Eagle Pass BEDC and Middle Rio Grande Development Council to Hold Economic Development Forum

(Press Release) The Eagle Pass BEDC in partnership with the Middle Rio Grande Development Council will hold the first Regional Economic Development Forum on January 25, 2018, at the International Center for Trade. 

The forum has been in the works for several weeks and BEDC staff advisors Janice and Ernie Gonzalez have been working with Congressman Will Hurd’s Office to schedule his participation as the lead presenter for the forum. 

BEDC Chairman Morris Libson has been pushing for the need to include Eagle Pass in the NAFTA discussion and trade and commerce relations, especially since Eagle Pass is one of the leading and fastest growing ports of entry in the U.S./Mexico Border. 

Mr. Libson along with an Eagle Pass Delegation that included: Councilmen Rudy Villalpando and Luis Sifuentes, City Manager Art Rodriguez, Assistant City Manager Ivan Morua, Hector Cerna, Nik Libson, Brianna Chapa, Janice Gonzalez, and Ernie Gonzalez attended the Free Trade Alliance NAFTA Luncheon in August where Congressmen Will Hurd and Henry Cuellar discussed NAFTA. 

The BEDC Regional Economic Development Forum will include important discussions on NAFTA 2.0, U.S./Mexico Border Relations, U.S. Congressional support for economic growth, Federal and State resources to support local and regional economic development, tying transportation & infrastructure to economic development, supporting local businesses, and Homeland Security. 

BEDC Cross-Border Relations Chair Ricardo Gonzalez is spearheading the efforts to invite key Mexican Government Officials to participate in the forum. 

“We are really pleased that Congressman Hurd is going to participate in this important Economic Development Forum,” says BEDC Chairman Morris Libson.  “Eagle Pass and the entire region needs to be at the forefront of any conversation regarding trade and commerce between the United States and Mexico,” adds Libson. 

“The Middle Rio Grande Development Council is ready to work alongside the Eagle Pass BEDC to make this event successful,” says Middle Rio Grande Development Council Executive Director Nick Gallegos. 

Invitations for the Economic Development Forum have also been sent to several State and Federal agencies.  Sponsorship opportunities are available.  For information, please contact ernie.gonzalez@emcstrategygroup.com.