The Harlingen Economic Development Corporation works with various partners within the community to ensure that we are working together to improve the quality of life from business, education, shopping, and fun. Additionally, we also attend a number of tradeshows, conferences, and remain informed in order to continue finding new business leads and ways to promote our community. These events also help put us in front of potential businesses and help us gain more insight when it comes to types of companies looking to invest or grow their business in a new market.
Here’s a look at a few tradeshows, events, groundbreakings, grand openings, and other marketing events:
UTRGV Breaks Ground
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley broke ground on the Institute for Neuroscience in November. The $30 million, world-class clinical and research site will be part of the School of Medicine.
The facility came to fruition through important partnerships with the South Texas Medical Foundation – that gifted the 35 acres on which the institute will be built – the City of Harlingen, Harlingen Economic Development, and the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation.
Grand Openings – Homewood Suites by Hilton
On January 9, 2020, Homewood Suites celebrated its grand opening in Harlingen. The hotel features 90-rooms that offer spacious suites with full kitchens, a business center, conference room, fitness center, sports courts, and an outdoor pool. The hotel is located on 603 E Sesame Drive.
Goodwill Industries of South Texas
The second Goodwill Store, that is also a donation station, opened on Jan. 9, 2020 at 1101 N. Ed Carey Drive. The store also held a special sneak preview on Jan. 7 to select customers.
Texas Economic Development Council – Fall Conference
In October 2019, HEDC staff attended the annual fall conference held in San Antonio, Texas. Staff participated in various workshops where they learned the latest trends in economic development, public relations and marketing for economic development and made valuable connections to continue growth and success.
Manager and CEO Raudel Garza was also selected to participate in an “Expert Lounge” where he offered his many years of economic development knowledge to other TEDC participants who sought out mentorship.
Rio South Texas Economic Council – Invest in Tam
In partnership with the Rio South Texas Economic Council, Harlingen and several Rio Grande Valley cities are collaborating with the Tamaulipas Economic Development’s website, Invest in Tamaulipas.
The purpose of the website lists the benefits of doing business in Tamaulipas. The website currently features testimonials, news, aerial footage of industrial parks, maps, and economic value of doing business in Mexico.
As the website grew, the vision shifted, and the Tamaulipas Economic Development team realized there was value in showcasing the Rio Grande Valley and its many amenities.
South Texas cities like Harlingen, Brownsville, McAllen, Weslaco, and many others have all agreed that there is a benefit in working as a region to attract bigger prospects.