MCALLEN, Texas - The City of McAllen held a press conference Nov. 6 to launch a new website to attract international developers and investors. The new slogan is "McAllen Means Business."
The press conference was held at McAllen Public Library. Among the speakers were McAllen Mayor Pro Tem Omar Quintanilla, McAllen City Manager Isaac "Ike" Tawil, and Rebecca Olaguibel, director of retail and business development for the city.
Click here to read Commissioner Quintanilla’s remarks. Click here to view the new website.
“McAllen moves at the speed of business, and this initiative, championed by our mayor, city commission, city manager and all of Team McAllen, is part of McAllen's commitment to foster a business-friendly environment, making it easier than ever to connect, grow and succeed right here in McAllen,” Olaguibel said.
“We look forward to seeing the impact this platform will have on McAllen’s economic landscape and the many opportunities it will open for all of us. Thank you again for your confidence in the City of McAllen and your continued support.”
In his remarks, Tawil said McAllen is now on the global stage.
“McAllen means business, big business. As Mayor Pro Tem Quintanilla mentioned, we recently earned a spot as one of America's top ten places for small business. It's not an accident. McAllen is going global as a city that connects peoples, economies, and ideas to create new opportunities for all,” Tawil said.
“As a matter of fact, the City of McAllen launched its international department just this past January to develop opportunities for trade, tourism, cultural exchange, and to foster business opportunities within a global network.”
Tawil claimed McAllen's international presence has grown.
“We've become a destination city that welcomes over 18 million guests each year, connecting people with a full calendar of world class festivals and events,” he said. “And as McAllen goes global, nearly 40 percent of those 18 million come from abroad.”
By way of an example, Tawil referenced recent visits from Ireland’s consulate office in Austin and the French embassy in Houston. He noted that the countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras have consulate offices in the city.
“In January of 2024, just a few months ago, McAllen signed a Memorandum of Understanding with global partners like the World Trade Center in Monterey to sustain economic growth and business development, support international small and medium enterprises, expand entrepreneurship development and foster international business mentorship,” Tawil said.
“We also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mexico's COMCE (Consejo Empresarial Mexicano de Comercio Exterior, Inversión y Tecnología) Noreste to partner for economic development, international commerce and trade with the Anzalduas International Bridge as a strategic centerpiece for our goals.”
Tawil continued: “Like I say all the time, McAllen is the center of everything. And with an ever-changing global economy, what better time for us to revive opportunity for investment in McAllen through programs like our EB-5 Regional Center, an investment conduit the City of McAllen is proud to manage and operate.”
Tawil added: “As McAllen glows goes global, the best is yet to come. I'm thrilled to invite developers and investors to McAllen to explore opportunities in our beautiful city and to partner with us as we create a better future for the generations to come.”
In a room next to where the press conference was held, representatives from World Trade Center-Monterrey and Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon conducted a mentorship session to support strategic planning for small businesses, enhance entrepreneurial skills, and learn international best practices. The event was held to target Spanish speaking business owners.
World Trade Center-Monterrey is part of the WTC Association, an "international ecosystem" of global connections, iconic properties, and integrated trade services. The trade service organizations are located in more than 90 countries and are supported by 15,000 WTC professionals who deliver integrated solutions for business needs.
Editor's Note: Here is a video recording of the press conference:
