COSTEP Drives Economic Growth with $100,000 Grant to TxEDC for 2025

To boost Texas's economic development and position the Rio South Texas region as a leader in investment attraction in 2025, the Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP) has awarded a $100,000 economic incentive to the Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC).

This funding will strengthen local and international initiatives aimed at attracting investments, generating jobs, and fostering economic growth to benefit communities across the region.
Adam Gonzalez, CEO of COSTEP, emphasized the importance of this support, which totals $450,000 in contributions to TxEDC over the past three years.

"At COSTEP, our goal is to drive growth in Rio South Texas through strategic partnerships like the one we have with TxEDC. Through international efforts and economic promotion trips, we aim to enhance Texas's economic development collectively," Gonzalez stated.

In 2023, COSTEP allocated $250,000 to TxEDC, followed by $100,000 in 2024, and once again in 2025, the incentive reached $100,000.
Aaron S. Demerson, President and CEO of TxEDC, traveled from Austin to Mission, Texas, to receive the funds during a ceremony held at the CEED building alongside COSTEP's board of directors.

"This support is crucial for attracting jobs and investments to our region. Our goal is to highlight Texas's competitive advantages and open new doors through strategic alliances," said Demerson.

COSTEP directly impacts seven Texas counties: Jim Hogg, Starr, Webb, Willacy, Zapata, Hidalgo, and Cameron. It also collaborates with ten key cities along the border with Tamaulipas. Among its recent initiatives is a trade mission to India, where it accompanied Governor Greg Abbott, establishing connections with strategic consultants who later visited the region and forged partnerships with local entities such as the Economic Development Corporations of Brownsville and McAllen.

With these efforts, Adam Gonzalez reaffirmed COSTEP's commitment to advancing projects that strengthen communities by attracting investments and creating jobs.