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Make that Eleven!

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Make that Eleven!
Texas continues its dominance in attracting major corporate locations and expansions, winning Site Selection magazine’s “Governor’s Cup” for an impressive eleventh consecutive year. Photo; Office of the Governor
Texas continues its dominance in attracting major corporate locations and expansions, winning Site Selection magazine’s “Governor’s Cup” for an impressive eleventh consecutive year. Photo; Office of the Governor

Texas Border Business

Dr. M. Ray Perryman
President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group

Texas continues its dominance in attracting major corporate locations and expansions, winning Site Selection magazine’s “Governor’s Cup” for an impressive eleventh consecutive year. The Cup is awarded to the state with the most projects involving a capital investment of at least $1 million, 20 or more new jobs, or 20,000 square feet of new construction.

Texas landed 1,028 projects in 2022, down slightly from 2021’s record-setting 1,123. Second place was Illinois with 487, followed by Ohio (479), California, (375), Georgia (312), New York (309), and North Carolina (256). In other words, Texas lapped the field. On a projects-per-capita basis, Kansas was the winner and Texas ranked seventh. 

A variety of industries and regions of the state are represented on the list of Texas’ 25 largest projects. Several are chemicals and plastics or energy investments along the coast, including five with capital investments exceeding $4 billion each (two with over $8 billion). Another Gulf Coast Energy project ($1.7 billion), Electronics in Sherman ($5 billion), IT and Communication in Abilene ($2.4 billion), and Metals in Amarillo ($1.5 billion) comprise other projects with over a billion-dollar capital investment. 

Amarillo captured two additional major projects in Food and Beverage, and IT and Communication projects are underway in Temple, Pflugerville, Corsicana, and San Marcos (a film studio). Several other industries and areas are represented, including Odessa, Georgetown, Hutchins, Sulphur Springs, Midlothian, Cedar Hill, Denton, and Irving. The bottom line is that people and businesses in communities across Texas are seeing enhanced opportunities due to this recent infusion.

Texas has a number of advantages, from a young and growing population (including substantial in-migration) to a location with natural resources ranging from oil and gas reserves to ports. Taxes and many other types of costs are lower here, both for individuals and firms. While the state relies on a property tax which falls heavily on capital-intensive industries, there are economic development tools such as value limitation agreements which have been utilized (and will hopefully be extended by the Legislature). Local economic development professionals across the state work diligently to enhance prosperity, and their efforts are bearing fruit. 

Despite the past success, corporate location and expansion decisions are always forward looking, and continual improvement and vigilance is necessary. Billions in funding are already committed to investments in highways, water supplies, and other infrastructure. Adequate education funding is also essential, as schools deal with pandemic fallout, large numbers of English learners, and rapid growth in some areas. While Texas has long dominated this particular ranking, there are others in which the state does not fare as well.

Texas is well positioned to keep the momentum going, but there is work to be done. Stay safe! 

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Dr. M. Ray Perryman is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group (www.perrymangroup.com), which has served the needs of over 3,000 clients over the past four decades.

Pharr International Bridge Happenings

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Pharr International Bridge Happenings
 On November 17, 2022, the Pharr International Bridge celebrated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the long-established National Importers & Exporters Association of Mexico (ANIERM). Courtesy Image
 On November 17, 2022, the Pharr International Bridge celebrated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the long-established National Importers & Exporters Association of Mexico (ANIERM). Courtesy Image

Texas Border Business

1st Annual “Trucksgiving” Luncheon 

On November 10, 2022, the Pharr International Bridge hosted the first-ever “Trucksgiving” Luncheon dedicated to the transportation industry.  Over 70 customers, partners and stakeholders were in attendance for this special holiday occasion, making it a huge success! Excited guests shared ideas for next year, as we plan to make it an annual event, always growing with trade. 

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Global Partnership to Increase Economic Opportunities

 On November 17, 2022, the Pharr International Bridge celebrated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the long-established National Importers & Exporters Association of Mexico (ANIERM). During the workshop, distinguished guests and elected officials discussed Pharr’s proprietary Global Entities Economic Partnership and the importance of collaborating with private industry to formalize a bilateral relationship to promote growth and economic vitality across borders by way of joint initiatives in trade, investment, and innovation. Thank you to our new partner in trade, Dr. José Gerardo Tajonar Castro, ANIERM National President!

