Well, this marks my final online entry here at "Coffee Talk Live" as Business Editor for the Laredo Morning Times.
Thanks for stopping by, reading and watching as Laredo Morning Times continues to extend its service into the social media realm.
As previously mentioned, Sean Bowlin has been named Business Editor and will oversee LMT Business Journal and other Greater Laredo-area business related news, features and stories.
You can contact Bowlin at 956-728-2529 or via e-mail at sbowlin@lmtonline.com.
Until we cross paths again, muchas gracias Laredo.
-- Joe Rutland
Friday, July 30, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Bowlin named Business Editor for LMT ...
Sean Bowlin has been named Business Editor for the Laredo Morning Times.
He takes over for Joe Rutland, who will be leaving on July 30.
Contact information for Bowlin is forthcoming. LMT welcomes Bowlin to its staff.
He takes over for Joe Rutland, who will be leaving on July 30.
Contact information for Bowlin is forthcoming. LMT welcomes Bowlin to its staff.
Monday, July 19, 2010
CBP officials announce Laredo Port of Entry wide load truck changes at World Trade Bridge ...
CBP officials issued this statement in regard to handling wide load commercial trucks at the Laredo Port of Entry:
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Laredo Port of Entry at World Trade Bridge are announcing dimensional changes for the processing of trucks hauling wide loads through that commercial crossing from now until further notice.
Effective Wednesday, all wide loads to be processed at the World Trade Bridge will not exceed more than 17 feet wide or 15 feet high. In addition, wide load shipments will be routed for entering into the U.S. through the City of Laredo toll plaza Lane No. 1 (the lane farthest west coming from Mexico) rather than the usual route. Wide load shipments will still utilize the FAST Lane into the U.S. and then queue at the end of the bridge to be escorted by a CBP vehicle through the City of Laredo toll plaza. The crossing of wide loads still remains only between the hours of 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. from Monday to Friday.
Furthermore, wide loads wanting to be processed via the City of Laredo toll plaza at World Trade Bridge must make arrangements with CBP by providing notice of their intention to cross, one day prior to crossing, by calling (956) 794-9430.
Any questions or concerns regarding this change may be addressed at the above listed number or at (956) 794-9419.
Wide load shipments exceeding the listed dimensions must be processed through the Colombia Solidarity Bridge.
The Colombia Solidarity Bridge processes wide loads of any size between the hours of 8 a.m. to midnight from Monday to Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays; and from Noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
The change in the processing of these types of shipments through the World Trade Bridge is as a result of the ongoing lane expansion construction project. As soon as processing of wide load shipments can be resumed at World Trade Bridge, a public notice in the form of a news release will be issued.
CBP together with the City of Laredo have been working together to bring to fruition the construction of seven additional primary inspection lanes being built at the World Trade Bridge. The $4.6 million expansion project, which should be completed by this December, will expand the number of primary inspection booths at the World Trade Bridge from 8 to 15 and include other infrastructure improvements. In addition to the seven additional primary inspection booths, the project will include another empty truck inspection lane at secondary express and include an additional exit inspection booth. The World Trade Bridge opened for business on April 15, 2000. This is the first major expansion or infrastructure improvement at the facility in 10 years.
"In an effort to keep commerce flourishing, we maintain open lines of communication and have established procedures to allow trade to move in an uninterrupted manner," said Gene Garza, CBP Port Director, Laredo Port of Entry. "While this is a change to the processing of wide loads, the completion of the construction project at World Trade Bridge is critical to the trade community and CBP."
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Laredo Port of Entry at World Trade Bridge are announcing dimensional changes for the processing of trucks hauling wide loads through that commercial crossing from now until further notice.
Effective Wednesday, all wide loads to be processed at the World Trade Bridge will not exceed more than 17 feet wide or 15 feet high. In addition, wide load shipments will be routed for entering into the U.S. through the City of Laredo toll plaza Lane No. 1 (the lane farthest west coming from Mexico) rather than the usual route. Wide load shipments will still utilize the FAST Lane into the U.S. and then queue at the end of the bridge to be escorted by a CBP vehicle through the City of Laredo toll plaza. The crossing of wide loads still remains only between the hours of 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. from Monday to Friday.
Furthermore, wide loads wanting to be processed via the City of Laredo toll plaza at World Trade Bridge must make arrangements with CBP by providing notice of their intention to cross, one day prior to crossing, by calling (956) 794-9430.
Any questions or concerns regarding this change may be addressed at the above listed number or at (956) 794-9419.
Wide load shipments exceeding the listed dimensions must be processed through the Colombia Solidarity Bridge.
