Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Pharr, Texas, October 19, 2023 – On a sunny October morning, the city of Pharr, Texas, was excited as it celebrated the grand kickoff of the 2023-2024 Produce Season, marking its 10th Anniversary. This historic event, a decade in the making, underscored the city’s firm commitment to celebrating the abundance of fresh produce. The ceremony’s highlight was a series of speeches, including an impactful address by Luis Bazan, CPM, Bridge Director at the City of Pharr.
“We did something different. It’s what’s called ‘Fresh on the Border.’ The City of Pharr owns the name and becomes the umbrella of all produce events ‘Fresh on the Border,'” Bazan proudly announced.
Buenos días, good morning to everyone, and welcome to the international bridge of Pharr. As is customary when I give my comments, I will do it entirely in Spanish, in honor and out of respect for our friends in Mexico, present here today, as our pastor mentioned. “We could not be here without Mexico”. Mexico is our number one trading partner.
Bazan thanked the city’s leadership, especially Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernández and City Manager Dr. Johnathan Flores, for their support and vision. He also recognized the dedication of elected officials and city commissioners, highlighting Our bridge Chairman of the board, Mr. Edgar Delgadillo, and the board’s crucial role in making this event possible. Bazan emphasized that the grand Produce Season kickoff culminated with meticulous planning and dedication from the bridge and city’s team.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “The Season Taste of Trade,” which, as Bazan’s colleague Yuri González, Director of Pharr Communications Department, pointed out, is part of the broader initiative known as “Fresh on the Border.” This initiative extends beyond the ceremony and includes a week of foreign trade events focusing on perishable goods.
One of the most exciting developments introduced by Bazan was the new program called “Crosscheck.” This program will facilitate discussions among transportation professionals, customs personnel, warehouse operators, and all stakeholders in the supply chain. The goal is to address the contemporary challenges and issues affecting foreign trade, fostering collaboration and innovation within the industry.
However, the core of Bazan’s address revolved around the pillars of Strategy, Alliance, Synergy, and Efficiency. He emphasized that over the past decade, Pharr has learned the importance of collaboration in the world of trade. “We are all in the same boat and seek the same thing,” Bazan stated. “We seek time savings and want to find and improve efficiency. Today, I can confidently express that such efficiency is not beyond our reach; we already have it, but we must work for it.”
The critical message Bazan delivered was one of unity and progress. He stressed embracing change and viewing it as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. “Change is coming, and it will be good for all of us,” he stated. “We are solving problems together.”
In a momentous announcement, Bazan unveiled plans for an alliance with the Government of the State of Tamaulipas in Mexico. This collaboration will focus on the Logistics Platform of Mexico, and the details of this strategic partnership will unfold in the coming months. Bazan concluded by inviting everyone to continue their journey of progress and cooperation, emphasizing that their work is ongoing and that there are more historic moments ahead.
As Pharr, Texas, celebrates its 10th Anniversary of the Produce Season, it does so with a renewed commitment to fostering international trade, strengthening alliances, and embracing change. The “Fresh on the Border” initiative and the “Crosscheck” program promise to bring fresh ideas and solutions to the world of foreign trade, making Pharr a vital hub for commerce and collaboration at the border.