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Annual Customer Christmas & New Year Celebration

On December 9, 2022, the Pharr International Bridge hosted the “go-to, can’t afford to miss, must be there” event of the year! The Annual Customer Appreciation Holiday Social is our way to say “Thank You” to our dedicated and loyal customers for their continued support year after year. Christmas is the time for giving, and this is our way to give back to the businesses that keep us moving forward. New Year is the time to look ahead, and this is our way to wish our customers the best, going     forward. Aside from the now traditional “cabrito asado” and the fan favorite “taquiza”, guests cheered in excitement as they enjoyed live music, dancing, a fun 360-photo booth, and some cool presents.

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BridgeConnect: Update on Foreign Supplier Verification Program

On February 22, 2023, the Pharr International Bridge hosted BridgeConnect, the original monthly trade session that offers a value-added educational service to our customers and trade community at no cost. Focusing on the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP), guests learned how to avoid warning letters, how to meet regulatory compliance and standard requirements, and how to apply real-world/real-customer solutions and best practices for importers and on-site verifications. Thank you to Ricardo Islas, Global Food Safety Manager for Agro Food Safety!

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STC Trustee Receives Honor From Local Hispanic Women’s Network

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STC Trustee Receives Honor From Local Hispanic Women’s Network
South Texas College Board of Trustee Chair Rose Benavidez was recently awarded a Hispanic Women Making History Award by the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas Rio Grande Valley chapter for her leadership and service throughout the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. Courtesy Image
South Texas College Board of Trustee Chair Rose Benavidez was recently awarded a Hispanic Women Making History Award by the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas Rio Grande Valley chapter for her leadership and service throughout the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. Courtesy Image

Texas Border Business

By Amanda Sotelo

South Texas College Board of Trustee Chair Rose Benavidez was recently recognized as a trailblazer for her leadership and service throughout the Rio Grande Valley and beyond, by the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas Rio Grande Valley chapter with a Hispanic Women Making History Award. 

Rose Benavidez With family. Courtesy Image

Benavidez, who was recently inaugurated as the chair of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Board of Directors, making her the first Latina to hold this distinguished position in the organization’s more than 50-year history, was one of eight local women leaders who received this recognition.

“I was shocked. This was unexpected, but so appreciated,” said Benavidez. “For me, this validates the work that we all do collectively, as women and as members of this community, so I’m really excited to share this with a great group of women.” 

The Starr County native has served as an STC Board of Trustee since 2009 and is also the first female president of the Starr County Industrial Foundation.

She has been instrumental in the expansion of innovative programming including dual credit, early college high schools and industry-driven baccalaureate degrees that have created a cost-saving, college-going culture in the region.  

Rose Benavidez and other officials. Courtesy Image

“Congratulations to our very own Rose Benavidez for this distinguished award and all her recent achievements. Her work is monumental in shaping and impacting not only our college, but also our region,” said STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D. “Her tireless efforts to champion higher education and her advocacy is invaluable.” 

Cristina Solis Wilson, chair of the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas Rio Grande Valley chapter said Benavidez is paving the way for other women and based on the scoring rubric to select this year’s award recipients, her score was overwhelmingly high and evidence of her impact in the community. 

“It’s always so difficult selecting only eight award recipients, there are so many talented and successful women in our region who all deserve to be recognized,” said Wilson. “Ms. Benavidez demonstrates leadership, perseverance and is, by definition, a trailblazer. Every woman we select is influential and shows younger generations that anything is possible; that si se puede.”

Rose Benavidez With family and others. Courtesy Image

Benavidez, in her thank you remarks, amid receiving her award, credited the many women who have played an influential role in her journey and in her success. 

“I won’t tell the story of how growing up a Hispanic woman typically results in a dichotomy of well-intended advice, about being the only woman at the table or about my relentless struggles for equality, because we all know those stories all too well,” she said. “But I will express my gratitude to the women who have offered me their hands for guidance, the women who have let me stand on their shoulders to allow me to reach higher and to the women who have carried me on their backs when I felt weary and thought I couldn’t possibly go on. These women I am indebted to and whose voices remind me to inspire support and that their history is our history.”

