Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
ALAMO, Texas — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott visited a Walmart in Alamo ahead of the state’s tax-free weekend, promoting back-to-school savings while recognizing the retailer’s workforce training program and joining local leaders for the presentation of a $10,000 grant to PSJA Memorial.
Alamo Mayor J.R. Garza said the governor’s visit was significant for the city and came as local sales tax activity has increased.
“This is huge for the city of Alamo,” Garza said. “Sales tax in the city of Alamo has really skyrocketed during my term.”
Garza said he believed the Alamo Walmart was selected for the governor’s visit because of the city’s sales tax growth and the store’s performance in the Rio Grande Valley.
“For the city of Alamo and for the commissioners, myself, all the administration and the people here, it’s something huge, and we feel extremely proud of our community,” Garza said.
Abbott praised Walmart’s employee training efforts after touring classrooms used by the Walmart Academy. He said the program provides associates from across the region with specialized training and opportunities for career advancement.
“They want to make sure their associates have the opportunity to grow careers in Walmart, which is very important,” Abbott said.
The governor also used the visit to promote Texas’ annual sales tax holiday, which ran Aug. 7 through Aug. 9. Abbott said families could purchase qualifying back-to-school items, including clothing, crayons, notebooks and paper, without paying sales tax.
“We want to make sure Texas is affordable for you and your families,” Abbott said. “Now is the time when you can be able to slash more than 8% on the cost of items that you would buy to help your children be prepared to go back to school.”
Garza said the tax-free weekend was particularly important for families facing economic pressures.
“A lot of our families, some of them need that help,” Garza said. “For us here at the city of Alamo, it’s very important for our community.”
The mayor said Alamo works with retailers to promote the sales tax holiday and encourage residents to take advantage of the savings. He also predicted heavy shopping activity during the weekend.
During the event, Walmart representatives also recognized PSJA Memorial Early College High School and Principal Raquel Garcia. Jonathan Navarrete, a Walmart community champion, said the Alamo store values its relationship with the community.
“At Walmart, we believe a company is only as strong as the community it serves,” Navarrete said.
Walmart presented school supplies and a $10,000 grant to PSJA Memorial during the event. Abbott also recognized the students attending the gathering and thanked Garza and local school leaders for their work.
