McAllen Economic Development Corporation

MAT-DynaCal Merger

2008-05-05T16:39:00.002-05:00

I am pleased to announce DynaCal’s merger with Measurement Assurance Technology (MAT). MAT, headquartered in Carrollton (Dallas), Texas and has over 15 years experience in the Calibration, Repair and Sales of Test and Measurement Equipment business. In addition, MAT offers buying, selling, consignment programs, rental/leasing & financing of high-end test & measurement equipment to their customers world wide. MAT also offers support for a wide variety of manufacturers and models, covering a broad range of T&M equipment. This synergy provides a unique niche to the market - A2LA accredited calibration services support and T&M equipment acquisition and disposition. This total support package gives “one vendor-one support” a new meaning!

The company announced Friday, April 4, 2008, that it had made the merger with DynaCal, LLC, an A2LA Accredited calibration and service company, based in McAllen, TX and Reynosa, MX, to capitalize on its continued growth, seeing great opportunities with the Rio Grande Valley, providing MAT’s exclusive “One Stop, One Source, Your Solution ” philosophy to the growing number of Maquilas in the region. “With the increasing demand for on-time delivery of new product lines or changes to test setups, this merger has allowed for our customers to have worry-free retooling, virtually overnight”, states Cary Albert, the President of Measurement Assurance Technology. Mr. Albert re-iterated, “The resulting collaboration will include solutions for full service calibration support, asset management support, and acquisition and disposition of T&M equipment. We are the only place in the region whereby you can purchase re-furbished Test Equipment, with a Warranty, Sell your under-utilized equipment, Rent or Lease short-term needs, and Finance those needs with attractive terms, and; have a Full-Service A2LA Accredited Laboratory….all under one roof. We are extremely unique”. The combined company will operate under the name Measurement Assurance Technology and will be headquartered in Carrollton, Texas, with branches in McAllen, Texas and Reynosa, Mexico, and plans to expanding to Monterrey and Guadalajara.

Company Contact info: 2109 Luna Road : Suite 240 : Carrollton, TX 75006Phone: 972.241.2165 : Fax: 972.241.2167 : http://www.mattestusa.com/

McAllen's Economy Features Several Highlights

2008-04-08T13:39:00.002-05:00

McAllen Continues to Rank Nationally

McAllen, TX is continuing to show strong activity at the economic level. McAllen’s business cycle index, a gauge of the region’s current economic conditions, rose 5.7% and employment increased 5.3% according to the latest statistics released by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. The increase is due to manufacturing, government and services in leisure and hospitality, and education and health. Another successful year-to-date is confirmed by the McAllen Economic Development Corporation with 6 companies committed, creating 1,105 jobs in our region. Through the Business Retention and Expansion Program, 230 new jobs were created bringing the total job creation count to 1,335.

Keith Patridge, President and CEO of McAllen Economic Development Corporation, comments, “We continue to have a strong economic activity level in our region which is evident in not only the committed companies, but also because around 50 companies have visited our region since the start of the year. McAllen continues to grow economically due to our low cost of living, career opportunities, and our strategic North American Location.”

Other economic indicators in McAllen are also not following the national trends. The housing market in McAllen recorded 184 homes purchased (Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas), and is the best on record for home sales in January. McAllen also ranked 97 out of 100 of the largest metropolitan areas in terms of foreclosures per total number of household (RealtyTrac). Another factor contributing to the economic activity level is McAllen’s low cost of living, ranked as the 5th lowest in the Nation in the latest ACCRA’s Cost of Living Index.

Patridge agrees, “With national rankings such as Forbes Magazine ranking McAllen as one of the Nation’s Best Cities for Jobs as a result of ranking 2nd in the Nation for Income Growth and 1st for Job Growth, we are looking for our region to continue to see steady long-term growth.”

Third International Bridge Will Help Economy

2008-03-28T08:21:00.001-06:00

Bridge Will Bring New Business and More Jobs to Our Region

The Anzalduas International Bridge is set to open June 2009. This will be the third international bridge in the McAllen MSA to connect the United States with Mexico. This bridge will have two southbound and northbound lanes and a pedestrian crossing and will stretch 2.7 miles across the Rio Grande River. It will connect at a loop road to the Texas Farm-to-Market Roads 494 and 1016 near Granjeno and connect the South McAllen and Mission International trade areas to the west end of Reynosa where many maquiladoras and other cross-border businesses are located.