Benavidez, during her tenure as an STC trustee and member of ACCT, has successfully participated in advocating for increased federal funds for higher education, alignment of skills training with meaningful wage employment and the promotion of student success locally and across the United States, Canada, Europe and Pacific Islands.

She leads by example through her volunteerism and service to numerous local, regional, state and national nonprofit and civic organizations and charities. 

Rose Benavidez Speaking at the event. Courtesy Image

For her work, Benavidez has also been recognized with countless other awards such as the “State of Texas Women of Distinction Award” from the Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC), a Woman of Distinction award by the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and has been inducted into the Rio Grande Valley Walk of Fame. 

“I’ve been fortunate to have a platform that allows me to do amazing work for individuals that sometimes need a voice and may not have this opportunity. I want to be sure that there are opportunities available to everyone, and that getting there is easier for every generation that follows,” said Benavidez. “But for me, in a life that is filled with firsts, this is about making sure I’m not the last.” 

Rose Benavidez speaking at the Award ceremony. Courtesy Image

Biden Admin. Radical Attempt to Control State Wildlife Management

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Biden Admin. Radical Attempt to Control State Wildlife Management
Attorney General Paxton filed a lawsuit against Biden’s Fish and Wildlife Service (“Service”) and Department of the Interior (“Interior) to challenge the federal government’s listing of the Lesser Prairie-Chicken so that Texas can protect and manage its own natural resources.  Image Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/larry1732/, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Attorney General Paxton filed a lawsuit against Biden’s Fish and Wildlife Service (“Service”) and Department of the Interior (“Interior) to challenge the federal government’s listing of the Lesser Prairie-Chicken so that Texas can protect and manage its own natural resources.  Image Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/larry1732/, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN, Texas – Attorney General Paxton filed a lawsuit against Biden’s Fish and Wildlife Service (“Service”) and Department of the Interior (“Interior) to challenge the federal government’s listing of the Lesser Prairie-Chicken so that Texas can protect and manage its own natural resources.  

“Under President Joe Biden, the executive branch has instituted a number of arbitrary policy changes intended to reduce states’ autonomy and undermine energy development. This rule is no different,” said Attorney General Paxton. “The Lesser Prairie-Chicken’s change in classification puts many of Texas’s conservation efforts at risk, all while bringing immeasurable harm to Texans’ property rights. My lawsuit aims to preserve both individual and states’ rights that are threatened by this rule and stop this Biden Administration policy in its tracks.”  

The Biden Administration’s decision to list the Lesser Prairie-Chicken as “threatened” and “endangered” across large portions of Texas would force property owners to comply with new federal regulations wherever the chickens are present. Emblematic of the Biden Administration’s disregard for states’ rights, individual liberty, and federal laws designed to prevent this sort of infringement, the listing changes were made unlawfully.  

Among the laws broken by the new classifications are the Endangered Species Act, Administrative Procedure Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act, each of which require the federal government to extensively consider numerous factors before changes to listings are made. Neither these important factors, nor the conservation efforts of Texas, other states, and various private actors, were considered.  

Prior to filing the lawsuit, Attorney General Paxton issued a Notice of Intent to begin the process of suing the Biden Administration.  

To read the full lawsuit, click here.  

First Texas Case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu Detected in Mammals

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First Texas Case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu Detected in Mammals
The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed this week the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a striped skunk recovered from Carson County.  Image for illustration purposes
The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed this week the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a striped skunk recovered from Carson County.  Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN, Texas – The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed this week the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a striped skunk recovered from Carson County. 

This is the first confirmed case of HPAI in mammals for Texas.

Detected in all states across the U.S. except Hawaii, HPAI is a highly contagious virus that transmits easily among wild and domestic birds. The virus can spread directly between animals and indirectly through environmental contamination.

For mammals, current data shows transmission occurs primarily through the consumption of infected animal carcasses, though mammal-to-mammal transmission does not appear sustainable. 

Other mammal species susceptible to HPAI include foxes, raccoons, bobcats, opossums, mountain lions and black bears. Symptoms can include ataxia (incoordination, stumbling), tremors, seizures, lack of fear of people, lethargy, coughing and sneezing, or sudden death. 

Because of the ease of transmission, TPWD recommends that wildlife rehabilitators also remain cautious when intaking wild animals with clinical signs consistent with HPAI and consider quarantining animals to limit the potential for HPAI exposures to other animals within the facility. 

