Middle Rio Grande Development Council Regional Economic Development Summit held May 19th
(Press Release) Amid the heavy rains that spread throughout South Texas on Thursday morning, the Middle Rio Grande Development Council (MRGDC) held it first “Regional Economic Development Summit” at the International Center for Trade Convention Center.
Executive Director Nick Gallegos stated ; “ Amid the heavy rains that closed roads and highways throughout South Texas in the early morning hours that made driving dangerous, panelists, moderators and attendees from Laredo, San Antonio , Austin, and throughout the nine county Middle Rio Grande Region. Those who braved the rain arrived to greet others in a room full of attendees who were ready to listen to a series of panels led by members of the MRGDC Board of Directors that included Real County Judge Garry Merritt, Kinney County Judge Tully Shahan, Eagle Pass ISD Superintendent Gilberto Gonzalez, and Mayor Ramsey English Cantu. Of the five (5) panels, only one panel was moderated by a non-board member who was Roberto Velasquez, Director of Trade Adjustment Center with the University of Texas Institute for Economic Development. Special Luncheon Speaker was Mr. Bradd Skinner, Assistant Director, Field Operations for Trade Operations U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
“We have been working hard in developing a realistic and innovative strategic plan to bring new industry, new businesses, and tourism to our MRG Region, and this Regional Summit provided the starting point for all of our counties to think regionally, nationally and globally”, stated Eagle Pass Mayor Ramsey E. Cantu.
Addressing the topics of Partnerships and Collaborations, Regional Investments, Marketing, Tourism, Workforce and Training Programs, International Commerce, Regional Funding Opportunities, Economic Development and Import , Import /Export Opportunities, and Legislative Issues, was a distinguished list of panelists that included; Bob McKinley, Associate VP for Economic Development-Associate VP for Economic Development, Alex Hinojosa-Deputy Managing Director for North American Development Bank, Dr. Hector Gonzales-MRGDC Board Member and President of SWTJC, Tim Fennell-Deputy Director for Economic Development & Tourism, Julian Alvarez-TWC Commissioner for Labor, Ricky McNiel-Executive Director for Workforce Solutions MRG, Ivan Jaime-Director of Public Affairs Union Pacific, Rodney Rodriguez-Director of Economic Development Laredo Community College, Leticia Flores-Governor’s Office on Economic Development & Tourism, Matthew Giannini-Area Director for Economic Development Administration, Francisco “Paco” Valentin-State Director USDA Rural Development, Rick Rhodes-Administrator for Office of Rural Affairs Texas Department of Agriculture, Megan McLellen-Airport Planner for Texas Department of Transportation Aviation Division, and Legislators; Texas State Representative Tracy King, Ana Garcia-Regional Director U.S. Senator John Cornyn, Daniel Mezza-District Director U.S. Congressman Will Hurd, Casandra L. Garcia-South Texas Regional Director Ted Cruz and Helen Martinez-Southwest Regional Director Senator Carlos Uresti.
The MRGDC Board of Directors give special thanks to Father Fee for the Benediction, Judge David Saucedo and Mayor Ramsey E. Cantu for the opening welcome, Ronnie Rivera for being the Master of Ceremonies, and much appreciation to the Eagle Pass ISD’s 92nd Unit Color Guard for the Presentation of the flags and a heartfelt “Gracias” to Tejano Singer Oscar Gonzalez for his rendition of the National Anthem. MRGDC especially thanks its event sponsors who support the economic development efforts in the region: Linebarger, Goggan, Blair and Sampson LLC, BBVA Compass Bank, Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins and Mott LLC, City of Eagle Pass and their ROTC Committee, the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel, and the Union Pacific Railroad. “We could not have put this event together without our hard working MRG Staff, our board members, friends and attendees who made the Regional Economic Development SUMMIT a huge Success!, concluded Nick Gallegos.
For more photos of the event please visit www.mrgdc.org .
