Good afternoon, welcome, and thank you for joining us today as we officially break ground on a multi-million dollar medical development that will forever transform for generations to come the cities of Rio Grande City, Roma, La Grulla, Escobares and our entire South Texas-Mexico region. In the words of JFK, things do not happen, things are made to happen.
Ladies and gentlemen, we are making things happen today, for history will reflect the significance of this day as the catalyst of a new era in our never-ending quest for improving the quality of care and further expanding access to advanced medicine, right here, right now, right moment for the betterment of our community.
Now it is without question that progress and prosperity are ever so present. We are a premier energy powerhouse. We have international land ports of entry, billions of dollars in trade. We have a strong and young workforce. We have first rate institutions of learning. We have a bicultural, binational, bilingual identity that serves as our strength. Our cost of living is below the national average. Our business community is booming and our economic forecast radiates brighter every day.
So today is a day like no other. For the strength of Starr County Strong is synonymous with the strength of our medical community. And here, today, our medical community rises above unprecedented heights.
On behalf of the great city of Rio Grande City, a great place to live, to work and to forge the American Dream, thank you for investing in the health and wellness of our communities. And a special thank you to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (applause).
Thank you to Gov. Abbott, thank you to Mr. Alonzo Cantu and DHR Health. Thank you to the Rio Grande City Commission and our economic development corporation. Thank you to the industrial foundation, and to the Starr County Commissioners Court. Thank you to the mayors and city commissioners of La Grulla, of Roma, of Escobares. Thank you for your support.
Thank you to South Texas College and, of course, our Starr County Memorial Hospital and board members. And thank you to the entire medical community for your service, for your dedication and your commitment to the health and wellness of our communities.
So, let us be proud of the significance of this day, for things do not happen. Things are made to happen. And here on this day we made it happen.
Congratulations. Thank you, God Bless Starr County Strong, the great state of Texas and God Bless the United States of America. Thank you.
Editor’s Note: The above remarks were made by Rio Grande City Mayor Joel Villarreal at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new DHR Health medical development center in Rio Grande City. The center will include a medical laboratory, residency program and housing, medical offices and research facility.
Editor’s Note: The above photo of Rio Grande City Mayor Joel Villarreal was taken by Ron Whitlock of Ron Whitlock Reports.
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