The Presidential permit for the bridge states that trucks can cross when northbound commercial trucks on the existing commercial crossing reach 15,000 weekly or the year 2015, whichever comes first. Support from cities, counties, Regional Mobility Authority (RMA), Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and economic development corporations is being solicited for the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program to be operational at the bridge before the required weekly commercial truck crossing on the existing crossing occurs. The FAST program allows U.S. – Mexico partnering importers expedited release for qualifying commercial shipments, and if it is implemented then only trucks that are members of FAST will be allowed to use the bridge until the previous mentioned provisions are met. With the completion of the bridge, hundreds of jobs will be created and the bridge will help facilitate just-in-time delivery, allowing companies to keep inventory costs down, progress trade and it will be the most efficient way for business traffic from northern Mexico to reach the United States.

Keith Patridge, President and CEO of McAllen Economic Development Corporation, comments, “The March report states that the bridge is 34% complete, which is right on schedule.” Patridge continues, “We look forward to the completion of the bridge and once it is operational, it promises to offer a number of competitive advantages to companies looking to ship parts or finished goods internationally, with greater speed to market and a more efficient shipping route.”

Business Retention and Expansion Important in U.S. and Mexico

2008-03-20T07:43:00.001-06:00

85% of New Jobs Come From Business Retention and Expansion

The McAllen Economic Development Corporation has taken a new approach in recruiting new investment to our region. Since 2001, MEDC has been actively working with companies in the McAllen MSA through the Business Retention and Expansion Program (BRE) on the U.S. side, which allows the staff to stay informed with the needs of local businesses. Due to the different obstacles and opportunities for growth among each company, the MEDC staff is able to help identify what challenges may lie ahead and are able to react to meet industry needs. Through the implementation of the BRE Program, Workforce Solutions, South Texas College, The University of Texas Pan America and the MEDC staff are working as a team to help our existing companies grow.

Janie Ramos, Vice President of U.S. Recruitment and Business Retention and Expansion, comments, “Our economic prosperity thrives on revenues generated by local businesses. As a company grows, we understand they need more than gratitude.” Ramos continues, “Our goal is to identify a company’s needs and concerns and foster expansion opportunities by tapping into potential local resources which could increase the company’s competitiveness and improve our community’s quality of life.”

Since the BRE Program was initiated to establish a working relationship with existing businesses in the McAllen MSA, 85% of new jobs in the region have come from existing businesses. Due to this success, the MEDC implemented a similar BRE program in Reynosa in August of 2007.

Ralph Garcia, Vice President of Business Recruitment for the McAllen Economic Development Corporation commented, “Because of the great success that we have seen with the BRE program in the McAllen MSA, we see the value of having a similar program in Reynosa. With more than two hundred plants to consider, we see great opportunities that can leverage new growth for our region.” Garcia continues, “As an economic development organization we have the responsibility to attract new investment and also take the initiative to invest in our existing business by providing them with the necessary solutions and support needed to help them grow.”

The McAllen Economic Development Corporation is a not-for profit organization under contract with the City of McAllen to create jobs and generate revenues for the citizens of McAllen by attracting new industry and helping existing companies to expand.
“We are the new Texas. Bilingual, Bicultural and Pro Business.”

I-69/TTC Public Comment period ends March 19, 2008

2008-03-13T08:19:00.001-06:00

U.S. highway 281 is one of the potential routes under consideration for the I-69/Trans-Texas Corridor project. There have been many stories about what TTC-69 will be all the way from a 1200 foot wide highway, rail, utility corridor to the current plan of upgrading existing highways to handle current and future U.S./ Mexico traffic with the possible addition of special toll lanes on highways specifically for truck traffic. In all the meetings with TxDOT personnel we have been repeatedly assured existing highway lanes will not be tolled under this project.

When you look at the current and future projections under the latest TXDOT NAFTA Corridor Study released fall 2007, you can see the importance of the communities in the McAllen metro area to have a strong voice in shaping the plans for this highway project. According to this Study, Highway 281 has the third largest AAWT (Average Annual Weekday Truck) Daily volume and exceeds that volume on those study segments of U.S. Highway 59 from Laredo to Houston; Interstate 20 from I-10 to Louisiana; Interstate 30 from Ft Worth to Texarkana; and has over twice the AAWT traffic of U.S. 77 from Brownsville to Victoria.

By 2030 traffic truck traffic on Highway 281 is projected to increase from a current 929,295 Daily Truck VMT (Vehicle miles traveled) to 2,543,045 Daily Truck VMT if we do nothing to the highway infrastructure. This is the largest projected truck traffic growth on all Texas NAFTA corridors exceeding I-35 projected increase by 149%.

To insure the continued growth and quality of the transportation infrastructure it is important that TXDOT hear our opinion on the need to upgrade U.S. Highway 281. It is not too late for you to voice your opinion on where the I-69/TTC project should be located. Politics are not favoring our Highway 281 and if we do not make a strong statement we could see this important highway infrastructure located elsewhere. Public input can shape the final decisions for the proposed I-69/Trans-Texas Corridor project.

The public can still provide comments after the hearings, through the project website www.keeptexasmoving.com or by mail to I-69/TTC, P.O. Box 14428, Austin, TX. The deadline to submit comments for inclusion in the Tier One Final Environmental Impact Statement is March 19, 2008.

High Tech Robotics Company Locates U.S. Headquarters In McAllen

2008-03-11T08:56:00.001-06:00

(McAllen, Texas) – Cosmos USA, a world leading design and manufacturer of high tech automation solutions for manufacturing, has opened a new operation in the McAllen area. Cosmos USA enables companies to utilize advanced automation techniques to decrease labor cost while increasing the quality of production and the flexibility for companies to offer a wider variety of products.

Keith Patridge, President and CEO of the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, states that “given the looming shortage of workers in the US, and the consistent reduction in labor content in products, companies are moving towards more automation.” Mr. Patridge further mentions that the future of the McAllen and Reynosa region is rapid response manufacturing and one important tool is automation and robotics that perform a greater variety and of tasks at a higher speed than we as humans can achieve. We are proud to have Cosmos USA as a new international member to our manufacturing community and their presence will greatly enhance our region’s ability to respond quickly to change and, as a result, offer a greater variety of products with short delivery times that companies in China cannot match.” This speed to market is key to sustainability in manufacturing operations of today.

Mr. Yoshimura, President of Cosmos Japan states that “I am very pleased with the community support for our new venture in McAllen. Cosmos USA provides a platform for rapid response manufacturing in the Rio Grande Valley and Northeastern Mexico through state of the art robotics that make assembly activity more competitive and flexible.”

Yvette Landgraf, Director of Cosmos USA received her Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Texas – Pan American in 1997 and has extensive experience in maquiladora manufacturing including plant start up and operations as well as a deep understanding in electronic subassembly and final product assembly of consumer electronics. “By offering local design, engineering and technical support for our automation solutions, we are confident that Cosmos USA can tailor the right solution for the growing electronics companies in our region.”

Media Contact Information: Yvette Landgraf 956 429 1991 ylandgraf@crosspointglobal.com

China Faces Inflation

2008-03-11T08:53:00.001-06:00

Good News for McAllen, TX – Reynosa, Tamps., Mexico

Higher wages, reduced exporter tax breaks, and an increased value in the yuan have led to inflation in China. More and more U.S. manufacturers have been outsourcing to China over the past decade due to lower labor costs, which results in a lower cost to U.S. consumers for the finished product. Because of the inflation in China, companies have discovered that China is not as cheap as it used to be and they are struggling to find ways to cut costs.

The following factors are driving companies out of China: workers leaving their jobs for better pay, the steady rise of the yuan vs. the dollar making U.S. goods cheaper, the value-added tax subsidy dropping from 13% to 5%, freight costs from Chinese ports to Los Angeles rising sharply because of increased demand for ships, and as the Federal Reserve cuts rates (causing the dollar to drop), American price competitiveness is increasing. In some sectors in China, wages for high-skill professionals are even doubling. Since companies cannot maintain the competitive advantage they once had in China, they have to look at other locations.

The higher wages, higher exchange rates and higher transportation costs for those shipping from China to the U.S. is good news for McAllen, TX – Reynosa, Tamps., Mexico as our strategic geographic location appeals to companies, especially those that have been outsourcing to China. Our region offers low wage rates, an available workforce, lower transportation costs and faster speed to market, which means companies can find ways to keep a competitive advantage by relocating to our region.

Keith Patridge, President and CEO for McAllen Economic Development Corporation, says “Our strategic geographic location offers many advantages to companies all over the world. Our region has one of the largest markets in the world on the north side of town and a $2.80 fully fringed wage rate on the south side of town.” Patridge continues, “Companies can cut costs, offer custom products and have a faster speed to the North American market compared to anywhere else in the world.”

The McAllen Economic Development Corporation is a not-for profit organization under contract with the City of McAllen to create jobs and generate revenues for the citizens of McAllen by attracting new industry and helping existing companies to expand.

