Aleman: Cameron County’s trade mission to Monterrey was highly successful

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Ramiro Aleman, director of economic development for Cameron County, says a recent trade mission to Monterrey was highly successful for all concerned.

The Cross Border Industrial Investment Opportunities Seminar took place at the JW Marriott Monterrey Arboleda on May 8.

In addition to Aleman, leaders from the Port of Brownsville, the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, and Harlingen Economic Development Corporation spoke at the event.

Speaking at a South Texas Manufacturers Association meeting, Aleman said over 80 companies were in attendance. STMA Executive Director Mike Willis presented Aleman with a certificate because Cameron County had become members of STMA.

Aleman said:

“Our department was formed little over a year. The judge and the Commissioners Court thought that there was so much activity with RioGrande LNG, with SpaceX, and with all these other projects coming on board that they felt they needed an economic development person on staff. So, they hired me.

“We work with Harlingen EDC; we work with the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation. As a matter of fact, we just came back from a trade mission to Monterrey. There were over 80 companies that attended and so we had really good promotion out of it.”

A flyer for Cameron County’s recent seminar in Monterrey, Mexico.

Aleman said the trade mission is already paying dividends.

“We are working with the companies (at the seminar). We’ve already met with some of them. From my understanding it is the first time that Harlingen and Brownsville have ever worked together along with the county and done something like this,” Aleman said.

“That is why the (commissioners) court decided to do this (set up an economic development department). We look forward to continuing to work together.”

Aleman said one of the tools in the county’s toolbox is the ability to give incentives to potential investors.

“The way we help companies is we have incentives programs. As a matter of fact, we have one with NextDecade, RioGrande LNG, for tax abatements. We are happy to have them as a partner and we are here to help with whatever you guys need. Thank you for welcoming me on board. I appreciate it.”

STMA’s Willis also presented a certificate to two representatives from NextDecade, which has also joined the trade association.

The STMA monthly meeting was held at the Brownsville Events Center. Eleazar Rodriguez, director of industrial park development and special projects for GBIC, gave a brief presentation. He spoke about two upcoming events.

Rodriguez said a groundbreaking ceremony for the Greater Brownsville Tech District will take place on the evening of Thursday, May 22. The location is FM 511/SH 550 between Old Alice Road and Paredes Line Road in Brownsville.

Rodriguez also spoke about the Brownsville Space Symposium MMXXV, which takes place May 25 at Texas Southmost College. The event is designed for students in the STEM fields.

The bulk of the STMA meeting was given over to a presentation by staff from Texas State Technical College in Harlingen. Carlos Reyes spoke about the value of earning a degree in mechatronics, Alvaro Juarez spoke about the value of earning a degree in precision machining, Manuel Ahumada spoke about the value of earning a degree in welding, and Rey Tejada spoke about customized workforce training.

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