The Colombia Solidarity Bridge processes wide loads of any size between the hours of 8 a.m. to midnight from Monday to Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays; and from Noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
The change in the processing of these types of shipments through the World Trade Bridge is as a result of the ongoing lane expansion construction project. As soon as processing of wide load shipments can be resumed at World Trade Bridge, a public notice in the form of a news release will be issued.
CBP together with the City of Laredo have been working together to bring to fruition the construction of seven additional primary inspection lanes being built at the World Trade Bridge. The $4.6 million expansion project, which should be completed by this December, will expand the number of primary inspection booths at the World Trade Bridge from 8 to 15 and include other infrastructure improvements. In addition to the seven additional primary inspection booths, the project will include another empty truck inspection lane at secondary express and include an additional exit inspection booth. The World Trade Bridge opened for business on April 15, 2000. This is the first major expansion or infrastructure improvement at the facility in 10 years.
"In an effort to keep commerce flourishing, we maintain open lines of communication and have established procedures to allow trade to move in an uninterrupted manner," said Gene Garza, CBP Port Director, Laredo Port of Entry. "While this is a change to the processing of wide loads, the completion of the construction project at World Trade Bridge is critical to the trade community and CBP."
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
BBVA Compass appoints Notzon as Senior Wealth Adviser ...
BBVA Compass released this information this week:
BBVA Compass recently announced staffing changes to its Laredo-based Wealth Management Group, including the addition of James Notzon as Senior Wealth Adviser.
The position was created for Notzon based upon his experience and understanding of the diverse financial needs of South Texas’ Wealth Management clients.
In his role for the South Texas Region, Notzon will be focused on delivering financial solutions to BBVA Compass’ Wealth Management clients. Notzon brings 24 years of banking, investment and wealth management experience to the bank, most recently in Laredo-based positions with Merrill Lynch (1992-2010) and the former Laredo National Bank (1986–1992).
A longtime Laredoan, Notzon is a board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Laredo, the Washington's Birthday Celebration Association, TAMIU Bi-National Center for Non-Profit Excellence and the Laredo Country Club. Notzon is also an alumnus of Leadership Laredo.
A graduate of St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Notzon holds degrees in both accounting and finance.
"James is a true Laredoan who wants the best for his community and his clients," said Bill Helms, Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Wealth Management. "His passion for Laredo, South Texas and Mexico is inseparable from his work. With expertise and knowledge of the market, honed by 24 years of banking, investment and wealth management in Laredo, James brings great leadership to BBVA Compass."
Giampaolo Consigliere, Laredo City President, added, "The addition of James to BBVA Compass and our Laredo-based Wealth Management Group servicing the South Texas region further demonstrates our commitment to Laredo and all of South Texas. This, combined with additional organizational changes within our Laredo Wealth Management Group, means that BBVA Compass’ presence in the region will continue to grow as we work to provide industry leading product solutions and services to our many clients."
Additional changes to Laredo Wealth Management include the promotion of Roxanna Ramos to Regional Manager. Ramos is a Laredo native and longtime BBVA Compass employee, who recently relocated to her hometown from San Antonio.
Additions have also been made to the Wealth Management sales force, with the promotion of Lizzy Treviño and Lalo Uribe, as well as the hiring of Mary Garza, as Private Bankers. Together, the three bring a combined 52 years of banking experience to the Wealth Management Group.
BBVA Compass recently announced staffing changes to its Laredo-based Wealth Management Group, including the addition of James Notzon as Senior Wealth Adviser.
The position was created for Notzon based upon his experience and understanding of the diverse financial needs of South Texas’ Wealth Management clients.
In his role for the South Texas Region, Notzon will be focused on delivering financial solutions to BBVA Compass’ Wealth Management clients. Notzon brings 24 years of banking, investment and wealth management experience to the bank, most recently in Laredo-based positions with Merrill Lynch (1992-2010) and the former Laredo National Bank (1986–1992).
A longtime Laredoan, Notzon is a board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Laredo, the Washington's Birthday Celebration Association, TAMIU Bi-National Center for Non-Profit Excellence and the Laredo Country Club. Notzon is also an alumnus of Leadership Laredo.
A graduate of St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Notzon holds degrees in both accounting and finance.
"James is a true Laredoan who wants the best for his community and his clients," said Bill Helms, Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Wealth Management. "His passion for Laredo, South Texas and Mexico is inseparable from his work. With expertise and knowledge of the market, honed by 24 years of banking, investment and wealth management in Laredo, James brings great leadership to BBVA Compass."
