HARLINGEN, Texas — As the Rio Grande Valley continues its rapid economic expansion, regional leaders are gathering this week to tackle two of the most critical factors underpinning future growth: infrastructure readiness and human capital development.

The Institute for Leadership in Capital Projects (I-LinCP) RGV Chapter, in partnership with the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation (EDC), will host "Powering Texas and Regional Growth: Infrastructure + Workforce Exchange" on Thursday, Aug. 13, at the Harlingen Convention Center from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Setting the stage for the event, Carol Warkoczewski, founder of I-LinCP, highlighted the critical timing of the gathering.

"As the South Texas area continues to experience unprecedented growth, the need for strategic infrastructure investment and a skilled workforce has never been greater," Warkoczewski said. "This collaborative event will bring together industry leaders, public sector representatives, educators, and economic development professionals to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of this region."

However, prospective attendees are urged to act immediately: seats are filling up rapidly, with organizers confirming that only a handful of spots remain available.

"We initially were thinking of having 70 attendees, but we had to open it up to 100," said Jose Delgado, I-LinCP co-founder and McAllen-based engineer. "Just a few minutes ago, we had a meeting, and there were only 12 spaces, maybe 15 spaces left. Time is running out."

Editor's Note: Here is an interview with Jose Delgado and Orlando Campos, CEO of Harlingen Economic Development Corporation. To read the full story go to riograndeguardian.com.

Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.

MISSION, Texas - Veteran trial attorney Ricardo “Rick” Salinas officially entered the race for mayor of Mission, Texas, filing his candidacy paperwork and outlining an ambitious campaign platform focused on City Hall transparency, urgent infrastructure repairs, and fiscal accountability ahead of the November election.

Salinas, who has practiced law for 33 years, framed his run not as a career move, but as an “affair of the heart” aimed at addressing core municipal issues that he contends current leadership has neglected.

Salinas gave an interview to the Rio Grande Guardian just before filing his paperwork to run for mayor of Mission. Later that evening he held a Meet & Greet with supporters. The interview started with his thoughts on former foe Ester Salinas (no relation), a community activist from Mission who use to have serious disagreements with Rick Salinas' father, Beto Salinas, when he was mayor of Mission.

Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.

AUSTIN, Texas - Gov. Greg Abbott and Dino Mavrookas, co-founder and CEO of Saronic Technologies, made an announcement about manufacturing investment at the company’s headquarters in Austin.

Saronic was founded in 2022 and specializes in unmanned maritime vehicles. Mavrookas announced a $3.2 billion investment at the Port of Brownsville for the company’s next generation Port Alpha shipyard. The project is focused on the production of autonomous surface vessels for defense and commercial applications.

Here is an audio recording of their remarks.

Editor’s Note: To read the full story go to riograndeguardian.com.

Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.