Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas — The Pharr Economic Development Corporation hosted “Celebrating Heritage Beyond the Border: The Economic Power of the U.S.-Mexico Relationship” on Sept. 17 at the Pharr Global Business Hub as part of Hispanic Heritage Month.
The event brought business and community leaders together for a roundtable discussion focused on cultural, economic, and business connections between the United States and Mexico and opportunities for continued binational collaboration.
Victor Perez, president and CEO of Pharr EDC, delivered the welcome and opening remarks. The panel included Lilvette Santos of Pharr EDC, Linda Ufland of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center, and Jesus Cano of the Consulate of Mexico in McAllen.
“Pharr’s story is deeply connected to our relationship with Mexico,” Perez said. “Our location, our international bridge, and our business community position Pharr as an important gateway for trade and commerce.”
Perez said Hispanic Heritage Month provides an opportunity to celebrate shared heritage while recognizing the economic impact and opportunities created through relationships connecting communities in the United States and Mexico.
The program began with registration and networking at 3:50 p.m., followed by welcome and opening remarks at 4 p.m. The roundtable discussion began at 4:10 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session at 4:45 p.m.
Organizers scheduled a group photograph with speakers and partners for 5 p.m., followed by the opening of the business mixer. The mixer provided an opportunity for business leaders, entrepreneurs, community organizations and partners to connect, exchange ideas and build relationships.
According to Pharr EDC, the event was part of the Pharr Global Business Hub’s Global Business initiatives. The organization said the discussion was designed to examine the role organizations on both sides of the border play in strengthening the U.S.-Mexico relationship.
The program also addressed the importance of creating opportunities for businesses and organizations to connect across the border and develop new relationships.
“Heritage is more than where we come from; it is also about the relationships, traditions, and connections we carry forward,” according to information provided for the event. “For Pharr, our connection with Mexico is part of our identity and a tremendous economic asset.”
The roundtable focused on the economic importance of the U.S.-Mexico relationship and the potential for organizations and businesses to strengthen partnerships, share ideas, and identify opportunities on both sides of the border.
The participation of UTRGV’s Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center added an entrepreneurship and business-development component to the discussion. The program emphasized bringing people together across borders to strengthen partnerships and create opportunities for businesses and communities.
The event was open to business leaders, entrepreneurs, community partners, economic development professionals, and community members interested in learning about economic opportunities connected to the U.S.-Mexico relationship.
Pharr EDC said the gathering reflected its continued efforts to strengthen Pharr’s position as a global business hub and binational center for trade, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and economic opportunity.
The event was scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Pharr Global Business Hub.