“We are the new Texas. Bilingual, Bicultural and Pro Business.”

Local Markets of South Texas See Bright Spot

2008-03-11T08:51:00.001-06:00

Strategic Location, Young Workforce and Growing Population Are Factors in Growth

At a time when the national economy is slowing, there is a bright spot for the local market of South Texas. McAllen Economic Development Corporation reports that the first two months in 2008 have been busy. Since January, the MEDC staff has worked with twenty-five new companies or prospects which have the potential of creating about six thousand jobs in our region. Of those twenty-five companies, four have committed; which is right on schedule according to MEDC’s goal of committing two companies per month. The four committed companies will bring over seven hundred jobs to our region, utilize one hundred thousand and forty-five square feet and represent the automotive industry, a logistics company, an insurance claims services company and a data center. There is a wide variety of industries represented by the companies that are visiting, including the automotive industry, materials fabrication and handling, metal and wood fabrication, call centers, produce, recycling companies, plastics manufacturing, aviation, and sewing industries.

Keith Patridge, President and CEO of McAllen Economic Development Corporation, says, “In the past when the market softens in the United States we have always seen an increase in companies looking at our area as a way to reduce their costs and be more competitive.” Patridge also comments, “We wondered if this would still be true and so far that is exactly what we are seeing. If the activity continues at this level we will have a great year for growth.”

As new companies move into the area they typically will relocate anywhere from three to five families that purchase or lease housing and add to our local economic activity. With our strategic location, young workforce and growing population, the South Texas market fundamentals are still encouraging.

The McAllen Economic Development Corporation is a not-for profit organization under contract with the City of McAllen to create jobs for McAllen by attracting new industry and helping existing companies to expand.
"We are the new Texas. Bilingual, Bicultural and Pro Business."

Telamon Corporation Opens Facility in McAllen, TX

2008-03-11T08:42:00.001-06:00

Telamon Corporation Aggressively Pursuing Growth

Telamon Corporation has established a 30,000 square foot facility located in McAllen, TX. They initially established in the McAllen, TX – Reynosa, Tamps., Mexico region to support supply-chain needs of their telecommunication customers Emerson, Alcatel-Lucent and AT&T. Becoming a part of the McAllen and Reynosa areas is an important initiative for Telamon Corporation and they are committed to an expanding presence in the logistics market. Through the McAllen, TX location, Telamon imports finished telecom cabinets from Reynosa for distribution throughout the US; and supports an operation to bring component elements from the Asian markets into the U.S. and the products are then dispersed to customer sites in the U.S. and Reynosa, Mexico from the McAllen location. .

Telamon Corporation, established in 1985, is a $450 million Indianapolis-based company with over 300 full time employees. Telamon is uniquely positioned as a Minority Business Enterprise (minority-owned company- a Corporate Plus member of the National Minority Supplier Diversity Council- NMSDC); and exceeds the highest Quality standards as evidenced by their ISO9001; 2000, TL9000, and TS 16949 (Automotive) certifications and industry awards for Quality performance and Customer Service. Telamon is a Greek word for “support”, and they maintain the image of a servant company; their customer needs are their only priority.

The McAllen facility is aggressively pursuing growth and can provide Specialized Integrated Supply Chain programs developed to uniquely meet individual customer program needs, for both; domestic and international support to any industry. Telamon’s flexibility is its strength, allowing cost effective assembly, engineering, cross-docking, pick/pack, and transportation management design for any volume, or product mix.

Telamon Corporation is a “Diversity-Provider of Supply-Chain Solutions” and has a method of meeting their customer’s needs through the distinct concept of Honesty, Harmony, Speed and Simplicity (H2 S2). Please contact Telamon Corporate Logistics for more information 317-818-6813.

Going Green Becoming Popular in Our Region

2008-03-10T13:28:00.002-06:00

Companies Work to Reduce Their Environmental Footprint

A new way for businesses to reduce their environmental footprint is developing in the McAllen/Texas – Reynosa, Tamps., Mexico region. According to the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, product remanufacturing, warranty repair and mass customization has become more than just a trend for companies. Several companies are already utilizing these techniques by setting up a manufacturing plant in McAllen MSA or Reynosa, Tamps., Mexico. When a consumer returns the product to the store where they purchased it, either because they changed their mind or because of defects, the product is then shipped to a plant in our region. The “cycle” or “loop” is closed when the manufacturing plants receive the product and it is then taken apart and examined for defects. If possible, the product is repaired and will be put back on the shelves as a refurbished product. If the product can’t be repaired then the pieces are unassembled and recycled for future use, nothing is dumped in the local landfills. Bissell Inc., who has a plant locally, has been a leader in how companies are going green by utilizing product remanufacturing.

