Mexico Industry produce tribute video for retiring MEDC President Keith Patridge

MCALLEN, Texas – Our good friends at Mexico Industry have produced a great video to mark Keith Patridge’s retirement from McAllen Economic Development Corporation. 

The video shows images of the longtime president and CEO through his decades of service for MEDC and the McAllen Foreign Trade Zone. We thank Mexico Industry Editor & Publisher Sergio Gracia for allowing us to republish the video on our pages. Here it is:

---

Here are some of the tributes to Patridge:

Jimmy Santos, founder of Santos International: 

“It is not fair. Keith was not supposed to retire before me. I am joking. Keith has been an incredible friend and supporter of Santos International. I send him my very best wishes.” 

Joaquin Spamer, founder of Commodities Integrated Logistics:

“I started working with Keith when I became an advisory board member of McAllen EDC about 14 years ago. And I can say that everything I know about economic development was basically taught to me by Keith Patridge. I say Keith is the rock star and we all are the groupies. No, I like him a lot. He has been extremely helpful for my business. A lot of the things we do is basically follow his vision. He has been great for the City of McAllen, great for Hidalgo County and great for the Rio Grande Valley. I hope he keeps visiting us here in the Valley and I wish the very best for him.”

Froylán Yescas Cedillo, head consul of Mexico in McAllen:

“Dear Keith, the Consulate of Mexico in McAllen congratulates you, a great friend of the Mexican community, on your remarkable 36-year career. 

“Your contributions to business development and job creation have been invaluable in the region of South Texas and for the state of Tamaulipas, strengthening commercial and friendly ties between The United States and Mexico.

“Undoubtedly, your time as President and CEO of McAllen Economic Development Corporation has left a lasting mark. We wish you great success on your future endeavors. 

“Congratulations.”

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn:

“Dear Keith, congratulations on your retirement as president and CEO of the McAllen Economic Development Corporation. Thank you for your 36 years of dedicated service. I commend your vision and commitment to advancing economic growth and prosperity for the City of McAllen and the State of Texas. You have led an impressive career and your legacy will inspire our communities in the Valley for years to come. Today, I join your family, friends and colleagues in saying that you will be missed and I send my best wishes as you enter this next chapter. May God bless you.”

Francisco Pena-Valdez, partner of Cacheaux Cavazos & Newton:

“Dear Keith Patridge,

“Congratulations on your retirement! Your departure brings mixed emotions as I reflect on the impact you’ve had. 

“As a leader, you’ve been exceptional, but more than that, you’ve been a true friend. Your guidance, kindness, and unwavering support have left an indelible “mark on all of us in the industry.

“Thank you for everything, especially for your invaluable support throughout my career. 

“Your presence will be deeply missed, but I wish you nothing but joy and fulfillment in this new chapter. Let’s stay connected and continue sharing our journeys.”

Dalith Cantu, marketing director of Commodities Integrated Logistics:

“Keith Patridge, Happy Retirement! You can not retire from being Great!!!!”

Ala Qubbaj, dean of engineering, UT-Rio Grande Valley”

“Congratulations Keith Patridge on a well-deserved retirement. Thank you for 36 years of service to our region. Thank you for bringing countless opportunities to our students. Thank you for being a great friend of the UTRGV College of Engineering & Computer Science. What a lasting legacy and impact at McAllen Economic Development Corporation and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.”

Ralph Garcia, vice president at McAllen EDC:

“Today (June 28, 2024) was Keith’s last day as President & CEO of the McAllen Economic Development Corporationand McAllen Foreign Trade Zone. After 36 years of service he felt it was time to call it a day. In my 23 years with MEDC, I learned a lot from Keith. He taught me a lot about economic development, McAllen, Reynosa, world travel, how to work companies, what to listen for, to always do more, and most importantly to do it with integrity. 

“Keith was big on integrity. He would say at the end of the day it’s what companies value most. Mike Allen use to joke and say that Keith knew everything about the maquiladoras in Reynosa; who was there, what they manufactured, how many employees they had, square feet and even how many bathrooms. I’ve learned from all that and along the way added my own twist to things. Keith always gave me guidance and supported my efforts. I’m grateful for that. I will miss Keith. MEDC will miss Keith. Truly wish him the best on the next chapter of his life! Thank you Keith!”

McAllen Economic Development Corporation:

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us in celebrating the remarkable career and achievements of our President and CEO, Mr. Keith Patridge. Your presence at his retirement celebration added immense joy and warmth to the occasion.

“Throughout his 36 years at the at the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, Mr. Patridge exemplified exceptional leadership, dedication, and vision, steering our organization to new heights of success. His unwavering commitment and profound impact on our company and community will be cherished and remembered for years to come.

“His retirement celebration was a testament to the respect and admiration Mr. Patridge has earned from colleagues, partners, and friends alike. Your presence underscored the significance of this milestone in his life and career.

“As we bid farewell to an exceptional leader, we reflect on the invaluable contributions Mr. Patridge has made and the legacy he leaves behind. We are deeply grateful for his leadership and we wish him all the best in this new chapter of his life.

“Once again, thank you for honoring Mr. Patridge with your presence and making his retirement celebration a truly memorable one!”

The post Mexico Industry produce tribute video for retiring MEDC President Keith Patridge appeared first on Rio Grande Guardian.