SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas - The two workforce boards for the Rio Grande Valley - Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley and Workforce Solutions Cameron - co-hosted the “State of the Regional Workforce Conference” at Margaritaville on South Padre Island on October 23, 2026.
The conference was subtitled “Leading the Workforce Ecosystem, Building a Stronger Rio Grande Valley.”
Organizers said the aim was to bring together employers, educators, economic development leaders, workforce professionals, and community partners who share a commitment to strengthening the region and expanding opportunities for its people.
One of the sessions was titled: “Industry Voices: Workforce Challenges, Solutions & What’s Next.” It featured Leslie Bingham, CEO of Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville, Mike Willis, executive director of South Texas Manufacturers Association, and Salma Martinez, chief field engineer for Bechtel Corporation.
These industry leaders shared firsthand perspectives on the workforce challenges affecting their industries today. They discussed changing skill needs, talent recruitment and retention, technology, and other emerging workforce pressures, as well as practical solutions and partnerships that can help address these challenges.
The conversation provided an employer-driven perspective on what is needed to strengthen the Rio Grande Valley's talent pipeline and prepare the regional workforce for current and future industry demands.
Here is a video recording of the conversation:
