HARLINGEN, Texas - The Rio Grande Valley Partnership is revamping its monthly Commercialization and Investment Tours in the new year, RGVP Board Member Mari Garcia has announced.
Speaking at a C&I Tour event in Harlingen, Garcia said the program will have a new name and a broader focus.
“The new name, coming January 2026, is going to be the RGV Connect Forum. So, you'll be seeing a lot of that in the marketing,” Garcia said. “It will still be the same platform. We will be traveling throughout the Valley, different cities, different EDCs. They will be hosting. We already have one booked for 2026 so if you're from another city and you're interested, please reach out to Lily and book your month, because it's going to be fun and exciting.”
The original Commercialization & Investment Tours were formed by Garcia before being taken over by the RGVP when Sergio Contreras was its president and CEO. The original focus was commercial and industrial real estate, with real estate brokers and land developers attending the events to learn what land and development opportunities were available at the Valley’s various cities.
Garcia explained the new approach.
“The RGV Partnership is expanding and transforming the long-running Commercialization and Investment Tours into a broader, more exclusive, regional impact initiative,” Garcia said. “So, this forum is being redesigned to initiate and to unite regional leaders, stakeholders and advocates through focused dialog and collaboration. The program will serve as a strategic platform to prepare the Rio Grande Valley for each legislative session, ensuring that our region speaks with one voice and on the issues that matter the most to our collective future. As you all know, our slogan is One Region, One Voice.”
Why does this matter, Garcia asked, rhetorically. She answered: “This matters because the RGV continues to experience growth, transformation and opportunities across every sector, from infrastructure to education to healthcare, trade and energy.”
Garcia said the RGV can secure the success it deserves through shared priorities and coordinated advocacy.
“The RGV Connect Forum helps bridge local priorities with state and federal decision-making, equipping regional leaders to articulate policy priorities before and during legislative sessions. By fostering collaborations across the counties, municipalities, economic development corporations, higher education institutions and industry peers, the RGV Connect strengthens the Valley’s influence and prepares our region to compete effectively for investments and legislative attention.”
Editor's Note: Here is a video recording of the remarks Marie Garcia gave at the RGV Partnership/Harlingen EDC event:
