Mission: 

Incorporated on November 17, 1966, the mission of the Laredo Economic Development Corporation is to promote and foster the economic and industrial development of the Laredo region.

Vision:

The Laredo Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) is an organization defined by its visionary leadership, recognized for its integrity and contributions towards the economic development and vitality of Los Dos Laredos and the Webb County region.

On November 4th, the Laredo Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) hosted its annual Boots 'n Bling Gala featuring the Economic Development Industry (EDI) Awards at the Barn at Los Patios in Laredo, Texas.

The LEDC created the Economic Development Industry (EDI) Awards to recognize industries whose achievements have made a significant contribution and lasting impact towards the growth and betterment of our community.

The 2023 EDI honorees included Blackstone Dilworth for “Lifetime Achievement Award for Economic Development”, Arguindegui Oil Companies for their success in the "Oil and Gas Industry Sector", Daniel B. Hastings, Inc. for their success in the “Custom Brokerage and Supply Chain” industry sectors and AEP Texas – AEP Texas Service Center was selected as “Project of the Year” each representing the core mission of our organization to attract new businesses and assist existing businesses with growth opportunities.

After the recognition, the program continued with a delightful dinner, and the atmosphere for dancing was set by T. Cole and the Austin Party Band from Austin, Texas. The evening included an online silent auction.

The Laredo EDC hosted a reporter from the San Antonio Express-News who will be doing a story about the growth of Laredo and its port. 

Richard Webner was presented with information about the LEDC, Laredo’s business climate, global trade growth projections, public and private infrastructure investment projects, and the many advantages that are creating the favorable environment leading to our area’s tremendous industrial, commercial, and residential growth. 

It was mentioned that the other communities in Texas and beyond should co-advocate for our infrastructure needs in Austin and D.C. since their industrial base relies on imported and exported products from Mexico as well. 

The dynamic of near-shoring is contributing to North American competitiveness as we see a more regional manufacturing approach take bites out of our dependence on China. The LEDC also facilitated a tour of the World Trade Bridge from Customs and Border Protection and the City of Laredo Bridge Department.  

LEDC President and CEO Gene Lindgren attended a stakeholder meeting as part of the public input process to study a zoning overlay for Del Mar Boulevard. The City of Laredo Planning Department, with support from Able City, is currently studying the area along Del Mar Boulevard, from Candlewood Road to Fenwick Drive. This planning effort will help shape the future of this area of Del Mar Boulevard with the goal of preserving the residential feel of the neighborhood. The study is proceeding along a timeline that will complete the process by the end of 2023. 

Preliminary recommendations for potential future commercial businesses would be limited to low-traffic office-type establishments with small signage restrictions, demolitions to current residences not permitted, and no alternations to driveways to increase parking. Other attendees included representatives from the City of Laredo Economic Development and Planning Departments along with other community stakeholders.   

On November 15th, Laredo EDC hosted representatives from the Texas Department of Transportation and the University of North Texas who are working together to implement several projects in the Border Transportation Master Plan. 

The visitors were presented with the market overview of Laredo’s growing global trade and diversification initiatives along with why our area is benefitting from the explosive near-shoring dynamic. To sum it up, its optimal location at the heart of the North American highway system, efficient global trade infrastructure, thousands of shovel-ready acres in numerous first-class industrial parks, young talented workforce, superior educational and workforce eco-system, and un-surpassed public-private partnerships.  

November 15th - The City of Laredo held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Laredo’s Vietnam Veterans Plaza located adjacent to the Joe A. Guerra Laredo Public Library. 

Emotions of joy, pride, remembrance, and gratitude were on display from those who contributed to the realization of this monumental occasion and that of the many veterans who are part of our community’s thousands who have proudly served our country. 

A special thanks to Congressman Henry Cuellar and the City of Laredo elected and City Management officials who worked tirelessly to fund and complete this space to honor those who served, many of whom gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The LEDC applauds the completion of this plaza and we greatly appreciate the service from our veterans.   

On November 13th, Edward Pallarez, from Electric Transmission Texas (ETT), and Tony Arce, AEP Texas Manager of Community Affairs, presented a $1,000 check donation to the MileOne Program.

We would like to extend our appreciation to Electric Transmission Texas for their unwavering support towards the MileOne program.

The International Business Assistance Center MileOne was thrilled to take part in the Small Business press conference hosted by the Laredo Chamber of Commerce!

Small Business Saturday is an annual event created to encourage consumers to support locals by shopping small during the holiday season, this year the event took place on November 25th.

On November 30th, Tony Arce from AEP Texas presented a donation of $500 worth of toys to MileOne for their annual Holiday Toy Drive.

The toys will be donated to Dovalina Elementary School, thanks to AEP Texas for their generous contribution. We could not have made this happen without your kind donation, thank you!