Giampaolo Consigliere, Laredo City President, added, "The addition of James to BBVA Compass and our Laredo-based Wealth Management Group servicing the South Texas region further demonstrates our commitment to Laredo and all of South Texas. This, combined with additional organizational changes within our Laredo Wealth Management Group, means that BBVA Compass’ presence in the region will continue to grow as we work to provide industry leading product solutions and services to our many clients."
Additional changes to Laredo Wealth Management include the promotion of Roxanna Ramos to Regional Manager. Ramos is a Laredo native and longtime BBVA Compass employee, who recently relocated to her hometown from San Antonio.
Additions have also been made to the Wealth Management sales force, with the promotion of Lizzy Treviño and Lalo Uribe, as well as the hiring of Mary Garza, as Private Bankers. Together, the three bring a combined 52 years of banking experience to the Wealth Management Group.
IBC Bank partners with Red Cross, opens flood relief account ...
IBC Bank sent this information out Wednesday morning:
IBC Bank, in partnership with the American Red Cross, is helping the residents of Texas and Oklahoma affected by recent extraordinary flooding. An account has been set up at the bank where the public can make donations to the Disaster Relief Fund to help those displaced by the floods. IBC Bank has started off this account with an initial donation of $5,000.
Anyone can visit any IBC branch and inform their teller they wish to contribute to the Red Cross Account (#2111404268). Donations can be made with cash or check.
You can also use your mobile phone to text "Red Cross" to 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross.
Help people affected by disasters like the current flood by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters.
IBC Bank, in partnership with the American Red Cross, is helping the residents of Texas and Oklahoma affected by recent extraordinary flooding. An account has been set up at the bank where the public can make donations to the Disaster Relief Fund to help those displaced by the floods. IBC Bank has started off this account with an initial donation of $5,000.
Anyone can visit any IBC branch and inform their teller they wish to contribute to the Red Cross Account (#2111404268). Donations can be made with cash or check.
You can also use your mobile phone to text "Red Cross" to 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross.
Help people affected by disasters like the current flood by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Downtown slowly comes back to life ...
I was out Tuesday morning, walking around downtown Laredo to get a feel for shoppers and traffic moving through that business corridor.
A couple of merchants I spoke with had similar viewpoints. One said the traffic of people in the store hasn't been really good. Another said traffic has been slow at his store since reopening after the Rio Grande flood.
One shopper was having items she purchased put into the trunk of her car. She commented that for a Tuesday morning around 10 a.m., things looked pretty normal to her.
There will be more information on how downtown Laredo is rebounding business wise in this post-flood time later at www.lmtonline.com.
A couple of merchants I spoke with had similar viewpoints. One said the traffic of people in the store hasn't been really good. Another said traffic has been slow at his store since reopening after the Rio Grande flood.
One shopper was having items she purchased put into the trunk of her car. She commented that for a Tuesday morning around 10 a.m., things looked pretty normal to her.
There will be more information on how downtown Laredo is rebounding business wise in this post-flood time later at www.lmtonline.com.
A quick, personal note ...
I know some of you do read LMT Business Journal either from Monday's Laredo Morning Times or through our e-Edition online. Yet some of you may not, so I wanted to share with you this part of "Coffee Talk" that was in the most recent edition.
"Personal note: I've always felt a sense of responsibility to you, dear readers and advertisers of LMT Business Journal.
So here goes.
I have tendered my resignation as Business Editor of Laredo Morning Times, effective July 30. I'll still be around for a few weeks, so you can get your nudges and kicks in at me. We will continue to have our Monday morning coffee (for you) and Diet Coke (for me) chats a few more times."
"Personal note: I've always felt a sense of responsibility to you, dear readers and advertisers of LMT Business Journal.
So here goes.
I have tendered my resignation as Business Editor of Laredo Morning Times, effective July 30. I'll still be around for a few weeks, so you can get your nudges and kicks in at me. We will continue to have our Monday morning coffee (for you) and Diet Coke (for me) chats a few more times."
Monday, July 12, 2010
Looking for store/business clean-up reports ...
I'm putting out a note here through our LMT Business Journal channel at www.lmtonline.com for store and/or business owners in the Greater Laredo and Webb County area.
I want to know what damages have occurred at your locations, are you closed or open, how long will it take to clean up the mess made by last week's Rio Grande flooding.
If you have any information, then please drop a line to jrutland@lmtonline.com.
Thanks much.
I want to know what damages have occurred at your locations, are you closed or open, how long will it take to clean up the mess made by last week's Rio Grande flooding.
If you have any information, then please drop a line to jrutland@lmtonline.com.
