Coffee Talk Live

08/30/10 Business Journal--coming highlights

2010-08-27T17:20:00.000-07:00

It's been an intersting week here in Laredo in the business world.
In this week's Business Journal:
1. The Laredo Development Foundation has some interesting speakers for their September symposium from the Port of New Orleans. They're experts in handling rail and oil tanker traffic and have interesting insights about the Gulf oil spill.

2.Coffee Talk will focus on a conversation I had with a businessman who contends the city government is neglecting its oldest trading partner, Mexico, for missions to Central and South America. Are we doing enough? That's a matter that people in Laredo have their individual opinions on. He thinks we need to enrich our trade relations with Mexico now while the economies of both nations are in an econmic survival mode. Meanwhile, I haven't seen any press releases from the city in the month I've been here about trade missions to Central and South America. I think whatever's happening with those missions needs to be made public, if these officials are spending taxpayer money. There needs to be a public disclosure of the money spent and the results we've gotten. But I do commend city manager Carlos Villarreal for telling his side of the story in response to Paul Cavazos' letter denouncing the Central and South American trade missions two "Coffee Talks" ago.
Bottom line--we need to open up trade routes to Central and South America. But are we doing enough to enhance, to perfect, the trade relationship between Laredo and America's third-largest trading partner on our southern border?

3.Meanwhile, in the Business Journal, advertising and marketing agency owner A.B. Barrera talks about the shopping habits of the Mexican National buyer, something which can really help retailers in Laredo.

.

Thank you, Laredo ...

2010-07-30T18:28:00.000-07:00

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

Bowlin named Business Editor for LMT ...

2010-07-27T14:31:00.000-07:00

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.

CBP officials announce Laredo Port of Entry wide load truck changes at World Trade Bridge ...

2010-07-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

CBP officials issued this statement in regard to handling wide load commercial trucks at the Laredo Port of Entry:

-----

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."

BBVA Compass appoints Notzon as Senior Wealth Adviser ...

2010-07-14T09:10:00.000-07:00

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.

IBC Bank partners with Red Cross, opens flood relief account ...

2010-07-14T08:52:00.000-07:00

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.

Downtown slowly comes back to life ...

2010-07-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

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 quick, personal note ...

2010-07-13T09:18:00.000-07:00

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."

Looking for store/business clean-up reports ...

2010-07-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

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.

Downtown businesses close doors Thursday ...

2010-07-08T14:37:00.000-07:00

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.

Convergys adds jobs to Laredo market ...

2010-07-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Hurricane Alex travel update via TxDOT's Pharr District ...

2010-06-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

Here's an advisory put out through the Texas Department of Transportation's Pharr District regarding Hurricane Alex:

-----

The following road conditions and courtesy patrol activity is in effect in the TxDOT Pharr District as a result of Hurricane Alex:

-------------------------------------------

Road Conditions
2:30 p.m.

PR 100 (QIMB)
Queen Isabella Memorial Bridge closed due to High Winds

US 83
US 83 Eastbound Frontage Road has water over the road between Inspiration Road and Bentsen Palm Drive in Palmview. Road is passable.

TxDOT Courtesy Patrol are driving the evacuation routes in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Willacy, Kenedy, Brooks, Jim Hogg and Zapata in the event motorists need minor vehicle assistance.

For road conditions, visit the TxDOT website at www.txdot.gov or call TxDOT’s automated phone system at 1-800-452-9292.

"Chick-fil-A" will add fourth location in Laredo ...

2010-06-29T12:56:00.000-07:00

LMT finally received confirmation from Chick-fil-A that it will be opening its fourth location, third free standing unit, at 2460 Monarch Dr. in late September.

It will be located in the Independence Plaza shopping area.

This news comes from Brenda D. Green of Chick-fil-A's corporate public relations department in Atlanta, Ga.

Chick-fil-A's most recent free standing unit in Laredo opened out on Bob Bullock Loop more than a year ago. Chick-fil-A grand opening events are not the usual ribbon cutting ceremonies, either. It literally is an all-night party with people traveling from all over Texas and even other states to join in the fun.

Chuck-E-Cheese coming to Mall del Norte ...

2010-06-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

After a long and winding search for a new tenant, Mall del Norte has found one to fill the former Circuit City location.

Chuck-E-Cheese, a national food and entertainment restaurant and retailer, will be in place before the holiday season, Mall del Norte general manager Ken Beckmann said Tuesday.

Four other new retailers also join the mall's retail lineup, bringing in a boost to Laredo's business community.

More on this news will be in Wednesday's Laredo Morning Times. Pick up a copy or check it out online at www.lmtonline.com.

Fourth "Chick-fil-A" in Laredo?

2010-06-17T09:51:00.001-07:00

We've received word that a fourth Chick-fil-A location will be in North Laredo.

According to Marty Speer, Chick-fil-A at Marketplace at Bob Bullock Loop owner/operator, this new location will be at Bob Bullock Loop and Monarch within Independence Plaza.

We're working on getting word from Chick-fil-A offices in Atlanta. As more info comes in, we'll pass it along.

Falcon International Bank celebrates wall raising ...

2010-06-02T14:46:00.000-07:00

Falcon International Bank celebrated ongoing construction of its new headquarters on McPherson Road with a wall raising ceremony Wednesday morning.

Below you can grab a glimpse of how it all happened.

Cantu-Grimaldo named Wells Fargo Bank Laredo president ...

2010-06-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

Wells Fargo Bank has announced that Claudia Cantu-Grimaldo has been named as Wells Fargo Laredo President.

She succeeds Alejandro Cabezut, who recently left Wells Fargo Bank.

We'll have more on this announcement later this week.

BP shares plunge as next Gulf fix gets under way

2010-06-01T08:52:00.000-07:00

By BEN NUCKOLS and JANE WARDELL
ASSOCIATED PRESS

PORT FOURCHON, La. -- BP lost billions more in market value Tuesday when shares fell steeply in the first trading day since the company failed to plug the worst oil spill in U.S. history, as investors realized the best chance to stop the leak was months away and there was no end in sight to the cleanup.

As hurricane season began on the fragile Gulf Coast, BP settled in for the long-term. With the ambitious "top kill" abandoned over the weekend, BP's hope to stanch the leak lies with two relief wells that won't be finished until at least August. The company is, however, trying another temporary fix to contain the oil and siphon it to the surface by sawing through the leaking pipe and putting a cap over the spill.

The cleanup, relief wells and temporary fixes were being watched closely by President Barack Obama's administration. Obama planned to meet for the first time Tuesday with the co-chairmen of an independent commission investigating the spill, while Attorney General Eric Holder was headed to the Gulf Coast to meet with state attorneys general.

AP: After fix fail, a dispiriting summer of oil, anger ...

2010-05-30T15:27:00.000-07:00

By TED ANTHONY and MARY FOSTER
ASSOCIATED PRESS

BOOTHVILLE, La. -- There is still a hole in the Earth, crude oil is still spewing from it and there is still, excruciatingly, no end in sight. After trying and trying again, one of the world's largest corporations, backed and pushed by the world's most powerful government, can't stop the runaway gusher.

As desperation grows and ecological misery spreads, the operative word on the ground now is, incredibly, August - the earliest moment that a real resolution could be at hand. And even then, there's no guarantee of success. For the United States and the people of its beleaguered Gulf Coast, a dispiriting summer of oil and anger lies dead ahead.

Oh ... and the Atlantic hurricane season begins Tuesday.

For more on this story, see our AP headline scroll below.

State comptroller's office offers business owners' seminar ...

2010-05-26T15:42:00.000-07:00

This note comes from the State Comptroller's office in Laredo:

A diverse economy, growing work force and friendly business climate attract more businesses to the Lone Star state every day. Texas Comptroller Susan Combs’ office regularly presents free taxpayer seminars throughout the state to help new and existing business owners understand their state tax responsibilities.

The next seminar in the Laredo area is coming up from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 3, at the Comptroller’s Laredo Field Office, located at 1202 E. Del Mar Blvd., Suite 1.

At the seminar, taxpayers can learn about sales tax forms, filing and paying taxes electronically, taxable goods and services, e-services to help taxpayers manage their accounts online, the Comptroller’s e-mail subscription service that alerts taxpayers when new tax information is posted online, and the array of other services and information available from the Comptroller’s office to assist taxpayers. Comptroller representatives will answer questions and provide assistance to attendees.

"A strong and diverse business community is the key to Texas’ economic strength," Combs said. "We are committed to assisting Texas businesses by making taxes simpler, smarter, faster and, above all, transparent. We owe it to our taxpayers to provide the best customer service possible."

For more information about the seminar, call the Comptroller’s Laredo Field Office at (956) 722-2859.

Those who are unable to attend the seminar can call the Comptroller’s tax assistance line at (800) 252-5555. Tax forms and tax information can also be found on the Comptroller’s Web site, www.window.state.tx.us.

Our online house has "spruced up" ...

2010-05-26T09:15:00.000-07:00

Just a note that today marks a big breakthrough for the Laredo Morning Times. While I know many of you find a lot of fun in bashing the Times, sometimes it is worthy of pointing out when progress is made.

So in the spirit of progress, I hope you will take a look at our expanded multimedia section at www.lmtonline.com.

A number of people have worked hard and diligently in order to make this happen. I mean people in front of the scenes and behind the scenes here at LMT, too. In this space, I am choosing to honor them all for their tireless efforts.

Am I boasting here? Yeah, yet in a good way.

Leadership is about encouraging, nurturing and helping people become who they want to be within a workplace, family or community. It takes heart, guts and a deep awareness of humanity to be a true leader.

These people are leaders. There are many like them behind the scenes at Laredo Morning Times.

It's just my opinion and, no, I'm not getting a raise for this blog entry either.

Have a great day, Laredo.

-- Joe Rutland

Foxconn opens plant to reporters after suicides ...

2010-05-26T08:18:00.000-07:00

By WILLIAM FOREMAN
ASSOCIATED PRESS

SHENZHEN, China — The head of Foxconn bowed deeply several times and apologized Wednesday for a spate of suicides at the factory that makes Apple iPods and iPhones, promising the electronics giant will try to stop more deaths.

But the usually media-shy executive, Foxconn Technology Group Chairman Terry Gou, cautioned there was only so much his company could do.

“We're a company, we are not a society,” said Gou. “We have a company's abilities to do things but we don't have a society's abilities.”

Foxconn on Wednesday opened up its sprawling factory complex in the southern city of Shenzhen to reporters, an unprecedented move from the normally super-secretive Taiwanese company still struggling to come to terms with the suicides of 10 young workers this year. The company has been a lightning rod for labor activists who say its working conditions cause misery for its vast work force.

Factory orders, new home sales rise in April ...

2010-05-26T08:14:00.000-07:00

By MARTIN CRUTSINGER
ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON — Factory orders rose sharply last month while sales of new homes surged with help from government incentives, giving the economic recovery a jolt in April.

Demand for commercial aircraft lifted requests for big-ticket manufactured goods 2.9 percent last month, the Commerce Department said Wednesday. That was the best showing in three months and more than double expectations.

Excluding transportation, durable goods orders fell 1 percent in April. But that came after the March figures were revised to show a 4.8 percent jump. A durable goods is a product that is expected to last at least three years.

A separate report from Commerce showed of new single-family homes jumped 14.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 504,000 units. The April gain followed a 29.8 percent surge in March, the biggest monthly increase in 47 years.

Downtown Laredo and Mexico's boycott ...

2010-05-24T13:09:00.000-07:00

Appliance sales tax holiday coming up this weekend ...

2010-05-24T09:16:00.000-07:00

Here's some information that might help you out from the State Comptroller's office in Austin.

------

Shop for Appliances This Weekend During ENERGY STAR® Sales Tax Holiday

AUSTIN — This Memorial Day weekend’s third-annual ENERGY STAR® Sales Tax Holiday is a great time for Texans to purchase a new, energy efficient air conditioner, refrigerator, dishwasher or other major appliance. During the three-day tax holiday, running May 29 – 31, shoppers do not have to pay state and local sales and use taxes on certain energy efficient products.

"If you’ve had your eye on a new appliance, or just want to stock up on light bulbs, you can save money by shopping this weekend," said Texas Comptroller Susan Combs. "We expect Texans to save about $3 million overall in state and local sales taxes during this weekend’s event."

The tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, May 29, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 31. The tax holiday applies only to the following appliances and household equipment bearing an ENERGY STAR label: air conditioners priced less than $6,000, refrigerators priced less than $2,000, ceiling fans, incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs, clothes washers, dishwashers, dehumidifiers and programmable thermostats, along with installation and delivery charges for these products.

More information about the tax holiday is available at www.texaspowerfulsmart.org.
For details on ENERGY STAR products, visit www.energystar.gov.

Laredo unemployment figure drops for April ...

2010-05-21T08:29:00.000-07:00

Laredo’s unemployment rate dropped to 8.8 percent in April, according to Texas Workforce Commission data released Friday.

That’s three-tenths of a percent lower than March’s 9.1 mark. Also, TWC data showed Laredo’s workforce added 200 employed workers in April from a 96,600 civilian labor force.

The downward unemployment rate trend also is noticeable in the Rio Grande Valley.
McAllen-Edinburg-Mission’s metropolitan statistical area posted an 11.1 percent rate, down from 11.6 in March. Brownsville-Harlingen sits at 10.8, down from 11 percent in March.

El Paso remained flat month-to-month at 9.4 percent for April.

Statewide, employers added 32,500 in April and have added 79,000 jobs since the start of 2010.

Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly to 8.3 percent from March’s 8.2 mark. Still, it’s way below the United States’ 9.9 percent unemployment rate.

For more information, pick up a copy of Saturday's Laredo Morning Times.

Economist: U.S. in middle of 'W' economic recovery ...

2010-05-19T18:46:00.000-07:00

The United States is at the midpoint of a W-shaped economic recovery entering the second half of 2010, an economist said Wednesday night during a speech at IBC Bank's Annex Building.

Jeffrey Kleintop, senior vice president and chief market strategist of LPL Financial with offices in Boston, Charlotte and San Diego, said he expects the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates in the second half of this year.

As for Texas-Mexico region economics, Kleintop said a lot of growth has come from exports.

For more on Kleintop's speech, be sure and pick up a copy of Thursday's Laredo Morning Times.

Bernal encourages involvement with Junior Achievement ...

2010-05-18T12:38:00.001-07:00

Junior Achievement of Laredo helps students learn important lessons about the basics of economics, executive director Oralia Bernal said Tuesday.

Bernal, who spoke at the Noon Kiwanis Club meeting held at the Holiday Inn-Civic Center, said volunteers are sent out as teachers to grades ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade.

"Students at different grade levels learn about entrepreneurship, balancing checkbooks and saving money," she said.

Bernal said JA makes sure its curriculum falls in line with the Texas Essential Knowledge of Skills (TEKS).

"JA reinforces what students are learning and teachers are teaching," she said.
Any person can volunteer to become a teacher for Junior Achievement.

"There is a criminal background performed on each person before they go out and volunteer, though," Bernal said. "The background check is done through the Webb County Sheriff's Department, and we thank them for their support and help."

Each year, JA holds two fundraisers: a Bowl-a-Thon and the Laredo Business Hall of Fame.

Bernal said this school year, Junior Achievement of Laredo will be able to reach more than 9,000 students within the Laredo and United independent school districts. In the summer, JA programs go to the Laredo Public Library as well as the Sacred Heart Orphanage.

"We teach work-readiness," she said. "We're trying to make a difference in the community."

Before joining Junior Achievement of Laredo, which is part of Junior Achievement of South Texas, Bernal spent 23 years with the Boys and Girls Club.

As for being a volunteer and/or teacher with Junior Achievement of Laredo, she said, "It'll make a difference in your heart when you go out and teach."

For more information on Junior Achievement of Laredo, call Bernal at (956) 725-3464 or visit their website at www.jast.org.

-- Joe Rutland

Worry that Gulf oil spreading into major current ...

2010-05-17T08:42:00.000-07:00

By JEFFREY COLLINS and JASON DEAREN
ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW ORLEANS -- BP said Monday it was siphoning some of the oil spewing into the Gulf of Mexico, but worries escalated about the ooze reaching a major ocean current that could carry it through the Florida Keys and up the East Coast.

BP PLC chief operating officer Doug Suttles said Monday on NBC's "Today" that a mile-long tube was funneling a little more than 42,000 gallons of crude a day from a blown-out well into a tanker ship.

That would be about a fifth of the 210,000 gallons the company and the U.S. Coast Guard have estimated are gushing out each day, though scientists who have studied video of the leak say it could be much bigger and even BP acknowledges there's no way to know for sure how much oil there is.

In the nearly a month since an oil rig called the Deepwater Horizon exploded off the coast of Louisiana, killing 11 workers, BP has made several failed attempts to stop the leak, trying in vain to activate emergency valves and lowering a 100-ton container that got clogged with icy crystals.

Industrial output rises strongly, fueling recovery

2010-05-14T09:17:00.000-07:00

By JEANNINE AVERSA
ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON — Industrial production logged a stronger-than-expected gain in April, more evidence that manufacturing is playing a lead role in powering the economic recovery.

The 0.8 percent increase in output at the nation's factories, mines and utilities reported by the Federal Reserve on Friday marked an improvement from the 0.2 percent rise registered in March. It was the best showing since a 1.2 percent jump in January. The performance of the industrial sector in April was even stronger than the 0.6 percent gain that economists were predicting.

Factories — the single biggest slice of industrial activity — ratcheted up production by a brisk 1 percent for the second straight month, the Fed reported.

Penney's 1Q profit more than doubles; outlook muted

2010-05-14T09:15:00.000-07:00

By ANNE D'INNOCENZIO
ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK — J.C. Penney Co. reported that its first-quarter net income more than doubled as the department store operator benefited from sales improvements across most types of merchandise and tighter inventory.

The retailer raised its full-year guidance on Friday, but even the higher forecast and the second-quarter outlook was muted as its consumers remain “concerned about their budgets.”

The chain on Friday posted net income of $60 million, or 25 cents per share, for the quarter ended May 1. That compares with $25 million, or 11 cents per share, in the year-ago period.

Total revenue rose 1.2 percent to $3.93 billion. Revenue at stores opened at least a year rose 1.3 percent. The measure is considered a key indicator of a retailer's health.

BP tries tube to siphon spewing Gulf oil to tanker ...

2010-05-14T09:14:00.001-07:00

By ALLEN G. BREED and CURT ANDERSON
ASSOCIATED PRESS

Undersea robots tried to thread a small tube into the jagged pipe that is pouring oil into the Gulf of Mexico early Friday in BP's latest attempt to cut down on the spill from a blown-out well that has pumped out more than 4 million gallons of crude.

The company was trying to move the 6-inch tube into the leaking 21-inch pipe, known as the riser. The smaller tube will be surrounded by a stopper to keep oil from leaking into the sea. BP said it hopes to know by Friday evening if the tube works and can siphon the oil to a tanker at the surface.

Since an April 20 drilling rig explosion set off the catastrophic spill, BP PLC has tried several ideas to plug the leak that is spewing at least 210,000 gallons of oil into the Gulf a day. The size of the undulating spill was about 3,650 square miles, or the size of Delaware and Rhode Island combined, said Hans Graber, director of the University of Miami's Center for Southeastern Tropical Advanced Remote Sensing.

Federal budget deficit hits April record ...

2010-05-12T12:04:00.000-07:00

By MARTIN CRUTSINGER
ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON — The federal budget deficit hit an all-time high for the month of April as government revenue fell sharply.

The Treasury Department says the April deficit soared to $82.7 billion, the largest imbalance for that month on record. That was significantly higher than last year's April deficit of $20 billion and was above the $30 billion deficit private economists had been forecasting.

The government normally runs surpluses in April as millions of taxpayers file their income tax returns. However, income tax payments were down this April, reflecting the impact of a severe recession which has pushed millions of people out of work.

BP: 2nd, smaller container reaches Gulf seafloor ...

2010-05-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

By H. JOSEF HEBERT AND HARRY R. WEBER
ASSOCIATED PRESS

ON THE GULF OF MEXICO — BP says a second, smaller container has reached the seafloor, but it hasn't yet been placed over the blown-out well fouling the Gulf of Mexico.

BP spokesman Bill Salvin said Wednesday that the 2-ton box had reached the seabed overnight.

He says it hasn't been positioned over the well yet because engineers want to make sure everything is hooked up correctly. Officials want to avoid the same icy, slushy buildup that thwarted their first attempt at using a much larger box that weighed about 100 tons.

Trade deficit rises to $40.4B in March ...

2010-05-12T10:24:00.000-07:00

By MARTIN CRUTSINGER
ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON — The U.S. trade deficit rose to a 15-month high as rising oil prices pushed crude oil imports to the highest level since the fall of 2008, offsetting another strong gain in exports. The larger deficit is evidence of a rebounding U.S. economy.

The Commerce Department said Wednesday that the trade deficit rose 2.5 percent to $40.4 billion in March. It was close to the $40.1 billion deficit economists had expected and the biggest monthly trade deficit since December 2008.

Exports of goods and services rose 3.2 percent to $147.87 billion, the highest level since October 2008. Imports were up 3.1 percent to $188.3 billion.

Local governments get $567M in sales tax revenue ...

2010-05-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

This information comes out of State Comptroller Susan Combs' office in Austin on Wednesday:

-----

AUSTIN — Texas Comptroller Susan Combs announced the state collected $1.68 billion in sales tax revenue in April, up 1.4 percent compared to April 2009.

"This modest increase is welcome after 14 consecutive months of year-over-year declines," Combs said. "Retail trade saw a nearly 5 percent increase in collections, and gains also occurred in the manufacturing sector. Offsetting this were remittances from the oil and natural gas production sector and construction, which continued to decline, but at rates moderating substantially from those seen earlier this fiscal year. April may signal the beginning of a recovery in sales tax collections, although further declines may occur as the sales tax gradually returns to growth."

Combs will distribute $567 million in May sales tax allocations to local governments on Friday, up 4.7 percent compared to May 2009. So far this calendar year, sales tax allocations to cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts are down 4.8 percent compared to a year ago.

Combs will send May sales tax allocations of $385.2 million to Texas cities, up 5 percent compared to May 2009. Calendar year-to-date, city sales tax allocations remain down 4.4 percent compared to the same period last year. Texas counties will receive sales tax payments of $33.7 million, up 3.8 percent compared to one year ago. Calendar year-to-date, county sales tax allocations are 9.4 percent lower than last year.

In addition, $22.4 million will go to 165 special purpose taxing districts throughout the state, up 4.9 percent compared to last May. Ten local transit systems will get $125.5 million in sales tax allocations, up 4 percent compared to a year ago.

May’s sales tax allocations to local governments represent March sales that were reported to the Comptroller in April by monthly tax filers and January, February and March sales reported to the Comptroller in April by quarterly tax filers.

For details of May sales tax payments to individual cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose districts, locate the Monthly Sales and Use Tax Allocation Comparison Summary Reports on the Comptroller’s website at www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/allocsum/compsum.html.

The Comptroller’s June sales tax allocation will be made on Friday, June 11.

Texas franchise tax due May 17 ...

2010-05-10T14:20:00.000-07:00

This release crossed the LMT Business desk this afternoon, so I'm passing it along to you:

AUSTIN — Texas Comptroller Susan Combs reminds business owners they have one more week to file their state franchise tax. Franchise tax reports are due on May 17.

"This is the third year for businesses to file under the revised franchise tax law," Combs said. "To ease the tax burden on small businesses, the Legislature last year raised the threshold for owing franchise tax from $300,000 to $1 million in total revenue. We have many resources available to help franchise taxpayers with any questions they may have before the filing deadline."

Taxpayers can get more information about the franchise tax at http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/franchise/index.html, or the Comptroller’s franchise tax experts can answer taxpayer questions at (800) 252-1381.

Franchise taxpayers who are unable to file their reports on or before May 17 may request an extension of time to submit their final reports.

BP faces tough questions ...

2010-05-10T11:58:00.000-07:00

BP continues to figure out how in the world it will stop a massive problem in the Gulf of Mexico.

The company tried putting a large box over an area where oil is pouring out hundreds of feet below water level. It didn't work.

Now comes word that BP, with the Environmental Protection Agency's blessing, is spraying chemicals that would help control and -- hopefully -- stop the problems. There is no real gauge on whether or not this will help, not hurt, the all-important offshore shrimpers and other businesses along the Gulf Coast.

I know that many of you might not care one whit about this spill. "What does it do to me and how does it affect me putting food on the table, clothes on my children's backs and gas in my car?"

Let's wait and see.

-- Joe Rutland

IBC: Net income fell 16 percent in first quarter ...

2010-05-06T17:17:00.000-07:00

International Bancshares Corp. reported Thursday that its net income fell by 16 percent in the first quarter.

------

The Associated Press

International Bancshares Corp. on Thursday said its net income fell 16 percent in the first quarter primarily because of a tax judgment.

For the three months ending March 31, the bank holding company earned $28.8 million, or 42 cents per share. That compared with $34.3 million, or 50 cents per share in the year-ago period.

On average, analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected earnings of 47 cents per share. The stock of International Bancshares slipped fell 69 cents, or 3 percent, to $21.50 in afternoon trading.

The results took into account a tax judgment involving Local Financial Corp., which International Bancshares bought in 2004.

The dispute involves claims by former Local Financial shareholders over about $14 million in tax refunds received by International Bancshares. The refunds were based on deductions taken by Local Financial in connection with loan losses.

International Bancshares said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission Thursday that it was disappointed with the judgment and believes it has "a number of valid grounds for appeal" that it intends to pursue.

Meanwhile, the company said net interest income in the quarter slipped to $82.7 million, from $85.9 million.

Total non-interest income, which includes service charges and fees on accounts, rose to $71.6 million, from $42 million.

Total assets at the end of the quarter were $10.8 billion compared to $11.8 billion at the end of last year. The decrease was primarily due to the sale of mortgage-backed securities.

Texas Border Coalition workshop focuses on legislative agenda ...

2010-05-04T11:52:00.000-07:00

The Texas Border Coalition held a legislative agenda workshop on Tuesday at Laredo Community College.

According to its mission statement, the TBC is a collective voice of border mayors, county judges, and economic development commissions focused on issues that affect more than 2.1 million people along the Texas-Mexico border region and economically disadvantaged counties from El Paso to Brownsville. Its website is www.texasbordercoalition.org.

In opening Tuesday's session, Blas Castaneda, chairman of the TBC Education and Workforce Development Committee, offered these remarks.

More about the TBC workshop will be covered in this coming Monday's LMT Business Journal.

Vision 2010 leaves its mark ...

2010-05-03T11:31:00.001-07:00

While I realize the Vision 2010 Economic Outlook Conference is now over, there were many topics touched upon within a nearly 24-hour time frame.

Admittedly, I tried covering them all in the LMT Business Journal center piece story in Monday's Laredo Morning Times. Yet I don't feel like I gave a lot of them justice ... justice as in offering more information.

So over the next few weeks, I'll take pieces of topics touched upon from an infrastructure and economic picture and expound upon them.

I hope you were able to enjoy our expanding social media (Twitter, blogs, Facebook) usage during Vision 2010. I'm not perfect and am quite sure I missed something important along the way.

Hey, I do the best I can and that's all I can do, my friends.

Have a great week and we'll be in touch.

Texas housing market continues recovery ...

2010-05-03T11:29:00.001-07:00

The Texas Association of Realtors released its first-quarter findings on Monday. Here's an overview ...

----

AUSTIN – The latest Texas Quarterly Housing Report, released today, shows statewide increases in both sales volume and price. Texas sales volume for existing single-family homes was 42,682 for the first quarter of this year, up four percent from the first quarter of last year. The median home price in Texas jumped from $137,200 in first quarter 2009 to $141,500 in 2010, a 3.13 percent increase.

The Texas Quarterly Housing Report is issued four times a year by the Texas Association of Realtors with multiple listing service (MLS) data compiled and analyzed by the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University. "First quarter 2010 figures were up compared to 2009, despite sales being down in January and February," said Jim Gaines, Ph.D., an economist with the center. Gaines noted that the positive year-over-year gain was due solely to significant March sales being strong enough to bring up the whole quarter. "With March’s increased figures we are cautiously optimistic that we’ll continue to see positive results in the second quarter," he said.

Laredo Business Hall of Fame next Thursday ...

2010-04-28T18:14:00.000-07:00

Three laureates will be inducted into the Laredo Business Hall of Fame next Thursday at the Laredo Country Club.

Junior Achievement of Laredo founded this event 16 years ago and continues to provide reminders for young people how far in life they can go through determination, skill, effort and ... yes ... hard work.

The 2010 laureates are Tom Lamont of LOG Energy and Hal's Landing, Rod Lewis of Lewis Energy Group, and Imelda Navarro of International Bank of Commerce.

They will join an illustrious list of Laredo's who's-who in the business world.

Laredo Morning Times will present a special section in Sunday's paper dedicated to this prestigious event.

We also will have coverage of next Thursday's event, too.

Keep it dialed up online at www.lmtonline.com.

Vision 2010 coming up ...

2010-04-28T18:08:00.000-07:00

It should be an interesting Vision 2010 Economic Outlook Conference this year.
While the Laredo Chamber of Commerce and others help put this event on here in Laredo, most years have attempted to address weighty economic issues specifically geared for our border region.

I believe, though, they might have really outdone themselves this year.

Featured speakers are Mexican newspaper magnate Alejandro Junco de la Vega, Grupo Reforma president, and Bob Rivard, San Antonio Express-News editor. Both men have a unique perspective upon how the violence in Mexico has played a role in providing accurate, fair reporting. They should provide really good food for thought.

Junco de la Vega will be receiving the initial 2010 Visionary Award. This will become a regular part of future Vision conferences.

There will be stories in Friday and Saturday's main news section of Laredo Morning Times on this event.

GM moves its ad business ...

2010-04-23T12:24:00.000-07:00

Man, it's tough out there ... especially in Detroit. So General Motors is taking its Chevrolet ad business elsewhere.

I particularly like the line in this Associated Press story: "GM thanked Campball-Ewald for its years of service."

How sweet ...

Anyway, here's the AP story on GM's moves:

---------------

GM replaces longtime Chevrolet advertising agency

DETROIT — The agency that created the line "See the U.S.A. in Your Chevrolet" and other memorable ad campaigns for the car brand over the past 91 years is being replaced.
General Motors Co. said Friday it is shifting the Chevrolet ad business from Campbell-Ewald of suburban Detroit to Publicis Worldwide.
Campbell-Ewald has been the Chevrolet ad agency since 1919. Its other ad themes for Chevy have included "Heartbeat of America" and "Like a Rock."
GM thanked Campbell-Ewald for its years of service.

Reliant Energy buys RECs for Earth Day ..

2010-04-21T14:18:00.000-07:00

FYI for Reliant customers in Laredo, Webb County, Zapata County and surrounding areas ...

---

In recognition of Earth Day on Thursday, Reliant Energy is buying Texas renewable energy credits (RECs) to meet the estimated electricity needs of all of its residential and small business customers across the state for that day.
"There are simple things that each of us can do to protect the environment and our natural resources," said Jason Few, President, Reliant Energy. "Choosing wind power - clean, emission-free energy - and taking steps to use less energy are two ways we can all make a difference on Earth Day and every day."
Renewable energy credits are created when electricity is produced using resources such as wind, solar, biomass or hydro power. By purchasing additional credits, Reliant ensures than an amount equal to the electricity consumed by its customers is generated from renewable sources, in this case wind. The RECs purchased for Reliant customers for Earth Day come from NRG Energy’s 150-megawatt Langford Wind Power Project located near Abilene. Reliant is part of NRG Energy.
As an added incentive for customers who want to do more for the environment, Reliant Energy will make a $25 donation to EarthShare of Texas for each customer who signs up for a new 100 percent wind plan from Reliant Energy between April 18 and April 24. The incentive is available to new customers who choose a 100 percent wind plan as well as existing customers - including those on month-to-month plans - who switch to 100 percent wind.
EarthShare of Texas is a nonprofit organization that supports more than 70 environmental and conservation groups including the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, Clean Water Fund of Texas, the Galveston Bay Foundation and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Reliant Energy offers the choice of 100 percent, Texas-generated wind plans and all of Reliant’s new term plans include 20 percent Texas wind. The company also provides customers with tools and information to help them manage their energy use, including detailed tips for saving energy, and for those with smart meters a weekly summary e-mail and time-of-use pricing.
Customers can sign-up for Reliant’s 100 percent wind plan by calling 1-866-RELIANT or by visiting www.reliant.com.

Time Warner Cable offers E-Commerce site in Spanish ...

