Brownsville EDC Connects with National Leaders in New Orleans

Greater Brownsville EDC’s leader joins economic development professionals in New Orleans for discussions on investment, talent, and community growth.

NEW ORLEANS — Gilberto Salinas, president and CEO of Greater Brownsville Economic Development Corporation, brought South Texas representation to the national stage as a featured participant in the 2026 International Economic Development Council Annual Conference.

Held October 25–28 at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, the conference brought economic development professionals together to examine business recruitment, workforce development, innovation, and the partnerships that help communities compete for investment. The gathering also marked IEDC’s centennial celebration. 

Salinas participated in Tuesday’s morning plenary through “My Why: 100 Voices,” placing Brownsville’s economic development leadership within a broader conversation about the people behind community growth. His role at Greater Brownsville EDC includes advancing investment, job creation, and partnerships that support the regional economy.

Other featured participants identified in IEDC’s recap included:

• Richard Florida, author and Vanderbilt University Distinguished Professor, who participated in a conversation examining artificial intelligence and the changing economy.

• Danielle Casey, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance and IEDC’s 2026 board chair.

• Clyde Higgs, president and CEO of Atlanta Beltline, Inc.

Casey and Higgs participated in the afternoon’s ceremonial board chair transition and “My Why: 100 Voices” programming. Their involvement brought perspectives spanning regional business development, community investment, and organizational leadership.

The day’s discussions explored talent retention, community storytelling, major project recruitment, and data center development. Additional sessions addressed entrepreneurship, global competitiveness, housing, workforce needs, and public trust issues that influence a community’s ability to accommodate industrial expansion. 

For South Texas manufacturing, those topics have practical significance. Recruiting a manufacturer requires more than promoting a location: communities must connect employers with workers, prepare infrastructure, support suppliers, and demonstrate that they can sustain growth over time. National gatherings offer regional leaders opportunities to exchange approaches to those challenges and strengthen professional relationships.

Salinas’ participation gave Brownsville visibility in that conversation. For South Texas, maintaining a presence in national economic development networks can help connect local ambitions with the expertise and partnerships needed to pursue them. As the region works to expand its manufacturing base, that combination of outward engagement and local preparation can help turn business interest into lasting investment and career opportunities.