EDINBURG, RGV – Rio Grande Valley Partnership President and CEO Sergio Contreras has unveiled his group’s latest Economic Snapshot of the Rio Grande Valley publication.
Contreras said the 84-page booklet was “hot off the presses” when he handed copies out at the Rio Grande Guardian’s [email protected]’s luncheon at Bob’s Steak & Chop House in Edinburg last Tuesday. The booklet comes out every two years.
“We are excited to unveil our latest Snapshot publication. It showcases the success of our partners, the state of our overall economy and key demographic trends in our region,” Contreras said, at the conclusion of the luncheon.
Asked why RGVP puts out the Economic Snapshot, Contreras said: “We advocate for economic prosperity for our four-county region. We work hand in hand with the community’s business-minded leaders to ensure that we create awareness of the unique challenges and exciting opportunities we have here in the Rio Grande Valley. Our Economic Snapshot helps with this.”
In his column in the Economic Snapshot publication, Contreras points out that the RGVP works closely with state and national elected leaders. He writes:
“As of 2017, our population is approximately 1.4 million, growing by 68,360. This represents an increase of 5.2 percent since 2012. The rapid growth, strong economy, and young, dynamic workforce in our region calls for the RGV Partnership to be in the driver’s seat, creating a spirit of collaboration among the business community and our government/public entities and securing investment in education, economic development, healthcare, transportation, international trade, and water resources.”
Among the data included in the publication are population trends, an economic overview, a residential and commercial property barometer, inbound and outbound commuting, gross sales, retail trade, port activity, foreign trade zones, bridge crossings, airport traffic, and housing and residential permits.
The publication’s advertisers include South Texas Health System, Lone Star National Bank, AEP Texas, Rio Grande City, Texas Regional Bank, Pharr Economic Development Corporation, Port Isabel, Alamo Economic Development Corporation, Port of Brownsville, Harlingen Economic Development Corporation, City of San Benito, Weslaco Economic Development Corporation, Davis Equity Realty, VTX1, McAllen Economic Development Corporation, Explore McAllen, Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, Harlingen Medical Center, Mission Economic Development Corporation, Cameron County International Bridge System, Valley International Airport, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD, IDEA Public Schools, Harlingen CISD, Rio Motor Company, UT-Rio Grande Valley, South Texas College, Texas A&M University, AIM Media, and Magic Valley Electric Cooperative.
Contreras appeared at the [email protected]’s luncheon to speak about RGVP’s recent RGV to DC trip. The other speakers at the event were RGVP Chairman Danny Gurwitz, and UT-Rio Grande Valley Vice President Veronica Gonzales.
Asked about RGV to DC, Contreras said: “It was a great success and it came about through strong collaboration with the business and education community and our partnership with the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council. The trip provided an excellent opportunity to engage with our congressional delegation to show our support for them as they advocate for our region.”
Asked for a wrap-up comment, Contreras said: “I want to thank all those who support the Rio Grande Valley Partnership and those that invest in our region.”
To obtain a copy of RGVP’s Economic Snapshot of the Rio Grande Valley, call Media Director Kristi Collier at (956) 968-3141.
Editor’s Note: The main image accompanying the above story shows Peter Higgins, director of Bob’s Steak & Chop House, and Sergio Contreras, president and CEO of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, holding copies of RGVP’s new Economic Snapshot of the Rio Grande Valley.
So when is the next Live @ Bob’s? Do you have a mailing list?