President and CEO of McAllen Economic Development Corporation, Keith Patridge, comments, “We are seeing an increase in companies wanting to ‘Go Green’ globally and several companies have found a way to reduce their environmental impact by reusing what they can.” Patridge continues, “Companies are adding reuse operations in McAllen, Texas –Reynosa, Tamps., Mexico because of our strategic geographic location. By going green, companies are not only reducing their environmental footprint, but they also are saving money.”

In fact, major retailers such as Costco Wholesale Corporation are already offering easy ways for their customers to help reduce their environmental impact. Costco offers their Trade-In and Recycle Program, an internet service that enables customers to turn in old electronic devices, from gaming systems to computers, even old monitors and old printers, in exchange for Costco merchandise discounts. By visiting http://www.costco.com/, the customer would enter their product information, for example a 1st generation Nano IPod with 1 GB of memory, and the calculated trade-in-value would be $20.

The McAllen Economic Development Corporation is a not-for profit organization under contract with the City of McAllen to create jobs and generate revenues for the citizens of McAllen by attracting new industry and helping existing companies to expand.
"We are the new Texas. Bilingual, Bicultural and Pro Business."

How important is it for companies to reduce their environmental footprint?

Customer Service Training

2007-12-07T08:38:00.000-06:00

South Texas College is offering customer service training starting January 2008 due to the growing service and retail industry (by 2014 more than 20,000 new jobs will be created.) The National Customer Service Certification Program through STC's Partnership for Business and Industry Training is a six week program where students will learn critical skills including communication tactics, professionalism and customer relationship management.

How is customer service in the Valley? Is the importance of customer service stressed enough in the service and retail industry?

For more information on the the training visit:
http://www.medc.org/newsletter_story.php?storyid=211

Working Together

2007-11-09T08:30:00.000-06:00

Tamaulipas Governor Eugenio Hernandez gave a speech on Wednesday at the new McAllen Convention Center. He talked about how during the 1980s, Spain’s economy lagged behind other neighboring Western European countries and much of the Spanish population attempted to illegally immigrate to the surrounding countries. Because of a regional economic effort, the surrounding countries helped build Spain’s economy, instead of isolating Spain from the rest of Europe, and the immigration problems subsided. Hernandez said the U.S. and Mexico should consider such a plan.
What do you think about the northeastern states of Mexico and bordering U.S. states coming together to create a regional economic effort to better both countries?

Town vs. Sprawl: Two Choices for the 21st Century

2007-11-06T10:38:00.000-06:00

A Free Public Presentation by Jeff Speck as part of the

McAllen Central Park Sustainable Design Charrette

November 12, 2007, 7:30 PM
At the McAllen Convention Center

700 Convention Center Blvd.

A Charrette is where citizens, designers and others collaborate on a vision for development. A charrette is designed to encourage the participation of all. The City of McAllen needs to give all the participants enough information to make good decisions during the planning process.

Go check out this presentation by Jeff Speck who, with Andres Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, is the co-author of Suburban Nation: The Rise of Sprawl and the Decline of the American Dream, which the Wall Street Journal calls “the urbanist’s bible.”

For more information about the McAllen Central Park visit:

http://www.themonitor.com/onset?id=4262&template=article.html

What do you want to see in the McAllen Central Park?

STC awards 41 scholarships to students from across Hidalgo and Starr counties

2007-09-12T10:29:00.001-05:00

They are the best and brightest students in Hidalgo and Starr counties and now they are part of South Texas College’s 11^th class of Valley Scholars students. Forty-one students earned full tuition scholarships from the program to earn associate’s degrees from STC. In order to qualify for the scholarship, students had to rank in the top 10 percent of their high school classes and show an interest in scholastic achievement, leadership and community service.

“I was so honored to be selected for a scholarship from this prestigious program,” said Anissa Falcon. “I worked very hard throughout high school and am pleased to know that this scholarship is the fruit of my labor. STC provides students like me a wonderful opportunity to ease into the college environment and provides a variety of great support systems to ensure my success. I couldn’t be more pleased to be a Valley Scholar.”

