Laredo Economic Development Corporation 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 September 12th, Laredo EDC President and CEO Gene Lindgren attended a private stakeholder meeting with Jason Marczak, Senior Director of the Atlantic Council along with several other business and government representatives in the community. 

Discussions surrounding our region’s readiness for significant growth due to near-shoring and several opportunities for further improving our port’s competitiveness were communicated to the global advocacy group representatives. 

The private event was followed by a dinner that included presentations by Mr. Marczak, Dr. Marco Gonzalez of Port Columbia Laredo, and a panel consisting of Gerry Schwebel of IBC, Monica Salinas, Javier Vasquez of CBP, and Glenn Hamer of Texas Association of Business.  

The Atlantic Council concluded a study showing the binational economic impacts of reducing wait times for commercial freight along the U.S. – Mexico border, and this information can be used to help move the public policy needle related to infrastructure in Austin and Washington, D.C.

TAMIU's Office of Global Initiatives along with the Binational Alliance of Logistics Clusters of North America hosted the seminar conference "Our Regional Industry in the Global Arena" on Sept. 7-8 at the Texas A&M International University Study Center Ballroom.

Guest speakers in the seminar conference included Geronimo Gutierrez Fernandez, former President of NADBank and Mexico's Ambassador to the United States; Brian Quigley, Director of Private Sector Engagement and Government Coordination in the Economic Bureau's Office of Commercial and Business Affairs from the U.S. Department of Commerce; and Oscar Magana, International Trade Specialist at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

High-level topics included global supply chain status and trends, geo-political dynamics impacting North American opportunities, and several recommendations for promoting the Laredo region in the binational and national agendas. 

The event concluded with a panel consisting of government and business leaders and an open dialogue among the attendees related to our great partnerships, the high level of effectiveness in growing our economy, and further recommendations to get even more visibility and acknowledgment at the federal level.  

Attending the event was Laredo EDC President and CEO Gene Lindgren.

The new Port Colombia–Laredo Check Point was inaugurated on September 11, 2023.

The event featured Nuevo Leon Governor Samuel Garcia, Secretary Dr. Marco Gonzalez of Port Colombia-Laredo, Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Trevino, members of the Mexico federal government, and leadership of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection who helped design the physical checkpoint facility and operations. 

The new checkpoint has an investment of MX$61 million (US$3.4 million) and will establish an efficient system of vehicle revision that will contribute to safe and efficient transportation when crossing from Nuevo Leon to the US. The project started as a commitment to Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas.

The checkpoint will have vehicle controls, two lanes for automobiles and/or motorcycles, three lanes for the exclusive use of transport with excess dimensions, a check booth for each lane, and a building that is set to include two holding cells with a holding cell control area, among recreational areas and other amenities.

The Laredo Economic Development Corporation held its signature Pathways for Trade, The North American Logistics & Manufacturing Symposium on September 20-21, 2023.

This year’s theme “Cold Chain: Supply Innovations and Trends" was focused on top issues facing 3PLs and cold storage warehousing including Power Consumption, Labor and Productivity, Long-Term Contracts, Industry Consolidation, Cold Storage Layout, Freezer-Grade Solutions, Multiple Cold Temperature Zones, and Regulations and/or Requirements.

The event featured keynote speakers including: Ken Roberts, Founder/CEO, WorldCity, Inc.; Dante L. Galeazzi, President and CEO, Texas International Produce Association; Frank Briseno, Senior Director of Operations, Mission Produce, Inc.; and Timothy Franciscus-Timm, Senior Manager, Business Development, United States Cold Storage.

In addition, this year the Laredo EDC honored two Trade Ambassadors during "The Night of Trade Ambassadors Reception" on Wednesday, September 20th, at the Laredo Country Club, Lic. Eduardo A. Garza Robles and Grupo Palos Garza, Inc.

For featured presentations, photos, and videos, visit the website www.pathwaysfortrade.com

Students from the Academy of Global Business & Advanced Technology at United South High School alongside their principal Martha Alvarez, Magnet Dean Sinneh Koroma, and Logistics Instructor Claudia Saenz attended the 30th Pathways for Trade Symposium hosted at the Laredo Country Club on September 21st. 

Students heard presentations and participated actively during the keynote presentation delivered by Dante L. Galeazzi, President and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA).

United South High School Senior Andrea Miranda stressed the importance of supplementing classroom instruction with learning directly from industry professionals. “This experience is something that logistics students like us cannot learn only through textbooks, and instead, it becomes relevant by listening to industry experts," she said.

All students enrolled in the Business Magnet pathway will receive a Logistics Technician One-Semester Certificate from Laredo College upon high school graduation.

LEDC President & CEO participated in a private dinner with Larry Rubin, President of the American Society of Mexico hosted by Lic. Eduardo Garza of Uni-Trade. 

Leaders in the local trade and business community were able to discuss Mexican-American dynamics and their positive impact on the U.S. economy and society.

LEDC President & CEO was invited to attend a media event and VIP dinner for the Business Expo Laredo to be held at the Sames Arena on September 30 and October 1. 

This first-ever event at the Sames Arena provided free admission to the public and featured over 70 local businesses, great food, entertainment, and a fashion show. The reception featured opening comments from Gabriela Morales, part of the event staff, City of Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Trevino, Laredo City Manager Joe Neeb, Consul General Juan Carlos Mendoza, and Laredo Municipal Judge Jesus "Chuy" Dominguez. The LEDC applauds this event and we look forward to its success.  

On Wednesday, September 27th, the MileOne International Business Assistance Center hosted the Women Entrepreneurs Rock Series with Susana Melendez-Valencia, Regional President & Head of Commercial Banking, PNC Bank Texas Border.