Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Business, education, and community leaders from the Rio Grande Valley gathered in the nation’s capital this week as part of the RGV2DC advocacy initiative, engaging with federal policymakers and agency leaders on issues critical to the region’s future growth and competitiveness.
According to an agenda distributed by Rio Grande Valley Partnership President and CEO Paco Sanchez, participants began Thursday’s activities with an official delegation photo at the United States Botanic Garden, then proceeded to a series of policy briefings and federal meetings at the Library of Congress.
The day’s discussions focused on healthcare, economic development, workforce readiness, higher education, and federal investment opportunities—key priorities for one of the fastest-growing regions in Texas.
The morning opened with a healthcare policy update led by Jasey Cardenas, Director of Federal Government Relations for GSK. The session, titled Taking Care of the Valley, examined healthcare priorities and federal policy developments affecting South Texas communities.
Delegates also heard directly from U.S. Senator John Cornyn and later met with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, providing Valley leaders an opportunity to discuss federal legislation and advocate for regional priorities.
A major focus of the agenda centered on economic development and emerging industries. During the session, Economic Development in New Industries, federal and industry experts explored opportunities in innovation, aerospace, technology, and investment attraction.
Featured speakers included Jennifer Shieh, Ph.D., Chief Scientist and Program Manager with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Investment and Innovation; Kelli Kedis Ogborn of the Commercial Space Federation; Philip LoPiccolo and Kara Blond of the Smithsonian Institution; and Jackson Suarez of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The discussion highlighted the growing importance of positioning the Rio Grande Valley to compete for federal grants, private-sector investment, and opportunities tied to advanced industries and emerging technologies.
Workforce development also occupied a central role in the day’s agenda. During the session Preparing the Valley for the Jobs of Tomorrow, representatives from the U.S. Department of Education, the University of Texas System, and the U.S. Department of Labor examined strategies for strengthening career and technical education pathways and aligning workforce training with employer demand.
Participants heard from Travis Logan of the Department of Education, Cody Willming of the University of Texas System, and Dr. Henry Mack of the Department of Labor, who discussed approaches to building a talent pipeline capable of supporting future economic growth.
The delegation also met with William “Bill” Briggs, Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, and attended a regional economic development discussion featuring Federal Aviation Administration Acting Director William Garrison.
The RGV2DC initiative serves as a platform for bringing Valley stakeholders together to advocate for policies, infrastructure investments, workforce programs, and economic development initiatives that support long-term prosperity across the region.
As the Rio Grande Valley continues to experience rapid population and economic growth, leaders participating in the Washington mission emphasized the importance of maintaining strong relationships with federal agencies and elected officials to ensure the region remains competitive for future investment opportunities.
The annual advocacy effort underscores the Rio Grande Valley Partnership’s commitment to representing the interests of businesses, educational institutions, and local communities while advancing a unified vision for regional development and economic success.
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