StarrCounty Industrial

06/13/2026

06/12/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 11, 2026 New members bring expertise from manufacturing, economic development, infrastructure WASHINGTON — The Border Trade Alliance (BTA) today announced the appointment of three new members

06/10/2026

Customs and Border Protection Hiring Event
📅Tuesday June 23, 24, 25
⏰9 AM - 4 PM
📍WFS Starr County
5408 Brand St., Ste. 1 Rio Grande City, TX 78582
General Requirements:
• Be a United States Citizen
• Have a valid unrestricted driver's license
• Resided in the United States 3 out of the last 5 years
• Be eligible to carry a firearm
• Be between the ages of 18-40 (veterans can apply for an age waiver)
• 1-year full time work experience in any field - or a
combination of work experience and college education
• No felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions for domestic violence
Requirements vary based on job announcement

06/10/2026

The Starr County Industrial Foundation (SCIF) recently joined regional leaders from across the Rio Grande Valley in Washington, D.C. to advocate for issues critical to the continued growth and prosperity of Starr County and South Texas. Discussions focused on key priorities including infrastructure investment, workforce development, cross border trade, renegotiation of USMCA, water security, desalination initiatives, and federal support to address the emerging threat of the New World Screwworm. These conversations help ensure that the needs and opportunities of Starr County remain part of the national dialogue as policymakers consider decisions that will impact our region's economic future.

During this visit SCIF President Rose Benavidez was also appointed by a group of her peers from across the country to the Border Trade Alliance (BTA) Board of Directors, where she will represent Starr County Texas and help advance policies that strengthen border communities and economic growth.

Founded in 1986, the BTA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving trade, travel, and security throughout North America. Working with partners in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, the BTA advocates for policies that strengthen border operations and economic competitiveness. Recognized as North America’s leading voice on border issues, the organization represents a diverse network of more than 4.2 million public and private sector stakeholders. Its membership includes business leaders, chambers of commerce, educational institutions, economic development organizations, manufacturers, transportation providers, customs brokers, and government agencies. Through collaboration and advocacy, the BTA works to advance efficient, secure, and prosperous borders that support economic growth across the continent.

The Future Leads to Starr County, and our commitment to advancing economic growth and expanding opportunities for our communities continues.

06/09/2026

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized and conditionally approved drugs available for New World screwworm infestation and prevention. Farmers and ranchers are advised to contact their veterinarian to receive direction on the appropriate product for their animals.

View a quick reference from Animal Health Commission: https://txfb.us/FDA-approved-NWS

06/08/2026

Today is a bittersweet day as we say goodbye to Mr. Diego Barrera. After several years with SCIF, he has graduated and is taking the summer off to prepare for what we hope will be a successful career with U.S. Customs in the near future.

Best of luck, Diego! We know this is just the beginning, and we look forward to seeing all the great things you will accomplish!

06/05/2026

SHARE THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW WORLD SCREWWORM

From umbilical lesions to tick bites, New World screwworm (NWS) infestations can start from many kinds of wounds. Laying eyes on your animals is the key to protecting them from this pest. If you observe these signs in your animals:
1. Do NOT move the animal (even to the vet clinic)
2. Report to the TAHC 1-800-550-8242
3. Don't panic. This is a highly preventable and treatable condition.

Stay updated on NWS here: https://www.tahc.texas.gov/emergency/nws.html

06/04/2026

What a fantastic morning at the Youth Expo held at the Workforce Solutions Starr County Texas!

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all of the students, employers, organizations, and community partners who participated and helped make this event a success. The incredible turnout demonstrated the strong commitment our community has to empowering the next generation with career exploration, workforce opportunities, and valuable connections.

A special thank you to Workforce Solutions for hosting the event and bringing together such a diverse group of employers and resources for our local youth. Events like these help inspire future leaders and create pathways to success right here in Starr County.

Thank you to everyone who attended, exhibited, and supported today's Youth Expo, and especially for continuing to invest in the future of our community!

06/04/2026

USDA has confirmed a New World Screwworm detection in a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County.

The larvae were found in the calf’s umbilical area, and at this time, no additional detections have been confirmed.

Federal and state officials have accelerated their ongoing response to NWS and are moving to “flood the zone” with sterile insects in an effort to stop any potential spread and eradicate the pest from the area. USDA, the Texas Animal Health Commission, and local partners are coordinating surveillance, sterile fly releases, wildlife monitoring, and producer outreach in the affected area. In addition to the localized response to this case, federal and state partners are continuing efforts to increase sterile insect production to the levels needed to eradicate this pest from our borders and, eventually, across the continent.

For producers, the most important steps remain the same: check animals regularly, watch wounds closely, and report anything suspicious immediately. NWS is indiscriminate in its choice of host so long as it is a warm-blooded animal, which means livestock, wildlife, pets, and people are susceptible. Early reporting is one of the most important tools we have to limit the spread and protect our communities.

Report suspected cases:

Texas Animal Health Commission — Livestock and domestic animals: (800) 550-8242

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department — Wildlife: (512) 389-4505

Texas Department of State Health Services — Human cases: (888) 963-7111

Learn more about this case and the response here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-confirms-presence-new-world-screwworm-united-states

06/04/2026

Happening today!

🚨STARR COUNTY YOUTH EXPO 🚨
📅Thursday June 4th
⏰9 am - 12 pm
📍Starr Co. Workforce Solutions Office
5408 Brand St., Ste. 1 Rio Grande City, TX 78582

⬇️Participating Employers⬇️
City of Rio Grande City
Customs & Border Protection – Office of Field Operations
DHR Health
GMET Communications LLC (Cricket Wireless)
IOC Company LLC
Mint Orthodontics PLLC
Nuestra Clínica del Valle
Regency Integrated Health (Wellsential Health)
Reliable Home Care Services LLC
Starr County Industrial Foundation
Starr County Sheriff’s Department
Texas Health & Human Services
Tropical Smoothie Café
U.S. Border Patrol
Valley Pediatric & Health Clinic PLLC
Walmart
Workforce Solutions