Texas Border Business
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr celebrated the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of the South Pharr Development and Research Center on Thursday, January 11, 2018, launching a much-anticipated addition of city services, resources, and amenities for residents and families in South Pharr.
“The City of Pharr, along with our Rio Grande Valley region continues to grow and we must work to ensure that our residents are equipped with the necessary resources needed to remain employed and competitive within our expanding workforce market,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “This facility will help contribute to the social and economic vitality of our South Pharr residents and those across the RGV. We look forward to the community and region benefitting from this center for years to come,” he continued.
The South Pharr Development and Research Center will serve as a multi-disciplinary technology, research, and training facility. The large venue space and exhibit hall will be available for large meetings and educational sessions. Residents will be able to use the center to conduct research, to attend workforce trainings, to develop a variety of skills, to attend career and business fairs, and to utilize computer workstations with WiFi internet access, which will allow them to create resumes and search for and apply for jobs. The project was partially funded through the U.S. Economic Development Administration and leveraged by city funds.
In addition to its community-based services, this facility will be utilized as an International Trade Center by the city, providing space for professional meetings, trainings, and as a Disaster Recovery Command Center in the case of a natural disaster or emergency. The Pharr International Bridge will also use the building to conduct meetings and trainings with their international partners from Mexico.
“With our proximity to the border, our international bridge, and the demand for jobs and workforce training, this facility will also serve as a vital resource for our international trade partners in hosting meetings, trainings, and events,” stated Mayor Hernandez.
