Welcome From The President

On behalf of the McAllen Economic Development team, I would like to welcome you to the McAllen, Texas/Reynosa, Mexico international metro area. Representing the economic interests and job creation efforts of over 2.1 million residents on an international border can sometimes be challenging - but in all cases very rewarding.

The location advantages we offer are globally unique. What other location can offer your company the ability to take advantage of the best of two workforces, two legal systems, two sets of trade policies and agreements, two currencies, and the ability to manufacture products made in the United States or Mexico with one management team?

It is not just our location that makes us an attractive option for your next business expansion. When you look at the two most important factors impacting your business success: cost and availability of a skilled and trainable workforce, we really shine.

With a current manufacturing labor force of over 136,000 an average age of 29 years and an annual population growth rate of between 1.0% and 2.0%, labor availability will not be an issue. As you look for skilled labor and skills training, we continuously have over 62,000 students enrolled in University, Community College and Technical programs in the metro area. Many are certified by National or International Academic, Trade and Industrial Organizations.

As you look at operating costs, McAllen is consistently ranked as having one of the lowest costs-of-living in the United States, and in the latest Boston Consulting Group Manufacturing Cost-Competitiveness Index, Mexico continues to have one of the most competitive manufacturing bases in the world.

Add to the lower cost structure, the benefits of Mexico's trade agreements with approximately 45 nations; an extremely strong work ethic and our international location can provide your company with operational flexibility and opportunity for long-term success few other locations can offer.

If the McAllen /Reynosa International metro looks as good to you as it has for the hundreds of international companies that have relocated or expanded here, let us help you take a closer look.

The McAllen Economic Development Corporation has a highly-qualified staff ready to answer your questions. They will be happy to coordinate local meetings with other managers to learn firsthand the unique advantages of doing business on an international border.

We understand your need for candid, accurate information. If you are looking for options or strategic advantage contact us!

Keith Patridge
President and CEO

MEDC History

• 1980s
• 1990s
• 2000s
• 2010s

• • MEDC committed 56 companies and created 4,216 jobs.
  • Faced with unemployment in the mid 20’s, an agricultural economy decimated with two freezes, and the devaluation of the Mexican peso due to lower Mexico oil prices, the McAllen Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) was founded by Mike Allen.
  • MEDC strategic objectives were to diversify the economy, improve relations with Mexico, and improve the profitability of the Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ)
  • MEDC quickly grew to 6 employees and our current President, Keith Patridge, joined the organization
  • In order to compete with low wages in Asian countries such as Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong, MEDC focused on recruiting manufacturing companies to Reynosa, Mexico. This gave birth to the booming maquila industries in Reynosa and allowed supplier companies to set up operations in McAllen
  • Whirlpool became one of the first companies to commit approximately 30,000 sq. ft.

    

    

    

    

• • MEDC committed 288 companies and created 43,268 jobs.
  • Keith and the leadership team traveled to different cities across the country conducting as many as 5 Hit and Run Seminars to recruit businesses to McAllen/Reynosa metro
  • First students enroll at South Texas Community College to provide industry needed skills
  • McAllen International airport is expanded with the addition of Continental Airlines and American Airlines
  • McAllen named “All American City” which was given to communities that demonstrate the following: civic engagement, collaboration, inclusion and innovation to address local issues
  • McAllen ranked 3rd fastest growing metroplex in the country and is the first MSA with job growth in excess of 23% for 5 years in Forbes Magazine

    

    

    

    

• • MEDC committed 272 companies and created 50,948 jobs.
  • The Anzalduas International Bridge opens in 2009
  • McAllen Foreign Trade Zone began offering 3rd party logistic services
  • South Texas Community College became South Texas College and began offering bachelor’s programs in Applied Technology
  • McAllen ranked number 1 in job growth and 2nd in income growth by Forbes Magazine
  • In one year MEDC committed 47 companies and created over 11,000 job in the McAllen/Reynosa metro

    

    

    

    

• • MEDC committed 5 North American company headquarters to McAllen Reynosa metro
  • McAllen ranked as the 4th top performing city in Milken Institute & one of the top performing metros post recession in Brookings Institute
  • City of McAllen celebrates 100 years (1911-2011)
  • McAllen ISD was named College Ready Gold Performance Acknowledgement School District and Top 25 district with highest number of students applying to Texas Colleges
  • UT – Pan Am merges with UT – Brownsville to become University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV)
  • UTRGV School of Medicine opens in 2018 with the inaugural class of 2022
  • Master planned Community Tres Lagos is formed and Texas A&M University opens