6 Reasons Why You Should do Business in South Texas

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South Texas is growing tremendously with new restaurants, expansions and exciting events, all attracting an increasing amount of tourism. The McAllen-Edinburg-Mission area becoming the fifth largest metropolitan statistical area only proves this growth. South Texas serves as a tourist mecca with a robust workforce and strong retail economy that’s beneficially located near the international border. Your business or startup should look into South Texas for its exponential growth and potential.

Whether you’re relocating, expanding or starting a business, we can offer the support you need to be successful!

Retail is Booming in South Texas

The Valley is one of the fastest growing markets, both nationally and in Texas. The region’s largest contender in retail, La Plaza Mall, is a 1.2 million square foot shopping center. With a 245,000 square foot expansion scheduled for completion by 2018, this location will bring along 50 new specialty stores, four junior anchors and an exciting dining plaza with six first-to-market restaurants that will feature a grand outdoor terrace.

Pharr Town Center has also brought a 470,000 square foot shopping destination mecca with nationally recognized tenants Academy, TJ Maxx, Bealls, Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts, Main Event Center, Ross Dress for Less, Buy Buy Baby, Cost Plus World Market and a Cinemark Theatre.

Another big development planned for South Texas is the $250 million, 45-acre project off of U.S. Highway 281. The Resaca Market will encompass a movie theatre, boardwalk, jogging trail, a hotel and dozens of retail outlets. Stores will have 350,000 square feet to work with, making it a huge game changer in South Texas and will ideally compete with San Antonio’s famous River Walk.

Multiple Routes for International Trading to Mexico

Global shipping and distribution trends make the Rio Grande Valley an ideal location because of its distance to markets and available routes to international trading hubs. This direct access is beneficial for both sides of the border, easing distribution and costs while increasing a diverse labor force to accommodate your business or distribution company.

With some of Mexico’s largest cities near South Texas, businesses have a supplementary market encompassing 1.7 million people across Mexico. Over nine ports of entry are available in the area as well. Along with land ports, businesses also have four prime public and commercial airports, four seaports and railroad accessibility.

Workforce Demographics

South Texas has a strong and desirable working demographic. With a median age of 29 years and a robust population of young and college- or technical-skilled people, businesses can select the best and brightest for their success. Top workforce industries in South Texas are:

  • Retail trade
  • Construction
  • Educational services
  • Accommodation and food services
  • Transportation and warehousing
  • Public administration
  • Health care and social assistance

An Increase in Higher Education Opportunities

Education opportunities have also expanded. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s first school of medicine, the newly announced Texas A&M academic building in McAllen and various technical schools all across South Texas have sustained a strong and skilled workforce. A growing enrollment of students across these colleges and technical institutions allow businesses a range of young, educated and skilled workers.

Locate for Success

With so much success in South Texas, other cities can benefit and contribute in their own ways. Cities like Alamo contribute with major ecotourism thanks to the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge and many locally owned businesses. Only minutes away from McAllen, Edinburg and Pharr, Alamo has a $500 million retail potential and over 400 acres available for warehousing and distribution.

Tailored for You

With an average 119,480 daily traffic count in Alamo along Interstate 2/U.S. 83, our city is full of opportunities for businesses looking for the perfect location with growing potential. The Alamo Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has tailored incentives that will benefit your business that include:

  • Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ) that finance projects within identified areas of a city.
  • The Revolving Loan Program serves as a source of money and is specifically made for multiple small business development projects.
  • Various grants to new and existing businesses based on available resources and only for offsite improvements where the resulting asset falls within public domain, such as water distribution, sewer collection, drainage, medians, street lighting, etc.
  • The Intermediary Relending Program that works when EDCs borrow money from the USDA at 1% for a maximum term of 30 years.
  • The Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) that provides grants to EDCs for projects that finance and facilitate the development of small and emerging rural businesses while funding distance learning networks and employment-related adult education programs.

Bring Your Business to Alamo

Alamo is part of the fastest growing Metropolitan Statistical Area in Texas. With numerous growing educational opportunities, a strong, steady workforce and a booming retail and international trade economy, it only makes sense to choose this location for your business. For more information about the city and what incentives are best for your business, contact us today!

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