BEDC Leadership Programs Empowering Young Professionals

(PRESS RELEASE) The City of Eagle Pass, through its Business & Economic Development Committee (BEDC), launched three leadership development programs earlier this year as part of its efforts to strengthen the region’s labor workforce. 

The idea was planted by Texas Workforce Commissioner on Labor Julian Alvarez, who visited Eagle Pass last October.  Commissioner Alvarez encouraged the city and the BEDC to create new leadership opportunities to empower young professionals through civic engagement.  Soon after Commissioner Alvarez’s visit, the city’s consulting firm, EMC Strategy Group, LLC, developed three leadership programs aimed at retaining local talent by providing leadership and community service opportunities in support of business and economic development.  These leadership programs are: the BEDC Internship Program, BEDC Young Professionals Group (YPG), and the Executive Leaders Mentorship Program (ELM). 

“I’m and really encouraged by the new BEDC leadership programs and what they can do to energize our younger population,” says Mayor Ramsey English-Cantu.  Mayor Pro-tem Yolanda Ramon and Councilman Luis Sifuentes, who are both educators, have also shared similar enthusiasm about these programs serving Eagle Pass’ younger population and “helping to stop the brain drain.”  City Councilman Billy Davis, who serves as President of the Eagle Pass Chamber of Commerce and the Eagle Pass Rotary Club, understands the importance of YPG and ELM members joining service organizations and providing community service.  

While each of these programs serve a specific target audience, each program provides leadership and career development, encourages civic responsibility, and supports the mission of the BEDC.

The Young Professionals Group, which was launched on February 22, held its last meeting on April 12, where Mayor Ramsey English-Cantu discussed the importance of “Civic Responsibility.” The YPG also elected its officers on April 12. 

The BEDC’s senior executive/management program, called Executive Leaders Mentorship Program (ELM), was launched on March 7.  ELM’s last meeting on April 11 highlighted “Ethics in the Workplace.”

Both the YPG and ELM programs have scheduled meetings throughout the rest of the year and will incorporate theme-based programs aimed at professional and career development.  Working professionals between the ages of 21-35 are invited to attend a joint YPG-ELM Networking Reception on May 17, 2018, at 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.  The YPG will hold its monthly business meeting immediately following the reception. 

For more information about these programs, please contact ernie.gonzalez@emcstrategygroup.com or call 210.960.4340, ext. 101.