Once admitted into STC’s Valley Scholars program, students must maintain a 3.25 grade point average at STC and full-time enrollment status during the fall and spring semesters. Each student is also required to be actively engaged in a variety of community service projects throughout the academic year.

In addition to providing scholarship funds to cover tuition costs, STC provides Valley Scholars with a variety of free services including tutoring, mentoring, book exchanges, campus job placement, scholarship searches, college tours and access to early admissions programs to medical schools and universities.

Students receiving scholarships this semester include Laidee Francia from Edcouch-Elsa High School; Juan J. Pecina from Edinburg Economedes High School; Paula Hinojosa from Edinburg North High School; Stephanie King from Hidalgo High School; Sonia Armendariz, Hugo Chong, Adriana Garza, Dulce Gutierrez, Gilbert Hernandez, Priscilla Leal, Jessica Marin, Jorge Murillo, Joshua B. Orozco, Azucena Reyes, Adrian Rivera and Cesar A. Vigil from La Joya High School; Anne Madrazo from McAllen High School; Benjamin Frye, Elvira Obregon, Juan Rodriguez and Carol Zamarron Mission Veterans Memorial High School; Amy Espiricueta from PSJA High School; Rosalinda Castillo, Ester Guerrero, Carolina Orta and Cecily Saldana from PSJA Memorial High School; Anissa Falcon, Jesus Garcia, Jonhatan Hernandez and Iliana Vasquez from Rio Grande City High School; Jose U. Cantu, Julie Gonzalez and Horacio Guerra Jr. from Roma High School; Hanna Lopez and Keyla A. Palacios from Sharyland High School; Iris V. Trevino from South Palm Gardens High School; Edna Cortez and Angelica A. Martinez from Valley View High School; Fabiola Garcia from Weslaco High School; and Adalaila Castillo and Elias Lopez from Weslaco East High School.

The 11^th class of Valley Scholars is very diverse with plans to study a wide variety of fields at STC including biology, business administration, computer science, criminal justice, culinary arts, education, engineering, interdisciplinary studies, nursing, physical therapy assistance, radiology and Spanish.

“We are thrilled to have these students join our group of Valley Scholars,” said program coordinator Marie Olivarez. “They will be the college’s 11th class of scholars to enter this program. They are each very bright and gifted students who deserve this honor and recognition. We expect great things from each of them and know that they will make STC proud.”

For more information about STC’s Valley Scholars Program or to become a program sponsor contact Marie Olivarez at 956-872-6440.

MySpace meets Business

2007-08-28T15:57:00.000-05:00

Recently McAllen EDC ventured out and created a custom MySpace account to tap a previously untouched market. Though social networking sites are primarily used for friends to connect and share experiences, they are quickly becoming a business tool for executives to find contacts and generate sales leads. McAllen EDC is taking it a step further and using MySpace as another information outlet. Through MySpace, MEDC hopes to elevate community awareness as well as community involvement. MEDC strives to use any and all resources to enhance their community and provide a better quality of life. Check out MEDC's MySpace at www.myspace.com/mcallenedc.

Conference connects education to economy

2007-08-14T11:44:00.000-05:00

"Educators, business leaders and elected officials gathered Wednesday to discuss the education of Hidalgo County’s work force.

Hidalgo County Judge J.D. Salinas organized the Building Future Talent Workforce Summit 2007, the second of two development events this summer.

At the first event, on July 5, community members created a list of problems the Rio Grande Valley faces: illiteracy, high dropout rates and lack of English and professional skills.

On Wednesday, speakers at the McAllen Convention Center posed solutions, including government-funded training and internships for high school students."

This is the beginning of an article that was written on The Monitor.

This summit is certainly a great idea and unity is actually key to solving most of the issues Hidalgo County faces.

This is a quote by Daniel King, superintendent of the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo school district, “It’s time to stop waiting for someone else to take the lead,” he said. “We need to come together and solve this problem. A radical transformation of Hidalgo County is possible.”

I totally agree...but what is next, we do not want to go to just another summit where everyone says what needs to be done... we need to get our hands dirty and begin to try to solve some of the issues.

STC celebrates NIMS accreditation

2007-08-10T15:14:00.000-05:00

South Texas College celebrated its recent accreditation by the National Institute of Metalworking Skills for its Precision Manufacturing Technology Program at the Building Future Talent Workforce Summit. STC is the first college in the entire State of Texas to earn the accreditation, which means that STC has met and exceeded national metalworking industry standards for quality of instruction, incorporation of important, high-level industry skills, and overall safety.

