By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
As originally published by Texas Border Business newsprint edition April 2018
Danny Gurwitz, an attorney with one of the leading law firms in McAllen, is our feature story this month. He is a professional who makes the time to work with nonprofit organizations to improve the communities of the region.
At the beginning of this year, Gurwitz was named Chairman of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership. The partnership is an organization comprised of outstanding individuals with a commitment to support the causes that benefit a four-county area. It is our pleasure to present to you the new leader of the partnership, many good and great things come out of their efforts.
During the time that the late Bill Summers led the group, they worked hard on the project I-69 that seemed to be a BIG dream. Well, today those efforts and dedication are beginning to pay off.
The developments surrounding infrastructure on the I-69 corridor impacts everyone. Recently, members with The Alliance for I-69 Texas, including Alliance Vice Chairman Gerry Schwebel of IBC Bank, asked that Congress quickly provide funding for Texas’ I-69 projects from the $20 billion dedicated to infrastructure in the February budget approval.
The RGV Partnership, as well as IBC bank, has been involved with this project for over 20 years and supportive of the I-69 initiative. As the highway extends from the Rio Grande Valley through Corpus Christi and Houston, it brings with it benefits to those communities. There is no question, their leadership is the example to follow to bring major economic development projects.
On another note: Even though the region has faced challenges since 2015, the area continues to grow in a big way. The fluctuation of the peso has made an impact on the economy, Mexico’s violence is making a significant dent on both sides of the border.
The Mexican government has used vast resources to eradicate the Cartels. However, this has not ended the crime in areas close to us.
In Tamaulipas, it appeared that things were getting under control, and just a few weeks ago there were killings in Reynosa and Laredo, Tamaulipas that made things go back to where they were before, which is uncertainty and insecurity.
Valley cities close to the border, see the events with a different lens called tolerance. By talking to leaders that deal with business on a daily basis with Mexico, they say that they are disappointed and are considering different ways to attract economic development to our area. No promises, no commitments, but soon an announcement will show a new direction of drawing more business to our area.
Rescuing History: I recommend reading my Anecdote written many years ago. I interviewed Mr. Joe LaMantia, Jr. of L&F Distributors three decades ago. He is one of the icons of the region.
Congratulations to Mission Texas: Hundreds of people attended an exceptional ceremony, one that has been waited for more than a decade. Mission celebrated in grandiose style the ribbon cutting ceremony of the Mission Event Center.
Also, an Exclusive interview with Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas. He told us that there is more to come as the city continues to lead in demographic growth.
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Exclusive: Danny Gurwitz and His Quest of Enhancing the Quality of Life for the Region
