STC Stands Out in New Hispanic Outlook Ranking

McAllen Economic Development Corporation Blog

South Texas College ranks number two on the inaugural list of “Top 10 Four-Year Schools Awarding the Most Associate Degrees to Hispanics.” The national education journal Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education released the rankings in its May publication.

The publication states it singled out these schools because they “boldly go where few community colleges have yet to venture,” and are considered as pioneers because they are community colleges that offer bachelor degrees.

STC is the only Texas college that made the rankings, sharing the top 10 spotlight with colleges from California, Florida, Illinois and New York. Miami Dade College ranked at the top of the list.

STC is one of only three community colleges in Texas accredited to offer baccalaureate degrees. The college introduced its bachelor’s program in 2005 and has witnessed continual growth with two degree paths—Bachelor of Applied Technology in Technology Management and a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Computer and Information Technologies.

“It’s very exciting for our faculty, staff and students to be recognized at this level,” said STC President Shirley A. Reed. “We are leading the nation in helping students complete degrees because of our commitment to exceptional student services and instruction.”

South Texas College offers more than 100 degree and ...

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New Powder Coating Company in McAllen MSA

MEDC

McAllen, TX. April 2011 - KAZAM announced in April the signing of a lease for 20,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space in the industrial zone of McAllen, Texas where they will be providing manufacturing processes such as powder coating (5-stage wash line) and silk screening. A formal ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony will be held at a later date.

KAZAM’s parent company, Karlee Corporation, is headquartered in Garland, TX and this site will be the 5th plant under the Karlee Corporation umbrella. In addition, Karlee has a manufacturing facility already in McAllen TX where they have sheet metal manufacturing and stamping. This new division, KAZAM will enhance Karlee’s ability to provide extended services for their product and give them the capability to service the region with a process that is not located within a significant radius.

“We are pleased to announce that we are expanding our manufacturing capabilities,” commented Luis Zeledon, Site Manager for Karlee and KAZAM in McAllen. “Labor costs and strategic location were the main drivers for us to set up the operation in McAllen. There is no other service like the one we will be offering that is open to multiple customers and not captive to one operation.”

KAZAM’s investment of approximately 1 million dollars will ultimately generate 25 jobs in McAllen once it is in full operation, expected to be by the end of 2011.

McAllen Economic Development Corporation has worked with KAZAM to ensure their smooth transition. “To support the new project and Karlee, we have been connecting Luis with potential customers,” mentioned Megan Davila, Business Development Specialist at McAllen EDC. “As with any new company we help establish in the McAllen area, we want to do what we can to ensure they are successful here.”

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