RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas - Starr County Industrial Foundation has published its 2023 Annual Report.
The report shows that 2023 saw the lowest unemployment on record in Starr County. It also saw the highest sales tax receipts on record.
SCIF Rose Benavidez explained to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service why the report is important.
“Our 2023 Annual Report looks back at a year that saw Starr County reach the lowest unemployment rate of 7.7% on record, generate a record high of over $840 million in annual sales, and achieve an historic collection of local sales tax eclipsing $8.0 million,” Benavidez said.
“Our organization is proud of what it has accomplished, and we share it with the leaders in the communities we serve, the businesses we learn from and assist, and the organizations with which we collaborate.
“The propulsion for economic development that has been created by the SCIF is fundamental to the future of Starr County and has positioned this community for more growth and prosperity.”
But, said Benavidez, the work is not done.
“Our history tells us that we must be adaptable in real time to an evolving market, unrelenting in our recruitment efforts and strategic in our collaborative marketing work to continue this momentum and we are ready for that challenge,” Benavidez said.
Created in 1974, SCIF is a non-profit organization founded and supported by municipalities and business leaders that are committed to further develop and diversify the Starr County economy through sound, controlled economic growth.
“Over the years the SCIF has developed a core competency in a varied spectrum of administrative and promotion roles which has placed it in a position to capitalize economic development in the Starr County region,” the report states.
Describing the county, 2023 Annual Report states:
“Starr County is a place where the sunset reminds you that you are one with nature and where the sunrise awakens your evolving spirit. This border community in the beautiful Hill Country of the Rio Grande Valley is rich with the history of two cultures and is stirred by the passion of its roots that have laid its solid foundation.”
With nearly $3.5. billion of new investment in the last few years, the report says Starr County has experienced a “seismic economic shift” that preserves the past and embraces the promise of what is still to come.
“Strategically located within the largest border region of two of the fastest growing MSAs in the United States, we are home to the closest international crossings to Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, the industrial capitol of México,” the report states.
“Our ability to leverage a young skilled labor force, cost competitive real estate, attractive incentives and a business- friendly government are an inherent part of recruitment strategy.”
Business recruitment continues to be at the center of SCIF’s work, the report states.
“Fiscal Year 2022/2023 saw the completion and beginning of many projects facilitated by the SCIF. With prospects in commercial, industrial, healthcare, education , manufacturing, logistics, retail, and renewable energy our landscape is expanding and the opportunities endless. Our diverse and progressive project pipeline underscores the strength of our workforce and the spending power of Starr County.”
One of the sections in the report is titled Looking Ahead.
“The tremendous momentum for economic development that has been created by the SCIF is fundamental to the future of Starr County and has positioned this community for more growth and prosperity. As we look to the future, our organization is proud of what it has accomplished and ready to keep providing the guidance and support needed to lead us through current and emerging opportunities,” this section states.
The report adds: “Whatever your reason for choosing this thriving community as your next destination for starting or expanding your business let us make you part of our story. Come learn what many have already discovered.”
Editor’s Note: To order a copy of the SCIF 2023 Annual Report, call: 956-487-2709.
