Rene De La Vina and Hilario Cavazos, two Laredo area Texas State Teachers Association union representatives (who also are Laredo Community College trustees), expressed a wait-and-see attitude toward new Laredo Independent School District superintendent Dr. Marcus Nelson.
"It should be noted Dr. Nelson will be the most highest paid superintendent ever within LISD at $186,000 per year," De La Vina said in front of a noontime Kiwanis Club gathering at the Holiday Inn Laredo Civic Center on Tuesday.
"Plus he'll get his 10 days off for his motivational speaking tour and he's a close friend to Oprah Winfrey," De La Vina said.
Cavazos said Nelson doesn't like the current curriculum being taught within LISD and, more than likely, will introduce his own once he gets settled into his role.
"We've had nine different superintendents in 11 years at LISD," Cavazos said. "The big question is will the LISD board let the superintendent do his work? I want to meet with Dr. Nelson as the union representative."
De La Vina also expressed his contempt for current board trustees John Peter Montalvo and Jesus Guerra, saying he "doesn't want him" if Montalvo runs for re-election.
Needless to say, De La Vina -- who said he just retired after 31 years as an educator -- and Cavazos are pro-teacher and want them to receive the proper help and support needed from LISD officials.
I guess the LISD merry-go-round gets started again when the first school bell rings soon.
-- Joe Rutland
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
BMP under new ownership ...
Border Media Partners is now under new leadership.
Monday, lenders D.B. Zwirn & Co. and Fortress Investment Group seized control of BMP and formed the Border Media Business Trust.
All BMP properties are now under the trust and Larry Patrick, president of Maryland-based media brokerage company Patrick Communications, said Monday he has been named trustee.
Radio industry publications Inside Radio and Radio Ink have cited BMP’s problems in making debt repayments for over nearly two years.
“All the stations are profitable, especially Laredo which is a well-run radio operation,” Patrick said Monday. “(Vice president and market manager) Miguel Villarreal is doing a great job there.”
Patrick also confirmed Jeff Hinson, BMP chief executive officer, will be leaving his post. Hinson received “America’s Best Broadcaster” award for 2009 from Radio Ink.
“Right now, everything is coming into the trust and I am going to take over,” Patrick said.
Five Laredo radio stations, including 94.9 FM “The Works” and La Ley 100.5 FM, are among a family of 29 radio stations and Internet sites which have been under the BMP umbrella.
The Border Media Business Trust will now oversee stations in Laredo, San Antonio, Austin, the Rio Grande Valley and Waco.
Patrick said lenders approached him first to become a part of the trust.
“We will be looking down the road to sell the stations, but not right now,” he said. “This is not a great time to sell any media product. I’ve been asked if I would be willing to run it for two to three years and I said yes.”
-- Joe Rutland
Monday, lenders D.B. Zwirn & Co. and Fortress Investment Group seized control of BMP and formed the Border Media Business Trust.
All BMP properties are now under the trust and Larry Patrick, president of Maryland-based media brokerage company Patrick Communications, said Monday he has been named trustee.
Radio industry publications Inside Radio and Radio Ink have cited BMP’s problems in making debt repayments for over nearly two years.
“All the stations are profitable, especially Laredo which is a well-run radio operation,” Patrick said Monday. “(Vice president and market manager) Miguel Villarreal is doing a great job there.”
Patrick also confirmed Jeff Hinson, BMP chief executive officer, will be leaving his post. Hinson received “America’s Best Broadcaster” award for 2009 from Radio Ink.
“Right now, everything is coming into the trust and I am going to take over,” Patrick said.
Five Laredo radio stations, including 94.9 FM “The Works” and La Ley 100.5 FM, are among a family of 29 radio stations and Internet sites which have been under the BMP umbrella.
The Border Media Business Trust will now oversee stations in Laredo, San Antonio, Austin, the Rio Grande Valley and Waco.
Patrick said lenders approached him first to become a part of the trust.
“We will be looking down the road to sell the stations, but not right now,” he said. “This is not a great time to sell any media product. I’ve been asked if I would be willing to run it for two to three years and I said yes.”
-- Joe Rutland
Monday, July 20, 2009
Texas agriculture losses reach $3.6 billion ...
LUBBOCK (AP) — Texas agriculture officials estimate drought crop and livestock losses at $3.6 billion, and without ample rains the year's final tally could top the record set in 2006.
Crops and rangeland are scorched from lack of rainfall and record triple-digit temperatures throughout parts of Texas. Central and southern parts of the state are in the two worst stages of drought.
Officials said in a news release Monday that if dry conditions persist losses could surpass the $4.1 billion in agriculture losses three years ago.
Total crop losses this year are estimated at $2.6 billion and livestock, another $974 million since November 2008.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
A bit about the Broncos ...
While I realize Laredo's sports news and highlights are best left to Sports Editor Dennis Silva and his staff, I wanted to briefly share with you, dear business readers, my Saturday night experience at Veterans Field taking in a Laredo Broncos baseball game.