2010-04-19T11:05:00.000-07:00

Received this from Time Warner Cable on Monday morning. Thought I'd pass it along to you if you're a Time Warner subscriber. Have a great day -- Joe

-----

NEW YORK, April 13, 2010 -- Time Warner Cable (NYSE: TWC), the second-largest cable operator in the U.S., on Monday announced the redesign of their Spanish-language website, TimeWarnerCable.com/Espanol, and the launch of new e-commerce features. To promote the launch of the new website, Time Warner Cable has partnered with Olympusat’s Latele Novela Network, the first channel dedicated to delivering the best telenovelas from across Latin America, to carry out an online promotion that will give away Mother’s Day makeovers to three lucky viewers.

The new site offers Hispanic customers easy access to information on products, services, clips and highlights of the most relevant Spanish language shows on top U.S. Hispanic networks, as well as international channels. In addition, customers in search of tips on how to use Time Warner Cable services can watch educational vignettes featuring top Latino personalities, such as Giselle Blondet, host of Univision’s Nuestra Belleza Latina, and Catherine Siachoque, Telemundo’s telenovela actress. These descriptive Spanish videos allow customers to preview key product benefits to make informed decisions on the most relevant Time Warner Cable Hispanic offers such as El Paquetazo bundles and International OnePrice calling plan.

The enhanced site also includes an exclusive new section called “Mi Cultura” (My Culture) with in-depth articles on the latest Spanish-language programming, including everything from music to sports, Latino celebrities, novelas, movies, fashion and more.

Delivering on customers’ desire to manage their accounts in Spanish at their leisure, Time Warner Cable also incorporated user-friendly options such as PayXpress en Español, available in its California, Texas and New York City regions. Click-to-chat in Spanish will also launch in these areas within the next month and across the company’s footprint by the end of May.

More rainy road updates via TxDOT ...

2010-04-16T13:52:00.000-07:00

Here are some rainy road condition updates from the Laredo District office of the Texas Department of Transportation. Be careful out there when traveling ...

----

DIMMIT COUNTY
● FM 1557 from US 83 to end of road - water over road
● FM 1407 from SH 85 to US 83 - water over road

DUVAL COUNTY
● FM 2295 from SH 359 to SH 16 - Traffic routed to SH 359 - water over road
● U.S. 59 through Freer closed to tractor-trailer traffic due to road damage. Tractor trailers use IH 35 to IH 10 to Houston and vice versa until repairs complete, 2-3 days weather permitting. Only passenger vehicles allowed passage through Freer on U.S. 59

KINNEY COUNTY
● RM 334 10 miles from Brackettville to Kinney/Uvalde County line - high water at Live Oak crossing
● NEW CLOSURE - RM 2523 from RM 3008-RM 2523 intersection to Kinney/Edwards County line

VAL VERDE COUNTY
● SH 163 closed from highway markers No. 580 to No. 592 - high water at low water crossings
● RM 1024 from RM No. 446 to 482 - Road damage and high water over road.
For TxDOT Statewide Travel Advisory (Highway Conditions Report), dial 1-800-452-9292.

Rainy roads around our areas ...

2010-04-15T10:04:00.000-07:00

Just picked up this information from the Laredo District of the Texas Department of Transportation, so wanted to pass it along to faithful readers here at Coffee Talk Live. Be careful out on the roads, OK.

-----

WHAT: Rainy Weather Road Closures

WHEN: Effective April 15, 2010, 12 noon

WHERE: TxDOT Laredo District:

● SH 163 closed in Val Verde County from highway markers No. 580 to No. 592 due to high water in low water crossings.
● FM 1557 in Dimmit County closed from US 83 to end of road due to water over road.
● FM 1407 in Dimmit County closed from SH 85 to US 83 due to water over road.
● Roads will remain closed until further notice.

For TxDOT Statewide Travel Advisory (Highway Conditions Report), dial 1-800-452-9292. The TxDOT Laredo District, serving Dimmit, Duval, Kinney, La Salle, Maverick, Val Verde, Webb & Zavala counties and the communities therein.

Best Western San Isidro honored ...

2010-04-13T14:45:00.000-07:00

Best Western San Isidro Inn celebrates the national hotel chains' official "Thank You Week" on Wednesday with a special Customer Appreciation Mixer.
It is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. at the Best Western San Isidro Inn, located at 1410 Hospitality Drive next to Doctors Hospital in north Laredo.
"We are delighted and honored to be able to thank our customers and friends for their continued loyalty; our staff strives to offer the up-most, best customer service to all guests and provide answers and solutions to all of their needs," said hotel general manager Celina Solis.

What's on your mind?

2010-04-13T12:22:00.000-07:00

Hey Laredo business leaders, here's an opportunity for you to offer ideas and/or comments about where Laredo and Webb County sit from an economic standpoint.
I'd encourage you to leave a comment here and let's begin a conversation.
-- Joe Rutland

Bridge revenues increase ...

2010-04-13T12:17:00.000-07:00

City of Laredo bridge revenues popped up by 10.6 percent in March, according to figures released earlier this week.
A total of $3,751,600 in revenue was recorded, compared to a budgeted $3,391,101 total for March.
Year over year, it also showed a 10.6 percent increase, too.
Both figures are up from February's 4.8 percent mark.
This is good news for Laredo's economy.

Perry names Andrade Texas Census Ambassador ...

2010-03-09T14:32:00.001-08:00

From the Governor's office:

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today named Secretary of State Hope Andrade the Texas Census Ambassador to promote participation by Texans in the 2010 Census. Forms for the 2010 Census will be delivered to residents this month.

“It is in the best interest of our state for every Texan to be counted in the census, in terms of representation and our tax dollars flowing back to Texas,” Gov. Perry said. “I am thankful to Secretary Andrade for her dedication to ensuring all Texans understand the importance and value of participating in the 2010 Census.”

Secretary Andrade will join U.S. Census officials and other partners in Austin on Friday to encourage all individuals residing in Texas to participate in the census. She will also speak at events across the state in advance of the April 1 deadline.

“Completing the short census form only takes a few minutes, but those few minutes can have a significant impact on our state for many years to come,” Secretary Andrade said. “Our focus is on getting a complete and accurate count of Texas residents by helping to spread the word across the state.”

As required by the U.S. Constitution, the Census is conducted every 10 years to determine population totals and demographic information. The data collected also helps determine the number of seats each state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives, and helps states secure federal funding for services, including hospitals, job training centers, public works projects and emergency services.

For more information on the 2010 Census, please visit http://2010.census.gov/2010census/ or http://www.sos.state.tx.us

It's a Census blitz ...

2010-03-08T12:03:00.000-08:00

Just in case you have not heard enough about it already, the 2010 Census will be arriving at your doorstep very soon.
Here in Laredo, it's a big deal because the more people that take part in it, then the more federal dollars could possibly head our way.
I'm sure you have seen TV ads, print ads, online ads, etc., reminding you and me of how important it is to fill this out.
Based upon the scant voter turnout in last week's elections here in Laredo, let's hope the numbers are a little bit better for the Census.

Ever hear of Twitter?

2010-03-05T13:00:00.000-08:00

Say ... did you know that LMT Business Journal is online with yet another social media giant? Well let me tell you that LMT Business Journal can be found on Twitter.

Our Twitter home is www.twitter.com/lmtbiz.

So be sure and become a "follower" on Twitter.

We'll be looking forward to seeing you over there.

Cold weather driving tips ... just in case ...

2010-02-11T11:24:00.000-08:00

Yes, yes, I know it is cold and wet around Laredo for a Thursday. Sure, it's not as bad as other parts of the state and United States, too.
Does it hurt, though, to receive a few reminders around driving in cold weather conditions? Probably not.
Thanks to the folks at AAA Texas for these tips:

----------

During December, January, February and occasionally March, Texas from time-to-time experiences snowy and icy driving conditions. This week forecasters say much of the state will likely have very cold temperatures and the possibility of snow and ice in some parts of the state. It is important the driving public is reminded of the challenge of driving in adverse conditions. Keeping alert and prepared for unanticipated winter travel hazards is the key to your driving survival. AAA Texas encourages all motorists to be prepared for adverse conditions as the weather turns cold.

AAA Texas recommends motorists follow the simple guidelines below:
• Take it slow. Reducing speed and following at a safe distance is your best strategy for maintaining control of your car and ensuring that you have plenty of room to stop or react to whatever happens in front of you.
• Focus only on driving. Distraction is always dangerous, but when you’re trying to navigate icy streets and unpredictable situations, it can be especially risky. Keep both hands on the wheel, turn the radio off, stay off the phone (even if it’s hands-free), and pay attention to your driving.
• Clear your windows, head lights, tail lights, mirrors, roof, trunk, and hood before driving. Windshield wipers aren’t designed to clear wet snow or ice off your windshield and they don’t clear the entire surface.
• Plan ahead. Avoid travel during bad conditions. If you must drive, stick to daylight hours when visibility is better and more resources are available in case you get stuck. Always check on weather and road conditions before you get on the road. Charge your cell phone in advance, in case you have to call for help.
• Get your car serviced for winter conditions. Make sure tires have enough tread and are properly inflated so they’ll grip on slick roads. Check anti-freeze levels to make sure you have the right levels for your region.
• Keep a winter emergency kit in your car. Make sure you have flares, safety triangles, colored cloths to tie on your antenna, and flashlights so you can stay visible if you break down. Pack blankets and extra warm clothes, food, and water in case you get stranded.
If you do find yourself stranded out on the road, please heed the following advice to ensure you’re safe until help arrives:
• Stay in your car. Stay out of the way of other cars that may be sliding on slick roads.
• Stay warm. Keep blankets and extra warm clothes with you to stay dry and avoid hypothermia. Huddle with other passengers to maintain body heat.
• If you get stuck call for help on your cell phone. Never talk on the phone while you’re driving in bad weather.
• Run your engine and heater for a few minutes every hour if you have enough gas. Check to make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t blocked.
• Keep a window cracked. Opening the windows allows for fresh air in case doors and windows freeze.
• Set flares outside your car. Tie bright-colored rags to your antenna so rescuers can spot you.
"A prepared driver is just as important as a prepared vehicle," says AAA Texas spokesperson Sarah Schimmer. "Getting the proper amount of rest and buckling your safety belt before taking on winter driving tasks reduces driving risks and helps prepare you for emergency situations."

Toyota's woes get worse ...

2010-02-08T12:59:00.000-08:00

Just when you think it's safe and Toyota is taking care of business around its sticky pedal issue (which it is) ... comes this news Monday.
Kelley's Blue Book, the respected source when it comes to valuation for automobiles, dropped its resale values of Toyota autos for the second time in less than a week, according to an Associated Press story.
So the mighty proud Japanese automaker that has a plant just up Interstate 35 in San Antonio is having to regroup. Just last week, its CEO came out and apologized publicly for Toyota's troubles.

-- Joe Rutland

Narvaez Beef Stores closes E. Saunders location ...

2010-01-25T11:34:00.000-08:00

Narvaez Beef Stores closed its East Saunders location on Sunday.

Owner Carlos Narvaez said Monday he closed that store, located at 401 E. Saunders Road, in order to consolidate his business.

"I've been in the business for 34 years," Narvaez said.

He said "maybe 20" employees were affected by the East Saunders closure.

Narvaez added that his Zapata Highway location (219 Zapata Highway) and Narvaez Beef Processors remain open for business.

