McAllen Economic Development Corporation

Business Spotlight!🎉

At McAllen Economic Development Corporation (EDC), fostering strong relationships with local businesses is at the heart of our mission. One of our key initiatives to support and nurture our business community is through Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) visits.

Today, we had the pleasure of visiting with President & CEO Owen E. Stewart from Kings Eco Plastics, a leading plastic injection molding company right here in McAllen! Our Business Retention and Expansion team, Susie Flores, Director of U.S. Business Recruitment and Josh Vasquez, Director of Workforce Development are proud to support this incredible local business, which is dedicated to sustainable manufacturing practices and top-notch quality.

Kings Eco Plastics has been a valued part of our community, providing fully-integrated custom injection molding solution; such as assembly, custom packaging and plastic finishing. They are here to serve all your plastic injection molding needs with precision and expertise.

For businesses in need of reliable plastic injection molding services, King’s Eco Plastics seems like a great partner to consider. Their expertise in functional sub-assemblies, tight tolerance fits, medical kits, electronic assembly, and automotive functional components, along with their ability to apply custom exterior finishes to plastic parts, makes them a versatile and valuable asset to the McAllen community and beyond.

We value our partnership with King's Eco Plastics and are excited to see their continued growth and success. Together, we're building a stronger McAllen!

Congratulations on the New Partnership Between UTRGV - The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and NVTX Energy!
This collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing the region's infrastructure and sustainability efforts. Here's to a successful partnership that will bring about positive change and prosperity for our community.

Congratulations on the New Partnership Between UTRGV - The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and NVTX Energy!

This collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing the region's infrastructure and sustainability efforts. Here's to a successful partnership that will bring about positive change and prosperity for our community.

UTRGV partners with NVTX Energy for better power storage, more jobs EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A new partnership between the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and NVTX Energy looks to bring more jobs and better energy storage to the Valley. The partnersh…

We take pride in our 20+ years of hosting teacher externships. These programs in economic development offer educators a special chance to connect classroom teachings with real-world scenarios. During their externship, teachers engage directly with professionals by site visits, meetings, and projects that illustrate how economic theories manifest in practical scenarios.

Externships expose teachers to various career pathways related to economics and economic development. They can then guide students in understanding the range of professions available and the skills required in the workforce. They also establish valuable connections with local businesses and experts. These networks provide ongoing resources and potential guest speakers for their classrooms, enriching student learning experiences.

Last Friday marked a week of hosting two teacher externs at MEDC and MFTZ. Thank you Miss Sylvia and Mr. Juan Carlos from Weslaco ISD and McAllen ISD respectively, for staying so engaged and for allowing us to show you a bit of how we help our community.

Thank you Workforce Solutions, Region One Education Service Center, and RGV LEAD - Rio Grande Valley Linking Economic and Academic Development for building strong partnerships!

The first note of the June 2024 Industrial Insights highlights our previous CEO/President, Keith Patridge's retirement and his exciting trajectory at the McAllen EDC and McAllen FTZ.

Read more below.💡⚙️

South Texas College and the Center for Advanced Training & Apprenticeships led by Dr. Carlos Margo, Dean of Industry Training and Economic Development are actively promoting business forums to enhance training and apprenticeship programs in the Rio Grande Valley. By engaging with businesses and introducing externs from programs like Workforce Solutions and RGV LEAD, Inc., there's a clear initiative to identify synergies that can address workforce demands and support economic development in the region.

This collaborative effort not only aims to bridge the gap between education and industry needs but also prepares prospective individuals to meet current and future job requirements. By developing these pathways, our region can sustain economic growth and ensure it remains competitive.

It's commendable to see such proactive measures being taken to foster a skilled workforce and strengthen ties between educational institutions and local businesses. This approach not only benefits students and businesses but also contributes significantly to the overall economic vitality of the community. Thank you South Texas College, the Center for Advanced Training & Apprenticeships, Workforce Solutions and RGV LEAD - Rio Grande Valley Linking Economic and Academic Development, Inc. for supporting initiatives like this that allows our externs from McAllen ISD and Weslaco ISD the opportunity to learn, network and create synergies that will benefit students in our community.

Teacher externships—where educators spend time working in industry settings—are a fantastic way to bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world.

Great EDC panel discussion yesterday hosted by Noble Texas Builders. Teachers from different school districts along the RGV were able to ask valuable questions to different economic development corporations around our region.
We were able to attend with two teacher externs that we have had the pleasure of hosting this week at McAllen EDC!

Every summer we welcome two teacher externs to explain how McAllen EDC and McAllen FTZ work and how each position comes together in the organization.

As we continue these externship programs, we look forward to fostering stronger connections between education and industry, enriching our community, and preparing our future leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in an ever-evolving world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3k8j95Gge-E

HireUTRGV EDU: How to Build an Internship Program As part of the Career Center's employer educational series, HireUTRGV EDU, this session highlights information on how to build an internship program. Find ou...

