Harlingen EDC Supports Regional Economic Development Efforts
Harlingen, TX (November10, 2008) -- The Harlingen Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) has placed a high priority on the development of regional alliances that promote economic development. During the past few months, several new initiatives have been implemented.
“We recognize the competition for economic development is global,” according to Armando Elizarde, President of the HEDC. “By promoting the Rio Grande Valley as a whole, we can improve our chances of attracting the attention of site location consultants and major firms looking for smart places in which to invest,” Elizarde continued.
The four counties making up the Rio Grande Valley have a total population of over 1.2 million people, ranking it among the top 50 population centers in the nation. When the population of border communities in Mexico is considered, the population swells by another million people.
Communities in the Valley have benefited from their proximity to low cost manufacturing operations in Mexico. The North American Free Trade Agreement and the Maquiladora industry in Mexico have allowed the Valley to develop into a hub of international trade.
The first opportunity for regional cooperation came in the form of the Rio Tech Fund, an organization formed to help new technology firms get started. The Rio Tech Fund operates the Rio Grande Center for Innovation and Commercialization, which acts as the regional agent for the Texas Emerging Technology Fund to provide early stage capital to new and expanding firms. Harlingen was one of the first communities in the Valley to support the formation of the Rio Tech Fund. “The Valley, with its excellent institutions of higher education and quality business climate, has a lot to offer technology based entrepreneurs,” said Elizarde.
Harlingen was also one of the first communities to support the regional educational programs of Tech Prep of the Rio Grande Valley. “A well-trained workforce will be essential to our success in the future,” according to Elizarde. The Valley is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation, insuring an adequate supply of employees for growing firms.
Harlingen was one of the founding members of the Rio South Texas Economic Council, an organization formed in October to market the region to the world. “There is strength in numbers and, by working together, we can gain recognition for the Valley as the profitable and productive region it is,” according to Elizarde.
With the help of the U.S. Department of State’s Consulate in Matamoros, the communities in the Valley have formed the Reynosa-Matamoros Regional Country Council. The purpose of the Council is to promote open communications between U.S. companies doing business in Mexico and the U.S. Department of State. “So many of our companies do business in Mexico,” Elizarde continued, “and it’s important for them to know there are many resources available to assist them in dealing with issues of international commerce.”
“The old days of competing against our next door neighbor are long gone,” Elizarde said. “The Valley has a great story to tell and we can be even more successful by working together,” Elizarde concluded.
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For additional information contact:
Bill Martin
Harlingen Economic Development Corporation