-- Joe Rutland

TxDOT closing Camino Colombia Toll Plaza/TxTag location Jan. 29 ....

2010-01-22T10:59:00.000-08:00

The Texas Department of Transportation Laredo District office sent this message out Friday afternoon. Just passing it along ...

------------

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is closing the Camino Colombia Toll Plaza Operations Building at the end of this month. After January 29, 2010, motorists on the Camino Colombia toll road will no longer be able to pick up a TxTag at the roadside plaza building.
Last July, TxDOT stopped collecting cash tolls on Camino Colombia and began requiring that drivers have a prepaid toll account such as a TxTag. To ease the transition to all-electronic tolling, the agency continued to staff the Toll Plaza Operations Building and allowed motorists to stop and open a TxTag account.
Area drivers who wish to open a TxTag account in person will still be able to do so at the TxDOT Laredo Travel Information Center at I-35 North and U.S. 83 and the TxDOT District Office at 1817 Bob Bullock Loop. TxTags are also conveniently available online at TxTag.org or by calling 1-888-GoTxTag. International customers can call 001-512-874-9998 to reach TxTag Customer Service.
Currently, there is no charge for a TxTag sticker, which is installed on a vehicle’s windshield. To open an account, drivers simply prepay $20 in tolls. TxTag is also accepted on toll roads in Austin, Dallas, Houston and Tyler.
The Camino Colombia toll road (State Highway 255) begins near the Colombia-Solidarity International Bridge and stretches 22 miles east to I-35 north of Laredo. Motorists can view toll rates and get additional information about the toll road at www.caminocolombia.org.

Cuellar announces job creation for Census 2010 ...

2010-01-19T11:06:00.000-08:00

I received this information from U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar's office on Tuesday morning. Just passing it along as a public service. ...

----

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, announced that 2,000 new jobs will be created in 11 South Texas Counties including, Webb, Zapata, Jim Hogg, Frio and La Salle, in preparation for the 2010 Census beginning this March. Jobs will include part-time to full-time opportunities for workers ranging between 20 to 40 hours per week.
“These new jobs are a win-win for our community; not only will these workers help our counties get an accurate Census count, but we’ll help create new jobs in these tough economic times,” said Congressman Cuellar. “By getting an accurate count this 2010 Census, we’ll help our communities get the federal funding they need.”
The U.S. Census occurs once every ten years to determine how more than $400 billion per year in federal funding is distributed to state, local and tribal governments.
The new 2,000 Census jobs will help local outreach efforts to encourage 2010 Census participation across Texas. Average pay is $8.00 to $24.00 per hour and bilingual speakers are especially needed along the border. Positions range from Census clerks to supervisors. Hours of employment will primarily be during weekends and evenings.
Applicants need to be U.S. Citizens and at least 18 years of age. They are also required to have a valid driver’s license and access to use of a vehicle. Students, retirees, community leaders, job seekers and full-time workers are encouraged to apply.
Interested applicants can call 1-(866)-861-2010 or call the local Laredo Census Office at (956) 231-5803. Applicants can also visit the local Laredo 2010 Census Office at Molly Drive, Laredo, TX, 78045.
“I encourage people throughout our communities to apply for these jobs and participate in the 2010 Census,” said Cuellar. “The more we work together between now and April, the more accurate our Census will be.”
This March, more than 130 million addresses across the nation will receive a Census questionnaire in the mail. One of the shortest Census forms in history, the 2010 Census questionnaire asks 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete.

J&A Pharmacy closes doors ...

2010-01-14T09:41:00.000-08:00

J&A Pharmacy, a longtime fixture on Laredo’s health care landscape, has closed its doors at its McPherson Road location.
A sign on the pharmacy’s front door informs patrons that it closed effective Dec. 31, 2009, and transferred all customer files to The Medicine Shoppe North.
Laredo HME (Home Medical Equipment) will be taking over that spot as some of the store’s equipment already is in there.
J&A had been in business for more than 15 years.
We'll have more on this. Check back here or at www.lmtonline.com for more information.

-- Joe Rutland

Support for Haiti ...

2010-01-13T16:53:00.001-08:00

Yeah, I know it's not Laredo business related news ... yet it's hard not to notice the news, video and pictures coming out of Haiti and not be moved by them.
I may be breaking a rule here, OK, but The Miami Herald has offered some incredible coverage of this hellacious earthquake.
Meanwhile, if you want to find out more information about Haiti itself, it's here.
There are numerous contribution locations on the Internet.
Twitter has been quite active by passing along Haitian native singer Wyclef Jean's site that is taking donations for his native homeland.
It looks like people are putting aside business and political differences for the betterment of mankind.
Good. More of this is needed and encouraged for our world.
I have no comment on Pat Robertson.

-- Joe Rutland

Arrow Trucking, we need to talk ...

2010-01-12T17:07:00.000-08:00

So I remember hearing a few weeks ago about Arrow Trucking out of Tulsa, Okla., stranding truckers in Laredo and across the country because it just shut down.
It just left drivers and employees out in the dark, making them call some mysterious phone number and hear a recorded message telling the drivers where to park their rigs.
Hmmm. Well, it appears Arrow Trucking is facing at least one lawsuit over possibly not following the federal Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act (WARN).
To be fair, here's an article posted on this topic.
Now if anyone reading this knows anyone who worked with Arrow Trucking and is willing to come forward and talk about this situation or even have his/her attorney talk about it ... then come on.
I'm sorry, but this is unacceptable treatment of workers. These are human beings, OK.
They deserved proper notice about their company's situation.
If you are a member of Arrow Trucking's leadership, then respond to this question:
Why are you in the dark? Come out, make a statement. Be fair. Look people in the eyes and state your truth. The linked article from www.lawyersandsettlements.com does mention a statement from Arrow Trucking's CEO.
Apparently, this matter also was covered in a Christian Science Monitor story, too.
So if there's an Arrow Trucking employee in Laredo willing to talk ... contact me through this blog or hit me up with an e-mail at jrutland@lmtonline.com.
This is sad, ridiculous and just plain wrong.

-- Joe Rutland

State tax revenue declines ...

2010-01-08T10:07:00.000-08:00

Comptroller Susan Combs announced today the state collected $1.65 billion in sales tax revenue in December, down 11.6 percent compared to December 2009.

“Declining sales tax collections, beginning in February 2009, have now extended through December 2009,” Combs said. “As has been seen the past several months, collections are down across most major sectors of the Texas economy, including oil and natural gas, construction, manufacturing and retail trade. It is expected the double-digit declines in tax collections seen over the last half-year will first moderate with collections returning to growth during the first or second quarter of 2010.”

Combs sent cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts their first sales tax allocations of 2010 — $405.2 million, down 11.8 percent compared to January 2009.

Combs sent January sales tax allocations of $274.4 million to Texas cities, down 11.4 percent compared to January 2009. Texas counties received sales tax payments of $24.3 million, down 16.1 percent compared to last January.

In addition, $16.2 million went to 163 special purpose taxing districts around the state, down 11.5 percent compared to last January. Ten local transit systems received $90.1 million in sales tax allocations, down 11.6 percent compared to a year ago.

December state sales tax collections and January allocations to local governments represent sales that occurred in November.

City announces cold weather preparations ...

2010-01-07T14:01:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to pass along this notice sent out by the City of Laredo in regard to cold weather that will be in our forecast tonight. This notice comes from City of Laredo public information officer Xochitl Mora Garcia:

----------

City of Laredo Ready To Help Neediest Residents Stay Warm

Shelter at Civic Center to open tonight as temperature is expected to hit near freezing

The City of Laredo will open the Laredo Civic Center tonight, starting at 6:00 p.m. to anyone seeking shelter from the cold. The Civic Center Auditorium, located at 2400 San Bernardo Avenue, will have cots, blankets, snacks, hot soup and coffee, as well as EMS on-site.

“We want to make sure that we provide a warm bed and food for some of our community’s neediest people,” said City of Laredo Mayor Raul G. Salinas. “It is important that we take care of them in these dangerously cold times,” he concluded.

Anyone who wishes to come to the shelter must register – simply sign-in, no identification will be required – to help Red Cross Volunteers manage the number of people in the facility. They will then be triaged to determine if there are any special needs, such as diet or health concerns, so that they can be processed accordingly. However, City Manager Carlos Villarreal stressed that no one will be turned away who is seeking rest, sleep or some hot food.

Unfortunately, no pets will be allowed in the shelter; only those who are trained to assist those individuals with special needs (i.e. blind, physically-challenged) will be allowed.

The facility is large enough o accommodate enough people, and spill-over, if necessary, will be placed in Civic Center meeting rooms.

Aside from paramedic presence on site, the Laredo Police Department will also be on site for security purposes only.

Additionally, City of Laredo Public Works crews are on stand-by to sand down any elevated bridges and highways, or respond to any other issues related to weather. The City of Laredo Utilities Department is doing preventative work to avoid line breaks because of the freezing temperatures.

The shelter will open at 6 p.m. and remain open until further notice. Breakfast will be provided for those individuals in the morning. The City of Laredo will evaluate the weather and situation to determine how long the shelter needs to remain open.

------------------

-- Joe Rutland

Feeling 'tipsy' on New Year's Eve? Let AAA Texas help you out ...

2009-12-28T15:47:00.000-08:00

OK, OK ... so you've had a good time with friends and maybe, just maybe, had a couple or four more drinks than you meant to have. There's no need to get behind a car wheel and drive drunk. Why? Tipsy's here. See this informative piece of advice from AAA Texas below:

--------------

IRVING -- If you’re a driver who has too much to drink, a party host concerned about a guest that overindulged or a restaurant or bar owner who wants to make sure a patron gets home safely on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, AAA Texas is once again this year offering members and non-members alike our Tipsy Tow program to make sure everyone who needs a ride home, gets home safely.

Beginning at 6 p.m. New Year’s Eve and continuing 30 hours through Friday night at 11:59, drivers are urged to call AAA Texas to get a free ride home and also have their car towed home as well. The number is 1-800-222-4357.

Many motorists who have had too much to drink have said one of the reasons why they don’t call a taxi is because they have to come back the next day and get the car. Tipsy Tow takes care of that. You do not have to be an AAA member to use this free service and no identification is required, however reservations are not accepted.

Callers simply tell the Auto Club operators, “I need a Tipsy Tow,” to receive the free tow and ride home. A regular AAA Texas roadside service truck will be dispatched to the location and take the driver and car home up to 10 miles from the point of pick up. After 10 miles, it is the responsibility of the motorists and it is suggested the motorist and driver agree in advance what the excess mileage charges will be and the tow truck operator will obtain a payment agreement prior to providing the tow.

“AAA Texas is pleased once again to offer Tipsy Tow to all Texas drivers New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day," said AAA regional vice president and general manager Rhonda Wilson.

"The number of alcohol-related traffic deaths and injuries nationwide and in Texas continues to drop. It’s because law enforcement, individual motorists, party hosts and others are taking responsibility to make sure drivers don’t get behind the wheel intoxicated. AAA’s Emergency Roadside Service team will be a critical part of this important effort to save lives and get motorists home safely.”

