Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Under the strategic leadership of Victor Pérez, President and CEO of the Pharr Economic Development Corporation (EDC), and his dynamic team, Pharr EDC has embarked on an innovative journey with its “Sinergias” initiative. This program represents a fundamental shift from focusing predominantly on Mexico-centered bilateral relations to embracing a broader market engagement approach.
Previous international presentations by Pérez and his team skillfully navigated the complex terrain of aligning U.S. and Mexican market interests and protocols, setting a solid foundation for future engagements in Mexico City under the Sinergias banner.
The Sinergias event held at the W Marriott Polanco in Mexico City, planned by Pérez and executed by his team, alongside the guidance of Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, mayor of the City of Pharr, and council members, triggered deeper interactions between participants and presenters. This was achieved through dynamic formats and panel discussions to attract investors, particularly in the manufacturing industry.
A key enhancement to the Sinergias initiative was including Pharr’s local success stories. These narratives showcased the journey of businesses that thrived by leveraging the incentives offered by the City of Pharr. By navigating the complete investment cycle, these success stories, highlighted by influential figures such as Joaquin Spamer, President of Commodities Integrated Logistics (CIL), and Ilse Fernández, Executive Director for Trancasa Conglomerate (TCA), illustrated Pharr EDC’s role in fostering business growth and workforce development.
Another event focal point was a presentation from the Texas Governor’s Office in México, highlighting the state’s attractive investment incentives. Additionally, Ana Bertha Gutiérrez Jiménez’s keynote speech illuminated current nearshoring trends. Critical topics like legal and fiscal considerations, essential for investors, were comprehensively addressed by experts, including Francisco Peña and Mathew Myers, representing the field of Immigration Law, the participation of IBC Bank, and Burton McCumber & Longoria, LLC (BML). Pharr EDC’s multifaceted approach, carefully organized by Pérez and his team, underlines their dedication to tapping into potential markets in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. Their initiative in forging alliances with entities such as the American Chamber of Commerce in Mexico is set to significantly stimulate industry growth and enhance the quality of life in Pharr.
Sinergias in Mexico City confirmed the PEDC team’s leadership and organizational skills and provided a comprehensive platform to discuss various aspects of economic development. The event included detailed discussions on Texas’ economic assets, labor market public policies, legal frameworks, financial and banking aspects, and workforce development and training.
The post-event strategies in Pharr, Texas, as envisioned by the Mayor and the City Council, with significant input from Pérez and his team, to keep in touch with more than one hundred leads, focus on key areas such as lead analysis, communication enhancement, facilitating on-site visits, and leveraging digital platforms for networking. Special emphasis is placed on sectors like manufacturing and logistics, capitalizing on Pharr’s competitive advantages.
Pérez aims to position Pharr as a leading destination for industrial and manufacturing investments, leveraging ongoing engagement from Mexico City, personalized communication, and Pharr’s strategic location and infrastructure. These collaborative and forward-thinking efforts by Pharr EDC and its partners are instrumental in attracting and retaining high-quality investments, significantly propelling the region’s economic growth.
The event’s remarkable participant lineup, including key figures from Pharr EDC, US Commercial Service Mexico, American Chamber Mexico, and the Pharr EDC Foundation, underlines the initiative’s wide-reaching impact and potential.
Following is a list of participants that show how intensive Sinergias reached success. Prominent figures like Ilse Fernandez, Executive Director of TCA, and Joaquin Spamer, President of CIL, added to the event’s prestige. Juan Bringas, Manager of the Texas State Office in Mexico, and Ana Bertha Gutierrez Jimenez, Coordinator of Foreign Trade and Labor Market at the Public Policy Research Center IMCO, provided insights into international trade and policy.
Francisco Peña represented legal expertise from Cacheaux Cavazos & Newton and Mathew Myers of Myers Immigration Law Firm. Financial and tax insights came from Lizandro Garcia, a CPA Partner at Burton McCumber & Longoria, LLC, along with IBC Bank’s Blanca Villalobos and Noraa Gamundi, and Joel Fernandez, CPA Manager of Tax Services at Burton McCumber & Longoria, LLC.
The educational and training sector was well represented by Veronica Gonzales of UTRGV, Linda Ufland from the UTRGV Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Commercialization, Julio Quiroga, a Training and Development Specialist, and David Ortiz, Director of the UTRGV Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC). Juan M. Rabanales from South Texas College (STC) also contributed his expertise in advanced manufacturing training.
The event also featured prominent business leaders like Adrian Gonzalez, President of Global Alliance; Hans Humphrey, Director of Industrial Development at CIL; Everardo Sustaita, a Customs Agent and Owner of Sustaita Logistic Center, and Karla Fernandez, Commercial Director at TCA, highlighting the synergy between different sectors in fostering economic development.
Written by Roberto Hugo González, the 2009 SBA Journalist of the Year Award Winner and the 2009 and 2012 Paul Harris Award recipient.