Admittedly, it is the first time I've been out to see a Broncos game here in town. I realize there have been ups and downs within the Broncos organization in recent times ... yet this piece isn't about all of that.
What I saw and experienced while being out there was seeing families -- moms, dads and children -- gathering together for fun. Friends sitting with friends, staying well hydrated from sunset when the ump called "lights on" for the game. I also saw some great baseball being played, too.
Of course, I leave with the Broncos down 3-1 after six innings and, doggone it, they rallied to win 4-3.
For me, it was a pleasant experience. Here's hoping the Broncos put together a push for the playoffs.
-- Joe Rutland
Admittedly, it is the first time I've been out to see a Broncos game here in town. I realize there have been ups and downs within the Broncos organization in recent times ... yet this piece isn't about all of that.
What I saw and experienced while being out there was seeing families -- moms, dads and children -- gathering together for fun. Friends sitting with friends, staying well hydrated from sunset when the ump called "lights on" for the game. I also saw some great baseball being played, too.
Of course, I leave with the Broncos down 3-1 after six innings and, doggone it, they rallied to win 4-3.
For me, it was a pleasant experience. Here's hoping the Broncos put together a push for the playoffs.
-- Joe Rutland
Friday, July 17, 2009
Laredo unemployment totals jump in June ...
Latest Texas unemployment figures for June were released Friday by the Texas Workforce Commission and show Laredo now sits at 9.4 percent, a considerable jump from its 7.7 percent mark in May.
Yet Laredo remains below other border regions per unemployment numbers, which are not seasonally adjusted.
Looking at the three other key border areas and their June numbers:
* McAllen-Edinburg-Mission: 11.1 percent
* Brownsville-Harlingen: 10.2 percent
* El Paso: 9.6 percent
According to the Texas Workforce Commission, industries hard hit in June were trade and transportation and utilities with 21,700 jobs lost, followed by professional and business services with 11,900 jobs lost.
Manufacturing employment lost 10,300 jobs in June statewide.
-- Joe Rutland
Yet Laredo remains below other border regions per unemployment numbers, which are not seasonally adjusted.
Looking at the three other key border areas and their June numbers:
* McAllen-Edinburg-Mission: 11.1 percent
* Brownsville-Harlingen: 10.2 percent
* El Paso: 9.6 percent
According to the Texas Workforce Commission, industries hard hit in June were trade and transportation and utilities with 21,700 jobs lost, followed by professional and business services with 11,900 jobs lost.
Manufacturing employment lost 10,300 jobs in June statewide.
-- Joe Rutland
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Magazine: IBC top Hispanic-owned bank
International Bancshares Corporation, the parent company of IBC Bank, has been ranked by “Hispanic Business Magazine” as the No. 1 Hispanic-owned financial institution in the nation on the publication’s 2009 list.
IBC also placed as the No. 1 Hispanic-owned business in Texas and sixth nationally.
The rankings are determined through data accumulated from more than 500 Hispanic-owned companies across the country, encompassing a variety of industries. IBC’s 2008 revenues of more than $754 million dollars combined with a staff of more than 3,800 employees determined the institution’s high rankings.
This is the fifth consecutive year IBC has ranked as the top Hispanic-owned financial institution in the nation and its fourth consecutive year as the number one Hispanic-owned business in Texas.
“As the country fell deep into a recession marked by risky loans and bad mortgages, IBC stayed the course and relied upon our sound and prudent business practices to steer us through the turmoil,” IBC chairman and chief executive officer Dennis E. Nixon said. “Holding our place in the ranking while others have struggled this year is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire IBC team. I am truly proud of our work through this difficult economic time and I am confident the bank will continue to excel.”
Founded in 1966, the bank’s original mission was to respond to the needs of Laredo’s small businesses. Today, IBC serves as the flagship bank of International Bancshares Corporation.
Since its opening, IBC has grown from less than one million dollars in assets to $12 billion, making it one of Texas’ largest holding companies and a leader in banking.
IBC also placed as the No. 1 Hispanic-owned business in Texas and sixth nationally.
The rankings are determined through data accumulated from more than 500 Hispanic-owned companies across the country, encompassing a variety of industries. IBC’s 2008 revenues of more than $754 million dollars combined with a staff of more than 3,800 employees determined the institution’s high rankings.
This is the fifth consecutive year IBC has ranked as the top Hispanic-owned financial institution in the nation and its fourth consecutive year as the number one Hispanic-owned business in Texas.
“As the country fell deep into a recession marked by risky loans and bad mortgages, IBC stayed the course and relied upon our sound and prudent business practices to steer us through the turmoil,” IBC chairman and chief executive officer Dennis E. Nixon said. “Holding our place in the ranking while others have struggled this year is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire IBC team. I am truly proud of our work through this difficult economic time and I am confident the bank will continue to excel.”