Happening today!

Don't miss out on UTRGV - The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's HireUTRGV EDU series session: "How to Build an Internship Program".

This presentation aims to equip employer partners with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively develop a quality internship program. Please see details and registration link below.

📅 Date: Thursday, July 18
⏰ Time: 10:30 - 11:30 AM CST
📍 Location: Zoom

You may REGISTER for the virtual presentation at the following link.

https://utrgv.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYsdu-urjIiHNOql-ubQ-ppqrdEOLLMRJIs

Feel free to share this invite to those in your network that would benefit from this education session. For more information or questions, you may reply to this email or call our office at 956-665-2243.

By participating in a Workforce Solutions and RGV LEAD, Inc. Teacher Externship initiative, The McAllen EDC is participating in a proactive approach to bridge the gap between education and workforce needs in the Rio Grande Valley. By hosting educator externs this week and involving them in company visits, we are providing firsthand insights into employer expectations and the specific skills required in today's job market. This initiative not only enhances the educators' understanding but also aims to integrate these insights into lesson plans focused on soft skills.

Soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability are crucial for preparing students to succeed in their future careers. By incorporating these lessons into the curriculum, we are hopeful that our combined efforts will play a pivotal role in shaping a more prepared and competitive workforce for the region.

This kind of initiative highlights the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and industry stakeholders to ensure that students are equipped with the skills necessary to meet the evolving demands of the job market. Thank you, Workforce Solutions, and RGV LEAD, Inc. for coordinating this effort here in the Rio Grande Valley.

Congratulations to Dr. Jayson T. Valerio, Dean - Nursing and Allied Health, on being appointed to the state’s inaugural Healthcare Workforce Task Force!

Dr. Valerio's insights will undoubtedly contribute significantly to shaping the future of healthcare workforce strategies in our community!

STC's Valerio appointed to state's inaugural Healthcare Workforce Task Force – Rio Grande Guardian The Healthcare Workforce Task Force was set up by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board at the request of Gov. Greg Abbott to address the state’s severe health care workforce shortage.

Don't miss out on TMAC's Mastering the Manufacturing Customer Experience Session, scheduled for next Tuesday, July 16th, from 9 am to 12 pm at Rio Bank Corporate Banking Center, 701 E. Expressway 83, 4th floor, Room 4. 100 in McAllen.

This workshop aims to equip senior manufacturing leaders with insights into how strategic Customer Experience (CX) can significantly boost revenue while enhancing customer loyalty.

Through engaging lectures, discussions, and practical exercises, participants will discover key CX principles, their direct impact on revenue, and the necessity of their application and measurement.

We are happy to host two teacher externs, representing McAllen ISD and Weslaco ISD for a week at the McAllen EDC and McAllen FTZ starting tomorrow!

Thank you El Periodico USA for featuring the McAllen EDC in this note, especially our former President/CEO Keith Patridge, and all of his legacy during his tenure.

Read the article below:

Economía Tex Tam - El Periódico USA * Keith Patridge, misión cumplida * MEDC, gran impulsor de la maquila * Reynosa y McAllen, los beneficiarios Estamos acostumbrados a hablar en la frontera de la relación económica entre Estados Unidos y México, pero cada una de las prósperas regiones que existen en esta dinámica franja interna...

Thank you Raul Setien, President of Index Reynosa, Board of Directors for Index Reynosa, Luis Mendez, General Director of Index Reynosa and all of the members who attended this morning, for the thoughtful recognition of Keith Patridge, former President and CEO of the McAllen EDC and McAllen FTZ, at this morning’s monthly General Managers meeting.

Keith's remarkable 36-year tenure and his contributions to economic development in our region have left an indelible mark. His leadership has not only strengthened our community but also fostered invaluable partnerships that continue to drive growth and prosperity. It serves as a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines our relationship with our Sister City, and Index Reynosa.

We look forward to continuing our shared efforts to enhance regional economic ties and support mutual success!

The partnership between Volaris and McAllen International Airport marks an exciting development in regional travel options.

With the introduction of a new flight route to Cancun🌴🐚, travelers from McAllen and the surrounding areas gain convenient access to one of Mexico's premier tourist destinations. This collaboration not only expands the flight options available to local residents but also enhances connectivity for tourists seeking to explore the rich cultural and natural attractions of the Yucatan Peninsula.
This new flight not only caters to leisure travelers, but also facilitates business and benefits our regional economy.

Congratulations McAllen International Airport!✈️🥳

MCALLEN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT wants to fly you ABOVE BEYOND!

