More than 50 businesses, institutions and non-profits provided information on their services and products. Those in attendance were also treated to music, free raffles, food, and a fashion show.
The Victorian House, Casa de Jacinthe, Veronica’s Boutique, Fernandez Boots, Go Creative, and J’s Photo & Video Productions were just some of the local businesses at the Expo offering local, high quality services and products.
Go Creative Owner Michelle Gonzalez invites the public to visit her business that specializes in creating and customizing everything from invitations to trophies, located at Main St and Medina St across from Super Tacos Morales at the CRK building Suite B.
“We design and personalize, anything is custom made, we work with wood, acrylic, glass, and stainless steel, we also make trophies, plaques, awards, and we personalize it all,” said Gonzalez.
Javier Barrera who runs J’s photography with his wife Maria was excited to show the community their newest service: a selfie mirror. The product allows for those taking the picture to see their reflection before the photo is snapped, and even gives the opportunity to add emojis to the final product.
“It’s awesome, you get to pause life for a minute and keep it in a print,” said Barrera about his passion for the photography business and providing people with the chance to capture memories forever. “I love this, I love what I do.”
Also present were health providers like UMC who has recently hired a female OB/GYN as requested by the community, Dr. Marie D. James, as well as Maverick Nursing and Rehabilitation Center who offer long term and short term rehabilitation, and respite care at the skilled nursing facility.
Information on job opportunities was provided by Middle Rio Grande Workforce Solutions which is currently offering trainings for laid-off oil and gas industry workers under the National Dislocated Worker Program. Trainings incur professional truck driver, aviation maintenance technology, emergency medical technician, air conditioning and refrigeration, welding technology, certified electrical lineman, law enforcement academy, and automotive body technology. Those interested can contact their local workforce center. They will also be hosting an on-site job fair at the Lewis Energy Field Office at 1015 W. Hwy 44 in Encinal, TX 78019 on Wednesday, October 25 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Applicants must bring resumes with them, and can call 956-728-6000 for more information.
Border Patrol Recruiting Agents Segura and Galarza were also present to let the public know they were hiring.
“We’re recruiting for vacancies that we have nationwide both at the northern border with Canada and the southern border with Mexico, some interior locations like San Francisco International Airport, Honolulu, Hawaii, a couple locations in Florida, and even vacancies in Eagle Pass,” said Agent Galarza.
Basic requirements, US citizenship, US residency for the past three years, and a minimum age of 18 years old if the applicant has three years work experience. The maximum age limit to apply is 40 years old, but there is no age requirement for veterans who only need to bring their DD214 as proof.
New job opportunities will be posted to cbp.gov/careers every month until next September.
Information for those looking past employment, toward retirement was also available at the Business Expo through Erika Gonzalez, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones.
“I help people plan for retirement, college savings, and just planning for the unexpected by way of investing in the stock market,” said Gonzalez. “People that don’t have a retirement plan at work can come and open an individual account with me, and it’s never too early, the earlier the better.”