Thanks much.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Downtown businesses close doors Thursday ...
Many downtown Laredo stores closed their doors Thursday as their main customers from Mexico were not able to cross the Rio Grande.
"While I don’t have hard numbers on this, I imagine that 90 percent of the business for downtown merchants comes from International Bridge I mainly in the form of pedestrian traffic," said Miguel Conchas, Laredo Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive officer.
"Of course, it’s a disaster and the bridge has to be closed," Conchas said, "yet it has a direct impact on downtown business."
Les Norton, Downtown Merchants Association president, said he’s been out of town since Sunday yet is aware that his store, La Fama, closed its doors by mid-afternoon Thursday.
"I think most stores were closing for Thursday," Norton said. "Most everybody else closed because employees could not get over from Mexico and customers are not being able to come over as well."
Conchas said he received a call from Walmart asking about how long the flooding will impact the area and if the Chamber of Commerce has a feel for the number of people from Nuevo Laredo staying on the Laredo side.
"I said that I don’t have numbers on how many people may be over here," Conchas said. "Some family members of close friends of mine came across on Wednesday before they closed down Bridge I.
"Large stores are trying to resupply so they have sufficient supplies available for the public," he said. "From what I heard at Thursday’s Laredo Development Foundation meeting, commercial traffic is still going across World Trade Bridge.
"But I heard from a customs broker that access into Nuevo Laredo and Eagle Pass has been affected by the flooding," he said. "Many of the roads in Mexico have been damaged because of the flooding, so that creates a problem for commercial traffic."
Norton said the scary thing about this flood "is whether we’ve seen the worst or if it’s going to get worse. I guess it’s the fear of the unknown."
For ongoing Rio Grande flood updates, follow our coverage at www.lmtonline.com.
"While I don’t have hard numbers on this, I imagine that 90 percent of the business for downtown merchants comes from International Bridge I mainly in the form of pedestrian traffic," said Miguel Conchas, Laredo Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive officer.
"Of course, it’s a disaster and the bridge has to be closed," Conchas said, "yet it has a direct impact on downtown business."
Les Norton, Downtown Merchants Association president, said he’s been out of town since Sunday yet is aware that his store, La Fama, closed its doors by mid-afternoon Thursday.
"I think most stores were closing for Thursday," Norton said. "Most everybody else closed because employees could not get over from Mexico and customers are not being able to come over as well."
Conchas said he received a call from Walmart asking about how long the flooding will impact the area and if the Chamber of Commerce has a feel for the number of people from Nuevo Laredo staying on the Laredo side.
"I said that I don’t have numbers on how many people may be over here," Conchas said. "Some family members of close friends of mine came across on Wednesday before they closed down Bridge I.
"Large stores are trying to resupply so they have sufficient supplies available for the public," he said. "From what I heard at Thursday’s Laredo Development Foundation meeting, commercial traffic is still going across World Trade Bridge.
"But I heard from a customs broker that access into Nuevo Laredo and Eagle Pass has been affected by the flooding," he said. "Many of the roads in Mexico have been damaged because of the flooding, so that creates a problem for commercial traffic."
Norton said the scary thing about this flood "is whether we’ve seen the worst or if it’s going to get worse. I guess it’s the fear of the unknown."
For ongoing Rio Grande flood updates, follow our coverage at www.lmtonline.com.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Convergys adds jobs to Laredo market ...
Convergys announced Thursday that it will be adding 350 full- and part-time jobs to its Laredo contact center.
Job seekers from Laredo can apply from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays beginning next Wednesday at Convergys, located at 2451 Monarch Dr. in North Laredo, according to a company statement.
Roger Creery, Laredo Development Foundation executive director, said, "I think we want to recognize what a great business partner Convergys has been since they came to town five years ago."
"It really helped bring significant value to the workforce of our community and we’re just excited that the economic recovery, however slow it has been, has had an affect on their business," Creery said. "We congratulate them and thank them for their continued partnership with our community."
For more information, check out the story at www.lmtonline.com.
Job seekers from Laredo can apply from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays beginning next Wednesday at Convergys, located at 2451 Monarch Dr. in North Laredo, according to a company statement.
Roger Creery, Laredo Development Foundation executive director, said, "I think we want to recognize what a great business partner Convergys has been since they came to town five years ago."
"It really helped bring significant value to the workforce of our community and we’re just excited that the economic recovery, however slow it has been, has had an affect on their business," Creery said. "We congratulate them and thank them for their continued partnership with our community."
For more information, check out the story at www.lmtonline.com.
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