Currently, the transmission risk of avian influenza from infected birds to people remains low, but the public should take basic protective measures (i.e., wearing gloves, face masks and handwashing) if contact with wild animals cannot be avoided. 

Those who locate wild animals with signs consistent with HPAI should immediately contact their local TPWD wildlife biologist.

Partnering with LiftFund to Assist Small Businesses with $2.15M

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Partnering with LiftFund to Assist Small Businesses with $2.15M

Texas Border Business

EL PASO, Texas – The City of El Paso partnered with LiftFund, a nonprofit community small business lender to launch a new COVID Grants Program to support small businesses that were severely impacted by the pandemic.

The program, funded by the City of El Paso and administered by LiftFund, has dedicated $2.15 million in funding to support local small businesses and nonprofits with grants. Eligible small businesses and nonprofits may receive $10,000, which can be used for business-related expenses, including payroll, working capital, business rent, inventory, supplies, equipment, and other operating costs.  

The interest buy-down program addresses inflation by reducing the borrowing cost to businesses. Eligible businesses can secure a low 2% fixed interest rate on their loan, $100,000 has been allocated to this program.

“It’s important for the City to support small local businesses because in many ways they help drive our economic growth by creating employment opportunities for people who love our community and want to grow it while also showcasing the beauty of our region and culture,” said Economic Development Director Elizabeth Triggs. “We are grateful to our partners, LiftFund, for providing opportunities for our small businesses that might not have access to loans from commercial sources.”

The application is now open for submissions until May 31 at 5 pm (MST), or until funds are exhausted. Applications from small businesses and nonprofits who have not received prior COVID relief funding through a City-sponsored program will be prioritized on a first-come, first-served based. 

A bilingual virtual information session will be held on March 21 to provide interested applicants with more information about the program, including eligibility, required documents, and timeline. In-person application assistance will also be provided by Project Vida by appointment only at (915) 465-1191. 

The City has also allocated funds to offer small business loans through LiftFund with 2% interest. These low interest loans are available now until funding is exhausted.

“At LiftFund, we’re honored to team up with the City of El Paso to help small businesses and nonprofits still struggling due to the effects of the pandemic. We understand that times have been tough, and we want to do everything in our power to support those who need it most,” said LiftFund Founder Janie Barrera.  

As a nonprofit community lender, LiftFund supports small business owners who are often underserved and underestimated. Since 1998, LiftFund has provided nearly $50 million in capital to over 3,000 small businesses in the El Paso region – of which 89% are Hispanic, 72% are low-to-moderate income individuals, 31% are female, 23% are startups, and 6% are veteran-owned.

To apply and learn more, interested small business owners can visit https://cityofelpasocovidgrant.com.

About LiftFund

LiftFund, a nonprofit small business lender, transforms lives by opening doors, leveling the financial playing field and building a community of shared success through entrepreneurship. Founded in 1994 in San Antonio, Texas, LiftFund provides capital, financial coaching, tools and resources to entrepreneurs who do not have access to loans from commercial sources. Since inception, LiftFund has provided nearly half a billion in capital, propelling the dreams of over 25,000 diverse small businesses throughout its 15-state footprint. For more information, follow LiftFund on social media @LiftFundUS and visit www.LiftFund.com.

CBP Seizes 34 Weapons, 68 Magazines 461 Rounds at Eagle Pass Port of Entry 

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CBP Seizes 34 Weapons, 68 Magazines 461 Rounds at Eagle Pass Port of Entry 
A cache containing 34 weapons, 68 magazines and 461 rounds of ammunition laid out on a table was seized by CBP officers at Eagle Pass Port of Entry during an outbound examination. USCBP Image
A cache containing 34 weapons, 68 magazines and 461 rounds of ammunition laid out on a table was seized by CBP officers at Eagle Pass Port of Entry during an outbound examination. USCBP Image

Texas Border Business

 EAGLE PASS, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers assigned to the Eagle Pass Port of Entry recently seized a significant cache of weapons, magazines and ammunition in a single outbound enforcement action.

“This significant outbound weapons seizure underscores the dangerousness of the flow of southbound weapons, its impact on violence in Mexico but also the resolve of CBP officers to uphold CBP’s border security mission and deny this alleged smuggling attempt,” said Acting Port Director Michael Martinez, Eagle Pass Port of Entry.

