MCALLEN, Texas - Rio Grande Valley entrepreneur Joaquin Spamer has called for unity among the region’s cities and economic development organizations twice recently.
He first called on RGV cities and EDCs to work together at a groundbreaking ceremony for an industrial park his company, CIL Group, is building in south McAllen.
“Here is the deal: if we want the world to know who we are, we have to work together. As Governor Abbott stated, the Rio Grande Valley should be One Region, One Voice,” Spamer said, as dirt was turned for the McAllen Nearshoring Industrial Park.
He went even further in remarks made at the “CEOs Unite - Let’s Get Uncomfortable” summit hosted jointly by Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force and Futuro RGV.
Spamer suggested dividing up the work when it comes to marketing the Valley and luring potential investors to the region. He suggested San Benito EDC look after Houston because the organization probably does not have a budget to work markets abroad. He said that as the Port of Brownsville is strong in northern Europe, it take care of that part of the world. And, as McAllen EDC has worked strongly in the Far East, it be given responsibility for that part of the globe.
Under Spamer’s vision, the various Valley cities and EDCs would be working for the whole region, not just themselves.
“We have a problem. A big problem. Nobody knows who we are,” Spamer said, at the CEOs Unite summit.
Spamer said he could not understand why individuals EDCs in the Valley make individual trade trips to Mexico. They would get a better bang for their buck if they pooled resources, he suggested.
“Whenever they ask me, where are you from, I am not from McAllen. I am not from Mission. I am from the RGV. We need to say that from now on. We are from the RGV,” Spamer said.
Daniela Delgado, a restaurant owner from McAllen, gave high marks to Spamer on social media.
“I love this! I have always dreamed of a Rio Grande Valley as a whole, like many others who live here. Just think; one police system, one central government, one EDC, how magical would that be,” Delgado said, in response to a Rio Grande Guardian story about Spamer’s ideas.
“We could progress the whole RGV & not just the main cities like McAllen and Edinburg. This is a pipe dream, but if we all thought and worked as a whole, our region would be a whole lot more relevant. One day, I am sure after I pass, this will eventually happen. I love the Valley and all that it is! #RGVProud.”
A recent development at McAllen city hall may lead Spamer to make another suggestion on which Valley entity looks after which part of the world.
McAllen City Manager Roy Rodriguez announced Daniella Plata will lead the newly created International Relations Department, with a heavy focus on Latin America.
“As McAllen continues to grow its connection with Latin America, on everything from trade, travel, tourism, medical and educational opportunities, we needed someone who could not only strategically manage our presence and agreements, but also take the lead in further developing the relationships that are key to McAllen being a leader and partners in this part of the world,” Rodriguez said.
“Daniella fits the bill (perfectly as someone) who could not only strategically manage our presence and agreements, but also take the lead in further developing the relationships that are key to McAllen being a leader and partners in this part of the world.”
Rodriguez said a key aspect of International Relations Department will be to analyze organization and community needs and propose, develop and implement programs to promote cultural, education, social and business relations within the McAllen business and civic community and Latin American counterparts.
He said Plata will coordinate goodwill trips and welcome visiting delegations, as well as monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory activities.
Rodriguez said Plata will also propose legislative actions regarding intrastate and foreign developments and their potential impact and manage all administrative work related to U.S.. companies doing business in Mexico, Latin America and beyond.
No other Valley city is placing this much emphasis on Latin America. When Jason Hilts ran Brownsville EDC he opened an outreach office in Colombia but that closed about eight years ago.
Plata most recently served as the International Business Manager at the McAllen International Airport, where she led key projects with international corporate partnerships. She won high praised for developing and implementing business strategies which led to the expansion of international air service to different Mexican markets, and collaborative intergovernmental agreements.
Plata previously served as manager for the Office of Communications-Cultural Affairs and Economic Development at the Consulate of Mexico in McAllen.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the international community and partners. I am committed to assisting McAllen leadership shape the international agenda, focusing on business opportunities and fostering long-lasting relationships with key international stakeholders,” Plata said.
Her work for the City of McAllen required Plata to foster cooperative ties with the consular representations of Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, promoting good governance and opening opportunities to create economic mobility favoring development, education and investment opportunities.
Plata earned her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations in Reynosa, Mexico and a Master's in Public Affairs from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She is a certified Diplomatic Protocol Officer by Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She is also a member of the American Association of Airport Executives.
