Texas Border Business
By Veronica Salinas
South Texas College Trustee Dalinda Gonzalez-Alcantar and STC Foundation Board Director James “Jim” Collins have been appointed as RioPlex Ambassadors of the Region, an honor that recognizes their leadership, commitment to education and dedication to advancing cross-border collaboration.
The appointment ceremony, hosted at STC’s Mid-Valley campus, marked the first event of its kind at STC and underscored the college’s role as a central partner in regional economic and workforce development.
RioPlex is a strategic initiative uniting the Rio Grande Valley and northern Tamaulipas to attract foreign direct investment. By fostering collaboration among the private sector, government and nonprofits, RioPlex seeks to drive industrial growth, boost cross-border trade and accelerate economic investment in the region.
Gonzalez-Alcantar, who also serves as chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Club of McAllen, emphasized the importance of preparing the next generation to thrive in a growing economy.
“I am honored to be an ambassador because I believe I represent the future workforce, which is the youth at the Boys and Girls Club of McAllen as well as our college students at STC. When we’re talking about RioPlex and the infrastructure on this side of the southern border, as well as in Mexico, I think it is really important that we focus on our human capital and that is why I am excited and honored to represent us as an ambassador.”
Collins, chairman of Vantage Bank Texas and managing partner and chairman of Rioco Partners, Ltd., brings decades of leadership experience through his service on numerous boards, including South Texas GMC, Edwards Abstract & Title Company and Quinta Mazatlán. His appointment reflects both his longstanding commitment to the region and his vision for its future growth.
STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., praised the ambassador appointments and the broader mission of RioPlex, calling it a transformative step forward for the region.
“This is a remarkable achievement, and one that truly reflects the vision of RioPlex. For the first time, we are bringing together industrial leaders, private and commercial developers, not only from across the Rio Grande Valley, but also from Matamoros and northern Tamaulipas, into one collaborative setting,” said Solis. “South Texas College is proud to host this inaugural gathering, because what we are building here goes far beyond education. Yes, we remain focused on preparing students, but RioPlex elevates that mission into something much broader—it is about industrial advancement, economic growth and workforce development on both sides of the border.”
Mario Reyna, executive director of RioPlex, echoed that vision, emphasizing the vital role ambassadors will play in promoting the region.
“The ambassadors are individuals who not only understand our community, but embody its values and strengths. Their role is to carry our story beyond the Rio Grande Valley—to showcase the unique opportunities, talent and resources we have here,” said Reyna “By promoting the region on a broader stage, they will help attract industries, investors and partners who might not otherwise have considered us. These ambassadors will serve as trusted voices, opening doors and building relationships that strengthen both sides of the border and ensure that our region is recognized as a hub for growth and innovation.”
