Economic Potential Spotlighted: Rio South Texas at Consultant Connect Economix

Rick Carrera, Director of Economic Development at the Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP), forged connections with over 30 site selection consultants representing various companies and industries during his participation in the Consultant Connect Economix 2024 event, held in Salt Lake City, Utah.

As part of COSTEP's efforts to attract investment and promote real estate and industrial projects in the Rio South Texas region, this event presented a valuable opportunity to advance economic development through strategic partnerships, Carrera stated.

Consultant Connect Economix is an annual event tailored to economic development professionals and site selection consultants, aiming to foster strategic connections among participants.

In its 2024 edition, the three-day program included conferences on industrial trends, leadership development tools, and key factors site selectors consider when evaluating locations for new projects and investments.

“The 30+ site selection consultants who participated in the event exhibited the highest level of professionalism, and the conversations with them will be invaluable for our future economic development efforts. Furthermore, the group information sessions provided clear insights into the benefits these relationships can bring to communities,” Carrera emphasized.

COSTEP actively promotes the Rio South Texas region internationally, covering seven Texas counties: Willacy, Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Jim Hogg, Zapata, and Webb, while sharing a border with 10 cities in Tamaulipas, Mexico.

The organization’s primary objectives include attracting investments, strengthening businesses, sharing regional market data, and organizing site selector tours. Additionally, COSTEP facilitates activities that allow the business and productive sectors to learn about the region's competitive advantages, fostering connections that drive comprehensive economic development.