“This process has been exemplary on the part of everyone involved,” said Stephen C. Mandes, executive director of NIMS. “On behalf of the entire NIMS family across the nation I extend our congratulations and gratitude.”

Mandes was on hand at the celebration to present college administrators with the official NIMS accreditation plaque. The college has earned the accreditation for the standard five year period and will engage in a reaccredidation process in 2012.

“It is a real honor and tribute to the quality of our program, instructors, students and administrators that we earned this accreditation,” said Mario Reyna, division dean of business, math, science and technology for STC. “It is also an important milestone for colleges across the State of Texas. As the first college in the entire state to earn this recognition, we are leading by example.

We also want to take this opportunity to thank each of our industry partners for working with us to ensure the successful completion of this accreditation. It would not have been possible without your support and motivation.”

A variety of business leaders and officials were on hand to help STC celebrate the accomplishment including, City of McAllen Mayor Richard Cortez, Hidalgo County Judge J.D. Salinas, South Texas Manufacturing Association Executive Director Mike Willis, McAllen Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Keith Patridge, and Gerald Stinson of Kings Prosperity.

For more information about STC’s Precision Manufacturing Technology Program call 956-872-6133.

Photo Caption:

STC administrators and Rio Grande Valley business leaders and officials celebrate the college’s recent NIMS accreditation at the Building Future Talent Workforce Summit. Pictured from left are Juan Mejia, STC vice president for instructional services; Mike Willis; Ed Hausbeck, chair of STC’s Precision Manufacturing Program; STC president Dr. Shirley A. Reed; Stephen C. Mandes; Wanda Garza, STC executive director for workforce development and external affairs; Keith Patridge; Gerald Stinson; and Mario Reyna.

Metal Processing International

2007-08-10T09:58:00.000-05:00

Metal Processing International is proud to announce the availability of a new Alodine coating line at the McAllen, Tx facility. Alodine is a chemical conversion coating that builds a microscopic layer of oxidation across the surface of an aluminum substrate. An alodine coating gives parts better corrosion protection, and prepares the surface for topcoat.

STC to offer new 4yr degree... pending approval

2007-07-31T10:36:00.000-05:00

South Texas College continues to pioneer the area of technical degrees. In recent months STC put together a curriculum for a new specialized program called Bachelors of Applied Technology in Computer Information Technology. Students that received their AAS could easily transfer into this program to continue their technical training. The program looked great and had tremendous support. Even before it went to the coordinating board for approval it had over 150 students ready to enroll. The degree plan consisted primarily of advanced computer classes that covered topics such as: advanced networking, network security, advanced web design, database management and digital imaging. There is no other degree plan in the area that offers these types of advanced classes. Unfortunately for the 150+ students that were ready to enroll, the coordinating board rejected the degree. The board didn't think this area needed this type of degree. Though it is currently being contested, the BAT - CIT has an uncertain future. So what do you think, do the companies here need a highly skilled and technical workforce? Would this degree be a major benefit to the students and the local industry? Is STC the right institution to offer this highly specialized and technical degree? I'm interested to see what the community thinks.

Minimum Wage Increase 2007

2007-07-27T16:49:00.000-05:00

President Bush signed a minimum wage increase into law Friday, May 25, as part of an Iraq supplemental spending bill. His action came shortly after the House and Senate approved the wage/tax relief package as part of the Iraq bill. [The House added the minimum-wage and other domestic-spending provisions to the Iraq bill on a 348-73 vote and the Senate followed with an 80-14 vote approving the combined Iraq /minimum wage/domestic spending package before sending it to President Bush.]

The U.S. Department of Labor has announced that July 24, 2007 was the official date of the first of three 70-cent step increases. Here is the full schedule of the three federal increases:

July 24, 2007 - $5.85

July 24, 2008 - $6.55

July 24, 2009 - $7.25

Will this affect the small business owners in McAllen?

Economics 101: The business owner must pass his costs on to the customer, and who is that customer? That means you and me and anyone else who purchases anything will be somehow affected.

Who is affected in the long run?

Karlee Co. new to McAllen, Texas

2007-07-26T11:19:00.000-05:00

Karlee Co., a Garland contract manufacturer of high-tech
equipment, is opened a new 60,000-square-foot plant in
the Sharyland Business Park.

The plant is close to being in full operation, employing over 20 by August 2007. The plant is projected to employ 150 in five years.

Karlee makes equipment for telecommunications, medical,
defense, automotive and semiconductor customers.

