Pharr Roundtable Connects Talent, Industry, and Opportunity for South Texas

Preparing local workers, strengthening manufacturers, and connecting investment with education took center stage at Pharr Economic Development Corporation’s Roundtable Live on October 22. The discussion brought together business, education, workforce, and government representatives to examine how the Rio Grande Valley can turn industrial growth into lasting opportunities for its companies and residents.

Moderated by Linda Ufland of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, the conversation emphasized that attracting manufacturers requires coordinated work well before a company begins hiring. Employers need skilled workers, dependable infrastructure, and capable suppliers, while students and existing employees need accessible pathways into industrial careers.

The roundtable brought together representatives from industry, higher education, workforce development, and state government. Attendees included:

•          Victor Perez, president and CEO of Pharr Economic Development Corporation.

•          Sergio Muñoz Jr., Texas state representative for District 36.

•          Scott Buchholtz, Vice President of operations at the Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC).

•          Dr. Can Saygin, interim provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs.

•          Linda Ufland, representing UTRGV’s Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center.

•          Ron Garza, senior associate vice president for Workforce and Economic Development at UTRGV.

•          Joe Vela, representing South Texas College.

•          Arthur Barber, representing South Texas College’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology program.

•          Dr. Linda Uribe and Belinda Vargas, representing Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD.

•          Kent Hanson, director of operations at Emerson Tool Company.

•          Rocío Mahé, human resources manager at Emerson Tool Company.

•          Hector Ramirez, representing the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC).

•          Mike Willis, executive director of the South Texas Manufacturers Association (STMA).

•          Brenda Martinez, senior business relations representative with Workforce Solutions.

•          Jesús Cano Mexican Consul

Together, the participants examined how coordinated education, workforce training, business support, and investment recruitment can strengthen South Texas manufacturing and expand opportunities throughout the region.

The discussion also included additional PSJA ISD representatives, state-level economic development and legislative perspectives, and a representative of the Consulate of Mexico in McAllen.

Ron Garza emphasized that South Texas manufacturing growth must also create opportunities for local businesses. UTRGV is working “to help build the capacity of the small manufacturers so they can expand and diversify,” he said, describing efforts to connect smaller companies with training and technical support that can help them supply larger manufacturers in the region.

He also encouraged employers to provide internships and industry projects that give students practical experience and help them recognize career opportunities close to home.

Several priorities emerged throughout the roundtable:

•          Build career pathways earlier. PSJA ISD representatives discussed early college opportunities, technical education, workplace visits, and exposure to manufacturing careers before students graduate from high school.

•          Keep training connected to employers. South Texas College representatives described how industry advisory groups and visits to manufacturing facilities help guide instruction, equipment decisions, and technical preparation.

•          Prepare workers for automation. Emerson’s representatives highlighted the importance of developing skills that support increasingly automated manufacturing and distribution operations.

•          Strengthen workplace skills alongside technical knowledge. Communication, teamwork, reliability, and problem-solving were identified as essential to employee success.

•          Help existing workers advance. Workforce Solutions emphasized training and resources that allow employees to gain skills and pursue better opportunities while supporting their employers’ growth.

•          Support manufacturers already operating in the region. Participants stressed that expanding local companies and suppliers deserves attention alongside recruiting new investment.

For Emerson, the conversation reflected the practical demands of operating a manufacturing business. Hanson addressed the growing importance of automation and technology, while Mahé emphasized stronger connections between employers and schools. Workplace visits, she explained, can help students understand what modern manufacturing looks like and the skills companies need.

Ramirez added that technology adoption must be supported by sound operational and financial decisions. TMAC’s role includes helping manufacturers improve processes, develop employees, and evaluate whether investments in equipment and automation will deliver meaningful results.

The discussion also highlighted a new resource for smaller manufacturers. Garza referenced UTRGV’s $5 million award from the U.S. Small Business Administration to help businesses strengthen their capabilities and participate more effectively in local supply chains. According to UTRGV’s official announcement, the funding supports EMPOWER-RGV, an initiative offering workforce training and technical assistance, including support for advanced manufacturing and technology adoption.

Texas–Mexico integration was another central theme. Willis described opportunities for manufacturing on the U.S. side of the border to complement production in Mexico, particularly through automation and operations requiring greater investment in equipment and technology. He also emphasized the need to develop the workforce and career opportunities that can help retain local talent.

The representative of Mexico’s consulate described the Rio Grande Valley and northern Mexico as a connected economic region. Educational partnerships, technical exchanges, and stronger relationships between institutions and employers can help workers on both sides develop relevant skills and improve regional competitiveness.

Perez connected those ideas to Pharr’s investment recruitment efforts, explaining that businesses evaluate land, utilities, infrastructure, and workforce availability together. He also highlighted the Global Business Hub’s role in connecting entrepreneurs and investors with assistance through Pharr EDC and its partners.

For South Texas, the roundtable outlined a practical approach to industrial growth: prepare people for the jobs companies need, help local manufacturers become stronger suppliers, and build the institutional relationships that allow investment to benefit the region. Pharr’s partnerships with educators, employers, and counterparts in Mexico provide a foundation for advancing that work.

South Texas has a strong foundation for manufacturing growth: an emerging workforce, committed educational institutions, established industrial expertise and close connections with Mexico’s production networks. The Pharr roundtable demonstrated how regional partners are working to translate those strengths into business opportunities. By investing in technical skills, supporting local suppliers and preparing companies for advanced production, South Texas can attract new investment, help existing manufacturers expand and create more opportunities for residents to build rewarding careers close to home.