Economic Development

611 E. Coma
Hidalgo, Texas 78557
Phone: 843-2302
Fax: 843-2722

President: Joe Vera
Vice President: Victor Rios
Secretary Treasurer: Fred Kazemi
Board of Directors:
Mayor John David Franz
Gumecindo Solis

The North American Free Trade Agreement is in Full Action , business is booming more than ever on the border between South Texas & Northern Mexico- This area is full with business opportunities for U.S. and International companies both small and large.

The South Texas Border Partnership (STBP) eagerly awaits your arrival to South Texas. STBP is a coalition of key Texas border communities including The Delta Area, Edinburg,Hidalgo, McAllen,Mission, Pharr and Weslaco. We are here to help companies interested in relocating or expanding and choosing to make their new living in Hidalgo County.

Table of Contents

1. Transportation

2. Rail

3. Motor Freight

4. Labor Pools

5. Education

6. Sites

7. Financing

8. Living Conditions

9. Air

10. Air Freight

1. Transportation

Our key point is in transportation. We are in the border region of South Texas located within the North American Trade Agreement market. Our Highways, Rail, Motor Freight, Air, Air Freight make it easy access for transportation. U.S.281 and U.S. 83 connect to Interstate Highways 35 and 37

2. Rail

Union Pacific and Southern Pacific make up our rail road transportation service

3. Motor Freight

All major common carriers

4. Labor Pools

Hidalgo County's expanding labor pool is a large, competitive work force that you as a business can rely on.The bi-cultural nature of this area blends the best of the U.S. and Mexico, creating a unique culture all its own.

5. Education

The City of Hidalgo has not one but two of the most promising school districts in the country. Both Hidalgo ISD as well as Valley View ISD have schools that are recognized by both the state and nation as top performers. The two school districts provide children with the some of the best teachers and facilities to help them reach their full potential.

South Texas has communities with an appropriately educated work force. There is South Texas Community College with a variety of programs including vocational training, computer networking /maintenance technology, drafting and design, and nursing programs.

The University of Texas-Pan American also creates a better educated work force which offers 40 under-graduate programs and more than 20 graduate degrees, including an International Business Ph.D. and MBA programs. Also,UTPA houses CEED - the Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development, offering a wide range of services from counseling of small businesses and public officials to statistical research on the area. UTPA and STCC are associated with Rio Grande Center for Manufacturing, a community outreach extension that offers technical and training program assistance to the manufacturing industries, both large and small.

6. Sites

In all cities, the industrial sites have been planned near major highways,rail roads and International bridges. Currently there are 3 Rio Grande River International bridges in Hidalgo County.

7. Financing

Over twenty of the state's strongest banks are represented here and offer various financing options for companies that want to establish operations in the area.

8. Living Conditions

We have year-round warm weather and outdoor activities are second nature here. Golfers will appreciate the many public golf courses and first-class country clubs. For the outdoorsman, there is fresh and saltwater fishing in Falcon Lake and South Padre Island.

Our outstanding quality of life comprehensive healthcare facilities,excellent schools and cultural institutions. There are 7 area hospitals.

If South Texas looks as good to you as it has been for the hundreds of companies that have relocated or expanded here, let us help you take a closer look. Everyone involved with the South Texas Border Partnership can gladly assist you in your relocation search.

9. Air

The metro area has two International airports and two municipal/freight airports. Commercial service daily by American,Continental,Aeromexico and Conquest Airlines, U.S. flights to and from Monterrey and Mexico City. The McAllen Miller International Airport is an official U.S. Customs Port of Entry from Mexico.

10. Air Freight

Airborne, FederalExpress, American, Continental, United Parcel Service, Lone Star Overnight Jet Freight.

Good and reliable transportation is what makes South Texas an easy come & easy go region.