The seizure occurred on Thursday, March 16 at Eagle Pass Camino Real International Bridge when CBP officers conducting outbound examinations referred a southbound passenger vehicle hauling a utility trailer for secondary inspection. Upon further examination, including the use of non-intrusive inspection systems, CBP officers discovered 34 weapons, 68 magazines and 461 rounds of ammunition hidden within the trailer.

CBP seized the weapons, magazines, ammunition. Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents initiated a criminal investigation into the seizure.

Laredo Sector BP Apprehends Convicted Sex Offender

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Laredo Sector BP Apprehends Convicted Sex Offender
Jose Luis Alfaro-Cruz, a 37-year-old Mexican national who was illegally in the country. Jose Luis Alfaro-Cruz had a prior felony conviction for Lewd or Lascivious Acts with a Minor. He was taken into custody and was processed accordingly. USCBP Image
Jose Luis Alfaro-Cruz, a 37-year-old Mexican national who was illegally in the country. Jose Luis Alfaro-Cruz had a prior felony conviction for Lewd or Lascivious Acts with a Minor. He was taken into custody and was processed accordingly. USCBP Image

Texas Border Business

LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to Laredo South Station apprehended a convicted sex offender in Rio Bravo, Texas.

On March 19, Border Patrol agents while working their duties apprehended a group of individuals near the Rio Grande. The individuals were transported to Laredo Station for processing.

Record checks revealed that one of the individuals identified as Jose Luis Alfaro-Cruz, a 37-year-old Mexican national who was illegally in the country. Jose Luis Alfaro-Cruz had a prior felony conviction for Lewd or Lascivious Acts with a Minor. He was taken into custody and was processed for felony reentry. 

 U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol while remaining anonymous by calling 1-800-343-1994.

Human Smuggling in Laredo

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Human Smuggling in Laredo
 Busy weekend for Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents. A total of five human smuggling attempts resulted in the apprehension of nearly 20 undocumented individuals at the I-35 checkpoint. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
 Busy weekend for Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents. A total of five human smuggling attempts resulted in the apprehension of nearly 20 undocumented individuals at the I-35 checkpoint. USCBP Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

LAREDO, Texas – Busy weekend for Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents. A total of five human smuggling attempts resulted in the apprehension of nearly 20 undocumented individuals at the I-35 checkpoint.

On Sat. March 18 and Sun. March 19, Border Patrol agents while working their assigned duties at the I-35 Checkpoint, apprehended a total of 19 undocumented individuals, involving tractor-trailers and other vehicles.

A total of five cases yielded the apprehension of individuals that were all in the country illegally. Record checks revealed that they were from the country of Mexico and El Salvador. The undocumented individuals were processed accordingly, and the drivers will be prosecuted for human smuggling.

Cornyn Leads Delegation to Mexico to Meet with President López Obrador, Urge Cooperation on Mutual Security Challenges

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Cornyn Leads Delegation to Mexico to Meet with President López Obrador, Urge Cooperation on Mutual Security Challenges
In Mexico City, the delegation met with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar, and Mexican government officials. Courtesy Image

Texas Border Business

WASHINGTON – This afternoon, a congressional delegation (CODEL) led by U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) returned to the U.S. after meeting with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and visiting intelligence, drug enforcement, and government officials in Mexico. The delegation, which included Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Mike Lee (R-UT), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Peter Welch (D-VT) and Representatives Tony Gonzales (TX-23), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), and Maria Salazar (FL-27), received briefings from U.S. intelligence officials, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar on the United States’ security posture with regards to Mexico, recent killings of Americans in the country, efforts to stop drug trafficking, and illegal immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border. The delegation shared their concerns with Mexico’s handling of these issues with President López Obrador and members of his administration.

“The United States and Mexico share a common border, which means we should have a shared interest in working together to address the security challenges that put American and Mexican lives at risk, including drugs, murderous cartels, and unchecked migration,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Our delegation made clear to President López Obrador that his administration must do more to address these issues so that we can maintain our historically strong economic and cultural partnership, and I am hopeful that our candid conversations will lead to collaborative solutions that make both countries safer and more prosperous.”

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