Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
WESLACO — Standing before a crowd of officials, business leaders, and residents, Mayor Adrian Gonzalez made it clear that the arrival of Sam’s Club in Weslaco was both long-awaited and hard-earned.
“What a great event, a historical event that we are here today,” Gonzalez said. “To the Sam’s Club—what took you guys so long? We’re finally here to do the groundbreaking.”
The mayor credited past administrations for initiating the process but emphasized his role and that of his current commissioners in bringing it to fruition. “We all have the same vision,” Gonzalez said. “That vision is to continue growing the city, continue moving forward, and provide the best that we can for our citizens.”
The $50 million project will bring a 167,000-square-foot facility to a 20-acre site along FM 1015 International Boulevard. It is the largest single retail acquisition in Weslaco’s history. It is expected to generate hundreds of jobs, bolster tax revenues, and trigger further development in a corridor that the Texas Department of Transportation reports is nearly complete.
For Steve Valdez, director of the Weslaco Economic Development Corporation, the groundbreaking was the culmination of years of behind-the-scenes work. “Three to four years ago, maybe even longer, we reached out to the Sam’s Club people,” Valdez said. “The important thing is just to get on their radar, just to let them know that we’re here and then provide them with information that we think that they would be successful.”
That information proved critical. Valdez shared market studies showing that Walmart in Weslaco receives 280,000 visits per month, compared to 195,000 at the HEB on Texas Boulevard and 183,000 at HEB Westgate. He also noted that the city issues over 2,000 permits annually for new homes and apartments. “All of these numbers are important for them to make a decision before they choose a site,” he explained.
Valdez likened the process to nurturing a relationship. “In some cases, it was baby steps,” he said. You have to make sure you’re giving them the right attention.”
He credited former Mayor David Suarez and former board member J.J. Serrano for their early role in negotiations with Sam’s Club representative John Temple, calling their contributions “instrumental” in shaping Weslaco’s proposal.
Weslaco Economic Development Corporation President Sandra Charlton, who carries on the legacy of her father’s service on the EDC board, called the project a testament to persistence and collaboration. “This is more than just a construction project,” she said. “It represents vision, collaboration, growth, and a strong belief in the potential of our city and its people.”
State leaders echoed the sense of progress. Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock cited Weslaco’s demographics as proof of its momentum. “Your average age here is slightly over 30 years of age, nearly five years younger than the state average,” Hancock said. “Your growth in this area is nearly 8 percent, almost double the state’s growth. Sam’s Club didn’t come here out of the goodness of their heart—they came here because of what you’re doing.”
Sam’s Club Market Manager Eddie Rejcek said the new store would create around 200 jobs with competitive wages and benefits. “The Rio Grande Valley is a vibrant, growing region, and we are proud to strengthen our ties and be part of this future,” Rejcek said. “We plan to be an active community partner, working with local organizations to support causes that matter most to you.”
Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, in a letter read by his representative Victor Garza, called the investment “a major milestone for the city” and praised the EDC’s “diligent work in recruiting Sam’s Club to this part of the region.”
As the ceremony closed, attendees were invited to sign large blue arches—replicas of the iconic Sam’s Club entryway—that will serve as a permanent reminder of the community’s role in the project. “Decades from now, when you drive by, you’re going to say, ‘I was there for that groundbreaking,’” Valdez said.
