Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Amid the soft hues of the setting sun, an event of significance took place at the Harlingen Chamber – the introduction of Mr. Orlando Campos, the newly CEO of the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation (EDC). With the presence of community supporters and VIPs, the atmosphere was palpable with expectations, hope, and a shared vision for the future of Harlingen.
Mayor Norma Sepulveda took the stage, and her dynamic presence set the tone for the evening. Mayor Sepulveda began with heartfelt gratitude, painting a picture of Harlingen’s busy activity. An emotional moment was when she threw light on the symbolic event that she attended that morning where 47 mayors united, backed by the governor of Texas Greg Abbott, to forge a path of collective growth. This regional unification stands as the evidence to the collective vision for the Rio Grande Valley and Texas at large. Mayor Sepulveda’s faith in Mr. Campos’s leadership was evident as she spoke of his commitment and vision. Amidst her speech, she also took moments to recognize the heroes of her team.
Javier de Leon, with his characteristic charm, managed to infuse humor into the evening. Joking about being acknowledged as a “star”, he connected with the audience instantly. His speech was a journey that highlighted the meticulous nationwide search for the right candidate to head EDC, eventually leading to Mr. Campos. The emphasis on Campos’s ‘3 Ls’ strategy, to “Look, Listen, and Learn”, stood out, setting the direction for the EDC’s future undertakings.
When the man of the hour, Mr. Campos, took the stage, his humility shone through. He laid out his professional odyssey, underscoring the immense potential he detects in Harlingen. His words highlighted the strategic importance of Harlingen in the bigger picture and the potential for limitless economic growth. Campos stressed the essence of collaborative efforts, innovative thinking, and regional concentration. The audience could feel his commitment when he spoke of his open-door policy, a clear invitation for shared visions and ideas.
The evening, filled with powerful speeches and shared aspirations, symbolized a new dawn for the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation under the guidance of Mr. Orlando Campos. The city stands on the point of transformative growth, with unity and collaboration being the underlying themes. As the attendees dispersed, there was an unmistakable air of anticipation for what the future holds for Harlingen and the wider region of the Rio Grande Valley region.
