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.”
One of the topics discussed featured Gilberto Salinas, president and CEO of Greater Brownsville Economic Development Corporation, and Elizabeth Suarez, president and CEO of McAllen Economic Development Corporation. It was titled “Regional Economic Development Spotlight: Growth, Investment, and Opportunity.”
The session provided a regional look at the Economic Development Act and activities shaping Brownsville-McAllen. Each leader shared updates on new and expanding companies, major investments and projects, emerging industries, and the opportunities these developments are bringing to their communities. The discussion also highlighted what this growth means for jobs, talent needs, and the future workforce of the Rio Grande Valley.
Suarez went second. Here is a video recording of her presentation:
