RGV Economic Summit Promotes Unity

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RGV Economic Summit Promotes Unity

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Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza signs an alliance compact promoting RGV economic development partnerships as other area leaders support those efforts. (Courtesy)
Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza signs an alliance compact promoting RGV economic development partnerships as other area leaders support those efforts. (Courtesy)

Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza called it a need for the Rio Grande Valley to do a better job of telling its story.

“Our area is talked about a lot by so many other people but ourselves,” Garza said in a recent media interview. “I think it’s time we come together as one region and talk about all our region has to offer.”

Garza was a leading force along with other area mayors and the Rio Grande Valley Partnership in organizing and hosting a regional economic gathering at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg on Aug. 17. The Rio Grande Valley Economic Summit was touted as the first time so many of the region’s 40-plus mayors were in one place for an event. 

There were no breakout sessions to reach specific agreements and partnerships. The summit was largely symbolic but nonetheless noteworthy in attracting the majority of the Valley’s mayors and economic development professionals. The mayors who attended the summit signed an alliance compact in which they pledged to improve the collaboration between RGV cities in recruiting business development.

Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda and Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza played key roles in organizing the recent Rio Grande Valley Economic Summit at Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg. (Courtesy)
Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda and Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza played key roles in organizing the recent Rio Grande Valley Economic Summit at Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg. (Courtesy)

“That’s what it’s about at the end of the day, bringing investment and new employment to our area,” Garza said of the summit. “This kicks off these relationships in a more structured way.”

A Boundless Future Together

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott served as the keynote speaker at the event. Abbott highlighted the $3.6 billion that has been dedicated for highway projects in the Valley and the rest of South Texas. He said the Valley is playing a key role in the state’s economy and lauded the growth at the Port of Brownsville as an example. 

“The future of the port and what it will do for this region is the most important thing,” Abbott said. “Mark my words, the Port of Brownsville is going to be a centerpiece of future economic expansion for this entire region.”

The governor’s RGV accolades were well received at the summit with a look to the future at how the region of 1.5 million residents continues to grow together.

“We know no boundaries,” Garza said. “We’ve almost grown together, so it only makes sense for us to come together this way.”

Texas Gov. Greg Abbbott served as the keynote speaker at the recent RGV Economic Summit and lauded the region's contributions to the state economy. (Courtesy)
Texas Gov. Greg Abbbott served as the keynote speaker at the recent RGV Economic Summit and lauded the region’s contributions to the state economy. (Courtesy)

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