RGV Business Journal, host Naxiely Lopez takes listeners on a tour with Joaquin Spamer from McAllen, Texas, as they explore two of his ongoing construction projects shaping the Valley’s growth.From groundbreaking developments to the vision behind each build, Joaquin shares what it takes to bring large-scale projects to life and how construction in the RGV plays a vital role in driving regional progress.👷‍♂️ Tune in for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at how innovation and infrastructure are transforming South Texas — one project at a time.#RGVBusinessJournal #RGV #McAllen #Construction #TexasDevelopment #Infrastructure #CommunityGrowth

In this episode of the Rio Grande Valley Business Journal Podcast we sit down with Dante Galeazzi, CEO/President of The Texas International Produce association where he talks about agricultural restraints and water supply issues facing the Rio Grande Valley

The Rio Grande Valley is growing fast — but with growth comes challenges. 🏗️In this episode of the RGV Business Journal, host Naxiely Lopez sits down with Richard A. Garza, Broker and Owner of BIC Realty, to discuss some of the key infrastructure issues affecting the region. From transportation and drainage to planning and development, Richard shares his perspective on what’s holding the Valley back and what solutions could help move it forward.🎧 Tune in to hear an honest, insightful conversation about the future of infrastructure, real estate, and sustainable growth in the RGV.#RGVBusinessJournal #RGV #Infrastructure #BICRealty #TexasGrowth #EconomicDevelopment #CommunityProgress

Este episodio del pódcast presenta una entrevista con Mari Carmen Cadena, una profesionista con más de 30 años de experiencia en desarrollo económico y atracción de inversión extranjera en el norte de México. Ella comparte su trayectoria —desde estudiar en el extranjero, trabajar en el gobierno y promover a México internacionalmente, hasta unirse a desarrolladores industriales, convertirse en bróker y finalmente crear su propia empresa. Explica el crecimiento de la región Reynosa–Matamoros, sus fortalezas en manufactura (especialmente en autopartes), su identidad cultural y la importancia de ver la frontera entre México y Estados Unidos como una sola región económica. También habla sobre las necesidades de infraestructura, nuevas inversiones que están llegando a Matamoros y por qué el área está bien posicionada para seguir creciendo.

In this episode of the RGV Business Journal Podcast, we sit down with Brian Godinez, CEO of ERO Architects and board member of the Institute for Leadership and Capital Projects, along with Jim Darling, former McAllen mayor and current chairperson of the Region M Water Planning Group. They discuss the Rio Grande Valley’s current infrastructure challenges, the opportunities emerging across the region, and how the Valley continues to experience rapid, exponential growth.If you’d like to learn more about the current landscape of the RGV and the work of the Institute for Leadership and Capital Projects, the RGV chapter will be hosting a luncheon on Wednesday, November 19 at 11:15 AM at Embassy Suites McAllen Convention Center.Members: $40 — Non-Members: $55

Texas agriculture is facing a critical labor shortage—and current federal immigration policies may be making it worse. In this episode, host Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza speaks with Texas International Produce Association CEO Dante Galeazzi to fill in a major gap left out of a recent Dallas Fed report: the impact on construction and agriculture, two industries heavily dependent on immigrant and guest-worker labor.Galeazzi explains how Texas needs more than 34,000 agricultural workers, yet only 12,000 H-2A visas were issued last year—forcing growers to rely on a shrinking labor pool. He breaks down how delays, shutdowns, and enforcement actions disrupt harvests, why most Texas crops cannot be mechanized, and what happens when produce is left in the fields.They also discuss the rising cost of labor, shifts in production to Mexico and Latin America, and what policy fixes—such as H-2A reforms and a modernized guest-worker system—could stabilize the industry. For the Rio Grande Valley’s 40-plus produce commodities, including its iconic citrus crop, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

What role does infrastructure play in shaping the future of the Rio Grande Valley? 🏗️In this episode of the RGV Business Journal, host Naxiely Lopez sits down with Rene Xavier Gonzalez, the President of CODEM, to discuss the organization’s mission and how it’s driving growth across the region.They dive into how CODEM works to strengthen economic development, improve infrastructure, and create long-term opportunities for the RGV. From roads and bridges to business expansion, this conversation explores how smart planning today builds a stronger tomorrow.🎧 Tune in to learn more about how collaboration and infrastructure investment are paving the way for the Valley’s continued success.#RGVBusinessJournal #RGV #Infrastructure #CODEM #EconomicDevelopment #TexasGrowth #CommunityProgress

Ever wondered who’s behind the stories that keep the Rio Grande Valley informed? 🗞️In this episode of the RGV Business Journal, host Naxiely Lopez sits down with Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza, the reporter working behind the scenes to bring the region’s most important business stories to light.Kristen shares what it’s like to cover the RGV’s growing business landscape, how she finds the stories that matter most, and why local journalism plays a key role in connecting our community.🎧 Tune in for an inside look at the reporting process, the mission behind the Business Journal, and the people making it happen.#RGVBusinessJournal #RGV #BusinessNews #LocalJournalism #BehindTheScenes #ReporterLife

In this episode of the RGV Business Journal, Host Naxiely Lopez sits down with journalist Matt Wilson to explore the vital role of citrus in the Rio Grande Valley. 🍊From the fields to the marketplace, the citrus industry is more than agriculture — it’s a cornerstone of the Valley’s economy, culture, and identity. Matt shares his experience covering the industry, the challenges growers face, and why telling these stories matters for the future of the region.🎙️ Whether you’re in business, agriculture, or simply curious about the industries shaping the RGV, this conversation shines a light on how journalism and agriculture intersect to keep our community informed and thriving.📌 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more conversations with the leaders and voices shaping the Rio Grande Valley.#RGVBusinessJournal #CitrusIndustry #Agriculture #RioGrandeValley #TexasBusiness #Journalism

In this episode of the RGV Business Journal, host Naxiely Lopez sits down with Teclo Garcia to dive into one of the most important topics shaping our region: transportation and investment in Texas.They discuss how funding for infrastructure along the border impacts not just the Rio Grande Valley, but the entire state and even the country. With thousands of delivery trucks crossing the border daily, the improvements made here ripple out across America—fueling commerce, strengthening supply chains, and driving growth nationwide.Tune in to learn why investing in South Texas infrastructure is an investment in the future of the U.S. economy.✨ Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the 🔔 for more conversations that connect the Valley to the world!#RGVBusinessJournal #Transportation #TexasGrowth #Infrastructure #RGV

Introducing the RGV Business Journal! 🌟Join host Naxiely Lopez and Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza as they kick off the very first episode of the RGV Business Journal. This podcast is all about highlighting the businesses, leaders, and stories that keep the Rio Grande Valley thriving.The goal? To connect our communities and keep you in the know about the opportunities shaping the RGV’s future. From small businesses to major developments, the RGV Business Journal is your inside look at what’s happening across the Valley.👉 Subscribe today and be part of the conversation that’s moving the RGV forward!#RGVBusinessJournal #RioGrandeValley #Edinburg #BusinessGrowth #Community