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