There are some situations where a Tipsy Tow does not qualify.

The motorist requests a tow to another drinking establishment, repair facility or other location besides their place of residence. A tow to a hotel would be acceptable if the person is a guest there.
If a member or non-member requests a Tipsy Tow and then, that vehicle is inoperable or the individual asks to start the car, change a tire, deliver gasoline or seeks “taxi” service, transporting two or more people with the vehicle, they will be charged the tow truck operator’s standard rate.

People convicted of driving under the influence could lose many of the important things in their lives, such as family, job, dignity and money. A DUI conviction can be a financial wrecking ball. The Texas Department of Transportation and other law enforcement agencies say it can cost a person between $13,000 to $24,000 in fines, legal fees, higher insurance rates, lost wages, substance abuse programs or court required alcohol treatment.

Current laws, enforcement, public awareness, and education efforts by public service-oriented organizations, including the Auto Club, have contributed to the decline in the number of alcohol-related fatalities during the past 10 years. The Auto Club provides the Tipsy Tow service and free publications as part of the “You Drink. You Drive. You Lose.” public awareness campaign.

The Auto Club advises that motorists can keep themselves and others safe and can avoid DUI arrests by keeping these safety tips in mind:

At social events, designate non-drinking drivers who can get everyone home safely.

Call a friend or family member for a ride home if you have been drinking.

Keep a cab company telephone number in your wallet so you can call for a ride home.

As the party host, offer a variety of non-alcoholic drink alternatives, plenty of food and provide a gift to guests who volunteer to be designated drivers.

Take the car keys away from friends and relatives who have had too much to drink.

If you’re driving and see a motorist driving in an erratic manner, try to stay behind their vehicle, leaving plenty of distance to be safe, then call 9-1-1 and give the police a description of the car and if you can safely get the driver’s license, write it down and tell authorities.

---------------

Don't be dumb on New Year's Eve. Heed this advice.

Just helping out.

-- Joe Rutland

Texas manufacturing holds steady, outlook improves ...

2009-12-28T08:01:00.000-08:00

The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas released its Texas Manufacturing Outlook Survey for December on Monday. Here's the gist of their statement:

Texas factory activity was flat in December, according to business executives responding to the Texas Manufacturing Outlook Survey. The production index, a key indicator of state manufacturing conditions, came in close to zero in December, suggesting output held steady after growing in November for the first time since July 2008.

All indexes for future activity strengthened substantially in December, suggesting a more upbeat six-month outlook. The majority of respondents expect increases in production, new orders and shipments in the next six months. The future business activity index climbed to its highest level in nearly three years, and 41 percent of responding executives reported an improved six-month company outlook.

Other broad indicators of current factory activity — including capacity utilization, shipments, new orders and growth rate of orders — remained positive and pointed to continued growth.

The business activity and company outlook indexes were positive for the second consecutive month in December, with manufacturers seeing better business conditions outnumbering those experiencing continued weakness.

The employment index remained negative but posted a big improvement as the share of respondents reporting layoffs fell from 27.3 percent in November to 17.9 percent in December.

Current capital investment continued to decline, but the future capital expenditures index climbed into positive territory. Twenty-three percent of manufacturers — the highest share since September 2008 — said they expected increases in capital expenditures six months from now.

Downward pressures on finished goods prices remained, but the number of companies reporting declines in selling prices outpaced those seeing increases by the slimmest margin since October 2008. The raw materials price index was positive and rose, indicating producers were still seeing rising input costs. The future raw materials price index rose to its highest level since July 2008 — when energy prices were at their peak.

The Dallas Fed conducts the Texas Manufacturing Outlook Survey monthly to obtain a timely assessment of the state’s factory activity. Data were collected Dec.15–22, and 93 Texas manufacturers responded to the survey. Firms are asked whether output, employment, orders, prices and other indicators increased, decreased or remained unchanged over the previous month.

-- Joe Rutland

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

2009-12-22T12:13:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to take a minute and wish LMT Business Journal readers, as well as all who pass through Laredo Morning Times' main Web site, a Merry Christmas and a peaceful, prosperous New Year.
I know many people are still out of work, looking for jobs and stressing about where their next paycheck will come from for themselves and their families.
My hope is those who seek work will find it and those who seek to start new ventures in 2010 will take that risk and go for it.
Without true hope, trust and belief in yourself and your fellow man and woman, there is no deep lasting peace.
For a couple of days, I'd hope you will try to let go of financial and employment concerns.
I'm going to take my own advice, too.
Feliz Navidad!

-- Joe Rutland

Laredo unemployment rate at 8.6 percent for Nov. ...

2009-12-21T12:41:00.000-08:00

Laredo's unemployment rate now sits at 8.6 percent through November, according to Texas Workforce Commission data released last Friday.
It marked a one-tenth of a percent decrease from October's 8.7 percent not seasonally adjusted rate.
Among U.S.-Mexico border regions, the Laredo Metropolitan Statistical Area remains at the lower end of the scale.
McAllen-Edinburg-Mission are at 11.2 percent unemployment through November, which is the same percentage it was in October. Brownsville-Harlingen followed that similar pattern as it carried over a 10.5 percent unemployment rate into November from October.
El Paso showed the sharpest improvement, slipping to 9.2 percent in November from October's 9.5 percent.

-- Joe Rutland

Back from Central America ...

2009-12-09T14:30:00.000-08:00

Public and private sector individuals, including Laredo Mayor Raul Salinas and City Manager Carlos Villarreal, provided information and pictures from their recent Central America trip at a Wednesday afternoon press conference.
Most of the pictures taken and provided to the public show members of the Laredo contingency holding discussions with Central American contacts as well as numerous group shots, too.
LMT staff writer Zach Lindsey will have a story in Thursday's Laredo Morning Times about what these public and private sector leaders said at their press conference.
Hopefully, their meetings will lead to greater business for Laredo.
More on this in the near future.

-- Joe Rutland

Winter weather driving tips ... yes, even for Laredo ...

2009-12-03T11:32:00.000-08:00

While I realize this isn't business related, per se, I believe it's still important information about our upcoming cold weather should any business people be on the roads either this Friday or over the weekend.

Cold weather, including showers or snow showers, are part of the forecast.

So FYI, here are some winter weather driving tips courtesy of the Texas Department of Transportation:

-----------

When the weather changes, so do driving conditions. The following information can help everyone drive safely when inclement winter weather strikes:

● Check the road conditions (text at http://www.txdot.gov/travel/road_conditions.htm or map at http://www.txdot.gov/travel/map_disclaimer.htm) in your area (or call (800) 452-9292), and stay tuned to local news broadcasts for more information on roadway and weather conditions.
● Remove snow and ice from your vehicle before you drive, making sure the headlights and taillights are visible.
● Accelerate slowly.
● Increase your following distance.
● Brake gently in slow, steady strokes to see how much traction you have, and begin braking early when approaching intersections or stops.
● Approach bridges, shaded spots, overpasses and turns slowly.
● Never use cruise control in winter driving conditions.
● Use non-freezing windshield washer liquid.
● Use snow tires and/or chains (where allowed).
● If you are stranded, call the Texas Department of Public Safety's stranded motorist hotline toll-free at (800) 525-5555.

Auto Safety Checklist

Check and maintain these vehicle components:

● Ignition
● Battery
● Headlights and taillights
● Brakes
● Wiper blades
● Antifreeze level
● Fuel and exhaust systems
● Heater/defroster
● Tires

-- Joe Rutland

National holiday sales totals up 0.9 percent ...

2009-11-30T12:45:00.000-08:00

In seeking a gauge for last weekend's holiday shopping, which would include Black Friday, research firm ShopperTrak says retail sales Friday and Saturday edged up 0.9 percent, while customer traffic fell 2.7 percent compared with last year.
According to an Associated Press story, ShopperTrak, based in Chicago, says total sales for Black Friday and Saturday reached $16.77 billion.
Saturday showed a bigger sales increase than Friday as shoppers continued to buy discounted items.
ShopperTrak says that U.S. traffic slipped 2.5 percent on Friday, compared with an 18 percent drop in the year-ago period.
Traffic fell 3.2 percent Saturday, compared with a 17 percent drop a year ago.

-- Joe Rutland

Laredo recognized on Fox News for supporting troops ...

2009-11-25T14:42:00.000-08:00

Laredo received some national airtime on Fox News in regard to a recent fundraising activity toward supporting the troops. Here's the piece. Fox News interviews Mayor Raul Salinas about the event. Just click on the link below.

http://video.foxnews.com/11928626/no-place-like-home?category_id=51159be5212057bdece5a791436b44246af96bf8

-- Joe Rutland

Pre-Black Friday highlights for Laredo ...

2009-11-24T12:33:00.000-08:00

Probably some of you are pulling out those sneakers and jeans, getting ready for the most exercise-filled day of the year.
I mean ... between pulling out your credit cards, dashing from one store to another, running from row to row in stores, yanking down clothes to wear, trying out electronic gadgets and on and on ... there's probably little doubt Black Friday is going to wear a few people out.
OK, so "maybe" Black Friday isn't going to be filled with primo exercise. Yet retailers locally are hoping people enjoy their Thanksgiving Day feasts, then come out and feast on discounts and deals.
Retailers are looking for Mexican shoppers to fill their spaces in great numbers, both downtown, at Mall del Norte, in south Laredo and north Laredo.
At Mall del Norte, shops will be closed for Thanksgiving Day.
Friday, stores will open at 7 a.m. Some retailers are planning 5 a.m. openings, such as Aeropostale, Children's Place and Disney. Mall stores will close at 10 p.m. Friday. Saturday shopping hours are 9 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday shopping hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
For more information on the mall's holiday shopping plans, hit its Web site at www.malldelnorte.com.
H-E-B Plus! stores are offering customers deals on toys and other holiday items.
Plasma TVs, Apple iPods, cameras, Snuggies, kids toys, family board games and a multitude of other goodies will have discount prices for Black Friday.
Check out their deals at www.heb.com.
Meanwhile, Border Media Laredo also will be out on location to make sure Mexican shoppers stay and shop in town.
According to a release from Border Media Laredo, stations La Ley 100.5 and Digital 107.3 will be broadcasting live from the Welcome Point, located at 811 San Dario Ave., right off International Bridge 2.
"Border Media recognizes the Mexican shopper as a vital contributor to Laredo's economy and we simply want to say 'thank you' and, above all, 'welcome to our city,'" said Miguel A. Villarreal Jr., vice president/market manager, with Border Media Laredo. "In this competitive environment, customer service plays an integral role in strengthening our local economy. Welcoming Mexico to Laredo is a small token of our appreciation for the opportunity to have Mexican nationals shop in Laredo."
Happy shopping, Laredoans!

-- Joe Rutland

Paul Young Auto Group moving Easy Auto ...

2009-11-23T08:47:00.000-08:00

Easy Auto will be taking over the space once filled by Paul Young Hyundai on Saunders Road.
Paul Young Family Group has placed a large sign in the parking lot of its previous dealership, located just across the street from Family Chevrolet and Family Nissan.
No word as to when Easy Auto will officially move from its present location.
So when word is received from Paul Young Auto Group chief operating officer Greg Morgensen, then it'll be passed along.

