The Alamo EDC participated in a landmark gathering this past February as retail industry experts gathered to discuss the future of Rio Grande Valley retail. The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and the Rio South Texas Economic Council (RSTEC) hosted the first “ICSC Texas Alliance for P3 Retail Program” on February 25th at TSTC University Center in Harlingen. The program served as a gathering for the public and private sectors to network, share ideas, discuss industry issues and explore retail development opportunities in the Rio Grande Valley.
The Past 10 years
The past decade has seen a rise in commercial retail like Simon’s Palms Crossing, Rio Grande Premium Outlets and Bass Pro Shops, as well as industrial endeavors like the Texas Liquefied Natural Gas Project and Space X, a rocket and spacecraft manufacturer. All of these have helped boost the Valley’s economy as well as provide job growth.
A More Prosperous Rio Grande Valley
Key industry players, including owners and developers, tenants and retailers, architects, real estate consultants, lenders, leasing specialists, public officials and service companies, all attended the event to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the Valley’s economic development of the retail sector.
The planning committee included RSTEC’s new chairperson Melisa Gonzales from the City of Alamo; David Pettit, ICSC Texas P3 Private Chair, of Pettit Consulting; Jessica Herrera, Texas P3 Public Chair, from the City of El Paso; Jason Claunch, ICSC Southern Division P3 Private Chair, of Catalyst Commercial Inc.; Alma Puente Colelli of RSTEC; Julie Schultz of Catalyst Commercial; Rafael Tapia, executive director of the Alamo EDC and Petra Reyna of Petra Reyna and Associates.
RSTEC’s Mission
RSTEC hopes to increase interest in the economic development of Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties by attracting retailers and other businesses to generate job growth and expand the Valley’s economic interests. As a member of RSTEC, the Alamo EDC is working to promote the city and the Valley’s many draws, including its low cost of living, warm climate and economic incentives. For more information about getting involved, contact the Alamo EDC.