Rio South Texas Region Strengthens Investment Attraction Strategy

In a move to promote economic development and attract new investment to cities across the Rio South Texas Region, the Council for South Texas Economic Progress, COSTEP, held a key informational session focused on improving the competitiveness of the region through the proper completion of Requests for Information (RFIs) required by the State of Texas.

Best Practices to Compete for Investment

The Friends of COSTEP meeting featured the participation of Sean Ferguson, Project Development Manager at the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office, and Michael Camden, Director of Site Selection and Incentives at consulting firm Ryan. Both experts shared recommendations for municipal authorities, economic development organizations, and business leaders.

Ferguson highlighted Texas’s approach to economic development and emphasized the importance of delivering clear, updated information about available land, infrastructure, public services, and tax incentives. These elements, he noted, are crucial for investors evaluating locations for expansion.

Camden outlined the main factors companies consider when selecting a site, including quality of life, availability of skilled labor, housing, education, and recreation. He also emphasized the need for cities to maintain a strong digital presence through active websites, social media, and participation in key industry events.

Regional Strategy for Long-Term Growth

Held at the Texas State Technical College and hosted by Harlingen EDC, the session gathered economic development representatives from across South Texas, along with business and academic leaders.

This initiative is part of COSTEP’s regional strategy to position South Texas as a competitive destination for investment, where access to reliable, well-presented information can make a decisive difference in business location decisions.