Founded in 1966, the bank’s original mission was to respond to the needs of Laredo’s small businesses. Today, IBC serves as the flagship bank of International Bancshares Corporation.
Since its opening, IBC has grown from less than one million dollars in assets to $12 billion, making it one of Texas’ largest holding companies and a leader in banking.
Monday, July 13, 2009
LMT Business Journal Online ...
Hey folks ... Just a quick reminder about LMT Business Journal Online.
It's up. It's running. It's gaining momentum. Join the push today. Check it out.
http://godzilla.lmtonline.com/lmthosted/BusinessJournal/Home1.html
-- Joe Rutland
It's up. It's running. It's gaining momentum. Join the push today. Check it out.
http://godzilla.lmtonline.com/lmthosted/BusinessJournal/Home1.html
-- Joe Rutland
Good start for first Home Expo ...
Last weekend, nearly 30 exhibitors from many spectrums of the home building community gathered at the Laredo Entertainment Center for the City of Laredo's Home Expo.
Banks, realtors, home builders and city service-related booths swirled about the LEC's ground floor. Breakout sessions offered key tips and solid information for people in the market for a home.
Most of the people I spoke with while walking through the Expo were pleased with this initial effort.
A couple of folks did mention before next year's Expo rolls around that they would like to see the city do more promotional efforts, whether through print, radio or online means. Even those people, though, were glad to see the event take place and people stroll past the exhibit booths.
What I saw out there would definitely make the 2010 Home Expo a must-see event if I was interested in a home.
Here's looking forward to next year's event.
-- Joe Rutland
Banks, realtors, home builders and city service-related booths swirled about the LEC's ground floor. Breakout sessions offered key tips and solid information for people in the market for a home.
Most of the people I spoke with while walking through the Expo were pleased with this initial effort.
A couple of folks did mention before next year's Expo rolls around that they would like to see the city do more promotional efforts, whether through print, radio or online means. Even those people, though, were glad to see the event take place and people stroll past the exhibit booths.
What I saw out there would definitely make the 2010 Home Expo a must-see event if I was interested in a home.
Here's looking forward to next year's event.
-- Joe Rutland
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
It's about business, folks ...
By now, faithful Laredo Morning Times readers are aware that it will cost a few dollars to read parts of our overall content online.
It may not be fair in some people's minds -- after all, there are a gazillion Web sites (OK, maybe less ... but you get the point) available which offer content for free. That's true. Yet those sites probably will not offer stories focused on Laredo, which the Morning Times does each day.
Advertisers want to know they are receiving their money's worth.
Newspapers are a business. Needless to say, if you've read my print "Coffee Talk" column in the past, then you will know I've made this point.
We are in the business of making money, too.
I believe recent online entries by Editor Diana Fuentes make this point real clear.
If you are an avid reader of Que Pasa (and, according to statistical data, there are many people reading Que Pasa Online, too), then you'll know Arts and Entertainment Editor Kirsten Crow wrote a stellar column on this issue recently.
Charging for content is another income stream for newspapers, specifically the Laredo Morning Times.
I don't believe real estate agents, insurance agents, restaurant owners, etc., are offering all of their products and goods for free. Walmart hasn't decided to open up and give away flat-screen TVs all the time. No, paying for services rendered and products offered is business.
So ultimately, all of this is about business.
For those of you who avidly read LMT Business Journal, I greatly appreciate it. My intention is to keep LMT Business Journal relevant, informative and interesting. Also, LMT Business Journal Online is up and running, too. Its content is free to view and see. I invite you to check it out.
-- Joe Rutland
It may not be fair in some people's minds -- after all, there are a gazillion Web sites (OK, maybe less ... but you get the point) available which offer content for free. That's true. Yet those sites probably will not offer stories focused on Laredo, which the Morning Times does each day.
Advertisers want to know they are receiving their money's worth.
Newspapers are a business. Needless to say, if you've read my print "Coffee Talk" column in the past, then you will know I've made this point.
We are in the business of making money, too.
I believe recent online entries by Editor Diana Fuentes make this point real clear.
If you are an avid reader of Que Pasa (and, according to statistical data, there are many people reading Que Pasa Online, too), then you'll know Arts and Entertainment Editor Kirsten Crow wrote a stellar column on this issue recently.
Charging for content is another income stream for newspapers, specifically the Laredo Morning Times.
I don't believe real estate agents, insurance agents, restaurant owners, etc., are offering all of their products and goods for free. Walmart hasn't decided to open up and give away flat-screen TVs all the time. No, paying for services rendered and products offered is business.
So ultimately, all of this is about business.
For those of you who avidly read LMT Business Journal, I greatly appreciate it. My intention is to keep LMT Business Journal relevant, informative and interesting. Also, LMT Business Journal Online is up and running, too. Its content is free to view and see. I invite you to check it out.
-- Joe Rutland
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