Their reason for locating in McAllen is for supporting Karlee customers that are "looking to go over the border."

Beyond that, the McAllen area has high projected growth of its 20- to 40-year-old population, giving the company a ready supply of workers.

One of the major reasons why companies from the northern states begin to look at offshoring or relocating is because of the looming labor shortage. Mcallen fortunately has what those companies need...labor. McAllen has a lot of opportunities for continued growth.

City of McAllen to Begin Testing WiFi

2007-07-12T10:31:00.000-05:00

The city of McAllen is in the early stages of planning a city wide wireless network. Connecting wirelessly to this network, anyone could access the internet anywhere in the city from any 802.11 capable device. What does this mean for home and business wireless networks? With only 14 overlapping, staggered channels available on standard 802.11 and an ever increasing number of wireless networks competing for air space, many wireless networks may receive a great deal of interference. What is your take on the project? Will widespread WiFi coverage make McAllen a city of the future or will the network be a detriment to local businesses that rely on 802.11 infrastructures for their operations.

Maquiladora Bus Hop Scheduled for Tuesday, June 26, 2007

2007-06-11T14:52:00.000-05:00

The McAllen Economic Development Corporation and The University of Texas Pan American Small Business Development Center are organizing monthly Maquiladora Bus Hops. The purpose of these Bus Hops is to provide an opportunity for local manufacturing suppliers do business with maquiladoras.

During the Maquila Bus Hops, local suppliers who want to sell their product/service to a maquiladora or want to expand their clientele are introduced to purchasing managers/buyers in various maquiladoras in the Reynosa area. Meetings are arranged based on the participants’ business profile. Participating companies are driven on a 15-passanger van to each maquiladora where each introduces what his/her company has to offer. A maximum of 8 companies is allowed to participate per bus hop, visiting approximately 3-4 maquiladoras in one morning.

The next Maquila Bus Hop is scheduled for Tuesday, June 26, 2007.

Participating Maquiladoras have included (partial list):
Impresora Donneco Internacional, Wells Manufacturera, Panasonic/Matsushita Electric Components, Inmobiliaria Symbol de México, Unisource De México, Velvac De Reynosa, Shin-Etsu Polymer México, PMI Servicios Operativos, Erika De Reynosa, Helios de México, Mikuni Mexicana, Chiyoda Integre De Tamps., Bettcher Manufacturing Corporation Reynosa and Corning Cable Systems.

The McAllen Economic Development Corporation is a not-for-profit corporation under contract with the City of McAllen to create jobs for McAllen by attracting new industry and helping existing companies to expand. The UTPA Small Business Development Center, a component of CoSERVE & in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, provides technical assistance through free, confidential counseling in various business areas such as business planning, financing, management, marketing, advertising, and record keeping. The SBDC also provides small business training programs to meet the individual community's needs. The SBDC holds numerous workshops and seminars on business-related topics throughout the year; the SBDC offers training in an incredible array of topics, ranging from pre-business planning to marketing, bookkeeping, accounting, and management.

Anyone interested in participating in the Maquila Bus Hops may contact Nohelia Frias, Business Development Specialist at (956) 682-2875 or Email: Nohelia@medc.org, or Javier Martínez III, Business Development Specialist, at (956) 292-7552 or E-mail: jmartinez50@utpa.edu

Anzalduas Bridge Update

2007-06-11T14:34:00.000-05:00

Mission, TX-- Construction for America's newest crossing into northern Mexico, the Anzalduas International Bridge, is officially underway. Plans to construct the U.S. side are scheduled to commence this summer, with completion of both sides scheduled for June 2009.

As you can see from the pictures, they have already began clearing the land. They have also poured the asphalt where the Construction Company's offices will be located.

The McAllen Economic Development Corporation will keep you posted as to what is going on, on that side of town.

If you have any question feel free to email Nohelia Frias at nohelia@medc.org.

T-Mobile: Customer Service Champs!

2007-05-29T15:00:00.001-05:00

BusinessWeek magazine recently published its top 25 ranking of customer service champs, companies where the “consumer is king.” T-mobile ranked 23rd! They were the only wireless provider to make the list.

Also, J.D. Power and Associates just announced T-Mobile swept its 2007 regional wireless customer satisfaction study. For the fifth straight time, T-mobile is the only wireless carrier to rank highest in overall customer satisfaction among wireless customers surveyed in all six regions.

The Mission, TX T-Mobile Call Center is repeatedly recognized as the highest performing call center in the Nation.