-- Joe Rutland

Honor a Veteran ...

2009-11-11T13:15:00.000-08:00

While this usually stays on business-related topics, today (Wednesday) is Veterans Day.
My father served in the Korean Conflict and was stationed with my mom in England.
I am proud of my father, for what he did for me and my country.
So ... in honor and memory of John Dudley Rutland of Austin, TX, and all of the veterans here in Laredo and all across the United States ... and for those who lost their lives on the battlefield ... thank you.

-- Joe Rutland

Class was, and is always, in session ...

2009-11-11T10:21:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, I get too caught up in what's going on in my own world (professionally and personally) that a unique opportunity to tell others about how and what I and we do at Laredo Morning Times is a gift.
Such was the case recently when St. Augustine High School students dropped by for an hour-long tour of LMT's operations.
Showing students where retail advertising, classified advertising, editorial content and page designers work to produce a daily newspaper was pretty hip for me.
They also got a peek at the mailroom and press areas which, as many know, were consolidated with our Hearst Corporation fellow publication, the San Antonio Express-News. I believe it was important to show them these areas and let them see and know about their importance.
I also believe they found something of interest which can help them formulate ideas, thoughts and concepts about their future endeavors in journalism.
To me, journalism and newspapers are two different entities altogether.
Journalism is a vocation, albeit one which gets rapped every day for something -- and it matters not whether the fairest, well-written story ever appeared in print media. Trust me, someone will find fault with it. That's human nature.
Newspapers are a vehicle for journalism, one which has a vast history of providing readers with records of births, life and deaths. It also has a background of recording history's triumphs and tragedies, too.
So it was my honor to act as tour guide for the class.
They were attentive students, willing to walk around, see and ask questions.
Hopefully, it let them know journalism and newspapers will be around in some way, shape and form for years to come.

-- Joe Rutland

A trip to Central America for what?

2009-11-10T11:54:00.000-08:00

Once again, city leaders are heading out on a business-related trip ... this time they are going to Central America.
Ahh, nothing like Costa Rica in the winter, eh?
I am quite interested to see how this trip will affect overall business in the Greater Laredo area. From what I understand, there will be some city leaders, led by our esteemed Mayor Raul Salinas, headed down to meet colleagues, develop relationships and shake a lot of hands.
Beautiful.
Didn't a group head down to the Port of Lazaro Cardenas for a similar reason? You know, meet colleagues, develop relationships and shake a lot of hands?
In the immortal words of former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, "You betcha."
I also understand there will be some educators along for the, ahem, ride from Texas A&M International University.
Why? What do they know about international trade?
Isn't this a business trip?
Look, taxpayer money is being spent on a "fishing expedition" which everyone has seen over and over again.
Tell me who will benefit from this trip.
Roll off the names of those who are going and, well, I just wonder if the entire Greater Laredo business community is involved in this effort.
Are the "good buddies" of these people going down to Central America going to get first crack at the business? Just asking here.
I have yet to see one solid, concrete business project announced from Salinas' office or through the Laredo City Council from their Lazaro Cardenas trip. Yeah, yeah, I know ... economic downturn, tough times, peso troubled, yadda, yadda, yadda.
Mind you, I am truly all for building up communities and bringing in new business to the Laredo and Nuevo Laredo region. It would be nice, though, to have a plan.
Is there a plan? Can someone please show me a plan? Show me a plan where it is simply laid out, in black and white and plain English and Spanish, on what are the key expectations city leaders will be asking for from these meetings.
You know, my sense is there is no plan. Oh there's a plan all right ... a plan to keep the wool over our eyes (that means taxpayers like you and me) and entrust our elected leaders to do the bidding.
Here's another thing about this working vacation.
Where are the key business leaders involved in this trip? Are Kansas City Southern Railroad and Union Pacific representatives part of this party? Show me.
What about customs brokers here in Laredo? They actually DO business involving international trade. Are they going on this trip?
How about commercial and residential real estate representatives? They could present concrete ideas on what is available to these Central American representatives which city leaders will speak with on this excursion.
Frankly, I'd like to see people like Les Norton, Gary Jacobs, David Killam and others as part of this trip. Heck, they KNOW about business in Laredo and have family roots that go far, far back. Farther than mine personally, that's for sure.
OK, OK ... call me crazy, call me nuts for simply putting this out there.
I really hope and pray this trip is worth it.
After all, it's all about business.
Uh-huh.

-- Joe Rutland

National employment remains in perilous position ...

2009-11-04T11:19:00.000-08:00

According to the ADP National Employment Report released Wednesday, October was the seventh consecutive month during which the decline in employment was less than in the previous month.
The report also states, though, employment (despite recent indications showing overall economic activity is stabilizing) which usually trails overall economic activity is likely to decline for at least a few more months.
October's ADP Report estimates nonfarm private employment in the service providing sector fell by 86,000. Employment in the goods-producing sector declined 117,000, with employment in the manufacturing sector dropping 65,000.
In October, construction employment dropped 51,000. This was the 33rd consecutive monthly decline. It brings the total decline in construction jobs since the peak in January 2007 to 1,675,000.
Employment in the financial services sector dropped 18,000, the 23rd consecutive monthly decline.

-- Joe Rutland

Leave LISD's Nelson alone ...

2009-10-23T18:25:00.000-07:00

I don't want to give up all the goodies on this Monday's "Coffee Talk" within the LMT Business Journal. Let me simply say this: It would be wise for Laredo Independent School District officials, especially the Board of Trustees, to allow superintendent A. Marcus Nelson to do his job.
Nelson is a curriculum-focused educator who does care about seeing kids improve in the classroom and doesn't have time for the adult Jedi mind games which have been prevalent within LISD over the past few years.
Let him do his job.
Want more? Read "Coffee Talk" on Monday morning in the LMT Business Journal.

-- Joe Rutland

Checking in on the peso ...

2009-10-13T11:07:00.001-07:00

Here's a "Coffee Talk Live" video for your enjoyment on this wonderful Tuesday:

Laredo International Airport receives FAA honor ...

2009-10-12T09:33:00.000-07:00

Following up on Monday's centerpiece story on the Laredo International Airport in the LMT Business Journal, this information crossed my desk late last week.
The Federal Aviation Administration has selected LIA as the recipient of the 2009 Southwest Region Airport Safety Award for "consistently demonstrating a high level of safety in ensuring compliance with FAA standards and regulations," according to an FAA statement.
Laredo International is one of a number of airports in the FAA's five-state Southwest Region which received honors.
For what it is worth, LIA is the lone South Texas border region airport to receive FAA honors geared toward aviation safety.
Congrats to all those who work hard at Laredo International.

-- Joe Rutland

Raising awareness key for Children's Advocacy Center ...

2009-10-06T12:32:00.000-07:00

Sylvia Bruni, Children's Advocacy Center of Laredo-Webb County executive director, said Tuesday the CAC brings together all local agencies which serve children in crises.
Bruni, who addressed the weekly Kiwanis Club meeting at the Holiday Inn Civic Center, said "CAC is one of 62 centers in Texas."
She said one of the biggest changes taking place in Laredo and Webb County is people are speaking up more about childhood abuse ... whether it's physical, sexual, mental and/or emotional.
Bruni has a background in education, ranging from service as English teacher to principal at a Laredo Independent School District school to an interim role as LISD superintendent. She retired from public education in 2005, then returned to the CAC -- where she worked as a co-chairperson from its initiation in 1993 to 2000.
"Someone asked me recently if it's worse today? No, it's been there all along -- it was just a secret," Bruni said.
That "secret" began to crack apart in the 1980s, Bruni said, which led then-District Attorney Joe Rubio, in 1993, to bring together numerous agencies toward addressing these issues.
Bruni said a majority of children whom are sexually abused are under the age of 12.
The CAC has been focusing more on outreach opportunities in this year, "especially to groups which help children and support similar causes," Bruni said.
In my humble opinion, abuse is abuse. Keeping it a secret doesn't help. It only manifests a continual dysfunctional society ... one which seems more keen to what's happening with Jon and Kate Gosselin than what's happening right in front of their noses.
Let me offer this last piece about childhood abuse and, well, abuse, period.
No more secrets. No more.

-- Joe Rutland

Vocations in health care ...

2009-10-05T11:25:00.000-07:00

At Monday's Laredo Gateway Rotary Club weekly meeting, Laredo Medical Center chief executive officer Tim Schmidt spoke on vocational opportunities within health care.
His address was part of Rotary International's worldwide recognition of October as a month which highlights different vocations.
Schmidt said it takes a team of people to run a hospital.
He also said among those vocations include accountants, administrative specialists, admissions department employees, business office and health and information management.
A couple of other high spots in Schmidt's speech not related to the main topic included him saying LMC would undergo a $20 million construction project in 2010. He also reminded those present who had not received their flu shot as of yet to go and get one.

-- Joe Rutland

An international city? Laredo?

2009-09-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

Here's a "Coffee Talk Live" video/opinion piece on making Laredo into an international city.

Enjoy.

Health care reform view from insurance side ...

2009-09-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

Longtime Laredo insurance agent Henri D. Kahn said health care reform "no matter how you look at it, is a benefit to people in the United States" during a Tuesday noon Kiwanis Club meeting.
"It is a benefit more so for people who find themselves between Medicaid and Medicare," Kahn said in a speech at the Holiday Inn Civic Center.
Kahn, who has been in the insurance business for 40-plus years, is owner of Henri D. Kahn Insurance Services, located at 112 Del Court, Suite B.
He said health care reform is important "because it affects us all from birth to death."
Kahn also said any reform plan would not be for the poor. "They have Medicare, and Medicare has great benefits already," he said.
When asked what he thought about the quality of care here in the United States, Kahn said he thought it was a great system.
"There are so many different machines immediately available for patients who come into hospitals nowadays," he said. "Mexico's health care system is grossly inadequate."
Kahn questioned the Obama administration's claim that any health care reform plan will already be paid for when it starts.
"This will have to be paid for with an increase in taxes," he said.
Kahn said 177 million people in the U.S. have employer-paid insurance coverage.
"According to a study from the Urban Institute, which is a non-partisan organization, 91 percent of those already with health insurance will stay with their current coverage," he said
Kahn pointed out he makes sure his own company's employees are fully covered, making sure they would not have to worry should a health emergency occur.
"Employers should be concerned about the people who work for them first and care about them," he said.
Kahn knows about insurance and is willing to share his insights. It's good to hear from someone with his deep background speak out about these issues.

-- Joe Rutland

Sports switch at KGNS ...