🎉✈️ ENTER TO WIN 2 ROUNDTRIP TICKETS TO CANCUN, MEXICO FROM MFE! 🤠
Here's how to enter for a chance to win:
✨Fill out our giveaway form for 1 entry at www.FLYMFE.com
✨ Snap a pic at our Fly Nonstop Selfie Station for DOUBLE entries!
(Don't forget to tag on Facebook or on Instagram & submit your photo to the Giveaway Form)

Contest ends August 31, 2024 at 11:59PM (Central Standard Time)
Winner will be announced September 1, 2024
The lucky winner will be randomly selected and contacted directly by our official social media pages.
We will NEVER ask for payment information. No purchase necessary.

The healthcare industry in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is growing exponentially with a projected growth of 32.1% by the year 2030. With a growing population and current future healthcare expansions in our region, the need for skilled healthcare professionals will increase in the coming years. Additionally, the rapid pace in innovations, new technologies, and new landscape in health and telehealth services brought about by the pandemic, also presents the need to upskill and reskill current healthcare workers.

McAllen Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has fostered a longstanding partnership with South Texas College (STC) spanning numerous years, dedicated to advancing workforce development initiatives for both new entrants and experienced professionals. Through this collaboration, we have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of STC's programs in equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and certifications valued by regional healthcare employers and essential for success.

Aligned with MEDC’s strategic workforce and economic development plan, “Innovate McAllen”, this initiative will help build a robust healthcare workforce that can meet both the current and future healthcare needs of McAllen and the broader Rio Grande Valley region.

https://riograndeguardian.com/stc-receives-million-dollar-federal-grant-for-academic-program-health-care-center/

https://megadoctornews.com/stc-receives-million-dollar-grant-for-program-health-care-center/

STC Receives Million-Dollar Grant for Program, Health Care Center The grant will span over the next three years, through June 30, 2027, to help STC develop and offer an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene program and microcredential courses targeting high-demand health care skills.

Don't miss out on UTRGV - The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's HireUTRGV EDU series session: "How to Build an Internship Program".

This presentation aims to equip employer partners with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively develop a quality internship program. Please see details and registration link below.

📅 Date: Thursday, July 18
⏰ Time: 10:30 - 11:30 AM CST
📍 Location: Zoom

You may REGISTER for the virtual presentation at the following link.

https://utrgv.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYsdu-urjIiHNOql-ubQ-ppqrdEOLLMRJIs

Feel free to share this invite to those in your network that would benefit from this education session. For more information or questions, you may reply to this email or call our office at 956-665-2243.

Congratulations to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley for being awarded one of America's Best Colleges!

This recognition is a testament to their commitment to excellence in education.

Here's to continued success! 🎓 🌟

https://money.com/best-colleges/profile/university-of-texas-rio-grande-valley/

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Texas - Complete Profile, Rankings and Data Everything you need to know about The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Texas, including acceptance rate, graduation rates, average cost, financial aid, alumni salaries, and more.

Our offices will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!🇺🇸🌟🎉

Congratulations to Valley Steel Recycling on this morning’s ribbon cutting ceremony with the McAllen Chamber of Commerce! After two and a half years of dedicated collaboration with the McAllen Economic Development Corporation team, their vision has become a reality.🎉

We're excited to see how Valley Steel Recycling will contribute to our community's growth and sustainability. Here's to many more successful milestones ahead.

Thank you for choosing McAllen!

If you have any unwanted scrap, need to dispose of an old car or know of some local businesses that need to dispose of metals, Valley Steel Recycling is there to help!

To learn more about their services visit their website at: www.VSRecycling.com 🌱💼

Javier Villalobos McAllen Mayor, signed a Reaffirmation of Sister City Agreement in San Luis Potosí, SLP., MX. This momentous occasion was marked by the presence of a McAllen Delegation led by Mayor Pro-Tem and Commissioner District 3, Omar Quintanilla, Commissioner District 1, Tony Aguirre, Commissioner District 2, Joaquin “J.J.” Zamora, Commissioner District 4, Rodolfo “Rudy” Castillo, City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E., McAllen Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, Elizabeth Suarez, McAllen Chamber Chairman of the Board, Jim Darling, MEDC Vice President of International Business Recruitment, Ralph Garcia and other City of McAllen department heads.

The signing not only reaffirms a decade of friendship with San Luis Potosí, but also underscores the mutual benefits of the Sister City relationship. This alliance, which began on June 6, 2014, was established with the vision of connecting both communities and fostering exchanges in areas of culture, social, education, business, and best practices, enriching both McAllen and San Luis Potosí.

“McAllen´s spirit is to build long-lasting relationships and create opportunities for regional growth. We have a long history of working together with our Mexican partners. Today, we leave a testament to the commitment McAllen has with its Sister Cities. Today´s signing will strengthen the collaboration with San Luis Potosí and McAllen in different sectors such as business, trade, connectivity, culture, and technical training, among others,” said McAllen City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E.