2009-09-02T17:00:00.000-07:00

While it's not covered a lot in the business world (at least from my end, OK), LMT's print edition will run a local TV-related story for Thursday's paper regarding Univision Laredo layoffs involving longtime anchor Lupita Benavides, veteran reporter Juan Rodriguez and cameraman Sammy De La Garza.
But there also is other TV news, too, here in Laredo. Therefore, let's get to it.
Pro8News recently added Michael Blake to its news staff as sports anchor for its 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts.
Ray Gomez, news director for Pro8News, said Blake has taken over as KGNS’ main sports anchor for Doug Robinson, who resigned to pursue other opportunities.
"Michael comes from Carrizo Springs and graduated last year from The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in political science," Gomez said. "So he didn’t take the usual route to get into broadcast news.
"He came to us with an interest in it," he said. "We reviewed a lot of applications, more than we’ve ever gotten for a sports position but Mike, with his history of how hard he’s worked and the fact that he’s an area kid … we just really wanted to get him in here."
Gomez said Blake first joined the NBC affiliate here in Laredo in January as producer of KGNS’ 6 a.m. morning news program.
"He’s a really smart guy and caught on fast, but told us from the beginning that his passion was sports," Gomez said. "Even before coming to work for us, he’s had a sports blog up and running. He wrote a huge blog post for us about the Del Mar Little League, which got a big response.
"He’s just real knowledgeable about sports and that’s what makes him stand out," he said. "He’s so easy to get along with and we’re really happy to have him. Michael has had to undergo a huge shift in his life (from arriving at 3:30 a.m. to prepare for the morning show)."
Blake also just started teaming up with Patrick Nelson, who recently was hired as a reporter/anchor for the CW station in Laredo, for "Friday Football Fever."
"Patrick also has an interest and passion for sports," Gomez said. "He can go out and get a news and sports story in the same day."
"Friday Football Fever" opened its 16th year last Friday, Aug. 28.
Gomez said plans also include adding Flip Romero to the Friday night show, too.
"We wanted to make it big and wanted input from as many people as we could get," Gomez said. "We’re lucky to have three passionate guys who really like sports."
There's a TV business roundup for you right there.

-- Joe Rutland

Life at Mall del Norte ...

2009-09-01T12:44:00.000-07:00

Mall del Norte general manager Ken Beckmann said small business entrepreneurs are taking advantage of retail opportunities at the mall.
Beckmann and assistant general manager Margie Joachim were on hand to talk about retail business and Mall del Norte's ability to hold up during the recession Tuesday at the Kiwanis Club meeting at Holiday Inn Civic Center.
"Looking at the fourth quarter, we're not even in a position to predict what might happen," Beckmann said. "It will depend on how strong the peso will get, plus the U.S. economy and how successful the 'Cash for Clunkers' program ended up being."
Beckmann said the mall needs to remain flexible and look at a long-term strategy.
When asked if Mall del Norte can gauge how successful it has been in luring Mexican shoppers through its doors, Beckmann said it wasn't quantifiable.
"Mexican shoppers make up 50-60 percent of our traffic, but that number has been declining" Joachim said.
Beckmann has been in his role for CBL & Associates Properties for six months, so he's still learning the lay of the land (so to speak) around Laredo and in the border region.
"My No. 1 job is to find retailers to come into the mall," Beckmann said. "Looking at the demographics, it shows the city wouldn't support many retail stores. Then we show prospective retailers the Mexican market and how it can help keep their doors open."
Beckmann did say his biggest challenge so far has been trying to fill Circuit City's vacant store space.
Mall del Norte has more than 1 million square feet of space for retailers of all shapes and sizes. JC Penney recently spent a lot of money sprucing up its store and adding some additional pieces.
It's no secret retailers are holding off and waiting to see what happens in the U.S. economy, when to move and how much it will cost.
Beckmann is looking forward to having more retailers be a part of Mall del Norte.
Laredo is looking forward to just having more businesses -- retail or not -- make their home here.

-- Joe Rutland

Talking about health care ... and the lack of "love of fellow man"

2009-08-28T09:49:00.001-07:00

A crowd gathered Thursday to hear U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, answer questions about health care reform.
Obviously, this issue has been contentious throughout the United States.
A lot of town hall meetings have turned into shouting matches, people using rather inane language and words they probably heard from listening to too much Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly, Keith Olbermann, Rachel Maddow and Ed Schultz.
What about having their own "take" (hello, Jim Rome) on the issue? Have I given talk radio enough "run" in this piece? Yeah.
Fascism, Nazis, "death panels" ... what else am I missing here? Oh yeah. "Obama stinks."
Anyway -- my point is those gathered at Texas A&M International University who asked Cuellar questions did so in a very civil-toned manner. Yes, there were people with different political viewpoints. No one shouted down another person when a question was asked. No one spat venom toward Cuellar during the almost 90-minute town hall meeting.
I do believe having the Sisters of Mercy Health System there as part of it set a unique tone to the event. Laredoans, be proud of yourselves. That was the way to hold a true town hall meeting.
I have no answer to what should be done about health care reform.
Is it an issue which is important and should be discussed? Yes, of course ... like all matters concerning America.
Heck, I wish people would get up and have knots in their shorts about the poor, the homeless, the less fortunate, the addicted, broken and afflicted in this country.
That's not as much fun, though, is it.
Preventive care was mentioned as an important component of personal health care. It's also personal responsibility, too.
In communities all along the U.S.-Mexico border, there are health issues.
Yeah, I hear the "just build the border fence and keep those illegals out of our country" voices.
Ahh, just a question. If you're one of those voices and believes so much in family values, then consider this: a LOT of families live on both sides of the border. Those families go back 3-4-5 generations. Building a fence will separate families ... but who cares about that anyway, right?
Health care reform is a tough issue. It's one late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy spoke of for many, many years while serving Massachusetts in the United States Senate.
I'll stop this piece with one final thought.
Never ... never in this health care reform bill discussion in ANY corner have I heard the words "love of fellow man" arise. It's "us vs. them" again. Caveman mentality.
Let this "love of fellow man" spirit be a part of this conversation.
It should be ... no matter what religious, spiritual or non-religious stand you have in life.
Love is not a religion or political tool. Neither is compassion.
If you made it this far, then thanks for reading.

-- Joe Rutland

Clink, clank, clunk ...

2009-08-20T14:22:00.000-07:00

That great rush into automotive dealerships for the "Cash for Clunkers" deal will now end Monday.
The federal government has decided to stop the program. Reimbursements back to car dealers taking part in this plan have been slow on their return.
New York's state automotive group recently pulled out of the program.
Did the program work? Well, from a "bring customers through the doors" perspective, it might be called successful.
My sense, though, is ... once again ... governmental bureaucracy trying to stick its hand into the business world has been burned.
It's not a new trick. Doesn't matter who president of this country is, either.
Been there, done that ... and will be done again.
For a while, though, people were coming in to trade those gas-guzzling old bags for sleeker, sexier models to drive. Those newer cars also will provide safer emissions along with great gas mileage.
It was fun while it lasted.
Let's wait for the next quick-fix program to come along.

-- Joe Rutland

Combs takes quick tour of border ...

2009-08-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

State Comptroller Susan Combs made a quick trip through Laredo on Tuesday.
Part of her trip involved a tour of the World Trade Bridge, led by local officials.
The big reason for Combs' visit was to present a $25 million scholarship initiative toward providing grants and scholarships for career and technical education.
Combs also said more Fortune 500 companies were now within Texas' borders than any other state in the United States.
Combs, who will seek re-election as State Comptroller, was on point with her comments, took questions from the gathered masses at Laredo Community College and was on her way back to Austin.
She did say one of the reasons Texas has been able to weather a national and global economic slowdown -- also called a recession, OK -- is a diverse workforce and a healthy rainy-day fund.
"We didn't get a state budget with an insatiable appetite," Combs said after her official remarks.
For more information on the efforts Combs spoke of on Tuesday, check out the Web site www.everychanceeverytexan.org.

-- Joe Rutland

State Comptroller Susan Combs in town Tuesday ...

2009-08-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update: State Comptroller Susan Combs will be speaking at Laredo Community College this morning. We'll have an update online here at Coffee Talk Live later Tuesday.

-- Joe Rutland

Texas Center says 'thank you' to data providers ...

2009-08-06T11:29:00.001-07:00

The Texas Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development, a featured data provider for key indicators through the U.S.-Mexico border region, provided a "thank you" luncheon Thursday at Texas A&M International University.
City Manager Carlos Villarreal and Laredo Police Department Chief Carlos Maldonado offered welcomes to a pretty full house at the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative building's Fernando A. Salinas Room. Gerry Schwebel, executive vice president with IBC Bank, and Sylvia Martinez of the U.S. Census Bureau spoke to those gathered.
Visitors from Rio Grande Valley city Pharr, including Mayor Leo "Polo" Palacios Jr., and Del Rio were among the guests along with City of Laredo and Webb County representatives.
The Texas Center, led by Director Herbert A. Molina, and his support staff did a pretty good thing by inviting those whom have helped provide the center key data for nearly 20 years. A simple gesture like this can go a long way toward developing and firming up coalitions and connections.
Good job, Texas Center.
-- Joe Rutland

IBC posts 3.2 percent earnings increase ...

2009-08-04T15:43:00.000-07:00

Local mega-financial institution IBC released its earnings report for the first six months of 2009. Here's a rundown released after the stock market closed on Tuesday:

International Bancshares Corporation reported Tuesday net income of $68.7 million for the six months ending June 30, an increase of 3.2 percent compared to the same period of 2008.
Net income for the three months ending June 30 was $31.1 million, a decrease of 5.8 percent compared to the same period of 2008, prior to amounts related to participation in the Troubled Assets Relief Program — including preferred stock dividends and amounts related to the warrants.
After these TARP program amounts, net income for the second quarter of 2009 applicable to common shareholders was $27.9 million as compared to $33 million for the same period in 2008. The 2008 period does not reflect any TARP amounts as those funds were not received until Dec. 23, 2008.
Net income was negatively impacted during the first six months by an increase in the provision for probable loan losses, which IBC recorded during the first and second quarter of 2009. Additionally, IBC was negatively impacted by an industry-wide FDIC special assessment, resulting in an after-tax charge to earnings of $3.3 million.
“I’m extremely pleased with the results for the first six months of 2009, especially in light of this difficult banking environment,” said Dennis Nixon, IBC president and chief executive officer. “Our strong performance has provided the company with the ability to offset the costs of the industry-wide FDIC special assessment and the increasing loan provisioning for probable loan losses.”
Net income was positively affected by the increasing net interest margin of IBC, and gains on sales of investment securities of approximately $7.2 million, after tax.
Total assets as of June 30 were $11.5 billion, compared to $12.4 billion on Dec. 31, 2008.

Down in the Valley ...

2009-08-03T10:16:00.001-07:00

I just returned from a weekend trip to South Padre Island. It was my first time in that part of Texas ... which is weird because I am a lifelong Texan. Anyway, while driving through the Rio Grande Valley (also a first for me, too), I decided to make a "Coffee Talk Live" video commentary. It's longer than the usual ones which are on our LMT Business Journal Online Web site. So here goes:

-- Joe Rutland

Teachers' supporters watching Nelson closely ...

2009-07-28T14:13:00.000-07:00

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

BMP under new ownership ...

2009-07-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

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

Texas agriculture losses reach $3.6 billion ...

2009-07-20T12:24:00.001-07:00

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.

A bit about the Broncos ...

2009-07-19T15:37:00.000-07:00

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

Laredo unemployment totals jump in June ...

2009-07-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

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